I have a very enlarged uterus (due to a fibroid) that is interfereing with my bladder functions - to be blunt, urine tends to back up, after a few days nothing comes out, and I have to cath myself.  For this reason, my doctors are (pending biopsy results) recommending a hysterectomy - abdominal, probably, and I'll keep my ovaries and cervix.  Any long- or short-term advice or recommendations?  My doctor says to expect about a four-week recovery time - is that about right?  Thanks!

about a four-week recovery time - is that about right?

Well, even without knowing your age or physical condition, I'd say that is considerably more optimistic than the norm. Of course, the key is to know what level of recovery he means will be completed by then.

Let me see if I can give you the recovery scoop in greater detail. With an abdominal hyst, you'll spend the first couple weeks working on basic mobility. In the next couple weeks, you'll work up to a little endurance. At the end of that time, you'll be able to do light housework (no lifting more than a coffee mug; no loading the dryer or vacuuming) or a short trip to the store, but not be able to return to even a sedentary job. Most of us nap daily up till about 6 weeks, and then still nap intermittantly for another month or so. After 6-8 weeks, you should have enough stamina to return to work (wiped out the first week) if your job isn't too physically demanding. By 3-4 months, you should be able to build back up to a more-than-walking fitness routine. It takes 6 months before a day goes by that you aren't reminded of your surgery. A full year later, you will have reached 100% of your recovery (not, please note, 100% of your previous state, but just as good as it will get--you may have, at least, some persistent incisional numbness/weirdness).

The thing about recovery is that the time it takes that abdominal incision to heal on the surface is really no big deal. The major task is all of the internal healing that must take place. It is easy to let boredom and impatience lead you into doing things that you can, at that moment, perform, only to realize a bit later that you are totally wiped out by them. And when you are stressing yourself that much, obviously, you are robbing yet more energy that you need to heal. So the key is to balance gradually pushing yourself to regain your stamina and strength while never quite going into an energy debt that slows your healing. And, done properly, it takes a good 6-8 weeks to lay that foundation.

In terms of other advice, I think you are doing a wise thing by keeping your ovaries. You should know that it is not uncommon for them to be so addled by the stresses/handling of surgery that they shut down hormone production for a time. If you experience menopausal symptoms post-op, many doctors will give you supplemental hormones to tide you over till they kick back in. It's a good thing to ask about this beforehand, since docs often forget to mention it and then don't understand when you get upset about it.

Let's see, what else? Most of us go into a nesting frenzy/brain shutdown beforehand due to anxiety about the surgery. After the waiting, the surgery is actually a relief. Get in the best possible physical condition you can beforehand, as that translates directly into better tolerance of the surgery and faster bounce-back afterwards. And above all, ask questions. Think them up, write them down, and take long lists to your appointments. And keep asking here--someone eventually comes along who can answer most anything or at least offer their sympathy and support if they can't.

Best of luck with your surgery, and good healing.

Take stretch pants with you to the hospital - you'll be a little bloated after surgery.  Get some stool softener and/or MILD laxative for the first week or two.  After surgery as soon as you can get up - walk, walk, walk if your doc lets you.

Regarding ovaries.  I had one removed due to tumor, other was left intact.  However, my "intact" ovary did not function and I went into early perimenopause at age 37.  The docs didn't believe that and I was left uncovered for osteoporosis for ten years until the docs felt I was 'old enough' for menopause.  

If you have signs/symptoms of perimenopause after surgery, I'd highly recommend that you get your hormone levels checked to see if they are declining.  If so, then HRT is definitely in order.

Six week recovery is really necessary.  Four weeks is wishful thinking, especially with an abdominal hysterectomy.  BTW, you CANNOT climb stairs after abdominal hysterectomy for awhile.  (Doc did not tell me that & I found it out the hard way.)

BTW, you CANNOT climb stairs after abdominal hysterectomy for awhile.  

Tip: Backing up a staircase uses different muscles and does not strain the operative site.

You have to hang on and be careful, but going slowly and with attention, you can do stairs if you need to. Obviously, running up and down all day will not be something to do in the first couple weeks, but this does allow you the haven of your usual bedroom for sleeping at night. If your house has stairs, it's a good idea to work out a day-place on the floor with bathroom, food and entertainment, other than your bedroom, to limit the stair use. As always, check with your doctor for specific permission/advice.

I had a TAH in '95 and a BSO in '97. With the TAH, I learned not to try to lie down to sleep when I got home from the hospital. It took me 3 weeks before I was able to sleep in my bed. I napped and spent nights in a recliner. That's the only way I could get comfortable enough to sleep. It was the same with my BSO  but I was expecting it. Another thing...don't drive before the doctor tells you it's safe. I didn't listen and paid for it! I was hard-headed and made a quick run to the store 3 days after I got home from the hospital. BIG MISTAKE! I paid for that one for days! Give yourself time to heal.....don't try to rush it. Let us know how you're doing..........~hugs~

My sister had her hysterectomy vaginally with some work on her bladder Tuesday.  Since they only kept her 23 hours, she is home with a cathetar.  She is very uncomfortable sitting.  She blames it on the cathetar, but I'm sure it is the surgery itself causing most of the discomfort.  Does anyone have any ideas on how to make sitting easier?  Are there any devices one can purchase to sit on?  Thanks.         ~Helen

I also have a fibroid and actually am scheduled to go in on the 28th for a radical hysterectomy.  They are taking my ovaries because of a family history and major difficulites with cysts etc..............  I was reading where somebody said that before hand you go into a nesting frenzy and loose your mind.  That is totally where I am at right now.  I think my husband is ready to remove these organs by hand.  At this point I don't want to be around me and that's pretty bad.  I have three boys and I'm wondering if I actually should write them a farewell letter just in case something happens.

BooBird.          i too had the hysterectomy and have recovered fine/ pretty much at least.I too have 3 sons, and they keep me moving. You will be fine BooBird. You just need to keep a positive attitude. SOmetimes it is hard, but you just keep trying. It works. I will say that I feel physically much better since the surgery. keep your chin up. When are you having surgery Let us know. We will be thinking of you. tale care and Peace Cabo

Cabo-You are sweet!!  I check into the hospital next Tuesday.  I am trying very hard to stay postiive and I have all the faith in the world in my Dr. and the Lord. I just keep getting these instanity moments.3 boys are awesome to have in your life and somebody once told me that there is a special place in heaven for the Mothers of 3 boys!!  Thanks for the support and good wishes.BooBird

BooBird you are in our thoughts as you get ready for your surgery on Tuesday.  Take care of yourself.  I hope by bringing this post to the top several PS ladies will add their good wishes for you.            ~Helen

BooBird,        It is monday night at about 11:10 and I am thinking of you and sending you warm wishes and blessings. I will think of you tom. and keep you in my thoughts. I remember being in the same place as you and also I remember waking up and feeling pretty good. Relieved, that it was all over and I was alright. I could see my 3 sons that night. That was good. I hope and know right now your probably  quietly sleeping. Let good thoughts pass your way. Take care, and may you wake up afterwards feeling happy its all over YEAH. Peace Cabo

I am wondering if you have symptoms after a hysterectomy and when those go away?

It sounds like hot flashes, night sweats, etc are common after surgical menopause.  I thought that surgical menopause would be considered postmenopausal and that there would be no symptoms.

I am trying to prepare myself for my hysterectomy in June.  I have endometrial hyperplasia    

I am having a total hysterectomy next Tues. June 18th.  I am a little anxious to say the least.  First of all I don't like surgery.  I really hate it when they put you to sleep and you don't know if you will wake up or not.  Secondly  my husband is worried I may be this gosh awful person afterwards.  He's been talking to other men whose wives who have been through this and say their wives acted like monsters afterwards.  I know he will be understanding, but I guess I am a little worried myself, since I tend to be an emotional person anyway. How long will it take me to be a normal person?  I keep reading all these posts of other people going through depression and anxiety.  This really has me concerned.  Any help out there?

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy with both ovaries, and cervix removed on May 28th and every day is better.  I was very scared! New doctor, new hospital and deal with anxiety to begin with.  Couldn't have gone better.  I don't remember a thing until I was in the elevator going up to my room.  Everyone was sooo nice.  I have a wonderful husband and sister who have helped tremendously and have decided to just rest (am very tired) and do a little walking each day (helps with gas).  The pain is diminishing and do not feel crabby, etc., just grateful it is over. My friend had the same a week before me and is relapsing from doing and going too much.  I practiced deep breathing and imagery (new mown grass, sitting on a beach, coffee smell) and this helped a lot.  Also tried very hard to accept the fear (acknowledged it) but not drag it into me.  You will be fine, you are on a journey to wellness.

Dear Amazin-I had my surgery on May 28th and things went very very well!!  I was also a bit nervous and I think that's to be expected.  Let Go and Let God!!  My Dr. started me on the patch during surgery and I have done great with it.  You change it once a week.....I've not had any hot flashes, mood swings or any negative signs.  I suggest doing as much walking as possible.  I started with a trip to the end of the driveway each day.......it helps more than you'll know.  2 weeks post-op seemed to be a turning point for me.  We actually just returned from a week at the beach which is always good for the soul.  I ALSO WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WISHES AND PRAYERS......I KNOW IT MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE.Love,Boo Bird

Thank you for the information on recovering from your hysterectomy.  It sounds like your hospital recovery, and getting around at home went well.  The patch sounds like an easy way to get your HRT.  Do you have trouble with it coming off?  Or coming loose before the end of the seven days?  

Great ??? about the patch.  What my Dr. said is the pharmacy automatically gives you the generic brand.  The generic brand does everything the patch was designed NOT TO!!  It does come off and is very large.  My Dr. requested that I be given the non generic and I've used it for 2 weeks with no problems.  Not sure if the patch or the pills are cheaper but since I'm not good about taking meds the patch is perfect for me.Good Luck.

I want to thank all of you for your recent postings, and words of hope and encouragement.  My friend said she felt so much better after her hysterectomy.  My surgery is June 28, so all of your positive experiences are helpful in reducing my anxiety about the surgery.  Especially since I had such a bad experience 2 yrs ago in the same hospital.    I would be interested in any tips you can give to help me while I am at the hospital.  

Skipneasy-My suggestions for your upcoming surgery on June 28th are the following.  First and foremost pray about this. As soon as I woke up in recovery I began thanking God for "his healing presence in me".  Second....use one of the hospitals blankets rolled up or a small pillow as a "splint" for your stomach.  It helps soooooo much when getting up, moving around in bed, sitting or even during the car ride home.  I am 3 weeks post op and I still sleep with my blanket on my stomach....the pressure seems to help.  3rd.......I would suggest you get moving as soon as the nurses say it's okay.  A short walk down the hall or to your bathroom as many times a day as you possibly can.  4th..use your pain pump if you need it but I was trying to be real aware of how much I pumped.  For instance....I needed it at night to help me sleep but not so much in the day. I just really hated the "foggy" feeling the drugs gave me. 5th.......after reading Fran Dreschers book I learned that you shouldn't be afraid to ask questions of the nurses and your Dr.  Nobody is going to look out for you more than you, so ask questions if your not sure about something.I promise you will feel 100% better......2 weeks post op is a big break through.My thoughts and prayers will be with you on the 28th!!!Goodluck and God Bless.....Boo Bird

I just had a partial hysterectomy two weeks ago.  My experience has been miraculous.  First the post surgery pain was nothing compared to what I had been going through so I felt like singing the day after surgery (Dr. removed 18 tumors, 12 were the size of golfballs).  I've been blessed with a minimum of pain and haven't needed pain killers since day six.  I could go up and down stairs by day three. and got the okay to drive today. I learned that agony doesn't necessarily go with this surgery.  However, my sister had had a very different experience and by the end of week two was just ready to walk by herself.  Those things that were common between out experiences were:  Gas ( I was unprepared for the discomfort).  while Dr. prescribed an extremely expensive medication while in the hospital, good old pepto-bismol worked best to relieve the painful bloat as well as the nausea from the meds.Loose clothes-  bring dresses with no waist band.  There was so much stuff going on in the area below my waist, pain, bloat, sore muscles- I couldn't even think of a waist band on any thing.Fatigue - While pain hasn't been an issue - I only have about an hours worth of standing/moving energy and then I', down fro two to three hours.  Dr. said three more weeks before I begin to see a real build up in stamina.Good luck on the 28th.  It gets better a day at a time.

Beth2 said,Loose clothes-  bring dresses with no waist band.  There was so much stuff going on in the area below my waist, pain, bloat, sore muscles- I couldn't even think of a waist band on any thing.

I agree on that. I have a denim dress with bottoms down the front and lived in it after my hysterectomy. Sometimes I would even take a nap in that dress. The bottoms in front made it easier to take on and off.

I had a radical hysterectomy a month ago tomorrow and have been doing really really well on the  HRT patch.  However........judging from the discussion on the live chat last night I am not the only one not sleeping.  What is up with this?  My Dr. gave me Ambien....I sleep a few hours with that but that's it.  I used to take Tylenol PM and it would knock me out......now it does the complete opposite.  IS ANYBODY ELSE NOT SLEEPING AFTER A HYSTERECTOMY????  Am I the only one watching the Discovery Channel all night long?  What is working for everyone else?  I need your help Ya' Ya's.

Dear BooBird,

I just had my complete hysterectomy one week ago.  I am also on the HRT patch.  I definitely know what you mean about not sleeping.  I have a really hard time going to sleep and have had some night sweats.  And then I have trouble going back to sleep.  I felt really good until today and then woke with headache and queasy stomach.  I guess I'm wondereing if the emotional roller coaster will level off.  Do you plan to stay on HRT?  I have some concern over a long time go of that.  I just turned 50 and don't really want to spend the next 5 or so years on hormones.  I go back to the doctor later in the week and I do want to discuss the effects of hormones.  I do plan to also discuss the sleeplessness.  Good luck with your recovery!  I'll let you know if anything works for me.

Amazin-I can honestly say that I haven't had any night sweats, hot flashes or whatever you call them my only issue is not sleeping!!  Some people on the live chat the other night suggested Calmz.....I guess you get it at the health store and it's all natural.Glad to hear things went well.......Good luck at the Dr.

Amazingrace;            I too have been on the Estradioal patch for 15 mos. I went off it a couple of mos ago. I have done fine off it, as I did on it. I however have noticed that since being off I lost 7lbs. A welcome gift! I too notice that my middle has really tapered itself. All I was doing and nothing  could make me lose the "middle" .However, I am researching now about some other forms of natural protection I know I must take. I like you do not want to be on HRT for a long time if I don't need it. So many things to think about. In spite of it all I am so happy I had my surgery and now feel so so much better than pre days.  Good luck to you and keep looking and Peace Cabo

Skipneasy,

I had a complete and emergency histo about 4 weeks ago now. Good luck to you on the your day this week.

Forget to take anythiing with a waistband. Use your pain pump. WALK! Get up and walk! Have someone with you, a coach, and walk just one step further on each trip. The sooner you walk the easier it is.

Allow yourself to be loved and to heal. And do you remember all the jokes you've heard about hospital food? Well, what can I say.  LOL

Best of luck!

Hi anyone!  I am new here..........go for abdominal hysterectomy on Sept. 30th/02, I have a "mass" on one of my ovaries.  I have been reading all of your advice and appreciate it!! Leadfootlily

Dear Leadfoot-I love the name!!Good luck with your surgery.  You will do great!!As previousily said my best advice is: #1. walk as soon as you possibly can.  I got up every time to go to the bathroom and walked the hall. #2. Use your pain pump if you need it. #3. Use a pillow, folded blanket etc...as a splint to lay across your tummy.  It helps when getting up or moving around in the bed. #4. Don't get discouraged in yourself.  The 2 week mark was a big step for me.Let us know how you do and remember that you are not alone in this.God Bless,Boo Bird

Thanks BooBird for your encouragement!!!  I really appreciate it.............. p.s.  what is a Pain Pump????Leadfootlily

Dear Leadfoot-The pain pump is an I.V. in your hand with your pain meds in it.  It's connected to a pump that's clipped to your bed where you can give yourself the medicine when needed.  It's all monitored so you cannot overdose.   I found that during the day I needed less because I was mostly sleeping.  I would give myself a dose after a walk to help take the edge off.  The Dr. will discuss with you what they prefer using for pain.  Hope that helps.If you have any other questions prior to your surgery and I can help don't hesitate to ask.Good luck,Boo Bird

Hi Leadfoot,

I wish you the very best on your surgery... I just had a complete hysterectomy on September 12th... I wanted to tell you about a wonderful website that is dedicated to hysterectomy... there are wonderful, supportive women to answer questions and help you... there is also a chat room... it is called...

***

I hope this okay to list this site inside power-surge.com... if this is breaking any rules, please forgive me.  It's just that ***  REALLY helped me and I know it will help you too.

Take good care and I wish you the very best.

Gracie

*** Board Moderator Note:  Website has been removed.  For more information, please contact the author or this post.

Dear gracie!  Thank you very much for any advice/help you can give me.................THE day is fast approaching!!!   I will definitely go check out that website you told me about.  Good luck with your recovery!

Hi!  This is Leadfootlily saying half an hour before what I thought was going to be a Laparoscopy/Hysterectomy I talked to my doctor and we agreed to just go with the Hysterectomy!!!  Not much time to think about it!  Absolutely NO REGRETS!!!!  I have had nooooooo pain from my incision and it is now day "21"!  I have (and do have) back pain, neck pain, shoulders, etc.  Will that ever end???  That pain pump was great but the morphine gave me terrible headaches!!  Stopped taking that on the 2nd night!  Thanks to the ladies that emailed me before my operation!

I highly recommend, Your Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal, & Hormone Replacement: What All Women Need to Know.

Also, read the transcript of the guest chat with its author, Elizabeth Plourde.  Excellent book. Excellent chat.

There's also a comprehensive article about hystererectomy in the reading room's newsletters. Look through the indices for the newsletters and you'll find the article.

Dearest