"You can survive this. Talk to others that have"

truthsetmefree posted 8/13/2013 12:55 PM

I'm scheduled for Thursday and a little nervous.

For those of you that have had it done, any advice....pre-op? post-op?

I would also love to hear any "best thing I've ever done" testimonies.

zebra25 posted 8/13/2013 13:02 PM

Best thing I've ever done.

Seriously, I had endometriosis and very large fibroids. I had everything out. I felt so much better after years of pain.

I had abdominal surgery and it was not bad at all. I didn't need any pain meds and recovered quickly.

Good luck!!

Lalagirl posted 8/13/2013 13:07 PM

Best thing I've ever done.

Period. (oh, that's right, no period...and no painful ones at that! )

Mine was many years ago - 1988 - I was only 23 years old (luckily I had my kiddos young - 18 and 22) - had severe endo that was debilitating.

I think the procedure is much easier on the body than it was back in the day - I had a full hip-to-hip incision - they took my uterus, tubes & cervix...kept the ovaries and there was no endometrial involvement and being so young, they wanted me to have hormonal function. I was in the hospital for 5 days - 3 of them were painful, but I kept on top of it with morphine. Was scheduled to be out of work for 6-8 weeks, but begged to go back after 4 - I felt great!

You will be fine...and if you're suffering from painful periods, it will be the "best thing you've ever done."

Best of luck and give us a post-op update.

Hugs,

Lala

EvenKeel posted 8/13/2013 13:29 PM

I had mine 3 months ago. Hospital must-haves for me was lip balm and Wuerters (sp) candy. My throat was so dry for the surgery and they were wonderful.

Did you check out the hystersister site? If not, google it and browse around it....it was TONS of help for me.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

Testimonials - they ran into an issue during the surgery and were unable to do laproscopic so I was cut. However, recovery went good. My belly did not like the painkillers so I did not take anything stronger than Motrin (and it was not an issue). Sure I was sore but it was not unbearable.

woundedwidow posted 8/13/2013 13:55 PM

Best thing I did was take a small pillow to the hospital to hold under my belly for walks, sneezes, or throwing up (I couldn't take the post-op pain meds either). Otherwise, it was really pretty easy. I had everything removed (1993), including the ovaries, so I didn't drive for the recommended 6 weeks, but I did the "forbidden" chores like vacuuming and laundry.

TrustNoOne posted 8/13/2013 14:08 PM

Best thing I.HAVE.EVER.DONE!

It changed my life. I rejoined people in this world who enjoy life a full 30 days a month....not 20.

I no longer try to plan vacations around a period.

I don't have to cancel at the last minute with friends/family because I'm uncomfortable.

I tried an ablation first. Mistake.

I tried hormones. Mistake.

I then had the hysto. WIN~!

I can't believe I suffered for 5+ years longer than necessary as we tried other options. Pffft....

All best wishes for a smooth surgery and quick recovery.

Lucky posted 8/13/2013 14:09 PM

Best thing I have ever done.

Mine was 22 years ago and I've lived a wonderful cyst and endo free life.

HFSSC posted 8/13/2013 14:11 PM

Add me to the BEST THING I EVER DID list.

I had determined a LONG time ago that 35 was my cutoff for any further pregnancies. I had my hysterectomy 2 weeks after my 35th birthday. When I went in for the consult, my ob/gyn asked "Are you sure you're done having babies?" I told him even if I wasn't, I had to be able to have sex to get pg and that wasn't happening because it was too painful.

No periods!!! Boo yah!

Pain-free, enjoyable sex again!!!! Bonus!!!!!!!!!!

I hope your recovery is as uneventful as mine was and that your quality of life improves even half as much as mine did.

painpaingoaway posted 8/13/2013 14:31 PM

I can't believe I suffered for 5+ years longer than necessary as we tried other options.

Ditto, except I suffered for about 15 yrs before finally having the hyster. For some dumb reason, I thought that if I no longer had my uterus, that I would lose sexual desire, so I decided I didn't want a hysterectomy. So stupid. So so stupid.

Well, post hysterectomy, my sex life and sexual desire is much MUCH better than it was all those years I suffered. (I did not have my ovaries removed).

My overall quality of life has improved dramatically, and without a doubt, it was the BEST gift I ever gave myself. My periods we so bad that I could not even leave my house during the first few days.

The surgery was pretty rough, I could not walk fully upright for several weeks, but that was nothing compared to the years and years of hellish periods.

Practically all pain meds make me throw up, so the doc gave me Dilaudid with Phenergan, and I was good to go, no vomiting whatsoever.

Pentup posted 8/13/2013 14:41 PM

Cue weird vibe music, I just looked for you on here today!
Btdt.
Pm or email me with the type of procedure, etc. I went to my Dr with a list of MANY questions. Also, my background, will give you some things to be aware of while you are there.
Prayers for you friend

tushnurse posted 8/13/2013 15:20 PM

Best birthday present ever!!!!
I fought With the unexpected bleeding constantly. I was done using the parts, and was tired of being anemic.
Surgery was a cinch for me. Recovery even easier. The hardest part for me was taking it easy for 6 weeks.
Must have is a small firm pillow for bracing your belly when you cough/sneeze/ walk.

scarredforever posted 8/13/2013 15:44 PM

Had mine done just about 2 years ago, and yes, it was the best thing I have ever done. Kind of an emergency situation, bleeding heavy, ended up in ER, operated on about two days later.

My doctor is a saint, and I truly feel he changed my life and saved my life. No more heavy periods, fibroids and general yuck of dealing with it.

The sense of freedom is overwhelming, I got my life back.

My doc took out the uterus, a couple huge fibroids contained therein, and left my cervix and ovaries, which I requested, I had a bikini incision, slightly larger than my c-section scar, and it has healed up nicely. Hardly noticeable. My recovery took a full 6 weeks, painful to walk around, but with some Motrin it was bearable.

It will change your life if you are suffering now. Good luck with everything, you won't regret it for a minute.

movingforward777 posted 8/13/2013 19:40 PM

Best thing I've ever done! (add me to the list...lol)

I had a lap assisted vaginal hysterectomy when I was in my early 30's due to heavy bleeding. The surgery was easy to go through, but you need to remember that you have the healing inside to do still and take it easy for the 6 weeks like they tell you (no vaccuming, heavy lifting unless you want your bladder hanging to your knees )
Once you heal up you will wonder why you waited so long to get it done...honest...
Good luck on Thursday...take care, get your rest and let others help you out....HUGS

truthsetmefree posted 8/13/2013 20:39 PM

Thanks girls! Your replies have been very encouraging and helpful. I went today and purchased a pillow and candy.
Based on the fibroids my dr feels that she can do the surgery via laparoscope. But if endo is present- which all signs suggest that it is - then she prepared me for it being done abdominably...which is the part that kinda scares me. But it helps to know that so many of you think it was unquestionably worth it. I feel like I can certainly endure even a 6 week recovery if it will truly resolve these problems.

And the idea of a dragging bladder has really made an impression. I probably needed that image more than I can even know.

brkn_heartd posted 8/13/2013 20:49 PM

I was told many times before surgery, "this was the best gift I gave myself". I thought they were nuts. However, afterwards, I have to agree. I feel much better having it done.

The best thing I did was find a web site called hysterSisters. There was a lot of support in all phases of recovery. It was to my hysterectomy as SI is to recovering from my A. I am a nurse, but it was nice to interact with others going through it. This was not about medical knowledge, but about dealing with the surgery.

I was ready to return to work 2 weeks post op (lap hyst).

Good luck. HysterSisters also has preoperative information.

trying_2_recover posted 8/14/2013 00:26 AM

Another totally worth it. I was in less pain 3 or 4 days post op than I had been in for years.

truthsetmefree posted 8/14/2013 06:50 AM

Ok. So I spent several hours last night on the hystersisters site - I dont know if that was a good thing or not.

I cant drive for 2 weeks - and possibly 6?

A gallon of milk is considered heavy lifting??

And I have done virtually nothing to prepare for this type of incapacitation because I just found at yesterday. It was all I could do to get my cleanse stuff picked up. I felt I was ahead of the game with my pillow.

And is it normal to start to freak out the day before? Like I immediately felt I was making the right decision - and I've known this was likely for some time - but now I'm feeling like I need more time to prepare...where yesterday I couldnt have been more thrilled with the idea that I didn't have to wait any longer than a couple more days.

movingforward777 posted 8/14/2013 09:20 AM

Be glad you only have to wait a few days....clean your house, stock your fridge, buy up some good magazines/books and pack your suitcase!
Good luck....HUGS

EvenKeel posted 8/14/2013 12:29 PM

I did find the info on that website overwhelming 'at first' but I found it to be a WONDERFUL resource since I could communicate with ppl having the exact same thing at the same time!

I think you are just double-freaking because you are being hit will all that info sooo close to surgery.

Driving - varies by drs. As I said, my LAVD was a no-go so they did the full cut. I was cleared to drive at my 2 week appointment. They said it had more to do with if you were taking painkillers too (obviously if you are taking them longer - then driving is not a good idea).

Yes - it is normal to freak-out. Part of my brain was thinking "maybe I should wait more....". Other part of the brain was like "Chicken".

I found peace in pre-planning. I made some frozen stuff shells to heat up, I had friends that dropped off dinners, made sure all my kid's events were covered, etc.

We will be thinking of you tomorrow!!!!

DO NOT try to be superwoman. If you need painkillers for discomfort - TAKE them!

If you think you are feeling better and can do more - DON'T! You still have tons of internal stitches to heal! You only get ONE chance to heal correctly - so do not push it.

My friends mom did 'too much too soon' and she was never able to rectify the damage she caused. Not worth it - relax and let your body recup!

PS - walk-walk-walk. I remember those first couple steps always hurt but once I got motoring, I would do rounds around the hospital floor. DEFINITELY helped with recovery.

PSS - I used the sturdy step ladder from my kitchen and put it by my bed for support. It was great to have the handle to hold onto those first few days getting in and out of bed. Because it is made to be a step ladder - it was more balanced then using a hard-back kitchen chair.

PSSS - ok....I am done

[This message edited by EvenKeel at 12:34 PM, August 14th (Wednesday)]

truthsetmefree posted 8/14/2013 12:47 PM

Thanks you two for the "extra" encouragement.

Part of my brain was thinking "maybe I should wait more....". Other part of the brain was like "Chicken".

This really resonated with me. Exactly.

It's been kinda interesting that the biggest push for me has been that close family has changed from saying, "you really need to get this done" to "WE really need you to this done."

I think you are just double-freaking because you are being hit will all that info sooo close to surgery.

This is probably true. Considering pre-op "prep" (dread this almost as much as anything else), I've had less than 24 hours. Which is ultimately good because I've managed to talk myself out of this for the last 5 years.

Thanks again for all the "best thing ever" confirmations. I'm really holding tight to those - figuring that no matter how bad it may get, it's still ultimately a HUGE step forward.