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Original poster

Anyone up for a new hysterectomy hand holding thread?

296 replies

Northlondonma · 07/01/2015 10:48

For those who are contemplating, have a date, had one and recovering?

I had mine keyhole with everything removed on Monday. Am 40. Would love to chat to people going through same thing.

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Original poster
Northlondonma · 02/02/2015 10:01

Hi all. Am off to see consultant tomorrow. My labia is still not healed and is still painful. I can only sit in reclined position (ie not directly on affected area) and it starts to throb if I am stood up for too long. This has taken me back weeks in terms of recovery as am not able to get up and about. I was feeling ok about the fact that this happened and that it was just a complication of surgery. Now I am pissed off. I don't see how it can dry out and heal where it is and have seen no improvement over the last couple of weeks. Arghhhhhh.
Anyone else's emotions all over the place too?
Feeling a tad sorry for myself today. Want to get out and about as sure this would make me feel better but don't feel up to it.

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cosmicboy · 02/02/2015 10:45

Wise words from Paris! I have a feeling my employer will be expecting me back after half term, fresh as a daisy and ready to work 5 days a week, mostly on my feet with a class of lovely but demanding 4/5 year olds! I tried a short, slow walk outside of the house yesterday and my god it was awful, I was out for less than 10 minutes and it wiped me out for the rest of the day. Made me realise how far I have to go Hmm
North, I'm so sorry to hear your still struggling so much, you must be so fed up. I really hope that your upcoming appointment is positive, you sound as though your really struggling, seems so unfair Hmm I can't recall but how long ago was your op?

Original poster
Northlondonma · 02/02/2015 13:36

Was four weeks ago today. Am getting very fed up. Will let you know how I get on. Hmm

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cosmicboy · 02/02/2015 18:04

I've finally stopped being a total baby and gone dressing free (mainly due to having no more of the waterproof hospital ones!) My wound seems to hurt more now, which I appreciate may just be me over thinking but my god, what on earth is the weird swollen, flappy worm of flesh just above it?!! Hmm

cosmicboy · 02/02/2015 18:05

Some brief internet research informs me that it is 'hysterectomy overhang' Lovely.

cosmicboy · 02/02/2015 19:41

Thinking of you north, hope today went well and that they can do something to help xx

fromparistoberlin73 · 02/02/2015 22:09

north i really really REALLY hope they get your lady bits sorted out tom

i remember the agony of epiosiotomy, must be 100 times worst

are you wearing no pants/long nighties and trying to let it dry out? tea tree oil and a squirty water bottle, lots of air?? not ideal in january

cosmic, take it easy! i was same did few sedate strolls to the post box and back with DS on his scooter, ah the memories

I am feeling OK, had my second post operative period (something you 2 wont have to endure anymore) and was in mega pain. back at work but really only leaving an hour earlier, getting a few looks they can fuck right off

even managed a night out saturday, not my best idea pleased its over and done with!

north keep us posted I think its unacceptable, hyster is bad enough without a mutilated labia

want to read you here tom with some of the good drugs and a healing plan

REST UP

fromparistoberlin73 · 02/02/2015 22:37

oh my post surgery BEST BUY EVER handheld dyson

so light, so good, I would advise to any cleanliness conscious woman having major surgery

i hate my henry now, too damm heavy

Thymeout · 03/02/2015 01:30

Paris - snap! I already had a hand-held Dyson, just used it for the car, but it really came into its own after surgery.

My instructions said hoovering OK after 4 weeks, (except carrying it upstairs), but I'm still using it now for spot cleans, or with a broom on laminates as an electric dust pan and brush.

Cosmic - sorry can't help with the overhang. Mine was a vertical incision and, frankly, looked a whole lot better before they took the tumour out, when it was tight as a drum, but at least symmetrical. But it's still changing, not as lop-sided as it used to be.

North - hope your consultant comes up with some good ideas about healing. I think there are specialist wound nurses who would probably know more about it than he does.

Original poster
Northlondonma · 03/02/2015 07:59

Thanks everyone. Appointment at 11am and am going to insist that something is done about it. Preferably today. Was up till 1am as it was throbbing and couldn't sleep with legs together. Swear it is getting worse not better. Will be getting more assertive with consultant today as what happened is not ok.

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Original poster
Northlondonma · 03/02/2015 14:08

Just back from consultant and back in bed with hot water bottle. It is ulcerated and he says it is healing but doesn't know long it will take to heal as he has never seen this before. He is calling a plastic surgeon consultant to see if the best thing would be to remove the skin and is calling me back. The reason it is now hurting more is that the nerve endings are now starting to work. He believes that the best route would be to leave it as it may heal quicker without any intervention and I have to alternate frozen ice pack, put anusol on it to stop the pain (?) and take paracetamol three times a day. I told him it is getting me so down as can't so anything and had a little weep. I truly wanted this sorted today but seems that I will be waiting for some time.
He has actually just called me back and plastic surgeon says it is hurting so much as the nerves are exposed but that this should heal by itself. Surgery is not off the table but we have to wait and see how it goes over next few weeks. Argh. Am so upset about this as I can't do anything. Can't sit, walk properly.
Good news is that the pathology is back on my womb and all endo was taken with the hysterectomy. My ovary was embedded in the uterus and was scarred with endo. So hopefully I will now see some improvement once my bloody ulcerated labia has healed!

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fromparistoberlin73 · 03/02/2015 14:43

oh north!!!! so cross for you

and paracetomol??? WTF. even if its healing you might need something a tad stronger than bloody paracetomol. If desperate get OTC Paramol but really they should give you this.

this too shall pass....so feel for you. How are the little ones? is your DH back at work?

cosmicboy · 03/02/2015 16:13

Great news about the endo but how rubbish, it's all totally overshadowed by how much your suffering, it's so unfair Hmm Do you feel as though they were taking you seriously today, I had big problems after I had ds and often felt dismissed. I really hope something is done to help you very very soon!
I also can't believe the paracetamol advice, although sadly I can relate, I was being offered it just after I came back from theatre, not a sniff of the morphine drip I'd anticipated! I'm not knocking it, it's great for a headache etc but sometimes you need a bit more relief!!

cosmicboy · 03/02/2015 16:13

And does the anusol help? I really hope so!

Original poster
Northlondonma · 03/02/2015 21:36

Hi ladies. Having ??????tonight as so fed up. Tried the anusol and will keep trying it for the next few days to see if it helps. Having a few moments of why me?!! But need to get over that. I also think I need to be more assertive with the consultant. He apologised again today but actually, that doesn't make the situation any better. We'll see what happens over the next week but I am loosing wages as only on half pay whilst off and extra nursery fees so that my son is there for an extra day a week as don't feel up to looking after him yet.
Some of my friends think I should tell the consultant this but how to approach?!!!

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Thymeout · 04/02/2015 09:07

Isn't there some local anaesthetic spray that can be prescribed - as with sore throats? I'm wincing even at the thought of applying an ointment. The problem with stronger painkillers is they make you muzzy. You need something topical for that particular area, not circulating around your entire system.

What's the arrangement with your consultant? Have you got a fixed appointment to see him again? Could you get back to his secretary and, yes, explain the financial situation re needing to pay for extra childcare on a lower income?

Flowers - much sympathy. You've been so unlucky!

fromparistoberlin73 · 04/02/2015 09:11

popping in fast

try this
www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1084.aspx?categoryid=68

or PALS. every hospital have one

there are robust processes to ensure you dont have to be put in the awkward position of complaining to the Consultant direct

I am not a born complainer but I really think you should say something

cosmicboy · 04/02/2015 10:27

I'm another who thinks you should something! Some good advice from both paris and thyme, something topical does sound more sensible, the final insult really is that you didn't come away yesterday with any decent advice about pain relief Hmm
I feel ok today, can I ask a very superficial question though? (Please tell me to get a grip north!) Can I shave yet?!

cosmicboy · 04/02/2015 10:28

That was meant to say 'should say something'

fromparistoberlin73 · 04/02/2015 12:58

shave what! your moustache, your hipster beard Grin

i have a few pubes coming out my scar, how very sexy !

cosmicboy · 04/02/2015 13:30

No moustache here and don't get me started on the hipster beard, my db lives in Hackney Grin Yes, I do believe I have hair dangerously close to my wound, which is why I asked. I'm no fan of the hollywood look but I'm not happy with my hairy mary!!!!

cosmicboy · 04/02/2015 21:17

See, I've lowered the tone and apparently killed what was a very lovely, supportive and informative thread.
When will I learn Grin

Original poster
Northlondonma · 04/02/2015 21:19

No cosmic!!! Did you not know that 70s beards are now all the rage?!!! That's what I have reliably informed my husband anyway......

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fromparistoberlin73 · 04/02/2015 21:22

Ha no thread killing cosmic ! In bed with hot water bottle . Tired ! As it was thus it ever shall be ! Muffs, labias. Loving gynaecological life !

cosmicboy · 04/02/2015 22:25

Phew. Let's face it hairy bits are the least of our problems at the moment Grin
Have you being over doing it paris? How are you north?

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