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Posted 11/11/2008 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone!

 

I just read all of your wonderful and encouraging posts in my other thread.  Thank you everyone!

 

Stacie, I received your e-card, and I love it.  It's so perfect. Thank you so much for sending it to me!

 

I got home yesterday around supper time. I was sooooo incredibly bagged that I just went to bed.  Today has been lots of ups and downs.  Pain, fatigue, blah... You know!

 

The surgery went very well.  The surgeon said my uterus was "a sick organ".  It needed to come out.  The look, size, feel, etc of it was not normal.  No wonder I was suffering.  It's been sent out for a pathology report, and I'll get the results when I see my surgeon in 2 weeks.  I was at her office today to get my stitches out where the laparoscopic tools went in my belly.  They're healing beautifully!

 

You guys.  I feel different. I feel well.  I can tell that the "sick organ" was taken out.  I know that once I'm recovered, my life is going to be different in good ways!! I'm very encouraged blush

 

I can't drive for 2 weeks.  That sucks!  But it also forces me to just stay at home and rest.  I'm doing a lot of that, I promise! 

 

I'm going to log off now.  I feel the need to go to bed.  I'll touch base tomorrow.

 

Love to all,

Ginny

 

Posted 11/11/2008 2:29 AM (GMT 0)

Hey hey alright Ginny happy dancin for ya! yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so glad you are home and feeling better. I'm glad you can't drive too nono You have been told! sleep and when you aren't sleeping rest, and when you aren't resting be a bum! Carol's orders! I'm so glad you are home Thanks for taking the time out to let us know. We all love ya and have been praying for ya! I remember when I got my hysterectomy I asked them before hand how much it weighed. LOL I was hoping they would tell me a couple of lbs. Maybe even 5 would have made me happy. Sadly they said a few ounces. mad A woman can dream of a quick 5 lb weight lost can't she ?

love ya gal

take care

carol

Posted 11/11/2008 11:32 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Ginny,

so very glad that you are at home and getting many rest.   surgeries are hard, painful, and everything  hurts because of this one place.  So you will need your rest and sleep.  just so glad you are safe and at home.  Peace in my mind.  Have no idea why I worried so much about you.  but it is over now.  you are at home and I am at home.  you had a stroke so early in your life.  just got to take care of ourselves Ginny.  Just need to do this.  I forgot my aspirins.  kept them forget them.  and i think that the aspirin is a blood thinner, and I forgot it.  will not make that mistake again.

It is a good day this November 11, 2008

Hester

Posted 11/11/2008 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
(((((((( Ginny ))))))))) SO happy to hear from you sis!! I'm glad you are home and healing (well). Ha haaa. I hope you continue to do well. This is major surgery and it does require a long time for your body to recover . . . but it will be so nice for you to not have to deal with all the hemorrhaging and junk that goes with it. I promise you'll have more energy because your body won't be working so hard to replace all that blood! I'm just so glad you are safe and home!! Thanks for the update!! Blessings!
Posted 11/11/2008 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad you are home and feeling such instant relief. What a miracle! I hope your recovery continues to go well. Cheers,
Posted 11/11/2008 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Ginny, I am so relieved to hear that you are ok! I've been worried. Whew! I know that you are relieved to have that behind you. Take it easy and give your body plenty of time to recover. Love ya, Judy
Posted 11/12/2008 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
I see your on line, Ginny . . . how are you feeling this evening? Blessings!
Posted 11/12/2008 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Rosie and everyone!

 

I'm not doing too badly.  Still pretty sore where the tools went into my belly. I'm having some gas/constipation issues now too. For the laparoscopy they had to fill my abdomen with gas so they could see all my organs.  Needless to say, I'm a walking gas bag right now! LOL.  I can fart like no one else on earth!!  It's pretty funny actually.  The constipation - not so funny.  I have some stuff the pharmasist gave me and some suppositories. They're starting to work but it's slow.

 

The fatigue is strong, and my fibro isn't happy.  Back spasms are pretty bad.  Unfortunately, every pain med I've tried has given me awful side effects.  My surgeon prescribed Dilaudid (hydromorphine).  YUCK!  I was hallucinating and hearing voices, and my mouth tasted like skunk!  No joke!  Horrible stuff.  I went back to the Tramacet this afternoon.  The groggy/dizziness is awful.  I hope my pain will ease up on its own very soon.  On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being unbearable pain, I'm at a 1 or 2. Not bad at all.  Maybe plain old extra strength Tylenol is all I really need.

 

Still getting all the anesthetic out of my system too.  Does anyone know how long that takes to get rid of?  My mind is a jumble and my memory is the pits. 

 

Other than that, I'm doing well and healing great!  No bruising!! It's amazing!

 

Posted 11/12/2008 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hopefully the gas and the C will disappear at the same moment . . . I'm sending you some killer bran muffins!! When my mom had her hysterectomy she was told to only pooh when it fell out on its own . . . no pushing. Do you have the same order? Hers was a vaginal surgery. She got well really quickly and had to be careful about her restrictions only because it was doctor's orders . . .she said she felt really well, really fast . . . I hope your fibro settles down. *sigh* I bet you can't do hat baths either. Don't forget the power of a nice hot cup of water. Its amazing how that will sometimes work. A little lemon if you like!! (((((((( Ginny )))))))) I'm so glad you are ok. Blessings!
Posted 11/12/2008 10:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ginny. It's good to hear you're out of the hospital and it sounds like the much needed surgery went well. Those pain meds are a mess aren't they? Skunk mouth...LOL! Ya wonder how those critters get in!  I hope you're taking everyone's advice and you're resting constantly, except to kick the skunks out. smilewinkgrin   Love, Butterflake
Posted 11/12/2008 1:34 PM (GMT 0)

It is good to hear from you Ginny.  I was so worried.  but now you are on the mend, and each day will be a better day than the one before.  Dilaudid.  I know some addicts who have a real dilaudid addiction.  Yet they still have the major side effects of this drug.  can's imagine to choose these side effects just get the drug.  I was surprised that they gave you Dilaudid.  Just never seen it as a medical treatment before.

But the best thing is that you are out of the hospital, and healing. 

Hester

Posted 11/13/2008 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so happy Ginny!  That's the way I felt. We get so used to the pain and heaviness even of the bad organ. I can't even see my scars, which is great. I hope you recover fast and feel better and better! It certainly simplifies life!

Posted 11/13/2008 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marji, Hester, Butterflake and Rosie!

 

Rosie, I NEED some wicked bran muffins or something!! I'm farting enough gas to light this place up if there's a spark.... It's all gas!!!! I need a poop in the worst way.  Sorry to be gross, but we all have been through this at one time or another!  The only thing that is helping is the supositories. I don't have orders to not "push", but it hurts like a son of a gun to do that anyway.

 

I feel quite well today.  I'm moving around more and feeling steadier on my feet.  It's taking a while for all that anesthetic to leave my system.

 

I haven't needed any pain meds since yesterday morning, so the "skunk mouth" is gone now.  Thank goodness. That Dilaudid was horrible stuff.

 

Anyway, just checking in.  I run out of steam pretty quick and I'd like to comment on more posts but I think I need a few more days to get my stamina up!

 

I'm praying and thinking of you all!

Ginny

 

Posted 11/13/2008 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry Ginny . . . poor motility is miserable eh? Are you walking around the house? Any walking or movement you are allowed to do, will help restore the motility of the colon and intestines. It gets stopped cold with the prep and surgery. The bowel has a rhythm that must be restored before things will run smoothly again. If you are "bulking up" on fiber, make sure you drink your water. The fiber absorbs liquid to do its thing and if you don't drink enough it will stop things up. I'm sure you already know that, but just in case . . . I'll be your mom, ok? Sounds like you are gradually getting your strength back. Yeah!! Good sign. Will watch for more updates. Thanks. Blessings!
Posted 11/13/2008 4:19 AM (GMT 0)

Good to hear you again Ginny.  But really do rest as much as you can.  And certainly I am not someone who could speak to this maybe, but we all know what happens when we do too much.  We have all been there too.  would not want you to get a flare on top of the surgery.  your body will tell you when it is time to rest.  Just listen to it, and it will help you.

I remember when I had vascular surgery in the bottom of my stomach and across the tops of my legs, and that was the worst pain that I have ever had.  took awhile to recover.  and I pushed too much too often.  Just didn't have all of you giving me the good advice that I needed.

I hope that tomorrow will be a better day than it was today.

hester

Posted 11/13/2008 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ginny, lovely to see, er, read you are back.
Constipation, not a prob with me AT all since they lopped bits out of my lower colon and I am exactly the complete opposite.
but do walk and rest, when people say rest they mean dont do too much physical stuff like say cooking, lifting, bending all that sort of stuff, but you have to really walk for the blood flow and for the constipation.
Prune juice works wonders, any of the juices do. Drink plenty too, cos if you get dehydrated the stool gets er, rock hard!!!
Water softens the stool and allows it to shift.
My sis who has probs this way cos of her parkinsons finds bread works and she drinks prune juice.
But gentle walking is an absolute must.
I was made walk with tubes everywhere on the day after my op, up and down the corridor with different people holding both my arms, one near my back and tubes and bags held any which way.
Funny in the hospital when you saw this scene of others "Oh WOW! you ARE doing GREAt, well done!" Small hospital and everyone encouraged each other.
So glad you ok ginny, I was thinking of you heaps so the water that divides us mustnt be so great after all.
Oh my neice was a staff nurse on the surgical ward when I had my op. Not many can say their neice powered their bum after surgery!!!

xxxxxGinny
Ann with the chihauhuas! Do you need a pic?! devil
Posted 11/15/2008 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ginny:

I'm so pleased to hear your surgery went well and that you're feeling so much better. I was unable to post as I was in the hospital while you were. So sorry for the late wishes to you.

Get plenty of rest and continue to take care of yourself.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 11/15/2008 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ginny! I am so happy to hear you are doing well! I knew you were so worried and apprehensive about the whole hysterectomy process, but, you did it! Way to go girl! Each day will get better and better. There may be occasional rough days but not many, OK? Try not to let that get you down. With your hormones going crazy, there is a lot for your body to adjust to right now.

Please make sure you get lots of rest, drink lots of water, and pamper yourself so much you actually become spoiled! You have earned your spoiled status!

Audrey
Posted 11/16/2008 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Uh oh !! Haven't seen Ginny in about 3 days Ginny . . . hoping you are still ok there. I know you have some really good support (hubby and mom and more) but we do worry about you!! Hoping that you have company and are visiting with friends etc. Blessings!
Posted 11/16/2008 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Rosie, you must have your ESP thing going.... I'm not doing well.  It's been in a downward spiral since Thursday.  I seem to be healing well.  No pain, infections with the incisions, etc.  But I feel like absolute poop.  Today has been terrible.  I think I was awake for a total of about 4 hours today. I don't have a fever, no vomiting, no sweats or chills, no kidney pain, no problem peeing or pooping, just plain old horrible "malaise" and no energy or strength.  I'm wondering if it's my Fibro flaring up HUGELY. My muscles are really sore in my neck and back.  But I'm not sure if it's Fibro or Lupus, or neither or both!

I also had one episode of bright red blood when I woke up this morning.  I was told to only worry if it soaks a pad in one hour.  This was just one episode that didn't even come close to soaking anything. Most of it was in the toilet bowl. I have no indications of any infections either.  My nose is a bit runny and has been for about 4 or 5 days now.  Hubby had the flu this past week too...... UGH. But I have a good appetite and actually ate a steak dinner tonight. I don't know what this is.  Whatever it is, it's NOT welcome tomorrow.  I haven't felt this terrible in I don't know how many years. It takes monumental energy to even walk to the bathroom. 

I'll be getting my lupus blood work done on Monday to rule out any infections. I'll be calling my surgeon and family doctor too. 

I could sure use some more prayers everyone. Feeling like this makes me very emotional and upset.  I really wanted this surgery to go without a hitch.  I'm only 10 days post op, and I have hitch number 1. I'm upset.  I feel so poorly.

Love you all, thanks for praying blush  ,

Ginny 

Posted 11/16/2008 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
Ginny, Your body is healing from a major trauma. Add to that . . . you where whipped when you went into surgery. Just all the anxiety will tax ALL your systems. This is your body's way of MAKING you rest!! Don't fight it . . . rest when your body tells you to. The neck thing may well be from the position they had you in for the surgery. They really try to get your neck in a good spot, but when they put the breathing tube in (after you go to sleep), you are likely to get a crick in your neck just from that. Try some shoulder roles. I'm glad you are going to have your blood work done, because it wil give you some peace of mind. I'm positive!! I also wonder if you were adding a bit too much activity too soon. We get to feeling better and its just hard holding us down!! Here is your hot tea sis!! Hold the nice warm cup and get those feet up!! I'm so glad to see you post!! Prayers are coming!! Blessings!
Posted 11/16/2008 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Ginny,

I'm so glad that this surgery is behind you. I too had more difficulty recovering from my hysterectomy than most, and mine was pre-lupus. It took me a good two weeks to start feeling normal and pain free, so give it time, Ginny. I was sent home with a catheter, and a week after going home I felt too bad to go to the doctor to have it removed. So I called a friend who's a nurse and she came over and took care of it for me.

So take Rosie's advise: rest, rest, rest. Take long hot baths, watch movies, and read. Let your body heal. With pre-existing health problems, your body needs even more TLC than the average person. This really is the time to pamper yourself.

I hope all your bloodwork comes out ok and that you're able to see your doctor. And just remember, you have that sick organ out of your body and eventually you'll feel better than you did before.

((((Hugs))))

Pat
Posted 11/16/2008 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
HI Rosie and Pat,

 

Yes, I needed rest.  I feel better today, but I know that I'm on the verge of another setback if I do too much.  I'm resting whenever I can. Thank you Rosie for your encouragement and good advice.  I'm still going to get my blood tested tomorrow.  Just in case.  But it's pretty clear that my Fibro is the culprit here.  As long as my lupus stays nice and quiet, I'm in good shape!

 

Pat, I already do feel better!  It's amazing.  I can tell that the organ is gone and overall, I have a much clearer head and more sparkle in my eyes (hubby's words).  I can't wait to see how I am in about 4 months!

 

Hope everyone has a nice Sunday. We have our first snowfall today.  Very pretty, but we're not quite ready for it yet! 

 

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