Hysterectomies - it's gotta be done but over here for hand holding part two

[Oddsocksrus]

Over here for the hand holding.
One in five women in the uk will have to have a hysterectomy at some point in their lives.
Come and join us if you are waiting, pre op, bleery eyed on the ward or recovering afterwards.

Thankyou Twinkle
Flouncy that sounds just awful. How many children do you have ? How will this affect your periods having it protruding like that ? Have they given you some idea when you will be healed from your original op ?

Oh for those who are constipated. Cherries, strawberries, oranges and chicken. Speed foods. Learnt from slimming world !!

ginge have two children at present. My uterus isn't protruding yet but is likely to lower. Periods have been a nightmare, I can't use tampons and it's just very messy! I think I'll be put on waiting list at the appt in April but have a holiday booked end of may so so would need to delay til after.

Flouncy I had vey heavy periods but due to an emergency scenario sort of circumvented any other options for treatments and had the hysterectomy instead. I had embolisation of my uterine arteries as an emergency following a major arterial haemorrhage and as this was not a long term solution(for me) 'choose ' a TAh

Flouncy ignore that - had not read yr op in enough detail so my exp no way near yours x

Twinkle

My preop is this Thursday and op is next Tuesday, I have a busy workload to clear by Friday so keeping me occupied at present.
May give the Waitrose delivery a whirl this weekend so I can have a relaxed 3 days beforehand.
Has everyone worked upto day before admission ?
I am feeling guilty for taking Monday off

waiting that is great that your colleagues are supportive but I do feel for you having such a busy role that can require you to do things that are physically difficult whilst you are still recovering and building your strength back up. to being under resourced.

flouncy gosh you are very young to have been through so much and having this to face. I totally agree with your comments about prolapsed uterus being uncomfortable and not being able to use tampons for awful periods. Big hug from me.

fitflop I also have my preop Thursday then surgery Tuesday. Although the hospital has forgotten to send my the preop questionaire so I will need to pop in tomorrow aswell now. Am very jealous of your Monday off I have meetings until 5pm Monday and a lot of work to do before then too.

I think nerves are kicking in here and I am finding it hard to sleep.

flouncey that sounds awful, poor you.
It is a big decision to make so young make sure you get some counselling.
I had my breasts removed at 27 due to having cancer in one and high risk for the other.
I've been absolutely fine about it but it was a huge and difficult decision to have to make so young.
Sounds as if it will be a great relief though and no I'd hate to work like that. I really would.

You all make me feel like a fraud having the op for endomitriosis

Can I ask the post op ladies when did you start bathing and showering after ward ?

I had keyhole and was told I can have quick showers straight away. I have one every day it make me feel better.

I have a couple of stitches above my belly button.
They are pulling and feeling tight.
I'm presuming they are dissolvers but haven't dissolved.
I may have to cut them out (don't panic I'm an ex nurse)

Went out with dh today for lunch as its his last day off.
On my own tomorrow with dd2.
I feel a bit apprehensive. I'm ok but she's a very demanding toddler who needs a lot of attention which needs energy.

Did any keyholers drive after a week?

Ledkr
How are you coping today on your own? And how many days post op are you?
When I had my 2nd c section (16yrs ago now) I was driving within 3 weeks after - case of needs must at the time.
I am also having laparoscopic hysterectomy next week, consultant is of the opinion I can return to work very quickly ie 2 weeks but I have already agreed 8 weeks with work.
Did anyone feel upto a long haul flight 6 weeks post op??

fitflop
I'm 11 days post op.
I was given many different ideas for time off work and also driving.
Two weeks was suggested by one dr 6-8 woks by another
As I near 2 weeks I can tell you I certainly wouldn't be fit for work,I can't believe they even suggest it.
I will be having 6-8 for sure as I want to return fully fit.
I went to town yesterday and felt as if I'd done a big workout this morning, so I certainly am not ready for work.
I did drive to toddler group which is only in my village but I don't think I could have walked there as I'm not exactly sprightly. Rather drive than be stuck in all day with a toddler.
I also drove 2-3 woks post section.
I have a painful inner leg since the op. It starts off numb immediately after op and has progressed to painful and sensitive to touch. It hurts to walk too.
Gp has no idea but I did find a few women who had it online and it had turned out to be nerve damage great.

led
My inner thighs felt like they were rubbing together for a few weeks and even now they are slightly tender, but I put that down to the fact I also had my lymph nodes out in my groin. Perhaps it was the hysterectomy itself. It never hurt though. Now, I'm just slightly aware of it sometimes. Hopefully yours will improve soon.

Hope the wait isn't too worry some for those waiting for next week.

Why did they take lymph nodes?

cervical cancer but they got it all and I'm in the clear. I didn't need chemo or radiotherapy - fortunately.

Good. The bastard
I had breast twenty years ago, took a lot of lymph glands from under my arm and sternum. Still bothers me now sometimes,the area is sensitive and feels numb.
Glad you are ok.

Just one more question if you dont mind. What is a pre op ?

It's a preoperation appointment. Usually around a week prior to your surgery. They'll check your height, weight , blood pressure, do routine bloods, sometimes swab for MRSA. You'll meet the surgeon of you haven't already who will get consent for the upcoming op and you'll get some leaflets on the surgery and dos and donts for post op.

Thankyou flouncy

Blimey Ledkr and Show you have both had so much more to cope with x

Went for my pre-op today and it was a real moment of reality talking through all of the details. I did ask about recovery because my consultant also said a couple of weeks but the nurse today said 4-6 weeks and will need to seen to be sure that I have healed prior to returning to work.
She was really lovely and talked me through everything which was really re-assuring.

Pre op for me too, bloods, same as Twinkletights re nurse v consultant recovery rate. Reassuring to be low risk for pressure sores and DVT's. Are we at same hospital??

Then had a little trip to M&S for a new dressing gown and to pluck up the courage for big pants. Whilst perusing the vast array of undies there was a really familiar voice in the next row, - Deirdre from Corrie, rather surreal moment! Ended up with midi's as they seemed massive and by this time felt I was going slightly mad.

Fitflopqueen I was also low risk for bedsores and dvt.
If your reference to Corrie is a hint then yes it sounds like we could well be in the same hospital

I haven't even thought about big pants do I need those?

Yes, I've called it worse led . It's not much fun is it?

I never bothered with big pants, but I did keep them mainly below my vertical scar. I'm not sure I could have suffered the indignity of armpit huggers.
I found the seam free ones, to reduce vpl,were the best as they didn't irritate my sore inner thighs. led they may help you. I couldn't tolerate knicker elastic around my groin. I had to buy several extra pairs of those. I still favour them now, almost 4 months later, as they are the most comfortable.

Next weekers - Don't forget some nice nighties in large sizes. Pyjamas are too constricting. I lived in leggings afterwards too.

What a coincidence if you are in the same hospital at the same time. Pm each other and see if it is