Need comments and support for hysterectomy

Midwest4me · Jan 28, 2010

i had a tad(total abdominal hysterectomy) in 2002 and despite the horrendous hot flashes(which nothing helps, in my experience), have loved the fact that i don't have to endure the "monthly curse"!!!! best surgery to ever happen to me!

for the tad i had to have 6 weeks off work, had to take it easy the first few weeks back to work(i worked dialysis so did a lot of bending, lifting, etc). had no problems the entire 6 weeks but first day back to work had some spotting. i didn't believe the doctor's admonishment of "you will tire easily so take it easy"; i was mopping the kitchen floor a couple days after home from surgery and just that minimal activity kicked my butt! you must take things easy.make sure to check with the surgeon/md as to work restrictions. enjoy your time off! life only gets better now!

Limik · Jan 28, 2010

Hi supernatural. I had a hysterectomy about 3 years ago and I am so glad I did. A great support site on the web is Hystersisters. This forum has people in various stages of hysterectomy. I found it be be a great source of info and support both before and after my surgery. Good luck and I hope this helps!!!

Limik

shan4691 · Jan 28, 2010

I had a partial hysterectomy about 8 years ago when I was 30. I had mine done laproscopically. Along with the hysto I had my bladder tacked (I too had a prolasped bladder and uterus). Super fast recovery. I actually was back to work in 3 weeks, probably should have waited the other 3, but now more sick time and I needed the money. I have had NO regrets. It is sooooooooooo nice not worrying about starting your period on vacation!

scoochy · Jan 28, 2010

I, like other nurses who have posted, had a TAH (kept 1/2 of one ovary) for uterine polyps. My recovery was difficult in the beginning, but as the weeks progressed, I improved. I went back to work in 8 weeks; it was tiring the first few weeks, but I got through it. I never experienced hot flashes (d/t having 1/2 ovary); I am now post-menopausal, which comes with a new set of changes, but that's OK. Not having to endure living with a low HCT, spending $$ on feminine products, ruining many pairs of underwear, and popping Motrin 7 days out of the month is the best!

I hope your life will improve after your procedure! You will feel so much better! TAH, TAH....LOL!!!

supernatural · Jan 28, 2010

Thanks, everyone I am feeling better about this. I read the other side of the IV and got a little apprehensive about pacu. My surgery is going to be an abdominal one.

I've never had a major surgery, except for a tvt but that was done as a lap. And a dnc and ablation that was vag. Again, being a patient is different than the nurse. I suspect this will also give me some insight to the other side as well.

I guess I'm working up a case of nerves for no reason. I've got 2wks before the surg.

DogWmn · Jan 28, 2010

I had a partial in 1974:uhoh3: left an ovary and up until I hit about 45ish didn't start the raging menopause:no:...you can pry my bioidentical hormones from my cold dead hands:D. It's been so long, it was done at a teaching hospital where I worked and when they came for rounds I looked at the Resident and said I DON'T THINK SOOOO get the lemmings outta here...LOL I went home on day 4, I was up and about quickly, but didn't go back to work for 6 weeks, too much lifting etc.

The relief from horrific pain (I would actually faint) and heavy painful periods was wonderful :). I don't regret it for one day!

wearingmanyhats, RN · Jan 28, 2010

I had a hyst 6 yrs ago (still have both ovaries) and I am ever so happy I did... I had fibroids so bad that I couldn't get thru a med pass without a trip to the "little girl's room"

I had a TAH -- had 3 c sections prior, and it wasn't much worse than that as far as the surgery went. I was restricted to activities for 8 weeks, but after about 2, was feeling pretty good.

I agree... abide by your MD's orders, and you should be fine...

Guest 360983 · Jan 28, 2010

My mom had a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy (sp?) about 5 years ago. I want to say it wasn't laproscopic, but she did come home that day. She took 6 weeks off work (respiratory therapist) but she said she was ready to go back after 4. She doesn't have the heavy lifting that nurses often do, though. The first few days were miserable, but she had good pain meds and we took care of everything (her sister even flew in to help). After the first week she was getting around, though a bit slower than normal. By the fourth week she seemed to be pretty much back to normal.

She said the surgery was more than worth it, and she wished she had done it sooner, if that makes you feel better!

wooh, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2010

Check out http://www.hystersisters.com for info from those that have "been there, done that."

Be very careful with lifting for a while after. I've seen some women come through like it was nothing, but it was almost a year before I really felt back to normal, and I think a lot of my back problems came from not having my ab muscles at their full strength when I was back to work.

jmtndl · Jan 28, 2010

I had a total lap hyst/ooph a year ago. I was off work for 2 weeks, then went back. Loved that PCA, and get someone to stay with you in the hospital! Take care...I was scared too but it was not bad!:)

Sonjailana · Jan 28, 2010

I'm sorry I scared you with my article (other side of IV). Good news is I'm 15 days post op and good as new..and even though that nurse may have been harsh with me, she did properly medicate me with dilaudid, phenergan, and morphine. So it'll be ok!