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 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. 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.

[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... 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.

[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.