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hysterectomy is creepy closer. I'm getting really nervous....

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Posted 9/25/2008 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ya'll,

 

Some of you know I'm having a laporoscopic hysterectomy on November 5th.  I'm getting really nervous about it.  I can't stop thinking about the risks, possible complications, etc.  What might happen after the surgery, my recover time.  All that stuff.

 

Has anyone had a hysterectomy while being treated for their lupus?  I need some encouragement, advice, etc on what I might expect. 

 

Thanks hugely!

 

Ginny

Posted 9/25/2008 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ginny,

I had a total hysterectomy while being treated for lupus. It wasn't by laporoscopy, though, so I have a nice 3 inch long scar to go along with my stretch marks. I was very nervous about it, but I came through it with a breeze. I was given antibiotics the morning of my surgery, and stayed in the hospital for three days. My recovery time was six weeks, which is the standard. You definately won't be able to do too much once you get home. No lifting or moving heavy objects, no vacuuming, and try to eat as much fiber as you can when you get home.

If I can remember anything else I'll let you know.
Posted 9/25/2008 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
((((((((((((( Ginny )))))))))))))) No experience here sis. Just wanted to encourage you by way of comparing the benefit of not losing all that blood every month. If I remember correctly, you have a really bad time with that. When you stop losing your iron and red blood cells, your body will get stronger. I can imagine the fear that would go with this . . . sending you a big hug, some hot tea, and . . . Blessings!
Posted 9/25/2008 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Ginny,

I had a hysterectomy a couple of years before my diagnosis. I had my uterus and both ovaries removed plus a urologist came in and lifted my bladder. It was not anything to be worried about, and I'm sure your rheumy is on top of things. Robin is right. Do take very good care of yourself for a few weeks after you get home. Do not lift anything, rest a lot, and you'll be fine.

I did have a surprise, however, that I hadn't anticipated. After a few weeks when my body had time to heal, I felt better than I had in years. Friends had told me that they felt so better afterwards and I told them that I didn't feel bad. Well, I didn't know I was feeling bad till after the surgery. I had gotten so used to feeling lousy that I attributed it to my age. Well, hello world! I felt like I was new and improved!

Good luck and don't worry. You'll be in our prayers Ginny,

Pat
Posted 9/25/2008 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Oh thanks you guys!

 

Your stories are encouraging. Maybe it's just my anxiety issues, or the fact that only a little over a year ago, I almost kicked the bucket and had a very traumatic hospital stay....

 

The fact that this is going to be laporoscopic is great. Just 3 small holes in my belly, and a couple of stitches where she'll remove my cervix.  I'm keeping my ovaries, but the fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix are gonzo.  So no major incision to worry about.  I'll be in the hospital for 3 or 4 days because they have to take me off my blood thinners for the surgery, then get me back on them and have a good INR before I'm released.  If I didn't have the blood thinners to deal with, I would be out the same day!!  Amazing eh!

 

I'm just really nervous about infection and throwing my quiet lupus into a flare.  I really hope my recovery doesn't take 6 weeks.  But if does, it does.  My mom is going to help me with house cleaning, groceries, laundry etc.  And hubby is going to do the same - well, what he can anyways.  He works 12 hours a day.  So I have good support around me.

 

My mom had a hysterectomy 30 years ago.  She also said that the operation was amazing and she felt so well after.  Like she had a new life!  I'm praying the same will happen for me!

 

Thanks again gals.  I needed a boost and you were here for me. 

 

Love you all!

Ginny

Posted 9/26/2008 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, Ginny I don't blame you for being nervous. Does your rheumy have you taking off predisone or taking extra before your surgery? Hopfully you have all those bases covered. I had a hysterectomy but it was before I got sick. I had a vaginal hysterectomy I had cervical cancer when I was 26. at 28 they went back and took my ovaries because they got cysts in them and caused problems. I also had my gallbladder out with a laperoscopy. yes the maricles of science. They will put air in your belly so they can get around your organs to get where they need to go. So gas pains may or may not be an issues. You need to try to walk but like the others said Don't do any lifting or vacuming or bedmaking even if you feel like it. I went back to work to weeks after my hysterectomy and felt great! Only to end up with serious enternal scaring. So when they took out my ovaries they found several places that had to be let just say put where they belonged. Any way that isn't a night mare scenerio I just want to remind you that it's NOT OK for you to do things simply because you feel up to it. Don't make me come out there LOL.
Hang in there you'll do great
love ya
carol
Posted 9/27/2008 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Carol, you always make me laugh!!  You're so funny....

 

Yeah, I wont' be doin' nothin' for a long time!!!  I warned hubby a few days ago and he just looked at me with the "deer in the headlights" stare.  Hahaha, it was pretty funny actually.  I'm going to get my mom and sister to help me with grocery shopping, housework, etc.  And if the house ends up looking like a total disaster - I don't care!  All I'm gonna be doing is celebrating the fact that I won't ever have my period again!!!  WOOT WOOT!!!  I'm already planning to send my massive quantities of tampons and pads in a care basket to my sister..... Mwa ha ha ha!! 

 

I will be put on extra prednisone I've been told.  Which BLOWS CHUNKS.  I just got myself down to 8mg this week. I haven't been this low in over a year!  So I know my Fibro will flare up as large as my bloated tummy.  I'm not impressed.  I am expecting my pain to be pretty bad just because of the extra pred reacting badly with my fibro.  They know to give me the heavy pain meds if needed.

I have also read that I might be pretty constipated after?  To make sure I have lots of fibre in my diet.  Is that right?  I'm a little afraid of having to push out a poop and blow some stitches open.  That's all I need.  Blood thinners and an open wound. I think I'll invest in some x-lax and prunes.

I have my pre-op visit next Wednesday. I'll get lots of advice and info from "Dr. Scott".  I'm feeling much more optimistic of the whole procedure. I think my anxiety disorder takes over and puts doubt and fear into my mind. 

Thanks Carol for your encouragement!  I promise to take it easy and do very little for quite a while. I have no work scheduled until next February. Hahaha.. That should do it!!  It better!!

Love you too! 

Posted 9/27/2008 5:57 AM (GMT 0)

Hi ya Ginny, of course everyone is different but it was the only time in my life that my bowels were regular! I diffinently understand the no more periods too. I remember my dr. telling me that the only bad things about the surgery would be that I would have no more periods and no more babies. I just sort of set there thinking Oh Gee that's too bad LOL.  I had already had my tubes tied so I had no plans for more babies anyway. I hope you are catching up on some rest

love ya

carol

Posted 9/27/2008 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ginny,

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Denise
Posted 9/27/2008 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Ginny,

My doctor increased my prednisone for my surgery as well, but by the time I was home from the hospital is was already being tapered down. The docs just do that to keep the immune system from overreacting to the surgery.

I agree, no more periods has been great!!!
Posted 9/27/2008 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
I had my hysterectomy when I was only 25 long before I found out about the lupus. They ended up taking one of my ovaries because I of problems but the remaining one worked great for 30 years.

You will be ok. It is that stress of the unknown or what if that makes some stuff a lot harder than it should be. You and your family are in my prayers.
Posted 9/28/2008 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
(((( Ginny )))) no experience here but wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers sis! hugs and love
Posted 9/29/2008 2:21 AM (GMT 0)

Robin, Hippirebel and Stacie,

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.  Yes, it's the unknown that has me scared.  I see the pre-op doctor on Wednesday and he'll be asking me all kinds of questions, blah, blah, blah!!  You know.  The usual.... I think there will be some pre-op tests to do too.  I'm sure one of them will be an internal exam and pap.  GREAT.....  I am feeling better about it all today. Not nearly as anxious. 

Posted 9/30/2008 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Ginny,
Please make sure you get your steroids before surgery! You DO NOT want an adrenal crisis! It's so important. You are in my prayers! Love, Judy
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