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Happy New Year, everybody!
I have just learned that I will need a total H, now scheduled mid-Feb. They will try laproscopic but may need to open, just depending. Doc says 4-6 weeks off work. Down here in Alabama, I am usually on the bike by March getting ready for the season, so this is a bummer.
Anybody else with experience coming back after this surgery? I know it will be important to give my body time to recover. I also know I will be impatient and frustrated.
Thanks.
It goes without saying...take the time your body needs to heal. Don't push it.
I had a laproscopic hysterectomy eons ago. I expected the 4-6 weeks, but was out taking slow walks a week in and back to work at 3 weeks. I didn't bike at the time, so I can't comment on getting back to ride.
I did make the mistake during the first week of accepting delivery of a plant at the door sent by my coworkers. Oops....a bit too heavy and I paid for it for a day.
The scope makes you think that they didn't do too much cutting....yes, you don't have the big abdominal incision, but you have all the internal slices and dices. Take the time to heal.
Good luck!
I underwent a laproscopic procedure in June. They removed a softball size mass and my left ovary. My doctor encouraged me to start walking the day after the surgery. She told me I would have to stay off my bike for 3 weeks :mad: That said I walked short distances three times daily while increasing the distance each day by a mile. I did end up having to carry a 40 lb bag of dog food in 4 days post-op (that is a long story). A week following my surgery I was given permission to start riding again - short, flat, easy pedaling - no hills, no traffic. I did this for a week and two weeks post-op I was back on my bike full force. I rode a century three weeks after my surgery. Getting back on my bike was extremely important to my mental well being given my partner at the time (now my ex) decided to end our relationship four days after my operation. Riding was life saver!
Listen to your body and your doctor. I would have climbed on my bike had my doctor said no way. The last thing you want to do is pop an internal suture or tear mending tissues.
Take care, stock up on soom good books, DVD's, music, etc. Keep us posted.
Mine was two years ago. They tried laparoscopic, but I had adhesions and when they pulled my ovary/uterus (don't remember what they said) away from my bladder, it tore a hole in the bladder. Not good. Another major emergency surgery, with two catheters, resulting in lots of scars on my belly.
I don't mean to scare you, but it's best not to minimize the seriousness of a hysterectomy and to be prepared for complications...I wasn't. I was out of work for 6 weeks, though I was doing well enough to travel for Christmas after 3 weeks. No lifting of suitcases, of course.
Don't push it. As Thorn said, they did a lot of cutting in there and it takes time to heal.
It's been about 10 years since I had mine. Complete and they opened me up. I was back to work at 3 weeks. That wasn't really a good idea as my hormones were wonked and I had a tendency to bite people's heads off. I'd guess I was able to do whatever by 5-6 weeks.
Thanks, all, for both the cautions and the encouragement. Sounds like this is what I expected in terms of taking it slowly, listening to the doc and paying attention to my body.
As you all know, it's not just the physical, but emotional/mental health the bike ride brings. It has meant so much to me these last few years I get a little squirrely thinking of doing without (not that I ride hard in the winter much anyway.)
Have a good weekend!
I have not had one but my mother did a few years back. The advice of preparing for complications is gold. My own mother knew it probably wouldn't be laprascopic due to the tumor placement but no one prepared her for what ended up coming. The tumor was much larger and she lost a lot of blood. It was definitely 6 weeks of recovery for her. I will say she was not in good shape prior to the surgery and I am sure this slowed recovery. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.
Had mine in 2004. I still have an ovary, which I appreciate every day.
I was opened up. I was able to walk 1 mile within the week. Cycling took much longer than I expected. My abs were shot, as would be expected. I wasn't at full strength for a few months. It was a little frustrating. In the long run my life is much better and much less painful.
I wish you a speedy recovery both emotional and physical.
sarah
I have had everything(cervix,uterus and ovaries) removed, and am quite happy. I called my ovaries the Little Time Bombs (I'd had two prior surgeries to take stubborn complex cysts off of them) and was glad to get them out. Less parts to worry about getting cancer in!And I always think of this type of surgery as a 50,000 mile check up. The doctor can even see your liver when he's working in there, how great is that? (Ok, I am a nurse, so I think that's great). The question of hormone replacement is important if you haven't gone through menopause yet - it might be hard to stay positive during your resting and healing time if you were troubled by hot flashes. I am 52, and will stay on estrogen for 1 more year because I have osteoporosis. Then my doctor is going to wean me off of it over a period of maybe 4 to 6 months, decreasing my dose by 25% at a time. Hopefully, this will help my body get used to the idea! And I highly recommend vaginal estrogen(my favorite is the expensive Vagifem tiny vaginal suppository) It helps keep your mucous membranes and vulva in sturdier condition than menopause does. Do be patient with yourself - don't compare yourself and your progress in recovery to anyone else! This can be your year to make a great comeback after surgery! Be sure to eat a healthy balanced diet as you recover, even if you feel like a slug. Sleep in, pamper yourself,take nice walks and experience life at a different pace! Wishing you a great recovery! Tokie:)
I had mine three years ago. They had to open me up. Took my uterus and a huge tumor. Left the ovaries. It was a full 6 weeks before I could move without thinking about it and 8 weeks for me to be up and going again.
I walked every day. Day one was to the corner...and then to the end of the block, etc.
My advice is take it slow and easy the first time around. It is major surgery. You do need time to heal and you don't want to have set backs.
I had mine almost 2 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Lost 20 pounds and still losing. Feel great. I had severe endometriosis and had everything removed.
Recovery was fine - I was 5 weeks out of work. I did a lot of walking in that time. As for biking - I wasn't a rider before the surgery. But bought my Trek hybrid that summer after surgery - because I could and I felt so great! Started commuting on my bike. I just ordered a road bike today and am planning on the STP this summer!
Anyway, all the other advice you got is great. Don't push too hard, listen to your body. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions of your Dr. if you don't understand what's going on. My doc still chuckles at what a hard time I gave him but in then end I'm glad I did. I made the right choices for me in terms of surgery vs other treatments. And HRT afterwards. No regrets.
SWB - I had a complete hysterectomy last April 25. Vaginal. No incisions but yes, slices and dices. My doctor is a marathoner and understood my desire to get back on the bike. He told me to wait a week, then get on the trainer & see how I felt. I did - and felt great. I asked him (just after surgery) if my planned flat century on May 5 (10 days out of surgery) was too much to consider. He said yes, to take it easy. So....(fellow TE'er KayTee will vouch for me here!)....I only rode 75 miles that day (because it was COLD and RAINY).
My point here is, listen to your body and don't overdo it. I did find that I could ride all day long on the flat - we don't have much of that around here - but mountains and climbing were VERY tough all year due to blood loss and almost non-existent iron reserves. My hematocrit was not up to normal levels until late September.
Good luck!
What is the reason that you're scheduled for a hysterectomy?
Some basic anatomical information about the functions of the uterus may be helpful to you.
The uterus is a hormone responsive reproductive sex organ that supports the bladder and the bowel. The vagina is shortened when a hysterectomy is performed, and women who experience uterine orgasm cannot experience it without a uterus. Women who have only their uterus removed have a three times greater incidence of heart disease. When the ovaries are removed the incidence of heart disease is 7 times greater.
There is a 12-minute video: Female Anatomy: the Functions of the Female Organs that will give you information you may want to discuss with your doctor before signing a Hysterectomy Consent form. This is a surgery with serious, permanent consequences. If you are not in a life-threatening emergency you may want to take your time and gather more information before making this irreversible decision.
You can view and download the video at www.hersfoundation.org/anatomy
Me too!Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahkonamojo
I was back on my bike 15 days later, though the dr. said no. Full incision, hysterectomy + one ovary. Do what makes you happy. No point waiting around for some magical "6 week" number if you are ready to go 15 days later, and no use feeling guilty about not being ready at week 7 though you have the dr's blessings to ride at week 6.
One more thing--Hyster Sisters was a great site, lovely community like this one. Funny ladies. There will be a lot of people with the same surgery day as you. It was my first major surgery and I was scared, so I appreciated having their experiences ahead of me, and their support.
I know this was a measured decision for most of you, but we sound so glib about it. My goal is to get to the grave with all my parts. My mom had one at 45 (my age, now) because of fibroids. I have fibroids, but no problems with them normally. Two of my SILs had hysterectomies with barely a blink of thought beforehand.
Am I the only one who questions how quickly we seem to want to do this in this country? Did any of you consider alternatives before you agreed, or did you just not want to know?
Karen
I had a total hysterectomy 3 years ago. I've never regretted it.
I had the abdominal incision and I recovered well from it. I spent 4 days in the hospital and I was up and walking quickly post-op. What I learned was that 6 weeks is the average period of recovery before assuming work, but it will actually take you a full year before you're feeling 100%. I noticed that I would get fatigued quickly and would need to sit or lay down more often, but around 6 months I was feeling much better and had more endurance. I also noticed that mentally I wasn't as sharp, that I would forget easily or not remain on task very well. On the up side, I don't have the mood swings, cravings, bloating or tenderness that came with my period. It is so nice to not have to plan for that monthly inconvenience.
It was nice to be pampered by hubby and friends during my recovery. And when the doctor says to not lift anything over 5 lbs, he means it. You will need someone to help you with housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking, etc. You'll probably won't be driving for the first 2 weeks post-op either.
You'll probably want to stock up on pj's with a drawstring waist for your swelly belly. And also shoes that you can slip on without tying.
Here's a fun website that offers a lot of information about hysterectomies, hormone replacement therapy, bio-identical hormone therapy, changes in your love life, your body, fun forums, and fun stuff to wear and use during your recovery.
www.hystersisters.com
Good luck and please feel free to pm me if you have any more questions.
Cathy
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tuckervill
Karen - I did consider alternatives and tried them. April 7 I had a D&C that helped for exactly one week. Prior to that I had tried any number of remedies to stop the bleeding - everything except hormones because I am at high risk for breast cancer. Nothing stopped it because of one fibroid that was so embedded in the wall of the uterus that it could not be removed by the D&C. My doctor said he could try to cauterize it (I know there is another term for the procedure but I can't think of it right now) but he did not hold out much hope that it would solve the problem. By that time - I had been bleeding uncontrollably since before Christmas 2006 - I was at my wits' end and just wanted it all to stop.
There were times when I would change everything, re-load so to speak, and get 10 feet from the bathroom and have to run back again. I cannot tell you how awful it was. I could not ride my bike; I could not go out; if I was at my office I could not go out into the field like I should because I could not be away from a bathroom. The doctor had no idea how long it would last.
Finally, on a bike ride on March 31, 2007, I realized I was so weak I had to do something. I could not climb hills that are usually easily manageable for me. I had to cut a 54 mile birthday ride with a friend short because I did not have the energy to make it.
The hysterectomy was the best thing I ever did. Glib or not, it solved the problem for me and enabled me to return (slowly) to a normal life. I would not have it any other way. I will not use HRT and because of that I was thrown headlong into menopause two weeks after my surgery. I can stand the hot flashes and everything else that goes with it because at least I am not bleeding to death and embarrassing myself in public....
It may not be the best choice for everyone and I do not recommend having it done on a whim - it IS major surgery, after all - but if it is the most logical and sensible choice, then go for it.
Tuckerville,
I don't think most people walk into major surgery glibly. My story was similar to IFJane, but I had fibroids and endometriosis. There gets to be a point where there is no point in dealing with the pain, discomfort, and lack of life. Seriously, your life revolves around access to a toilet at all times.
There have been advances in surgery that lessen the severity of the procedure, but it doesn't make the surgery easy.
Everyone must (and may) make their own choices and the more voices the better.
sarah
Not glib--well thought and well considered even though I was under forty at the time (the ovaries stayed). For me it was a quality of life issue. I am thankful that I wasn't born 100 years ago because my options would have been limited. I shudder at the thought.
That said, my glib response is...has anyone else read "Even the Queen" by Connie Willis? It is a heavily tongue and cheek short story about removing menstruation and the world that results. I guess I don't feel the need to keep my parts if all they were doing was causing me excrutiating pain.
I understand this completely, having had a similar choice to make with regard to my herniated disks (except I was bedbound, not toilet-bound).Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahkonamojo
I know it was not an easy decision for most people (except my SIL's, who seem to take every word out of a doctor's mouth as gospel, and some doctors just can't be trusted, in my opinion). I guess the stories that were posted here did not include everything that happened before the hysterectomy that lead to the decision, and that's what gives them an air of nonchalance.
I feel the same way about inducing labor and c-sections--there are really good reasons to do both, but sometimes they're rushed into without a lot of thought.
Karen
Well, yes and no. I had tried to treat my problems for years. In the end, I had cysts, a pelvic mass, endometriosis, a polyp, you name it. It all needed to come out before cancer developed. I have never regretted my decision, particularly since I gave it a fair shot before resorting to must-have surgery. Some of these things you can't prevent, even with diet and exercise.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tuckervill
shewhobikes I feel for you. This time last year I was totally thinking I would be a candidate for the big H and I was dreading it! No health insurance, heck I didn't even have a Doctor since I moved away from my Doctor 5 years ago!
I finally got a Doctor to see me......seems most won't if you haven't got insurance! I was very relieved to find that this Doctor felt that even though yes I had a prolapsed uterus and everything was hanging out! She didn't want to remove healthy organs so I ended up getting fitted for a pessary and it's working ok....I may end up having my bladder tied up as it's not hanging in there too well but good news is we have health insurance now! yay!
The best advise I can give you is from my own experience. You will feel so much better shortly after surgery that you will "think" you can do all the things you weren't doing pre-opp, but DON'T!! Even though you can physically do stuff you will pay for it later, years later.......like I am now.Quote:
Thanks, all, for both the cautions and the encouragement. Sounds like this is what I expected in terms of taking it slowly, listening to the doc and paying attention to my body.
As you all know, it's not just the physical, but emotional/mental health the bike ride brings. It has meant so much to me these last few years I get a little squirrely thinking of doing without (not that I ride hard in the winter much anyway.)
So take this time to heal it's a great excuse to get some hobbies done, catch up on some good books and magazines. Give your bike a good tune up! Shine it up nice for the warm months to come. There are lots of things you can do which won't cause you harm later. Enjoy the down time we don't often have a good excuse to lay around and do *coff*coff* 'nufin!;)
Wishing much success with your surgery and a complete recovery!
~Kate
No thought on my part. My fibroid pushed up out of the back of my uterus and nestled in to my bowel, blocked it and almost killed me. I was so sick they could have cut my head off and I would not have cared.
I had this procedure and I've been very happy with the results. I didn't have pain and could work the next day.Quote:
Originally Posted by bikerchic
www.urologychannel.comQuote:
Precision TackŪ Transvaginal Anchor System is a device that restores urinary function by returning the urinary anatomy to its proper position in a minimally invasive procedure.
No abdominal incision is required and a small incision is made in the vaginal wall. Two small tacks are placed in the pubic bone and a sling is inserted into the vagina and attached to the tacks with sutures. The sling supports the bladder, bladder neck, urethra, and urethral sphincter so urine can flow and be held properly.
Wow. After reading all this I realize how lucky I was to get everything taken care of with the NovaSure procedure.
I had one and I am mixed about it.
My recovery was fast! Honestly. I have two HUGE incisions due to ovarian cysts. The initial one was wrapped around kidneys and the second one (the one that caused the hysterectomy) was attached to my bowel.
I am stubborn so I don't think I took the time to heal. I was walking hills in less than a week and was back to work in a week. I have an 8" scar and a 6" scar from incisions. I was riding within two weeks though I couldn't even pick up my bike.
I think physically you can recover quickly if you're in shape for it. Mentally it's iffy. You have to sign a "permanent sterilization" form. I didn't want children so it was ok but still, it was kind of harsh. My stomach muscles just didn't come back the same way. I think in some ways, I didn't go through normal "female" stuff and I kind of miss that.
I only had the hysterectomy on the advice of my surgeon. He felt I was at a huge risk for cancer with the cysts and then the hormones so he felt it best. I trust his judgment though I kind of wish I had at least ONE ovary!! And while at the time I thought I made the best decision, I wish I would have investigated somewhere that would have left me more intact.
But as far as healing goes, it's not so bad. I figure it's all in what you make of it. I wish in a lot of ways none of it would have ever happened but if you do everything you can and make the most informed decision you can make, it's ok.
Oh and in less than a year, I rode a lot of the Calif coast on a 580 mile bike ride. THAT was fun :D
I've never heard anyone else say that their stomach muscles were affected by surgery. I had two c-sections--one scar up and down and one side-to-side. (The resulting "anchor" on my belly would be funny if it weren't so horrific.)
I don't think my muscles respond like they should, either, especially very low. Annoying as h***.
Karen
Hi again Shewhobikes (and Tuckerville) Not glib here either, just happy to have my life healthy and strong. My uterus was the size of a 14 week pregnancy, and I had to lift it off of my urethra to be able to urinate in the last month before my surgery. My periods were irregular and unbelieveably heavy. I was lucky to avoid transfusions, and by the end of my uterus's life the Dr was surpressing my ovaries with drugs to prevent blood loss. One low point was when I was on an airplane with no bathroom, and I just started to gush. I soaked not only my clothes, but the cloth airplane seat. Well those memories do make it easy to be glib now! Anyway, I have had 3 laparotomies (the bikini line type incision, wide, but low) and one laparoscopic surgery. And I am pleased to say that I have a strong flat tummy. The lower bikini line incision that has been opened 3 times ( 2 ovarian cysts and hysterectomy) is a bit indented, but not that noticeable. The laparoscopy was to remove my ovaries when the 3rd ovarian cyst occurred. Those scars are barely noticeable. As a nurse, I have had patients with ovarian cancer. So I am glad to have them both gone. One thing to consider before surgery, since you have time, is to build up your core strength. When your stomach is sore, standing up straight and using your core and back muscles instead of bending forward will be easier. I like Mark Verstegen's book and his stability ball core workout DVD. The core strength has really helped my cycling! Best wishes for a healthy recovery! Carol
Lots of good advice and encouragement here.
A couple wondered if this decision was made with due regard. Well, here's the deal. I had an abnormal pap smear in early November followed by 2 biopsies that showed severe dysplasia and pre-cancerous cells in the margins. So there is really no sensible option.
And yes, I have always done an annual pap, and last year's came back normal, so ladies, do NOT put this off.
I will have the ovaries out, as I am almost menopausal anyway, with only a couple of periods this year, and those were heavy and protracted to the point that I had to go home from work.
My goal is to be as healthy going into surgery as I can, to then be patient with my healing, and be excited to start riding in the spring when I feel better.
Thanks,
SWB
She, I would consider doing abdominal work prior to surgery. It will help strengthen the muscles and you'll have a quicker recovery.
My abdominals are a little slower to respond to training but they are hanging in there. Oh, and I got that cute little pooch as a parting gift for playing Wreck My History. ;)
Sundial thanks for that link I've been reading there now for hours! I have lots of options now to discuss with my gyno on my next (soon) visit.Quote:
Originally Posted by sundial
Also good advise on the abb work outs!
~Kate
Hi ladies!
Lots of you offered well wishes, which I was grateful for, so I wanted to update you. Surgery was Monday a week ago. Took a bit longer than usual because Doc was determined to stay with laproscopy if she could, rather than go in, and good for her, she did it.
Came home last Tuesday afternoon, and, long story short, I'm feeling so much better than I anticipated feeling at this point. Nowhere near ready to get on my bike, but I'm moving around, walking a bit, but mostly taking it easy and pampering myself. Feels weird. I'm so used to multi-tasking at home and work (singlel mom of 2, ages 17 and 20). But it's a good thing and I remain positive about the fact that I'm taking good care of myself. Yay!
Weather has been chilly and damp and not good for riding anyway, so yes, this weekend, if I'm feeling some energy, I'll sit on a footstool and pamper the bike with some cleaning and checking parts.
Let's hope spring gets here soon!
Thanks,
SWB
I hope the surgery and recovery goes well. TQuote:
Originally Posted by makbike
To echo the cautions that others have given, let me share a friend's recent experience. She had a hysterectomy this past June (full surgery). She was supposed to take 8 weeks off from her usual activities of running, biking and tennis, but she started walking right away and was taking some really long walks several times a day long before her doctor gave her the green light for her to go back to her regular routine. At least that's what she told us. In truth, she started to run before she was supposed to.
The first week of January, she woke up and realized, to her horror, that her bowel had abrupted and was essentially hanging out of her body. She had emergency surgery and was able to save the bowel, but it was a close call. She just ended another 6-week layoff. Her doctor read her the riot act about how her own refusal to take it easy after the first surgery was the biggest contributor to the abruption.
I share this only to reinforce what others have said. Listen to your doctor. My friend felt "fine" during her recovery, so while I generally agree with "listening to your body," keep in mind that you may have to take it easy even if you otherwise feel good.
Wow... You're handling it bravely! Good for you... Just think, it would have been much worse in the middle of the season, say May or June. This way it might delay the start of the bike season for you, but it will feel all that much sweeter when you are ready to ride.
Continue healing well and taking good care of yourself!
At those ages, they should be helping take care of you. My daughter was 10 at the time and she got a big kick out of taking care of me and ordering me to take it easy. For a few days, anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by shewhobikes
SWB - I am glad it is all over and you are well on the road to recovery! The hard part is over - now heal and get back on the bike after the weather breaks!
It has been nearly two years to the day that I had mine and I couldn't be happier. I just wonder why I didn't do it sooner...not only do I feel soooooo, soooooo much better but I am now free to live my life to the fullest EVERY day!
Be sure to take care of yourself and listen to your doc. You will feel better much sooner than you think, but inside you are still healing and you really do need to let it all heal before you jump into exercising. Walking is good.
Oh, here is a tip. Be careful when you do start back to exercising again...I was tired in the beginning but soon I gained strength and endurance and within a week or so of my clearance I was back to boot camp and tri training. It didn't take long before I was suffering from plantar fas. (sorry, I'm lazy and don't want to look up the spelling) and I had to see a doc for it as it was so severe that it was even bothering me on the bike...couldn't run at all! Long story short, the doc got after me for jumping right into my old routine and said that after 6 weeks off it was too much too soon and even if my mind thought these were "normal" workouts my body didn't agree!
So, be good to yourself while you heal and I hope you are as happy about your decision as I am about mine!
Last Friday was my two year hysterversary as they call it. And I too couldn't be happier. I hope your recovery goes as well. I was 20 pounds heavier then and not fit at all. So, I recovered slowly, walked a lot, listened to the doc etc. For me having the surgery is the reason I'm able to ride now and attend a boot camp 4 days a week. I just can't believe how much better I feel.
Just a couple of weeks ago something made me remember this thread and I wondered how you were doing. I meant to search for it and ping you so I'm glad you gave us an update.
Take care!
One last caution - be careful of eBay. Those boring, taking it easy days led me to lots of surfing and I'm now the proud owner of a vintage camera collection. :o Stay on the TE boards and you'll be much safer.
Auntiebobo, lol!
Shewhobikes, it's good to hear your progress report and that the surgery went smoothly. Now you can get into the habit of being pampered and to allow proper healing. I'll be happy to pour you a nice cup of hot herbal tea. Get plenty of rest and drop in after your little naps. :)