Hi, I just needed support and comments on having a partial hysterectomy. I have to have one done due to my uterus prolapsing and having a fibroid the size of a 12 wk pregnancy. I'm 38 and have a grown son, no other children were on the horizon of dreams. I know it has to be done and just going through RN school I know all the book knowledge about it.
I just wanted to have some input from other nurses who had this done and other nurses that specialize in this area, as to how personal life is afterward and how it will affect my job when I return back to work at the beginning. I know it takes 6wks to recover but those first few weeks how will I feel?
It is one thing to be the caregiver but now I'm going to see what it is going to be like on the other side of the bed.
I'm anticipating some bleeding after the surgery, hopefully not much. Although, I know it sounds silly but I felt a little sad buying that last pack. Again, how silly is that.
Don't be too sure. I'm 5w out and STILL have to use pads. ANd I had to buy a second pack. Good thing I kept some of my cloth ones, 'cause I am NOT buying a third!
Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.
Don't be too sure. I'm 5w out and STILL have to use pads. ANd I had to buy a second pack. Good thing I kept some of my cloth ones, 'cause I am NOT buying a third!
Hope you see a different situation.
Everyone's body responds differently after a TAH/BSO. So, if you do have to wear those "elephant' pads (as I used to call them), just think, it will, most probably, be the last box you will ever have to buy!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Make certain your husband waits on you hand and foot...hog the remote, put your feet up, and take time to heal!
Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.
I had a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (which include both ovaries removed also) at the age of 32 in 2002. I had Endometriosis really bad and I knew having kids naturally was not going to be part of my life so after having a Laproscopy done in 2001 and the Endo coming back worse I said "Heck no, I'm not going through this every year!" So, I had the TAH. I LOVED IT!!!!! Yes, that puts you into medical menopause by having both ovaries removed but I didn't care at this point. I was off work almost 2 months. Mind you I was a CNA at this time so needing a little extra time off was my preference since I know we have a heavy load of lifting and what have you at work. I loved having it done but my GYN didn't want me on Hormones yet because she wanted the body to heal first, so in the meantime I had monthly injections x 6 months of a med(can't recall the name) that is an abdominal injection (w/18Gauge needle...which at first hurt of course but after the 2nd one it's no biggie) that was a time released med that helped my body prepare itsself since there wasnt a uterus or ovaries anymore. Then after the 6 months I started on HRT (I'm on Estropipaite...Ogen). Some don't use HRT some do, I chose to since I was only 32 and wouldn't really be dealing with the actual menopause for at least 10 years. Plus I didn't want to find out how my body and mind would react if I was cut off completely of Estrogen and bark at a patient or staff....lol lol lol
It was a rough time at first until you're body finally figures out that you will not have a period again, so you still feel the monthly period symptoms for a while but that's normal. I'd be walking down the hall at work and people would be like " What is wrong with your face, why are you so red?" I'd say I'm having a hot flash it will pass, but then my sister in law told me about a product that I will swear by helps me completely with hotflasshes and irritability. It's Black Cohash. It's an herb and OTC. It may or may not work for ya but it works for me and others I've told about it. There are many brands out there but the only one I stick with is by Spring Valley called Black Cohash Menopause Complex, it's at Walmart in a mostly yellow box with 60 tabs. It comes with a day & night pill, day is for hot flashes & mood changes and night time is for occasional sleeplessness, hot flashes & night sweats. It's Estrogen Free and costs about $9.00 a box which is a month's supply. I swear by it. I've only found it at Walmarts no other store that I've gone to has it, not Target or CVS or Walgreen's. I buy several boxes at a time because at times Walmart may be out of them, so try it. It takes approx a few weeks before you may notice a change but it didn't take that long for me and I love it.
Make sure you take at least 1200 of Ca w/Vit D, a B12, Fish Oil, MVI at least everyday. Yes, it's an experience only others having been in Menopause or having had a hysterectomy can experience, your friends or family around you need to be slightly educated on how this whole life changing event will change things about you too. Those too young or males won't understand it. You have good and bad days because of the lack of Estrogen, I won't lie, no use paddin the truth. It's a hard thing at times because no one aroound you not in your situation may not get it until they go thru it so remind them it's the process you are going thru and to be patient with you too. I have a twin sister who just doesn't get it and we are very close. So that is difficult for me but my older sister had one and her & I know exactly how each other feels. At times you will cry for now reason, be depressed(if that happens be sure to speak to your Dr, you may need a Antidepressant...maybe not forever but maybe for a short time or atleast until you go thru the actual full menopause. I'm not trying to scare you but it's not a piece of cake either. Would I do it all over again.....................in a heart beat!!!!!!
I hope that helps some. If you have any other questions please fill free to email me anytime.
Also, 2 years ago I had a bilateral breast reduction and WOW, I can't tell you how awesome I feel!!!!! Not only no more back pain but no more back pain issues at work or anything!!!! Wish I would've done it 20 years ago. I'm even trying to get my twin to do it but she's not going for it yet. Plus, I would see these little old ladies with big breasts and felt bad for them cause you know it's gotta be painful, so heck no I didn't wait.
The key to that ladies......is Insurance will cover it because it usually is considered a medical issue. All you have to do is go visit your Dr. and state you're having back pain, you have divits in your shoulders to prove your straps dig into your shoulders and then they send in a referral to your insurance for authorization. I did the Dr. appt one week and 3 weeks later had the surgery. You MUST however do your research on a great Plastic Surgeon, don't assume all Plastic Surgeons can do great breast reductions and certainly do not go to one that isn't certified. Go consult with them, check references(usually online you can find info) and look at pictures of previous pt's. I was smart and lucky to find a great Dr. when I lived in Southern CA. I know that is off the subject of a hysterectomy but wanted to share that story also because a lot of women and RN's don't realize how wonderful a breast reduction can improve your life.
I had an abdominal hysterectomy, leaving behind one ovary, in 2002 due to endometriosis. I was in so much pain every month and my period was really heavy and painful.
I was really happy to get the surgery, recovery took 6 weeks. My remaining ovary did its best but after 5 years it got tired.
My menopause was horrible, not only did I get hot flashes but I also experienced severe depression and memory problems.
I went on Premarin, I call those little brown pills my happy pills. I don't care that they're not covered by insurance, I have quality of life :)
Hysterectomy and Premarin definitely on the list of best things I ever did for my body.
Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.
Yep, forgot.....no pun intended...lol but yes memory issues are part of the whole hysterectomy thing which bothered me a ton as a RN because I can't use the excuse of being in menopause..lol lol
I had a TAH done at age 21 and do not regret it one bit! The relief from the pain and bleeding (adenomyosis) was tremendous, allowed me to return to work and school after a depressingly long absense from both and get back to my life in general.
I second-third-fourth-etc everyone who mentioned Hystersisters. Great resource. And definitely, definitely take it easy for as long as your MD tells you to... I ended up with a lot of adhesions that had to be cleared out years later when they became painful. I know it seems hard to take the time off and lose the income, but it really is best to let your body heal.
And use a small pillow to press on your stomach every time you have to cough/sneeze! :) I remember my nurses actually gave me one (the hospital had some volunteer group that made them - heart shaped - so cute) and it was immensely helpful. Funny what you remember and what you don't! I hardly remember the hospital in general but I remember that pillow.
Good thing I kept some of my cloth ones, 'cause I am NOT buying a third!
cmonkey
613 Posts
Don't be too sure. I'm 5w out and STILL have to use pads. ANd I had to buy a second pack.
Good thing I kept some of my cloth ones, 'cause I am NOT buying a third!
Hope you see a different situation.