Hysterectomy???????????

[Lioness]

Doctor says I should have a Hysterectomy

I have gave this much thought and talked over with my fam... and I think I am going to go thru with it...

My question is... is there anyone out there that knows how this would, if at all, effect my LC woe? My Obgyn.. knows of this... and seems to be "cool" with it...

Any imput would be terrific... thanx

:wave:

[Iowagirl]

I doubt this would affect your lcing. I can't imagine how it would.

Surgery is always a scary thing. Good luck to you.

[tgill32177]

Is your surgery going to be a partial or complete Hyst?

Is it going to be daystay? (Some are I've heard)

The important thing to worry about is getting through this. Worry about LC after the surgery. Whatever weight you put on, if any, will be water weight.

I hope that everything goes smoothly and that you return to a picture of health !

Be blessed,
Tanya

[Lioness]

Not sure... of the details... I am starting a list to ask the dr... (I see him on the 18th).

Really I was dumbfounded when he told me that he thought I should have this operation... just wasn't expecting it... figured I would just be told... I would have to bear with the pain of the fibroids... and the crazy 3rd month TOM from HELL...

I have been complaining for YEARS about what the horrormoans are doing to me... but figured... it was just MY cross to bear...

This Dr... is a new one for me... he gave me a COMPLETE check over.. with indepth altra sounds, the dreaded pelvic exam.. and loads of blood work... I saw him 6 months ago... and he told me to come back.. in 6 months time... as he wanted to keep an eye on me...

So when I went to see him we talked about my issues again... and Blamo... I had no clue... he would tell me this... but on looking at things... talking to my Mother... and hubby... We can see that he is right... But doesn't stop it from being Scary..!!

I know I should not worry about my Lcing just now... and consentrate on my health... but it's just so hard to give up the efforts... after trying soooo hard for almost 6 months now...

I do plan to continue the LC WOE thru it all... just hope I can manage to let go of the worries about my weight... for now anyways...

Wish me luck... thanx :wave: Shell

[Iowagirl]

Do what you've got to do, girl. I think sometimes it helps to focus on certain things as they keep our minds off of others. Kind of a safety feature when things get too scary.

You just hang in there - let your family be there for you and know you are in our thoughts.

[tgill32177]

I bet you will come out of this fine.

My mom had her hyst at age 40 and she was totally relieved. I believe that she had fibroid and hypoplasia(????). She was clicking her heels after a few months. By the way she had a partial hyst. Her horrormoans as you call them returned 10 years later when menopause struck. ARGH! She is doing much better since Paxil entered the picture. Hee hee.

You will be in my prayers that this all goes well.

Be blessed,
Tanya

[Lioness]

I am turning 38 and have had 4 kids... the youngest being 8.. and had my tubes tied back then.. so in a way... I can say... I don't really need those parts and pieces any more... lol

I am assuming... I will need horrormoan replacements... but again... I'm not sure just yet... as I didn't ask any questions.. I was in shock...

I have a booklet that explains all the different types and procedures... so it's just a matter, now of asking the dr... all the right questions...

Your words of support are a great comfort... thanx again

Shell :wave:

[FionaMcB]

I had a hysterectomy when I was 41 for CA. My husband and I agree that it was the best thing that ever happened to us because of the rotten TOM's I would have.

Turns out it was the best thing, been cancer free for 11 years, and not having the tOM problems has been wonderful. I just grin when my friends relate all the problems they have with that and menopause.

Go to a good herbalist re: hormone replacement. They can do better for you than regular docs can.

Good luck, and if you have any questions, ask, ask, ask. :)

[ketodiva]

Five years ago I had a hysterectomy because of a 15 pound tumor. I wasn't doing LC then and my doctor had me eating protein and greens for a month before surgery because my anemia was so bad from the horrible periods.

I kept my cervix and was able to keep one of my ovaries, so I didn't start instant menopause. I feel great now and the LC WOE is perfect for rebuilding strength. Eat what they tell you to eat while in the hospital. The food is designed to make your bowels start working again. Once you're home, get back on track. You're going to find that you will have lost weight after the procedure.

Go to a site I found called Hystersisters.com. It is a forum, sort of like this, but it answered all of my questions and quieted all of my anxiety.

God bless you. Your life will only get better.

[Lioness]

Fiona.... Ketodiva... thanx ever so much for your encouraging words... it sure helps

Was to my Family Dr today... and he agree's with the OBGYN and the operation... He doesn't figure they will take out the ovaries... so I should'n't need the HRT... (fingers crossed)

He also is supportive with the WOL... so that is a plus..

I am so glad that both of you are feeling better and are Cancer free... that is awsome...!!!

Just a side note... I have been doing some research into "Caffine" as I have always been a HEAVY coffee drinker... and have recently found out... that "Caffine" depletes estrogin... YIKES..!!!

it also have a negative effect on metabolisom and on lean body mass... So I have since switched on ONLY DECAF... but plan to slowly elminate it from my diet....

Just thought I give a heads up...

:wave: Shell

[Debi Warne]

there is no reason for you to give up LC -- as a matter of fact I think it will help your recovery.

I had spine surgery in December and my doctor encouraged me to up my protein even more to help recovery. For the first few days I didn't feel like eating much, but I had chicken broth and then made some chicken broccoli soup -- yumm.

Staying low carb will keep you from going off plan and then having to start it back up -- with all the other things you will be going through you already know what to eat and how your body acts and reacts.

If they tell you to up your carbs, up them in veggies, plus that will also help constipation -- pain pills and anethesia can slow your body down and they may want you to take fiber -- the veggies will help that. I also got some benefiber, sugar free, tasteless that you can mix in food or drink and it also helped.

I was dismissed from my surgeon a month early because he said I had done so well and healed quicky.

I hope this encourages you -- good luck on your surgery and I know you are looking forward to feeling better.

Let us know how you do.

[Lioness]

for all your great tips and advice. Yes I plan on staying LC and so far haven't gotten any greif from my doctors...

If it is only day surgury... I won't have to worry about hospital food... but I'm not sure the how's and the whats just now... so I'll take it as it comes...

I will... for sure keep you all posted...

Shell

[cohenlin]

Lioness,
I also had Fibriods and had to have a hysterectomy. It was the best thing I ever did!!! I would have TOM always, never stopped and was really heavy! I had to spend the night in the hosptial, they said that I had to have a bowel movement before they would let me leave. If they leave your ovaires then you should not go in to menopause. Make sure you take it easy during you 6 week recovery. I felt great after surgery, no pain at all. I actually had to ask the DR if he did anything. But I tried to go shopping after 3 weeks, bad move, I was so tried I almost did not make it home. Let your family take care of you for the 6 weeks that you will be laid up. I did gain weight, but that was only because I could not exercise. A few pounds weight gain is worth taking the time to get better. Good luck!!! If you have any questions for me, let me know. Maybe I can ease you mind on the surgery.

[Karsuepas]

Hi Shell,

I too had a hysterectomy when I was 40. I had everything taken out and really do feel so much better. The first 6 weeks were tough without the HRT. After that I felt so much better and you will too! I do not take the HRT because of all the stuff they have been finding out about it. I don't think your woe will make a difference but if I were you I would just concentrate on feeling well whatever it takes and do have your family take care of you.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Karen

[Lioness]

Wow... the support and advice you and all before you... have given Is AWSOME.... I just can't say thank you ... enough :heart:

I hope the 6 wk recovery... goes well and goes by fast... difficult here... as my hubby works out of town... A LOT... and I have 4 kids... Also no other family around... we moved away several years ago... the kids are aged... 17,14, 11 and 8... so hopefully they will be of some help ... and don't demand tooo much from me... I have spoken with the eldest two... and given them the "heads up" that I will really be needing them to help and understand... It should be all ok... but again... I just hope it goes by fast... ;)

Was just talking to my mom... and she said... that her ovaries are full of cysts... and that my G mother... had to have her's removed as well... so know I don't know... about me... but I will discuss this with the dr... and see what he thinks...

So really it's all just guess and speculation at this point... but I'm glad to have alot of info and imput... so I can go to the Dr's next week armed with a kazillion questions.... LOL

Well once again... thanx all... :wave: ttfn Shell

[cs_carver]

Watched a girlfriend suffer through every alternative treatment possible for fibroids before she finally had the big H. and after, she said, "WHY did I wait so long?!?" Her life is completely different now.

Thoughts: PLEASE don't schedule the surgery until you are completely over being in shock about it. One more month won't matter, but let your head prepare your body. Do you meditate? Tell your body what's coming, why it's a good idea, why this will be helpful. I try never to surprise my body with a knife attack, no matter how much I'm paying the person on the other end of the blade... This may be kinda goofy, but thank your body for 4 heathy children, easy(?) pregnancies, whatever.

When I have been able to prepare for elective surgery with this kind of routine, my doctor was amazed at how little bleeding there was. When I didn't, it took forever to recover.

Someone else might know, I can't remember--when do you have less bleeding, right before your TOM or right after? (This is real alternative medicine stuff, but it worked for me.) See if you can schedule your operation at whatever point works better.

Then: Does the 17 yo drive? Can s/he shop, reliably? Make your lists. Stock up. Do you have a freezer? Hit the food warehouses. You won't be driving for a bit (image the worst post-sit up pain you've ever had, and then needing to hit the brake pedal. Not.) Cook ahead if you can (for six people? ouch.) Can you (afford to) hire help?

Make sure you're long on absolutely EVERYTHING that won't go bad. Toilet paper. Shampoo. You know what you need.

Also--do you have lots of easy-to-wear clothes? Sweats, mostly. You won't be wanting a zipper for a while.

You mentioned talking to the oldest two; hoping you'll tell the younger ones the story, age-appropriate, as well? Really sad what kids will invent on their own.

LC will help recovery. Lots of protein, lower blood sugar. The high blood sugar of diabetes severely impedes wound healing, so you're ahead on that.

Oh yeah--I was a mess with the checkbook because of post-anaesthesia fog for about six weeks, and I was day-op and only had fentanyl. You might want to pre-pay bills if you're the money manager in the family.

Good luck.

[Lioness]

My operation has been booked for JULY 7 th....

I have to go next wed... the 25th... to do my pre op' stuff... and they will tell me all to prep... then expect after wards...

I am nervous... but am glad it's happening so fast... no time to dwell on the idea...

Thanx Cs carver... for your lovely post... I have taken into consideration... much of what you said... you gave me lots of info/tips... I didn't think about.... once again... thanx

And a Huge thank you.... to everyone that has help'd me through this with there posts and support...

a big round of Hugs for All of you.... :bhug:

:rheart: Shelley

[Karsuepas]

Keep us informed on how you are doing! Trust me you will feel so much better after this is all over.


Karen :wave:

[Lioness]

First I want to say thank you... and give big hugs to everyone that has posted... and given me so much support.... you all are GREAT... ((((((((((((((( karsuepas, cs_carver, iowagirl, tgill32177, fionamcb, ketodiva, debi warne, cohenlin )))))))))))))))))

I was to my pre op' apt.. yesterday... they did the usuall checking of my vitals... drew blood... ect... the nurse went over all the before and after stuff... so now I pretty much know what to expect...

I am still nervous... *guess that's to be expected*... but really just want to "get on with it"... I don't really like the wait.. It makes me anxious.. LOL

at any rate... I am going to use this time... to get ready... ie... get pj's...comfy cloths... get a hair cut... ect... and enjoy a few stroll's with hubby... as my walking will be limited for awhile...

I will keep everyone one posted...

You've all touched my :rheart: Shelley

[Iowagirl]

Hang in there, Lionness!

Do some nice things for yourself - get a manicure, buy yourself a new book - whatever says pampering to you!

We are thinking of you. :)

[Debi Warne]

Will be thinking of you during your surgery and recuperating. Do what the doctor says and don't overdue. Take care of you and you'll mend so much quicker.

When you feel like it let us know how you're doing.

Debi

[FionaMcB]

Shelley, my best advice as a nurse, and a woman who has gone through it, is to keep ahead of the pain with your pain meds. Don't wait until "it gets bad enough". And don't let anyone tell you that you "couldn't be having that much pain." I didn't need anything after the second day, but a lot of women do. All that said, this was the easiest of my 19 surgeries, and the rewards after recovery are wonderful.

[Karsuepas]

Hi Shell,

I agree with Fiona, do not wait for the pain to get bad take the pain meds. Everyone is different but in a couple of days I was fine and didn't need much of the pain meds.

You will feel much better afterwards, try to concentrate on that. Try not to be nervous...I know it is hard but you will be fine!

Please let us know how you are!

Best Wishes

Karen

[cohenlin]

Shelly, I will be thinking of you and wishing you a pain free recovery. Try and enjoy the 6 weeks of someone else taking care of you and just relax, relax. Catch up on all your reading and day time TV. Let us all know how you are doing as things go along.

[ketodiva]

Hey Shelley,

You're going to be fine. And you will be up walking the day after your surgery. They make you. If you had 4 children, then this is probably going to be a breeze. And think, no more periods.

Let me know how things are with you and know that you can contact me any time.

Lot's of love and God bless.

[SpecialK]

I just read thru this post and you've been given a lot of really good advice. Fiona is right on the money about keeping ahead of the pain. That's the key to staying comfortable. Had my 'H' at age 32 when I was in primo shape. Three weeks later I tried to walk around the block. I got about 3/4 of the way and was exhausted and in pain. Unfortunately I was alone (stubborn fool that I am) so I had to make it back by myself. Please, take it easy and let others do for you. I've already prayed for you and will continue to do so. Blessings, Karen :there:

[JuliaM]

Lioness:

I registered on this site so I could reply to this thread (but I am low carbing too... love it so far!)

I am 45 and had my complete hyst a year and half ago. Hystersisters.com was my LIFESAVER!! I learned sooo much and it was all invaluable. Especially about giving yourself lots of time to fully heal (you may feel strong, but will be healing internally for over six months!) It actually took me a year to finally get balanced on my HRT and to overcome some insomnia. There were some dark days, :cry: but the information on the HS website made me see that this was all normal. I now feel very good (:yay: :yay: :yay:) and I'm glad that I had the surgery.

I wish you all the best! Keep us posted!
Julia

[FionaMcB]

Shelley, all my internal flags go up at the mention of HRT's. For years I thought they were safe, but I'm beginning to change my mind. Especially with what Dr. Atkins had to say about them in his various books. You might want to read about them before you consider asking your doc. They seem to feel that Premarin, etc., are just fine, and they are not.

[chadpenn]

I am 28 years old. I had to have a hysterectomy in December of last year due to fibroids and something called adenamyosis. (compared to endometriosis) I had to be cut since my uterus was so enlarged. They were able to leave my ovaries, so I don't have to take HRT. I would have a TOM that would last 8 full days plus sometimes and I would literally use an entire box of tampons a day. VERY UNHEALTHY>>>> Honestly, this surgery was the BEST thing to EVER happen to me. The first 6 weeks were tough. I had a 1 year old and a 6 year old to deal with. (family helped me to survive that) You HAVE to take the full 6 weeks to recover. This surgery is the main reason they make you take 6 weeks. It really takes that long. However, after about the 5th week, you begin to feel like a new person. AND YOU ARE!!! I feel so much better... no horrible cramps that make me bundle up on the floor in pain... no more "floods". Wow, I didn't know life could be like this. This surgery is not easy, but it is well worth it. I promise you, that you will feel much better after having it, and anytime you need anyone to talk to just log in and this board will be glad to talk to you about it. You don't have to be L/C ing. I really wouldn't recommend the l/c diet until a few weeks after the surgery. But, that is just me. Please let us know after the surgery how you are doing. I promise you that you will be glad that you did this. Bless you! :)

[SpecialK]

I'm in agreement with Fiona on the subject of the HRT's. Had my hyster 10 years ago. Was on HRT's for 7 years. This is when I began to go down hill in every area. Finally ditched the med's and started taking supplements and using progesterone cream and feel MUCH better. I have my life back. I. too, am concerned about the 'safety' of the meds. I would suggest a lot of research and question alternative medicine practicioners. Ask health food store owners, chiropractors, registered nurses, etc.... Then make an informed decision if HRT's are recommended. Hang in there Shelley, we're all pulling for you. Karen

[Lioness]

You have all been so wonderful ... :bhug:

I value all your thoughts and information... it's a great sorce of comfort and help...

So far... it's my understanding that the dr.. is going to leave my ovary's in tact... he said the only reason he would take them.. is if he noticed anything during surgery that would warrent removal... but he didn't think that would be the case...

SO I am hoping that I won't have to worry about the HRT's..

at the moment I am trying to spend my remaining days... getting the house ready Ie.. catching up on the tidy and laundry ..etc... not sure why tho... LOL... the thought of my kids and hubby at the helm... and the work I will have to do after the 6 wks... to bring it back up to my level... is almost as scary as the operation itself.... :eek:

seriously though... I am doing my best to stay busy... so I don't get to nervous... I have one more thing to wait for... have to call tomorrow afternoon to find out the operation Time... on Monday... then I believe I have to arrive... 2 hours before...

This weekend I will spend my time doing things I will not be able to do post op.. (a long walk with hubby... going out shopping... playing with the kids... etc)...

can you tell I'm nervous... all my rambling on's... LOL... well guess that's a clue I best end for now...

Thanx once again... you have all been Great!!!

ttfn :wave: Shelley

[Karsuepas]

Good luck Shelly! I will be thinking of you on Monday. As soon as you are feeling up to it let us know how you are doing.

Karen

[Lioness]

hello all... I'm in the 7th week... and feeling good...

spent the last few weeks out of town visiting with Family... (kept me from getting into stuff... LOL... like house work ;) )

Go see Dr... on the 9th... so I should get the Green light to resume life as per norm again...

will keep you all posted... thanx for all your support

Lv Shelley

[Karsuepas]

Shelley,

So good to hear from you. Glad that youare feeling well. Stop by and see us again soon.

Karen