Sub total hysterectomy in 8 and a half weeks <Eeeeeeeek>

[grinningbee]

So I got the letter about an hour ago and am feeling rather wibbly. Firstly because I'm a bit scared, secondly because there will be no more babies. Having said that I am more than happy with the two I have, and don't want any more, but I'm sure everyone going through this feels a bit sad as it's so final.

I'm going to have to rely on H to help, and there is no-one else to ask. I'm just going to have to trust him (he's not the most, erm, helpful sausage). My dc by then will be 3.5 and 1.10. And the little one has a current passion for using my tummy as a trampoline which will have to stop.

But, all that aside, what the heck do I need to organise. Meals for the freezer for certain, including the dc. What do I need to take with me to hospital do you think? How long are people normally in for?

The reason it's being done is down to a rather large fibroid we have called Freddie. Freddie is visible when I lay on my back, and is causing pain, heavy periods and playing havoc with my bladder. It has to be abdominal due to said fibroid, but I'm keeping the ovaries and cervix.

I need to shift some weight between now and then, so am going to have to resist the comfort of biscuits and chocolate and wine.

Please tell me it won't be as bad as I think!

[LadySybildeChocolate]

I have 2. I'm going for the conservative 'change your diet and see if it helps' approach. I've cut out wheat, dairy, non organic food, caffine and sugar (apart from a little in my decaf) and it does seem to help. Was this the first thing your gynaecologist suggested?

[grinningbee]

They didn't even suggest change of diet for the fibroid. Thing is, it's been around since 2009, and more than likely many years before then too. But it was first picked up on a 7 week scan with dd.

It just keeps getting bigger!

[LadySybildeChocolate]

Did they not discuss the other things that they can do? I'm 35, a hysterectomy was the first thing they came out with. It's only when I asked that they said that there's other things they can do. There's medication (only availiable off prescription at the moment) which shrinks them, there's also a procedure called embolisation which cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, making them shrink. They can also operate to remove just the fibroids. All of them have risks. The embolisation can lead to menopause or infection, there's a risk of needing a hysterectomy if the fibroids are removed as they may not be able to stem any bleeding.
They don't mention a change in diet, I used Dr Google for that (I know you shouldn't, but I'm going for the less invasive way first to see what happens. If it doesn't work I'll go one step up and get the drugs). The theory is that they are caused by excess oestrogen in a women's body and other chemicals which the liver can't process. Milk, pork, and non organic meats are full of chemicals as the animals are fed them to make them larger. When you eat them/drink them, your body absorbs them. Wheat isn't tolerated well by the digestive system. Soya on the other hand really helps to break things down, so swap milk with soya milk. Beans are healthy, so swap the bread/pasta with mixed beans, seeds and pulses. Remove alcohol as the liver can't process the chemicals in the food and the alcohol as well. Drink lots of water, and eat lots of fresh water fish (tuna/mackerel/salmon). I also bought some maluka honey and apple cider vinegar, which is said to help, but have only been taking this for a day. Ocado sell it so it's fairly legit. I don't really know if it's working, all I know is that my fibroids don't hurt now and I'm far less bloated then I used to be. My last period was lighter and had far less clots then usual, so I think it's doing something.

You have to weigh up the pros and cons of a hysterectomy for you and your family. If it's the right thing for you then I'd do it. I don't have anyone to care for my son whilst I'm in hospital though, so it's the last option for me. It's a very difficult decision, I can understand how you're feeling. Just make sure it's what you want.

[grinningbee]

For me I think it's the right thing. I'm getting on for 42 now, and my family is complete. I was offered the choice of just the fibroid out, but it seemed daft if I end up needing more surgery if the thing grows back.

Just need to know what to expect now - fear of the unknown is horrible!

[LadySybildeChocolate]

My mum had a hysterectomy. She had periods from hell before then. She's had a prolapse since the initial operation though, which is something that you need to be aware of. She was happy not to have aunty flo visiting a lot. Your stomach should be less bloated afterwards, it's usually just like a csection, so you'll be sore afterwards and will have a catheter for a few days. Did your GP mention whether they stop growing after the menopause? Mine did, I'm not sure if it's true though.

[swooosh]

Hi I work in private healthcare, we do these often. Most people stay from 3-5 nights depending on how it was done (vaginal or laparoscopic)

You might feel a bit teary for a couple of days afterwards, this is quite normal. You are also likely to have a catheter in post-op and a vaginal pack both of which are usually taken out the following day (catheter left in another night usually). The following day you will be allowed up (transferring out of bed to the chair, probably washed in bed)

[swooosh]

Forgot to add you will also have a lot of wind pain, this is often the main 'problem' after surgery and it can be quite painful. Having peppermint tea/water often helps, as does mobilising.

[LadySybildeChocolate]

'People'? You mean women? Men don't have hysterectomies

[cocolepew]

I'm having my womb and ovaries out in 6 weeks and I cant wait! I've been waiting 5 months already. I was told the catheter stays in for 24 hours and I'll only be in 2 days unless something goes wrong

The week after needs to be 'hospital care' so doing nothing apart from bossing DH. about.

[LadySybildeChocolate]

2 days! They told me 5 days in hospital, 6 weeks recovery.

[cocolepew]

I go straight to day surgery ward to wait , Ive already had my pre assessment. Then up to the gynae ward afterwards.
6 weeks - 3 months recovery.

[mycatunderstandsme]

I had an abdominal hysterectomy 5 weeks ago. I was in hospital 3 nights and recovered very well. I would be very surprised if you stay in for less ime than that. The lady in the bed next to me had the same op and she was nowhere near ready to leave when I did.

I was dreading the catheter but was glad of it. It stayed in 2 nights which is great because you don't have to worry about getting up to the loo.

I also had a drain which came out the evening of the 3rd day-don't think everyone has one but I didn't get any bruising at all. The scar is the most painful bit and you have to use your arms to move yourself about to avoid pulling it.

I am still very tired and still taking pain killers but I can tell when I am fully recovered that my original problems will be over. I am doing pelvic floor exercises to try to avoid prolapse in future.

It took me a year to agree to the op and I was so scared but have no regrets.

[mycatunderstandsme]

Also-you will need more help at home than you think! I needed help showering and getting out of bed for the first week. The 2nd week I still couldn't do much. Really it was only week 3-4 where I could make simple meals and walk for more than a couple of mins.

It's not as bad as it seems though because you will just feel relieved it is all done!

I filled the freezer with meals and was glad I did, i'm still glad of them now as i'm not back to normal yet. I also employed a cleaner temporarily as I knew my DH would not think cleaning was necessary!

[grinningbee]

Coco Fancy hanging around here while we wait for d-day together? The bossing about bit sounds good, just not sure the dc will play the game

Mycat Thanks for your post too. I'm dreading relying on anyone else so much, but it needs doing. Sooner it's done, the sooner I can start recovering.

Swoosh The wind pain is what scares me. I had my gallbladder out 17 years ago (crikey!) and I can still remember the wind pain in the tops of my shoulders. I shall stock up on the t-bags and anything else you can suggest if it helps.

My H really doesn't understand about the operation. I'll tell you what he said so you can see what I'm dealing with:

"When they do the op, do they stitch you closed down there to stop everything falling back out?"

And "Will we still be able to 'you know' or do they stitch it shut?"

Cue major eye rolling from me.

[grinningbee]

Oh, and I am planning on a major cooking session to fill the freezer with a good couple of weeks worth of dinners. I mean, how hard can thawing and reheating something be?

Then again, after reading his comments, I bet you're thinking that it could still go wrong!

[cocolepew]

DH said for me to ask for a "wee stitch to make sure its tight" he may never have sex with me again

My GP has written to see if I can get it earlier, Im pretty much bed ridden at the moment. But I'm not holding my breath.

I'm not doing any cooking, Dh should be able to get 2 weeks off, he's been saving his holidays up, so he can sort it out.
Has you got your bag packed? Mines been packed gor about 6 weeks already .

[cocolepew]

Oh in the past years you used to get liquorice or charcoal for the wind. I've been eyeing up the dogs charcoal biscuits.

[cocolepew]

I've just got my confirmation letter for the 29th (grr) I phoned to accept and said I'd be willing to come in at short notice, so here's hoping someone cancels

[grinningbee]

Blimey - yours is in 9 days now? I'm nowhere near as bad as you. Being bedridden sounds bloody horrible. What are you taking in your bag? I hadn't even thought about that yet.

I've got the pre-check thingy on the 16th August, and d-day is the 18th September.

And at your H for the stitch comment. I'd be stitching something else... Arf at the dogs charcoal biscuits. But hey, if it works!

How long have you had trouble if you don't mind me asking?

[grinningbee]

One thing I was planning to take (not sure how I'll feel afterwards though) is my kindle. It will be the longest time I've ever had away from the dc and to read uninterrupted would be quite nice.

[cocolepew]

Unfortunately not, its the 29th of August. I first went to my dr in November, something didnt feel right. She thought it was a womb prolapse so I got my gynae appointment. While waiting for it I got worse and ended up in A&e about 3 times with hiddeous pains. Still saying prolapse, even had a ring put in but I had to take it out the same night I was crying with the pain .

eventually got a gynae appointment and was told it was a slight bladder prolapse I knew it wasnt because Id had a full one 3 years before and had been operated on. It felt nothing like this. Cried and argued but she wouldnt budge and said I needed my bladder looked at.

Came home and made a private appointment and saw the dr within days. He diagnosised Adenyomyodis, endo, and ovarian cysts within minutes. There was nothing wrong with my bladdder at all. I had a MRI scsn and have been on the waiting list since march. I saw the dr in january.

[grinningbee]

Blimey. Poor you I realised after I typed my post you probably meant August. You're going to feel so different afterwards!

So go on then - what's going in your bag? Apart from balloons and streamers and party poppers

[cocolepew]

Oh blimey an eassy! Sorry!
I'm taking my kindle but dont
know how much I'll use it. Me and GA dont get on and I sleep all the time.

I have nighties, I usually wear jamies but I think they are easier with the catheder etc.
Pads in case of leakage. Knickers.
Towel, shampoo etc. If you go to Primark they sell 3 small bottles in a clear bag for £1. You can decant your stuff into it instead of lugging big bottles in.
Slipers, dressing gown, change for the phone, tissues and moisturiser because hospitals dry you out!

[cocolepew]

I was reading the hospital I'm going into has a phone/tv at each bed. If you pay for the tv you get free local phone calls. I thought that sounded pretty good.

[grinningbee]

I don't mind reading long posts - I'm good at those myself

I must have a look and see what facilities the one I'm going to has. I'd better look into getting some nighties (urgh). Glad to know about the pads - wasn't sure if we'd need them or not. Pretty much everything like having a baby then, without all the baby related stuff! Must take some cereal bars too in case I feel like a snack. Thanks for the bottle info. I'll pop into Primark and get some of those. I use Tresemme and the bottles of shampoo and conditioner are huge!

Looks like I have a bit of shopping to do.