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Original poster

Hysterectomies - it's gotta be done but over here for hand holding PART 3

999 replies

LackaDAISYcal · 27/03/2014 13:26

New Thread...
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 or just need a bit of advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
LackaDAISYcal · 18/04/2014 18:42

Jane, I turned a corner at 10 days post op, but mine was only laparoscopic, so full abdominal must be much much worse (I can't remember how long it took me to be fully up and mobile after my last C Section). Hang in there; it will get better, but you have my utter empathy; this time last week I could barely walk and then by Tuesday I was out and about and enjoying the holidays.

My tummy button hurts this evening though, but I guess that is from all the bending. We are meant to be meeting friends at a local NT property tomorrow (my FiL is selling stuff at their Easter fayre); I think I may have to bow out and have a rest!

Just looking at elasticated waist trousers online. Is it possible to get some that don't look like an old lady should be wearing them?

OP posts:
ScarlettOHorror · 18/04/2014 19:56

waves

Hello, can anyone join in? I went to see the consultant yesterday for what I thought was my pre op to have two polyps removed. Turns out the polyps have abnormal cells and I have to have a hysterectomy. I really wasn't expecting that and am a bit floored by all this. I'm a cm and sorting out work will be a nightmare.

She said she is referring me to Liverpool women's hospital very quickly but I have not idea what the time scale will be. Where do I start with all this? My periods have always been a nightmare so at least that will be over.

Original poster
LackaDAISYcal · 18/04/2014 20:24

Hi Scarlet. My story is similar; had my polyp removed in late November and my hysterectomy was two weeks ago. I had the Christmas blip in the middle of that, then was held up by a further (pointless in hindsight) procedure and a postponed multi disciplinary team meeting, but when they decided I definitely needed the hysterectomy, it was within the month.

Gosh, being self employed must be hard; especially when your work will involve a lot of lifting of small children. If they do it laparoscopically, your recovery will be quicker, so I would push for that if possible if I were you. And though not the same op, a CM friend of mine had her ovaries and tubes removed laparoscopically and was back with her mindees within six weeks. I'm not sure what she arranged as a temporary measure though. I can ask?

OP posts:
Basketofchocolate · 18/04/2014 20:27

Hiya

Finally managed to find the thread again!

Had my 6 week sign off appointment this week. Was really quick and not really any info apart from - take it easy for a few months still but otherwise, all discharged.

Not sure what I was expecting but it was a quick appointment.

So, I'm all signed off. Still not ironing or vaccuuming but did try driving today :) Remembered what to do at least :)

All in all it seems to have been so easy, all things considered. So glad the op was booked so quickly so didn't have to think about it too much.

gingeme · 18/04/2014 20:42

Hi scarlet a fellow CM here. Yes it's a real pain not being given any kind of timeline but I have been keeping all my Mums updated since I asked for the op and they have all been really supportive and have stand by childcare on standby Grin

Hi basket. Really glad your doing well. You sound very positive about the whole experience Grin Grin

Daisy how are things with Dh ? Are your poo pains getting a bit less ? x

ScarlettOHorror · 18/04/2014 21:09

I think I've found temporary care for the kids I look after. Only one of the mums has been difficult, making me feel as if I'm doing it to inconvenience her :( it is difficult being self employed, I'm worried about money as I presume I won't get any kind of sick pay although husband is employed.

Also my own son has Aspergers and it's going to hard for him coping with everything being different with me for a while. So much to get my head round! Glad I've found you all.

Silly question - none of us drive and I have to get to a hospital over an hour away. Will it be madness to try to come home afterwards by bus or train? X

Thank you everyone and good luck.

notapizzaeater · 18/04/2014 21:15

Ooh Scarlett not sure if you'll be up to bus and train, taxi probably best.

notapizzaeater · 18/04/2014 21:15

Glad all signed off basket, dreading. The 6 weeks not driving ....

Jane777 · 18/04/2014 21:16

Hi all. I'm not sure what all these abbreviations are (initials) but I'm sure I'll pick it all up soon enough.

Been feeling a bit emosh today and had myself a little cry! Probably more out of frustration.

Mine was all really fast. I've been struggling with horrific periods for years and the back pain was unbearable. Nothing worked for me so I decided to see a private consultant through HCA. Within a month I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis and ademetreosus (or whatever it's called). A few weeks later I was in London Bridge Hospital having the whole lot removed. I chose my date so I had time to work myself up for it. I didn't give the aftermath a second thought to be honest. I was told to keep off the internet to avoid any horror stories.

I guess it's just gonna be a long ole journey ahead. I might try a little walk outside tomorrow. See if that helps. By the way, Happy Easter everyone :)

gingeme · 18/04/2014 21:26

Scarlett no you won't get any sick pay being self employed. Do you have any private health insurance ? You can get a bit back from there.
Oh Jane sounds like a bit of a whirlwind Sad how are you doing today? What I have learned from the lovely ladies here is to take it one day at a time Smile

Original poster
LackaDAISYcal · 18/04/2014 21:57

scarlett, yes to your question about coming home by bus...madness! My journey home was uncomfortable in the extreme and I yelled "Ow" after every pothole/lump; and we avoided all the speedbumps in the vicinity. The hospital will surely be able to arrange patient transport for you? If not, is there a friend or relative who would pick you up, or a taxi? Can't imagine a journey of over an hour; mine was 20 minutes and that was uncomfortable enough! I am such a wimp with pain; I'd ask the hospital for a morphine shot or tramadol or pessary for pain relief before embarking on that journey Confused

Also, do you pay NI contributions? If so you should be able to claim SSP I think? Or ESA. some information here

Hi basket Smile Glad things are looking good for you; it must be great to be back behind the wheel!!! I feel I can drive now and I hate the fact that I have to ask DH (who doesn't drink, at all, never, not no more) to go to the offy for me Blush

ginge, poo pain has been much better today; as have things with DH. I still feel there are things left unsaid that are hanging over us; but he has been really lovely today; bought me a little present and didn't whinge about the wine on the shopping list (he thinks I drink too much. I probably do, but him telling me Angry just makes me more determined)

OP posts:
Pasithea · 19/04/2014 01:08

I rode my horse three weeks after mine Shock

Basketofchocolate · 19/04/2014 10:05

Yes, am back at work, back behind the wheel, feeling like getting back into full exercise, but walking for a couple of hours still tires me out.

Also, now am signed off by Doc, now able to consider...ahem...Blush trying out the new equipment.

Doc & nurse stressed importance of lubrication.....! Never used before. Suggestions/recommendations of any, anyone?

Jane777 · 19/04/2014 11:32

Morning all

Ah Basket that's fantastic news for you. Glad you are doing so well. I can't wait for it to be my 6 week check up.

gingeme · 19/04/2014 11:40

wow pasethia !
basket so glad your doing so wellGrin good luck with ahem trying it all out Wink
Daisy how's it all going today ? Thanks

gingeme · 19/04/2014 15:36

A question may I ask? When you have the appt with your surgeon does he/she tell you what op your having or can you ask them ? I mean full abdominal, key hole, vaginal etc ? Or does it depend on how much they're removing and why ?

Jane777 · 19/04/2014 16:12

Hiya, I'm not 100% but my consultant / surgeon told me I was having an abdo and then going straight onto HRT. There wasn't really a discussion I was just told. Whether that was because I was having the whole lot out I'm not sure. What would you prefer?

marymoocow · 19/04/2014 16:31

I didn't get a choice either. He was interested in a previous scar and then wrote down abdominal on the consent form. I'm not too worried either way though.....I JUST WANT IT DONE AND OVER (maybe he detected that too Grin ).

winnybella · 19/04/2014 16:38

Gingeme- yes, I was told keyhole and removal of the lot by vagina. But your growth is quite big, yes? In that case it may be to large for vaginal removal and I think they can cut uterus in little pieces and remove by one of the incisions, but with growths they probably wouldn't do that, camcerous or not.

Ugh. I think I overdid it today, on my feet a lot, cooking etc. bladder still on semi- strike, all this straining cannot be good for the stitches.
Anyone else feels like their tummy is heavy? And I had those twinges and it all still feels quite sore.

winnybella · 19/04/2014 16:39

Have twinges not had, unfortunately.

Jane777 · 19/04/2014 16:47

Hi Winnie, I think I overdo it every day to be honest and I haven't even been out yet. I'm not doing household chores but I made myself lunch and find even cutting up my own food to be a strain on my tummy. I never realised how much we all take our tummy muscles for granted. I'm so tired but if I nap I know I won't sleep tonight :(

I've been really tearful these past 2 days. I feel I have so much anger and frustration inside me. Does anyone else feel like that or have I just turned into a raving lunatic

AnnieIncognito · 19/04/2014 17:16

Hi everyone. I posted on o e of these threads a little while ago but got lost with everyone's stories. I'm a little shaky at the moment so I thought I would try again.

Long story short, I was diagnosed with stage 1 uterine cancer on March 11th. Rather than further testing and treatment, I have opted for a hysterectomy. I went to the specialist because of heavy, painful periods and so I was already prepared that a hysterectomy may be necessary.

I'm not sure why, but the last few days have been really difficult. Cancer is weighing on my mind and making me more and more nervous about surgery.

Any tips or advice about how to prepare for surgery would be hugely appreciated.

gingeme · 19/04/2014 17:25

I don't have growths winny but endometriosis. I have already been told they will leave my overies though. I would prefer keyhole because of the recovery time if nothing else. I just wondered if you got the choice. It would seem not then Sad

gingeme · 19/04/2014 17:27

Hi Annie and welcome Grin I cannot offer any advice as I am not yet operated on but sure the other lovely post op ladies here can xx

notapizzaeater · 19/04/2014 17:44

I've not been given the choice, my growth is too big to come out any other way than abdo Sad.

My consultant (private) specialises in keyhole techniques so I was hopeful .......