Hysterectomy! OMG!!!

[WindingRoad]

After a few years of not understanding what was wrong with my body and experiencing extreme back pain I finally have an answer. It appears that my uterus is really good at growing fibroids. In fact one is actually larger than my uterus. I have 5 total. Four are on the outside of my uterus and 1 is inside and suspected of causing my devastatingly heavy periods. I have also been using an IUD for about 6 years. The ultrasound showed my IUD at the bottom of my uterus about to be expelled but actually stuck in my internal fibroid. IUD removal was less than pleasant :eek: I just don't even want to talk about that:( Anyways I'm 39, don't have kids and am not planning any. I have never had surgery before so this is hella scary right now. My energy levels are soooooo low too it's completely frustrating. Riding my bike is a challenge b/c the fibroids are actually shoving everything up against my diaphragm so I can't breath well. The fatigue I thought was anemia but now it seems to be persisting much longer. My doctor says I must have a very high pain tolerance. Maybe that's it and I hit my pain threshold? The large fibroid is pressing on nerves which makes me have a lot of back and abdominal pain. I feel like I am pregnant and if you look close you can actually see my stomach poofed out larger on one side than the other. Painting my toenails and breathing cannot happen simultaneously anymore. It seems these things have grown really quickly over the last 2 months.

I'm just scared and well... scared. Any insights on what to expect following surgery? Suggestions before surgery? I'm a rookie at this surgery bit and very freaked out about it.

[Pax]

Your circumstances sound almost exactly like my wife's, she tells everyone "best surgery EVER", she wished she'd done it sooner. It took her about six weeks to recover but the constant exhaustion, pain, endless heavy periods, were over immediately.

As far as what expect, you will need some help around the house for the first week or so, it's a big surgery and you will be weak and very sleepy. She slept a LOT the first three weeks but also made sure she moved some every day, as the weeks went by she started very gently exercising, by the six week mark she went back to work and while that made her tired at first she settled in quickly.

You will feel much better once you get through this, my honey says it gave her her life back.

[Catrin]

So sorry to hear this, but it will be a relief after it is done. I had a full hysterectomy (including ovaries) in 2008 and while there was a recovery period it wasn't near as bad as I was afraid it would be. I felt much better in certain ways, though of course I had to back off on my activities for a period of time, rested, walked slowly, etc. until I was cleared to do more.

There is also another forum that might be useful to you, HysterSisters (http://www.hystersisters.com/). They have been around for years and was very helpful to me both pre-and-post op, how to deal with surgical menopause, etc. Lots of good resources and forums. They still send me emails on the anniversary of my surgery and on my birthdays. I just looked at it and while it appears to have more advertising than it once did, at the core it appears to still have the same resources. Look past the ads and fancy videos if they distract you, it is worth it. I can't express how helpful this site was to me when I was going through it.

Wishing you the best, and please keep us posted. Feel free to PM me if you like.

[Jolt]

It sounds like having the surgery would ultimately make your quality of life much better, once you get through the recovery period. Do you know if they would be doing it laparoscopically or vaginally vs. open? That will make a difference in how much recovery there is.

[ny biker]

It sounds like having the surgery would ultimately make your quality of life much better, once you get through the recovery period. Do you know if they would be doing it laparoscopically or vaginally vs. open? That will make a difference in how much recovery there is.

I was thinking the same thing.

Speaking from my own experience with totally different surgery as well as some friends' recent experiences -- do what you can in advance to make things easier while you're recovering. For example you might want to stock up on paper plates, cups, bowls and plastic utensils so that you won't have to worry about washing dishes. Also stock upon whatever non-perishable or freezable foods you will want. Bear in mind that your appetite might be a bit off due to the side effects of pain relievers, so you might want to get some foods that you like when your stomach doesn't feel great. For example crackers, ginger ale, chicken soup, pasta.

If your home has more than one floor, you might want to arrange things so you can live on one level for a week or so rather than having to go up and down stairs.

It certainly sounds like things will be much better after the surgery. Good luck!

[rocknrollgirl]

I had a similar situation 10 years ago. I only had one tumor, but it was so large it pushed out of my uterus and nestled in my bowel causing all kinds of problems. The post surgery was not plesant, BUT I was up and back to it in 8 weeks.The most, most important thing is that you respect the incision. DO NOT go against the post surgery orders. Don't go up and down stairs too much, don't lift anything. You will need help for sure. A few days post I started walking, to the corner, then around the corner, then down the block. It helped a lot.

You will feel SO much better when it is over. And really it is the first week that is tough. You can ask us anything, don't hold back.

Oh and get some colace for after surgery, the first time you have to "go" it can be painful with the incision. The pain meds post surgery can be very constipating and you DO NOT want that with a belly incision.

[WindingRoad]

Thanks you guys, it really helps getting real life feedback. My surgical incision will be similar to a C section but not quite as large. Since the one fibroid is so big they couldn't do it laparoscopically. I can't believe this is happening right now. I just graduated school in May so I've been job hunting all this time. I have been through a few interviews and have two good offers and then this. I thought this was gonna be an easy laparoscope surgery removal of 1 fibroid on the inside of my uterus initially. It wasn't until my doctor got a hold of the full ultrasound report that she saw all the extra fibroids. This is awful timing. I'm having to push back start dates, explain this to potential employers and even reconsidered how difficult each job may be due to recovery time for this. As scared as I am, I really just want this to be over with so I can start recovering. I'm excited to hear many good post op results. Sounds like the first week will be rough. It is a good thing my BF is a PT and he's staying home with me that week. I love him so much.:)

[Catrin]

Hang in there, and while I'm sorry to read they can't do it laparscoply I AM glad your getting this addressed now. I've had two surgeries in that area, both methods. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can help, I didn't move THAT far away! It's great that he is able to stay home and help!

[ny biker]

Congrats on the graduate degree!!

[OakLeaf]

Best wishes for a smooth surgery, quick healing and a minimum of complications with the new job. (((((WindingRoad)))))

[Crankin]

Congrats on the graduation and the job! You will get through the surgery.

[AppleTree]

Good luck WindingRoad, surgery IS scary. When I was facing a possible hysterectomy, I happened upon this site called HysterSisters (www.hystersisters.com) which was VERY helpful and supportive. It's set up similar to TE, a forum you can ask questions and get personal help. My main worry back then was how soon could I get back on my bike... :rolleyes: I ended up not having surgery after all and menopause shortly solved the problems I was having, so all's well that ends well I guess, but everyone else said the same they are saying here, and no one regretted having the surgery after they recovered. Best of luck, and healing wishes your way.

[nuliajuk]

I do wish they'd stop calling this surgery "hysterectomy". This goes back to Victorian times when the womb was thought to be the source of female "hysteria".
Would it be so hard to just call it a uterectomy, which is what it is.

[OakLeaf]

(actually it's the other way around. Hysteria is the inappropriate word, not hysterectomy, which just means removing the uterus. If you wanted to go with the Latin roots it would be uteramotio or something similar ... for whatever reason, surgical terms tend to use the Greek roots ...)

[rebeccaC]

hoping you feel well informed and at peace with the surgery Windingroad!!! and that it all goes well


I do wish they'd stop calling this surgery "hysterectomy". This goes back to Victorian times when the womb was thought to be the source of female "hysteria".
Would it be so hard to just call it a uterectomy, which is what it is.

agree on using the term uterectomy instead!!

The ancient Egyptians and then the Greeks thought a womans 'hysterical' disorders were caused by the uterus moving around in the body and then we had medieval european christians saying it was demonic possession and then the Victorians gave us a choice between hysterectomies for hysterical disorders or being committed to an insane asylum. thankfully medical science has evolved.

[WindingRoad]

Well I was finally assigned my surgery date which is 9/11 (ironic). Can't have any pain killers aside of Tylenol the week before. Still kinda freaking out ever so often when I think about it. Thanks for all of you kind words, they really do help. ))))TE sisters(((( I know the better shape you are in before surgery the quicker you recover. I've been trying to ride my bike more but it's getting harder everyday b/c I can't breath due to this stupid thing. Running hurts shortly afterwards. I've been walking trails and 'trotting' a bit just to get my heart rate up. We have a fitness trail at the local park I've been doing. After surgery all I can do is walk. My energy levels are so low still. I was really hoping I'd have surgery before I had to endure another cycle from hell :eek:

Recovery is 4-6 weeks but I'm told it may take more like 2-3 months to feel completely pain free. Hence is why I did turn down one of my job offers and am pursuing one which is likely to be less stressful.

[thekarens]

I know it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but FWIW my partner said a hysterectomy was the best thing that ever happened to her. The pain afterwards was nothing compared to what she had been going through for years. Good luck!

[Catrin]

Hang in there Winding Road, it is hard to see past the surgery right now but this will pass. For me the post-op period was less painful than what came before, may it be so for you! At least you have a firm date for the surgery now.

[OakLeaf]

Good luck WindingRoad. Hope the weeks before the surgery aren't too stressful physically or emotionally - that the surgery goes well and your recovery is quick!

[WindingRoad]

Good news! I secured a job today. They are fine with waiting for me to recover. It takes so long with the insurance credentialing process that by the time I'm ready to work most of my credentials should be in place. It's really odd when you are told you need a hysterectomy you start wondering about children when any other time you wouldn't even think twice about it. I guess it makes it more in the forefront of my mind b/c I really want to work with kids so I've been checking out pediatric practices.

[ny biker]

Fantastic!! Congratulations!!!

I never thought about having children until I realized that it would likely never happen, due to my age and the fact that I was no where near being in a relationship with someone to have kids with. It was a shock at first but ultimately I realized that there are many possible paths to happiness. (And medical procedures to alleviate chronic pain is an important step on most of those paths!)

[Catrin]

Congratulations on the new job, whooohoooo! I think that is normal about it making you think about children. I had those thoughts and I was 49 when I had my surgery!

[Crankin]

Congratulations on the job. Meh on the insurance panels. Thankfully, working under the clinic umbrella does not require psychotherapists to do it individually. Except for Tri-Care, so I can see armed forces people. It took me 9 months to get approved, and they even wanted a copy of licensing test score!
Thinking about kids when you know you are having this surgery is totally normal, even in people who already made the decision not to have kids independent of this. I actually know a lot of people who chose not to have kids, who work with kids or teens in various capacities.

[OakLeaf]

Congratulations on the job - that's great that they can work with you.

I remember when my mom had her hysterectomy, I think my youngest sister was 9 or 10 at the time and she definitely had no intention of having any more children, but it was still hard on her knowing that it wouldn't be possible. I'm glad you're honoring those feelings. (((((WindingRoad)))))

[Pax]

Good deal on the job!!

I remember feeling very strange about losing my "parts" at first, I was only 38 and spent a lot of time having existential conversations in my mind about what it means to be a women. I'm very glad I had the surgery, but I'm also glad I gave the circumstance the proper respect.

[WindingRoad]

Thanks to you all again for your kind words. Today marks the official last day I will ever have a visit from Aunt Flo. There is something liberating in that :-)

[Catrin]

Thanks to you all again for your kind words. Today marks the official last day I will ever have a visit from Aunt Flo. There is something liberating in that :-)

Yes it is, and I wish you the best over the coming week and may Aunt Flo leave earlier (and easier) than expected so you will have a chance to relax at least a little before the surgery!

[thekarens]

Good luck! May it be quick and relatively painless.

[Pax]

Hope you're doing well and enjoying the good drugs. ;)

[WindingRoad]

I think my body is just trying to prove a point right now by making this last one the worst ever. Haven't been able to leave the house much b/c it's just out of control. Surgery is right around the corner now.

[Catrin]

I think my body is just trying to prove a point right now by making this last one the worst ever. Haven't been able to leave the house much b/c it's just out of control. Surgery is right around the corner now.

So sorry :( May the surgery bring relief and the recovery period be more gentle than what you've been enduring.

[WindingRoad]

For those of you who have had a hysterectomy, did you have some serious swelling and uncomfortable pressure in your belly prior to your surgery? Especially during and right before your cycle begins? This seems worse now than ever. Ugh.

[Catrin]

Considering what you told me about everything I'm not surprised your experiencing things like that. Hang in there, in 48 hours that will be taken care of and your body will only need to recover from the surgery. Sending you warm wishes and very careful hugs.

[WindingRoad]

Yeah I suppose that is true. About 3 weeks ago my doctor had to remove my IUD because it had begun to perforate my uterus due to the fibroid growing and shoving it down. Part of the IUD had grown into the fibroid too. This had been happening as the fibroid grew. I knew I was having pain but it was referred and I kept perceiving it as extreme back pain. Having that IUD removed was far from pleasant because I wasn't under anesthetic of any kind. That was rough. I dunno if that would contribute to the pronounced full/bloated feeling I've been experiencing or maybe it's just the continued growth of the fibroids. There are 5 of them total.

[Catrin]

I forgot to ask when we were talking, did she give you antibiotics to protect you from infection at the time? Since the fibroids are so large they would contribute to the bloated feeling. Hang in there! I'm very glad you are not by yourself.

[OakLeaf]

Thinking about you this morning - hope everything is going well!

[Crankin]

Good luck, Winding Road. Wishing you a good recovery.

[Catrin]

Sending you many best wishes - and I will bring you a special coffee care package next weekend :)

[PamNY]

Best wishes for your surgery and recovery.

[Pax]

Hope you're relaxing now and letting the meds do their thing, gentle healing comes next.

[Catrin]

She posted on Facebook last night that she was resting well in the hospital. She will be there for a couple of days.

[OakLeaf]

Thanks for the update. Heal well Winding Road!

[WindingRoad]

I ended up staying in the hospital for a couple of nights. They told me I was recovering well but I was and am still battling horrid gas pains. Ugh. That is the worst part of this whole experience. My surgery went a bit longer than usual so maybe they have to inject you with more gas or something. As I suspected, my ureter and intestines were intertwined with the fibroid on the left. They had to call in another doctor to be sure my ureter was okay after they removed the fibroids. I ended up peeing Listerine green for a few days thanks to the dye, ugh. Ninety percent of the pain I've been experiencing has been gas related. The incision is sore but not the root of my problems. My right leg is numb on the outside which I hear is normal after surgery, just odd. I'm glad the surgery is over but I can tell this is no easy recovery. Maybe Ill suddenly start feeling better? Still taking pain meds, GasX and stool softener. I walk as much as I can but after nearly every walk I'm ready for a nap. The fatigue is unbelievable.

[Pax]

Glad you're home and on the mend.

And yes, the fatigue is unbelievable, you think to yourself "I didn't do anything, why am I so tired all the time", but it does pass. I felt mostly human by six weeks and functional at eight.

I suggest a walk, a nap, some food, watch a movie, another nap... repeat.

[Catrin]

It WILL pass in time. Just focus on resting, relax as much as you can, and know that this will pass. Sleep, read, eat, watch movies...

[OakLeaf]

Take care, rest and heal.

[shootingstar]

Glad you're here, Winding!

[Crankin]

Take care of yourself.

[AppleTree]

Go easy, be your own best friend for a while. Healing takes a lot of energy! Rest lots, sending healing thoughts your way... :)

[ny biker]

I was just wondering how you were doing. Thanks for checking in.

I agree with the others -- embrace the nap. Like voting in Chicago, nap early and often. Sleep is so important for healing.

Best wishes that you feel better soon.

[WindingRoad]

Whew today must be one of those days the girls on Hystersisters were talking about. I cannot stay conscious. I've been walking daily, maybe I overdid it a bit yesterday? I noticed some of my swelly belly has gone down since I've done a whole lot of nothing today. I noticed the Norco I've been taking makes my stomach puky feeling, especially when it wears off. Gonna try just using the Ibuprofen so hopefully my stomach will calm down a bit.

[Catrin]

Hang in there Winding Road! Yeah, Norco does cause digestive system problems but don't be shy about taking it if you still need it. It can be a hard call, the pain relief help you to rest and heal but the digestive system issues can cause other things.

[Crankin]

When you said Norco, I thought you were talking about mountain bikes.
Where else would anyone think this?
Of course you are exhausted. You are up and walking less than a week after surgery. It's hard for us to imagine the metabolic energy it takes for healing to occur.
I remember one day about 10 days after my second son was born, I had to drive to my school to pick up my paycheck. I was on the freeway, and all of a sudden, I thought I was going to have to pull over and call someone to get me. It's the only time I have felt that kind of exhaustion, and that was after a natural birth, with no drugs. I can only imagine what you are feeling. Nap all you want.

[WindingRoad]

Still walking 2-3 times per day. I did my longest walk yet today and didn't immediately fall asleep afterwards! I can cook my own food now too. I had a nice visit with Catrin, she brought me a Pumpkin Spice Latte yesssssss! It's nice to have some social interaction. I'm starting to get cabin fever a bit but I'm still too scared to ride in a car. My bikes seems sooooo far away right now.

[Pax]

That is so cool, I regret never meeting up with Catrin when I lived over in Champaign.

Sounds like you're getting there, it's a slow process but pretty linear so you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[WindingRoad]

Still at home hanging out. Soooo bored. I walked 3x yesterday and ended up with over 6 miles for the day. I wasn't wiped out and actually felt a lot better. Today I must have hit the 'hormonal stage' some other ladies have mentioned. Sitting on the couch after I woke up I start crying for absolutely NO reason. BF's about to leave for work and he gets all worried. Then I start laughing b/c it's so ridiculous. Laughing and crying simultaneously, sigh. Catrin maybe the next PSL better have a Prozac in it, LOL! Feelin' kinda mental today.

[Catrin]

I will ask them when I pick it up this afternoon :)

[ny biker]

I'm glad you're making progress and able to keep a sense of humor about things. Are there any not-too-strenuous rainy-day tasks around the house that you could tackle to alleviate the boredom?

[OakLeaf]

Glad you're healing well. Little by little ...

[WindingRoad]

Well the massive mood swings have leveled out a bit. My steri-strips started falling off today so I went ahead and peeled them the rest the way off. My incision actually looks pretty good. My stitches are still in but Thursday I suspect she will take those out. Still having the sensation of cramps?!?! How is that possible, I mean are the ovaries fighting or what?!?! Good news is one of my girlfriends is coming over to teach me how to knit. Thank God I need something to do with my hands! Normally I clean things but I really can't do that b/c I can't lift over 15 lbs or do push/pull motion. I am REALLY hoping my doctor releases me to drive Thursday. At least I can go walk in other places. I'm sick to death of my neighborhood, lol.

[Catrin]

Glad to read the mood swings are leveling out, those things aren't fun! Good news on learning how to knit, I hope you like it!

[WindingRoad]

I had my first follow up appointment yesterday after surgery. Things are going pretty well. I asked her about bike riding and she said if I wanted I could try. If it didn't feel okay to wait a week and try again. I was sure she was gonna be like 'are you crazy, no way you cannot ride your bike!', LOL! Sooooo then comes the decision of which bike and how to set it up. I have a full suspension mountain bike and was thinking that would feel the best because those little sharp jars from bumps and pits in the road will suck. I was thinking of just going to the gym first to play around with clipping in and out on the spin bikes and just seeing how it felt. My MB is in the attic right now and I didn't want my BF to drag it down yet if things feel iffy. Any other suggestions girls?

[ny biker]

Not suggestions necessarily but some anecdotes that might give you some ideas -- one of my friends had knee surgery last year. When he started cycling again he switched out clipless pedals for flat, to reduce the chance of falling if he was unstable. Another friend recovered from a broken femur and found she could ride her bike but had trouble getting a leg over to get on and off. She either needed something to hold onto (such as the side of a car or a fence ) or she would lay the bike down and then step over it. So in both cases small modifications made things easier for them. Also they both started with short easy rides and increased their efforts slowly, and they had friends with them in case they needed any help.

Good luck!!

[WindingRoad]

CRAP! I wish someone had warned me that eating spicy food, chocolate, sugar and caffeine all at one time could induce hotflashes in women with compromised ovaries! Yikes! Never gonna do that again.:eek:

[Pax]

I had my hysterectomy 16 years ago, I still flash whenever I drink red wine. Very handy during all those Illinois winters I endured. :p

[Blueberry]

CRAP! I wish someone had warned me that eating spicy food, chocolate, sugar and caffeine all at one time could induce hotflashes in women with compromised ovaries! Yikes! Never gonna do that again.:eek:

So we shouldn't send you a care package full of chocolate with hot peppers, right?!

Glad things are progressing - have you tried your bike yet? How are you feeling (other than when you eat all those foods....)?

[Catrin]

CRAP! I wish someone had warned me that eating spicy food, chocolate, sugar and caffeine all at one time could induce hotflashes in women with compromised ovaries! Yikes! Never gonna do that again.:eek:

I didn't know it would do that - never noticed it myself (but I don't have any ovaries). Note to self about what NOT to give you at Christmas :cool:

[emily_in_nc]

Hmmmm, I managed to eat a large serving of dark chocolate habanero ice cream the other day without flashing. Amazing!

(Even if I had flashed, it would have been totally worth it!!!) :D

[WindingRoad]

There's that chocolate with chili peppers in it, will definitely be avoiding that one, LOL. I did ride my bike a week ago. I really didn't have any trouble riding but apparently my skin is super reactive because I broke out in a rash for some odd reason around when my underwear are in the creases of my leg? Maybe to do with the arsenal of pain killers I took following surgery, the anesthesia, hormones? I dunno I just figured I would hike for another week then try riding again. Stupid skin. My dermatitis has been breaking out really bad too, ugh.

Emily I think ice cream is almost always totally worth it, LOL! Hence is why I better get back on my bike soon:p

I did do a record hike for me today since surgery, I did 9 miles on trails with my daypack :D

[ny biker]

9 miles! That's great.

I get hives when my immune system is stressed, for example after I've had a bad cold, and also hormone changes seem to trigger them. Just this morning I was playing another round of "what's that red spot on my leg." So I sympathize.

[OakLeaf]

Wow WindingRoad, nine miles with a pack! You're recovering quickly! Hope your skin settles down.

[emily_in_nc]

Nine miles!? Nicely done!

[Catrin]

Awesome work indeed! Looking forward to our hike for my birthday next week, hopefully I won't slow you down too much :-)

[WindingRoad]

My first day of training at my new job I spent sick. Today I had a day off and I have been running a fever all day. I have training the rest of this week. My BF came home sick last week and I guess I picked up what he had :( Sunday I was feeling pretty good aside from the sore throat I was developing. I was so wiped out from fatigue today I felt like I was back to week 3 after my surgery!

[Catrin]

Hope you're feeling better today!

[ny biker]

Oh that's rough, and bad timing. I hope it passes quickly and you're back on your feet soon.

[Crankin]

Hope you are feeling better. It is awful to be sick on the first few days of a new job. I had a horrible sinus infection/asthma stuff when I started this job. Went directly from orientation to the doctor.

[WindingRoad]

It's been about 4 months since surgery and now that I'm getting back to exercising regular I found I had to buy new bike shorts. Some of the old ones I had were just painful as the band at the top would push too close to my incision scar. I found a pair of Terry shorts on clearance the other day which seem to be ok. I'll try them out in the morning. Anyone have experience with this? Even some exercise capris are painful. I cannot wear jeans or anything with a button/zipper b/c it still hurts after a while. I looked at some of those Yoga work pants, beta brand?, anyone try these?

[ny biker]

I don't have a scar to accommodate, but I find the waistband of the Gore Oxygen shorts to be very comfortable, not at all tight or irritating.

You might want to look at bib shorts. Another possibility would be to call TE and ask for their recommendation. Unfortunately they're low on inventory right now as they prepare for a warehouse move, but if they have anything good in your size you can probably get it on sale.

It's great that you're back to being able to exercise. I hope things are going well.

[Catrin]

Bibs do sound like a good choice for now, in time that problem should resolve. So glad that you're feeling well enough to exercise regularly!

[Pax]

My wife had the external incision and ran into the same problem, it did lessen over time. Initially she wore a lot of yoga type pants and looser clothes. Can't comment on riding apparel as she had her surgery in November in Illinois and her scar was enough better by riding season in May, that she could wear her regular shorts.

[rocknrollgirl]

It's been about 4 months since surgery and now that I'm getting back to exercising regular I found I had to buy new bike shorts. Some of the old ones I had were just painful as the band at the top would push too close to my incision scar. I found a pair of Terry shorts on clearance the other day which seem to be ok. I'll try them out in the morning. Anyone have experience with this? Even some exercise capris are painful. I cannot wear jeans or anything with a button/zipper b/c it still hurts after a while. I looked at some of those Yoga work pants, beta brand?, anyone try these?

Yep, I remember that part well. Even my undies bothered me for a while. I had to get "granny panties" to come up above the incision. Yoga type pants worked well. Try to look for some Jag brand pants. They have a great line of pull on pants. Jeans, khakis, etc. I love them because I hate that bump from the zipper. look on 6pm.com. They usually have them on sale. I have found them to be true to size.

[WindingRoad]

Cool! Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. It's so strange I keep getting the 'sticky pains' as I call them in the incision. Must be the nerves regrowing. Sometimes it feels like there is a hot pin sticking me. It's usually short lived but annoying as I find myself jumping out of my chair at work sometimes. I've done the granny panty thing too, LOL. I will check out 6pm. I think I have a pair of bibs floating around here somewhere, I will have to dig for them.

[Catrin]

I MAY still have a pair of bibs, will try and remember to look tomorrow when I get home for the day. They are yours if so. They would be smalls so should fit you.