bratchild
Newbie
Reged: 09/10/03
Posts: 29
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HiFellow DB'ers,
I went and saw my OB/GYN on Friday, and, after having all the treatments tried over the course of a year, my doctor has told me that I will need to have a hysterectomy ASAP. He has given my husband and I three dates to choose from: March 23, March 25, or April 1st. I understand that this procedure needs to be done. I have asked my doctor a ton of questions about the hysterectomy, but, still, I would like to hear other womens' stories, women who have gone through this. And I have some questions: My doctor said my uterus (for several reasons) can't be removed vaginally, and must be done through the abdomen, he said he will have to make quite a large incision. The questions I have are: How big an incision do you think he is talking about? How long will I be laid up, REALLY? my doctor said six weeks, and I told him that I heal fast  after my children were born (4 vaginal deliveries, no meds) I was up and around right away;when I had my tubes tied, I did not need the pain meds they gave me- so I am wondering, why six weeks being laid up? My other questions: I know everyone is different, but, how much pain can I expect to be in? Are we talking "some discomfort" or "Major pain."? and my last question is, is there any change in a woman's sexual drive? I hope I have not offended anyone with all my questions. I just really would like to talk to other women who have had this done. I am nervous and a bit scared about having this done, obviously, and would kind of like to know what to expect. (I am 38.) I hope I posted this in the right place on the board. Thank you so much for listening!
Rhonda
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Brat
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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I had an abdominal hysterectomy. The scar is no larger than my c-section scar was (in fact they went right over the top of my c-section scar...about a 5" "smile" from hip to hip.) I was in the hospital only 2 days and they used staples to close the incision. The scar is minimal, but it will always look like somebody took fishing line and pulled it tight across my skin. Even 9 years after the surgery, I still have a swatch of skin about 1" above and below the incision that has lost all feeling. It's weird at first, but you get used to the numbness.
Honestly, my 2" long appendectomy hurt MUCH worse and the recovery was longer than the larger hysterectomy surgery.
The surgery itself takes about 45 minutes. You will have a small amount of vaginal bleeding (only because the cervix is also removed and they should be using dissolvable stiches in the vagina to close up the hole where the cervix was.) I had IM/IV pain meds for the first 24 hours and Percocet after that for a few days. It really wasn't too painful, considering. The worst pain I had was, strangely enough, in my lower back--which other women have said they felt as well with theirs. This pain subsided within a few days and I just passed it off as my guts readjusting.
It takes about 6 weeks before you can return to work and resume sexual relations with your husband. But sex, I found, was FAR more enjoyable AFTER the hysterectomy as there was no longer pain when I had intercourse. In addition, you are no longer bothered with a period.
Hysterectomy, for me (even at 25 when I had mine done due to cancer, fibroids and endometriosis) was the best thing that ever happened to my sex life.
It should be noted that I opted to keep my ovaries so I wouldn't need HRT. I'm 32 now and very happy with my decision.
If you have more questions, feel free to PM! Good luck.
It really is no worse than c-section recovery.
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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goddard3
Stranger
Reged: 02/11/04
Posts: 20
Loc: Southeast
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I had my hysterectomy done march of 2000 and those six weeks of recovery, I will not lie are tough, but once you hit that 7th week you feel like a new woman. It is by far the best thing I have ever had to do. I have a few other friends that had to have one and we refer to it as a club, an elite club. Just think of all the things you will not have to go through anymore. I dont know your history of problems bringing this on, mine were endometriosis on the inside of my uteris. I still have my ovaries so I still did ovulate, but over the years that has become less and less, and yes at times you will still have the PMS because if you still have your ovaries you still have hormones natually, but luckily I have never had to take hormones. I had to have my done vaginally, which Im told is a longer recovery and more painful than if they go through the belly button, my uterius was tilted back that there was no way my gynocologest could take it otherwise. I was in the hospital for 2 days, one day on a morphine pump, and that incision was the worst part, at least you wont have that to worry with. And that last lady that posted is right, it never feels the same there. My surgery this month is going on four years and I still have no feeling there. But I love the fact I had one. I had already had my two children so I didnt miss out on that part. Im just very thankful I took the adivse of my doctor and just had it done. PM if you want to and good luck. It will be fine and when recovery is over you will feel like a new woman. I promise. GOOD LUCK
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bratchild
Newbie
Reged: 09/10/03
Posts: 29
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Thank you nightshade and goddard3! I feel so much better now that I read your posts. Mine is being done because of endometriosis, as well. I do have a lot of cysts on my ovaries, as well, my doctor said he would not be taking those right now. I really appreciate both of your replies! (I wanted to reply to both posts, but it would only let me pick one-so much for my computer literacy!) But please know that I appreciate you both so much.
Rhonda
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Brat
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doglover82
Board Addict
Reged: 11/20/02
Posts: 328
Loc: Idaho, US
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I too had one a few years ago. Let me say it was the best thing I ever did. Before mine I had read horror stories and almost backed out. Thank God I didn't. My life has improved so much because of it and yes even my sex life. I don't remember having much pain but I did tire easily for quite a few weeks. I would feel great and try to do something I wasn't suppose to and become very tired. So allow yourself time to heal. Good luck!
doglover
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twinsane1051
Newbie
Reged: 02/08/04
Posts: 43
Loc: Da' U.P.
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Brat Child~
I actually just had an abdominal hyst in Dec. of 2003. I had to have everything removed due to endo etc. (33 yrs old)
I really thought going into it that I wouldn't have much pain. I too delivered vaginally with no meds and then had a twin delivery by c-section. SO in my mind, I thought the pain would be comparable to the c-section. I was wrong.
The best way I can describe the incision is if you laid a ball point pen on your lower abdomen. That is the length of my scar. The first 48 hours were terribly painful but after that, I was ok.
I did have additional pain obviously, but nothing like the pain within the first 48 hours.
I have had to do HRT and am still working on finding the right combination of meds. I have learned, at this point, estrogen is my friend. A couple of times, I forgot to take my estrogen, and by that evening I had a migraine!!
Really, like my doctor told me, after 2 weeks you will begin to feel much better. I actually slowed my healing time because of lifting and caring for my twins.
I obviously wasn't supposed to be lifting them, but the day I came home from the hospital (after talking my doctor into letting me go early) the twins were hit with that BAD flu bug. I wound up back in the hospital because I pulled some of my internal stitches. OUCH!! Not fun!
So my advice to you is to follow the doc's orders if you can. I explained to my doc that I am a mom first so I would do it again if I had to.
Just take it easy and listen to your body. You'll know when you need to lay down and rest.
And of course, you never have to see Aunt Flo again!!!
Good luck!
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Twincerely 
If I could walk on my hands, I'd have a big breasts and a small behind.....
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sigmund
Member
Reged: 07/29/03
Posts: 181
Loc: Vienna
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bratchild,
You are fortunate to have had children, so you won't have that issue to deal with. I had a total hysterectomy in 1999 for possible ovarian cancer due to a very large cyst so it had to be done through the abdomen. The anticipation was worse than the procedure and, I believe that docs tell you 6 weeks as the maximum recovery period.
In terms of dates, I suggest that you pick a date when you can be scheduled in the first surgeries of the day. The doc and support staff are less hassled and there aren't emergencies that could keep you waiting. It's about an hour from pre-op to being in your room. Since mine was total, the scar was about 4-5 inches; staples were used to hold the incision together. They provide a morhphine drip for any pain and get you walking ASAP. Was in hospital 4 days because of lab work re: malignancy. Finding out it was normal was the greatest moment of my life. They gave me 8 vicodan on leaving and being opiate naive, only used 2 halves. Be sure to have the staples taken out on time, b/c it can leave small holes if you wait longer.
You will likely be up and about in 2-3 weeks and back functioning normally within a month.
Best of luck. The anticipation is worse than the procedure
 
Take good care 
sigmund (anna22)
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how can you tell the Dreamer from the one who dreams the dream?
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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Just to clarify that this is a MAJOR SURGERY. It won't be a cakewalk after it is completed. I, too, got the morphine PCA pump (which I detest, but I was also on strong narcotics prior to and after my surgery for other pain issues, so I didn't get the best pain relief from the slow-drip PCA pump.) I actually got better relief from the Percocet I got afterward.
Anyway, once the initial pain is past, I believe you will be much happier not having to deal with the pain from endo and such. Endo made a sex life with my husband nearly impossible, and after the surgery we were again able to resume that part of our lives with much more pleasure.
Hopefully you won't have too much fear of the surgery. Getting it done is the hardest part!
Best of luck for a speedy recovery.
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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sigmund
Member
Reged: 07/29/03
Posts: 181
Loc: Vienna
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I wasn't writing as if it were a simple procedure done in a 23-hour stay...It is major surgery, but if the surgeon is efficient, the scar is minimal, the pain moderate at worst, and you must rest right after, for up to 2 weeks. However, it's 6 weeks would be max.
Some of the problems come until the incision heals completely internally. Therefore, it's best to be very careful about lifting anything like children, and to tolerate the feelings of the scar feeling like it's pulling.
It doesn't impact your sex life and there's very few after-affects.
Do try to schedule it in the morning, for the reasons stated in the last post and the fact that you're awaken to light 
sigmund
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how can you tell the Dreamer from the one who dreams the dream?
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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Sigmund,
Sorry if it appeared I was responding directly to your post as I wasn't, yours was just the last in line when I hit reply. I only meant the MAJOR SURGERY part as in expect pain--it isn't like getting a tooth pulled (hoping to clarify my own post from earlier.)
Sorry for any confusion.
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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Deedie
Board Addict
Reged: 05/29/02
Posts: 347
Loc: USA
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You are so right, it is major surgery. Most anything, I've been told, requiring anesthesia (getting knocked out) is major. Because of the complications that can occur. Anesthesia can cause a lot of problems, some people actually die from it , not the surgery. Making it a major procedure.
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Dee
Edited by Deedie (03/16/04 05:53 AM)
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TSOrocks
Newbie
Reged: 01/28/04
Posts: 41
Loc: Appalachian Foothills of North...
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Hi Bratchild
Wow, i have to wonder if me and "twinsane" aren't "twins".....I too had mine done in Dec 03, I am 34 now, but was 33 at the time.....anyway, it was alot easier than I expected. I had the morphine drip and percocets for about a week. The worst part for me was the gas. When you have abdominal surgery they "blow you up" inside with gas to be able to work better. Most of the time it doesn't all make it's way out when they're done. Laxatives were my best friend for about 4 days. The feeling of relief when you are able to "go" is outstanding. I'm a fast healer too, and I was up doing normal things within 2 days. I found this to help considerably: Wake up, get a cup of coffee and take 2 percocets and go back to bed for about an hour. (whether you go back to sleep or not doesn't really matter) but as soon as the percs kicked in I was able to get up, shower, etc and feel pretty good. Whatever you do, DON'T try to sit up or roll over too fast.....that'll hurt. I also felt much better in about 5 days, as soon as they took those darn staples out!! I was able to have sex in about 3-4 weeks, hurt just a little, but we took it easy. Now I have to agree, it is MUCH BETTER NOW THAN IT WAS BEFORE  no loss of sex drive here!! And of course - NO MORE PERIODS - YEAH!!! I am on estrogen patches, and the only thing I call a problem is I do get some hot flashes. (but I'm kinda hot all the time anyway)...but that's it. THE BEST THING I EVER DID!!!
Feel free to PM me if ya want!!
Take Care,
TSO
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sasi
Member
Reged: 03/12/04
Posts: 113
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I haven't had a hysterectomy but I will probalby have to have one in my lifetime. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and that I hope everything goes well and that once it is all said and done that you will feel better.
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mermaid72000
Member
Reged: 01/19/04
Posts: 125
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having this done was the best thing i ever did. no more pain no more periods. i dont recall alot of pain after the procedure, some discomfort but not bad. as far as sex life good as ever if not bettr!!
take care and good luck
carol
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bratchild
Newbie
Reged: 09/10/03
Posts: 29
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I wanted to let all of you know that march 25th is our surgery date. I had to wait for my Dr to contact insurance and see if they would cover it. Dr's office called me yesterday and let me know it was approved by insurance. I just finished reading everyone's posts this morning, and I don't want to leave anyone out, so thank you to: doglover82, twinsane1051, sigmund, nightshade, goddard3, Deedie, TSOrocks, sasi, and mermaid72000! I am sheduled the 18th ( is that tomorrow already?!) to have pre-op chest x-ray, ekg, and blood work. then the nurse told me that I will have my actual pre-op appointment on March 23, and I will have to have more bloodwork, she said, that they need to do right before I have the surgery. I asked her why they needed bloodwork right before, and she said that they just do. Dilemma, dilemma, do I tell the anethesiologist about the hydro I take for chronic pain, or should I keep quiet? I am wondering if the hydro will have any effect with the stuff they use to put me out. I mean, i take it for my back, but it has kind of eased this endo pain too, and my ob/gyn gave me bextra, which, in my opinion, is like taking nothing. Well, guess I will get ready for work. After talking wth all of you, I feel alot better about taking the time to have this done! Thanks for caring. The only thing now that bothers me is that I am kind of being harrassed at work, because I had to miss alot of work due to testing and dr. appts. I used up my 40 hrs vacation time, and I am like, as if I CHOSE to have a hysterectomy! you know, my supervisors attitude burns me up! Having a major surgery is enough to worry about, and now to be harassed at my place of employment, really upsets me. Well, I will get through it, thanks to all of you!!!!!!!!!
Rhonda
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Brat
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doglover82
Board Addict
Reged: 11/20/02
Posts: 328
Loc: Idaho, US
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Good luck on your surgery. Don't let the people at work worry you. You need to have this done. It isn't like you are taking a vacation. They should know it is serious if you used your vacation time for medical leave.
As for telling the anethesiologist about taking pain medication I would. A lot depends on how much you take. I didn't tell anyone when I had my neck surgery and I was very sorry. If you don't take too much it probably won't matter but I am a firm believer in telling the anethesiologist everything before surgery now.
Take care and keep us posted.
doglover
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mermaid72000
Member
Reged: 01/19/04
Posts: 125
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bratchild check your pm. you must tell the dr what meds you are on. not doing so under the knife could cause serious problems.
take care
carol
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PlyrLacy
Enthusiast
Reged: 12/29/01
Posts: 242
Loc: Mid-Atlantic, USA
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bratchild ... First, do tell the "sleep doc" that you are taking hydro. The medications they give you to sleep throughout the surgery react with the medications in your system. He will make the choice which to use based on your current system, including chemicals. This is very important. Besides, it's not unusual for an OB/GYN to prescribe hydrocodone to a patient before surgery since most patients, about 80%, first see the doc because they are in pain.
Thank you to everyone for the trip down memory lane. I had almost totally forgotten the minor things that I went thru during my surgery. WOW ... it's been 14 years. I had endometriosis and ovarian cysts. The doc only wanted to remove the uterus and cysts. That surgery went as planned. I felt better after 2 weeks.
Four months later I returned with problems, could not pee, back pain, strange feeling, and after exam the doc told me I had another growth the size of a 14 week pregnancy. Back to the hospital to remove the growth. It was a cantelope sized tumor on the right ovary. He left the ovary and took out the tumor. This time it took 3 weeks before I felt more like normal. The whole thing here was he wanted to keep the hormones active and leave the ovaries.
About 3 months after that I was back. More pain, swelling, leakage, you name it. And, back to the hospital. I had a huge tumor, ovary attached, and this time he removed tubes and ovaries. I thought he should have taken everything the first time, and I signed a consent to have it all removed the first time.
Over a period of 8 months I had 3 surgeries which resulted in ONE complete hysterectomy. The final surgery was the worst. Morphine drips were used the first 2 days for all 3 operations. Followed by Percocet. They inserted a bladder cath which stayed for 3 days each surgery. What a relief that was. No getting up for the bathroom. The most bothersome was that bowels are shut down temporarily and must slowly restart. So the gas from the surgery, and the gas from your system restarting adds to the pain of the surgery. After 3 operations mine did not want to work and an anema was in order. Ewww ... I just about wanted to do anything else! Oh yes, and about 4 hours after surgery 2 nurses came in the room, made me get out of bed, and literally held me up by both arms, making me walk down the hall. Ouchhhhh ... that was horrible.
They tried hormone replacement therapy, for a very short period of time, but HRT is contraindicated in patients with a history of migraines, so I was not a candidate for this. Today, all these years later I have lived hormone free with no complications.
This hysterectomy, as hard as it was, was the single best thing I have ever done. AS everyone mentioned before, you have no more monthlies, no more pain and no pain during sex, no more children (Yippee!), and a new freedom as a woman.
I wish you the best brat ... you will not be disappointed!
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"Lacy"
Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.
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tb1218
Member
Reged: 09/19/02
Posts: 171
Loc: indiana
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Hi Bratchild, I sent you a pm, hope you dont mind, wishing you all the best and Im sure you will do well and when you are all recovered you will be glad you went through with it. Keep us posted during your recovery as our thoughts will be with you next week.
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PamiX
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/01/03
Posts: 232
Loc: U.S.A.
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Hi bratchild.
I had a complete hysterectomy when I was only 20 (im now 42)
I too had endometriosis, and they did remove my ovierys
Back then I was in the hospital for almost 2 weeks getting demerol shots every 4 hours. And yes, 6 weeks is about the norm. The only drawl back was my age, I think they freaked out more then me! I was given high doses of estrogin..which made me sick. I stopped taking hormones pills about 16 years ago,. For some reason they dont agree with me??
I know its not good for me not to take them (I've tried every kind, and lower doses)but this is what I decided for myself. IM a raving B*&ch whenever I take them, no kidding!
About 2 years ago I had my DR write me a script for them, I thought since I was getting older...maybe I better start again. I turned into that evil little witch again! My poor husband hid for about 2 weeks, then I went off them again. I wont take them any longer.
Just putting in my experince.
OK, this was the only problems I had, (This was me, IM not saying you will experince this);
1) Went through my 20's in a deep depression about never having a baby (Man, it was rough!)
2) I had to have surgery AGAIN 2xs after that, both about 1-2 years apart. Ask your DR about this. I had to have massive scar tissue removed from the hysterctomy, it was wrapped around my intestins really bad. Everytime you have surgey you get more scar tissue, it never ends.
3)I will go through menapose the rest of my life.
IM used to it by now...waking up sweating my butt off, mood swings, ect...
You'll feel better once they get that endometriosis out of you. I think they gave me birth control back then for the pain.(Before the hystrec.)
Anyway, goodluck..and make sure you tell your DR what your taking. if you dont, most likely you'll be under medicated. JMO
Let us know what happens, and how your doing.
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PamiX
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/01/03
Posts: 232
Loc: U.S.A.
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Lacy,
Dang! I forgot about all that stuff. Pee bag, no pooping for a few weeks, the pain, always had to use a pillow when I coughed....LOL Wow, I don't miss those daze!
Only thing that was good was the demerol shots! LOL
(IM allrigc to morphine)
Take care
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PlyrLacy
Enthusiast
Reged: 12/29/01
Posts: 242
Loc: Mid-Atlantic, USA
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PamiX ... hahaha ... that's what I meant about memory lane! It was sooooo much fun!!
Then, to top off my fabulous feeling, I had instant menopause 3 days after surgery. I'm sitting quietly, after a pain shot, and BLAM-O, sweating like I had just run a 10K, hot then cold, grumpy, chills. OMG ... what a hoot. Felt that way for 24 hours and then it was gone. All at once. I have a new understanding for women in their 50's who go thru this in small spurts for years. Ewwwww....
Now, 14 years later I have night sweats, I'm totally soaked when sleeping. Wanted to blame that on the waterbed, but, NOOOO!!! hahaha
I still say it's the best thing I ever did!
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"Lacy"
Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.
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PamiX
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/01/03
Posts: 232
Loc: U.S.A.
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Lacy,
IM cracking up here. OMG I've gone through the samethings!
And yes, we have a waterbed too! LMAO
It could be below -0 out and I have the celing fan going and the windows open when I go to bed at night!
As far as sex, I could do without it. I really can. I tried those purple pills on tv, I cant rember the name of them, their suppose to help you, sex stuff, ya'know. didn't do squit for me. I start feeling bad for my husband, about a month later take a couple of hydros and a couple of glasses of wine and finish it off with some KY and IM ready to go LOL Poor guy. He knew before we got married, so he waits, and waits then begs like a little dog LMAO
Take care
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konagirl222
Newbie
Reged: 12/16/03
Posts: 34
Loc: Hawaii
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Good luck with the hysto!!!
I had mine when I was 44, finally could no longer stand the constant pain which lasted 3 weeks a month from the endometriosis. After 15 years of infertility I finally gave up the idea at this late age of having a baby and had to end the suffering (mine and my very compassionate husband). I had my ovaries removed too so it was an abdominal procedure. The surgeon made the 6 inch incision horizonically just above "the hair line", which 6 years later is virtually invisible. The area never did regain any feeling so that will be permanent.
Some advice: Keep that pillow handy!! For a few weeks after everytime you need to cough, sneeze, etc. it will feel so painful if you don't press the pillow against your abdomin for support(they forgot to mention this to me in the hospital, so I found out the hard way, actually the whole floor heard me scream with that first sneeze).
Surgical menopause they say is the worst. It hits you like a brick wall! It occurred for me about 10 days after the procedure. My GYN had immediately ordered a shot of estrogen after the procedure. By the time I saw him 2 weeks later I was ready to do anything for a script of Premarin. I tried the hormones for several months and they did control the symptoms. So if you are having your ovaries removed you may want to start ASAP to avoid any additional discomfort.
After 5-6 months postop I did have a dramatic decrease in sex drive.....went from "normal" to absolutly zero desire. I went back to my GYN and he added just a very small amount of testosteron and boy did that work!!! What most women don't know is that the ovaries do produce a little testosteron which gives us our sex drive. Mind you, the dosage is very small and you won't start growing a beard, have your voice lower, with just a small dose. It really does the trick!
I was able to return to work at 4 weeks postop, but had to careful lifting things for several months. All and all I wish I had done it sooner!
Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions. God luck!
KG
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justforu
Newbie
Reged: 01/08/04
Posts: 44
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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OH NO! Someone please tell me that she decided to tell the medical staff today that she was on hydro. I had a hysterectomy on Sept of 2001 and DID NOT tell the Med Staff and MAN O MAN WAS I SORRY. After I came out of surgery, they could NOT get my pain in control and didn't know why. I laid there and moaned and screamed from the pain. Nothing and I mean NOTHING was touching the pain. I had an abdomanal hysterectomy due to Cancer, ovarian cysts and endo. It is IMPERATIVE that she, or anyone going in for surgery for that matter, tell the nurses, doctor, and anesthesioligist that your taking pain meds. Trust me. They don't care what your taking and who care's if they do when it comes to your well being. When I was laying there in excutiating pain, the nurse in recovery was literally freaking out. She finally asked me if I was taking pain meds before surgery. I told her yes and litteraly 3 seconds later I had releif. From then on it was fine but my Dr told me that because I didn't tell them I was on the pain meds, that I almost ended up in ICU from all the pain meds the recovery nurse was giving me! (they were worried about me going into respetory distress) So please take it from me, it is very serious that you tell them at the hospital when you have surgery and I pray that this woman did. I just found this post today and it is her surgery day so I didnt get a chance to tell her but I see others have told her pretty much the same thing. I hope she listened I will pray for her recovery.
God Bless
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