My weekend. Possibly TMI
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My weekend. Possibly TMI
My female issues have been acting up again. I had been bleeding for 3 weeks, despite the fact my GYN put me on a BC pill that doesn't have periods. Saturday night I began to bleed very heavily. DH took me to the ER. My blood count was 22 (should be about 38), so I was admitted. I had to have a blood transfusion (2 units) and they pumped me full of Premarin in hopes of stopping the bleeding. No such luck. My blood count the following morning was 23. They gave me another unit of blood. The heavy bleeding wouldn't stop so they did a D&C and found a polyp and a fibroid that had broken through the interior wall of my uterus. I have been advised by 3 doctors to schedule a hysterectomy within the next month or two. I almost can't wait! LOL!
Here's the major bummer.... We were supposed to leave today to travel to Virginia to spend Christmas with my parents. I sent all the DK's gifts to my parents 2 weeks ago. They will not have any gifts to open tomorrow.  I explained this to the kids. My DD, who is our challenge, took my hand, looked me right in the eye and said, "Mom, DON'T worry about the gifts. YOUR health is much more important!" Wow, I'm a proud mom. Both my kids are OK with it.
We have decided to wait a few days, and if I'm feeling up for it, we'll go to Virginia later this week. We'll still have Christmas, but it will be a little later than usual. We also don't want to miss the surprise 50th Anniversary party we planned for our parents. I'm hoping and praying I'll be well enough to go!
On the topic:
Has anyone else had a D&C?
Has anyone had a hysterectomy? I know there is a 6-8 week recovery period with no driving, lifting, etc.. but what about after that?
I'm so sorry, Trina! What a trial and what bad timing! I hope you feel better soon and that you can head to Virginia. You have great kids for being so understanding. I'm sure you're more disappointed than they are.
I don't have any experience to offer, but hopefully others will. Take care...
Trina, I've had both. The D & C - a couple days and you should bounce back. Other than some cramping and a small amount of bleeding, I felt pretty good after mine. Of course, you have the added issue of being given blood, what did they tell you about recovery, with that component?
The hysterectomy - well, it can be done laparoscopically or you could have an exploratory laparotomy - which is what I had due to all my issues (endo, fibroids, adenomysis), which is probably what they'd want you to have. It's a bikini cut, several inches horizontally.
The 6-8 week recovery period: I was told no driving for 6 weeks either, mainly due to the fact that you are not healed enough for your belly to withstand an impact. However, I started driving very short distances around week 3 and a little more around week 4, out of necessity (single mom! LOL) The quicker you get up and moving around after surgery, even though it's painful, the quicker you'll start to feel better. Honestly, having a hysterectomy was the best thing I ever did for myself! LOL
The one thing that *I* think will be your biggest consideration with the hysterectomy is whether they take your ovaries or not. And also to make sure the doc gets all the endo out of your abdominal cavity at the time of your surgery! VERY important! If you have to lose the ovaries too, it's not the end of the world! I lost one at 38, and the other at 39 when I had my hysterectomy. You've probably read and been told all the horror stories of HRT, but I swear, I've felt great since my hysterectomy, in that regard. I gave myself the Delestrogen injections every 3-4 weeks for 9 years or so, and then I decided to go on oral HRT. I'm still on it, feeling fine, and it's been 13 years since my hysterectomy.
I went through what you just went through - more than once. You get to a point where you just want to make the problem go away - which means telling your uterus to take a hike!
:-)
I'm so sorry you can't make it to VA for Christmas (and that your DK's gifts are there!!!), but honestly, barring any complications from your D&C, I'd think you'd be able to go in a few days, as long as YOU take it easy.
I hope your family pampers you right now - and I hope you feel much better soon.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
 I'm so happy I had a hysterectomy!!!!! It was 3 years or so ago, for fibroids and prolapse. It took me longer than 6 weeks to feel completely well again. (At right about 6 weeks I injured my knee, and that certainly had an adverse effect on my recovery.) However, I had been having fatigue for years, and over the several months following surgery, that particular heavy tiredness gradually went away. My gyno says the hysterectomy wouldn't have fixed the fatigue, but that's my experience.
You can drive after a few days or maybe a week. It's certainly not six weeks of no driving. Recovery is different for every one, but most women find that they get tired suddenly. Like, in the middle of folding a basket of laundry -- it's naptime! And it's not a steady progression. Just because you folded the towels yesterday, doesn't mean folding washclothes won't exhaust you tomorrow. I had some lightheadedness for a couple weeks and drinking lots of water helped control that.
Check out the Hystersisters web site. Lots of support and information. I highly recommend it!
Also scheduled surgery is such a controlled situation compared to the whole ER experience that you've just been through. (((Hugs)))
Tell your daughters that they have impressed mothers from coast to coast! I hope they get their presents soon.
Karen was writing the same time I was. I had a total vaginal hysterectomy TVH so there was no incision to heal and therefore I could drive sooner. Although I did have alot of interior stitching. My ob/gyn referred to this inner reconstruction, somewhat unfelicitously, as "tacking things up."
I asked that she leave the ovaries, which she did. I was in my late forties and I haven't done any hormone therapy.
What a couple of sweet kids you have there!! I'm totally impressed as well. Hope you get well soon and have that hysterectomy that you need, I know that you will be so glad to get your problems cleared up.
Oh what bad timing and horrible to go through anyway. I had a d&c. It was following a miscarriage though so I guess I had a lot on my mind. I think it's very minor though, more of a procedure than surgery. General anesthesia and no cutting or stiches and I think mild cramping/bleeding. good luck! I hope things get better for you soon!
Oh, {{{{{{{Trina}}}}}}}.
I had a vaginal hysterectomy, keeping the one ovary I had left, and recovery wasn't too bad. But, if getting rid of all endometrial tissue is a concern, I wouldn't think a vaginal approach is the best way to go.
A D&C, as Rayelle and Karen said, is no big deal, and you should be fully recovered in less than a week. I suspect, however, that a D&C would not solve all your problems. I had abdominal surgery back in the early 60s for a serious ovarian cyst, with a vertical incision from my belly button all the way down, and was out of work for 3 weeks, but then was pretty fine as long as I didn't push myself. The bikini incisions are much better and things should heal faster. As for driving, as someone above said, the main reason is that until you heal your abdominal wall is a risk if you have an accident and have the usual seat belt stuff. It would be good if you could keep at least one ovary, in terms of hormone issues, but as Karen points out from experience, there are ways to work things out if both ovaries have to go. The important thing is to solve your problems, including the endo tissue.
I agree, your kids are amazing. You can rightfully be very proud of them - but don't forget who raised them to be such great kids.
I had a exploratory laparotomy hysterectomy on July 7 of 2006. LOL That day ranks right up there with all of the best in my life, Marriage, children being born and hysterectomy.
I HAD to have it done exploratory laparotomy because I had a C Section with the girls. The uterus can fuse to the C section site during healing, so my OB/GYN went back in at my C site, he removed my old scar and made a new one, LOL.
I had mine done because of fibroids, severe cramping and stage 2 prolapse. Found out later that my Aunt Flo was fibromyalgia effected, thus the severe cramping/pain, figure that out in December 2006 after when I was DXed with fibro.
I agree with Karen on the "The one thing that *I* think will be your biggest consideration with the hysterectomy is whether they take your ovaries or not." I have my right ovary, he cleaned it up nice a pretty and left it and I haven't noticed any hormonal changes.
Oh and I agree on the kids... One of the best presents ever Mom...  Good job.
No experience with either but just wanted to say {{{HUGS}}} on the whole situation! Your children are just wonderful, too. I hope that everything works out for your Christmas and the anniversary party, too. {{HUGS}}
{{{HUGS}}} Kudos to your kids for being understanding.
Warm (((Hugs))), Trina!!! Hope you are feeling better soon.
I had a D&C in the ER during a miscarraige about 10 yrs ago. IT was unpleasant. The whole situation was unpleasant. And the healing time seemed to take about a week. I remember just laying around for a day or two. But can't remember is I was just sad or actually sore? Was too long ago.
My sister has had a partial hysterectomy. She had this about 10 yrs ago as well. She says she was miserable before it and is glad she had it done. She did have about a 6wk total recovery time.
I am so sorry this had to happen right now. However, it's better it happened while you were home, as opposed to when you were on the road or at your relatives!! (((Hugs))) Take care!
(((((hugs))))) I hope you are feeling better.
Thanks, everyone. Sorry it has taken me so long to check back in. I ended up back in the ER on Christmas Eve, so we never did make it down to Virginia. I am home now and dutifully following doctor's orders. I'm to rest and stay off my feet so that my blood count will build back up before we can schedule a hysterectomy.
Vicki, Eve and her family are doing well. They were just here the other day, and Bethany had a sleepover with Syd the other night.
{{{HUGS}}} Trina. I'm sorry you weren't able to go home for Christmas. I hope your hubby and kids can spoil you well, so you can build yourself up, for the surgery.
Trina, I am so sorry. I will be praying that all goes well with the surgery. I agree with Dawn, I hope your dh and kids will spoil you completely. Please, please don't indulge in guilt. You didn't do this on purpose - you didn't do it at all. It is just one of those very unfortunate things. The most important thing right now is for you to get healthy enough for the surgery and that the surgery solves your physical problems.
Oh Trina! I'm so sorry!! Did your parents end up coming up to you, or just sending the gifts back up? How long were you in the hospital this time?
I hope the surgery gets scheduled ASAP and that 2008 will thus be a better year! Take care!
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Trina. Take care of yourself!
My parents were supposed to come tomorrow so that we could finally open gifts together. They won't be coming to visit any time soon. My Dad just called. He had to take my Mom to the ER last night. She has pneumonia, and they found an ulcer in the back of her throat. I want to cry...
Oh Trina!!! I am SO sorry. :o( What an absolutely horrible holiday and last few weeks you've had! I'll definitely be praying for your family. Take care....
Oh dear! You have had a horrible, no good, very bad holiday. I'll be praying for you and your family as well. Can your dad maybe at least mail your kids gifts? Hugs!!
{{{{Trina}}}}
I am so sorry for everything you are going through.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
{{{HUGS}}} I'm sorry that your holiday has gotten so messed up! Will keep your family in my prayers.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
((((hugs))))
Trina, I'm so sorry that your holidays weren't what they should have been. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself! {{{Hugs}}}
THANK YOU, everyone! I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. I was in quite a dark cloud earlier, but have managed to clear my head of it. My kids are being absolutely wonderful and understanding through all this. Makes me proud, because obviously everything we have been teaching them is actually sinking in.
At this point I'm not sure when we will be able to open our gifts. I didn't mention it while on the phone with Dad, because he has other things on his mind. Gifts aren't important at this point. We'll work it out eventually. I suppose they could be mailed, but I don't want to burden my parents with that right now. Mike is toying with the idea of making a quick trip to VA, but he won't do that until I'm feeling better and able to hold down the home front on my own.
Life happens. We just need to make the best of what's thrown at us. I'm not an overly religious person, but do believe in God, and will put this in His hands.
((((Trina))) Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Trina, I havn't posted yet, but you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. You'll all get through this and life will be better.
Ame
Hi Trina,
I hope you and your mom get better soon!! I'll be praying for you and your family tonight...
{{{Trina}}}
Wow.... Health prayers for sure. This will surly be a Christmas you will remember for ever.. (((TRINA)))
Yow! I'm so sorry, Trina.
It's weird when you get hit with a time when troubles pile up. I noticed just today how good I'm feeling, and I wondered why. Then I remembered the family medical crises of the past year and realized -gosh- everybody is pretty okay right now. Nobody in the hospital. Nobody even in a cast! It was kind of like noticing the wind has died down after a storm. I know you're in the middle of the storm right now. I hope things calm down soon. I'm confident that you'll be feeling a lot better once you've had surgery. And your mother will improve as those antibiotics kick for her. (My 90 year old step-mom recovered from pneumonia a few months ago.)
My doctor called today with the pathology report from my D&C.
NO Cancer or pre-cancerous cells!
I literally cried tears of relief when I got off the phone. Thank you, God!
So happy for you! How's your mom? Things are looking up, eh?
Trina, that is so great... (((Trina)))
Woohoo! That is certainly good news. Is your mom feeling better yet?
I have no idea how I missed this post, but WOW, I am so sorry to read what you have been going through! Such good news today! Yippee!! Any idea when you might be having the surgery? Also glad to hear Eve and her family are doing well. I have no idea why she popped into my head lately!
Glad to hear your good news, Trina!! Hope things continue to go well for you. Hope your Mom is doing better, too.
Great news!!!!
You're going to feel great now! Feel Good Vibes to you!!!!
Great News!!
GREAT news, Trina! Now.........to schedule your hysterectomy!
How is your mom? When do you think you will get together with your parents?
Wonderful news Trina!
Just talked on the phone with my Mom today. Last week she couldn't talk, but now her voice is just a little hoarse. She's on antibiotics and feeling much better. She's going to see her doctor next week, and is hoping for a green light to travel. We'll see....
I went to see my GYN today. My blood count is up to 32. Still anemic, but much better than it was. We further discussed the pathology reports. On top of endo and fibroids, I also have Adenomyosis. Never heard of it, but apparently it's only cured by hysterectomy. I got my first shot of Lupron. I'm still supposed to take it easy and to be wary of my next period. Preferably, she wants me to be on Lupron for 2 mos. before surgery, but if I'm heavily bleeding before then I'm to go to the ER and we won't hold it off any longer. I just want to get this over with and back to a normal life!
I'm very proud of my kids! Both of them have been WONDERFUL and very understanding through all this. I got an e-mail from B's teacher. He said she shared our vacation events with the class, without too much detail. She said, "I don't care if or when I get to open my Christmas presents, as long as my Mom is OK." Sniff, sniff...
Sounds like your kids got the best Christmas present - for their mom to be better. I'm glad to see things are taking an upward swing for you and your mom.
Bethany is such a sweetie! You should be proud of her.
Great news about the test results. I hope both you and your mom continue to improve. I know the surgery will go well.
WTG..you should be so proud of DD!
Great news about the test results! What a relief that must be. You must be so proud of your dks. You've done a great job teaching them the important things in life!
Trina, I had all of the above, as in endo, fibroids and adenomyosis - the adenomyosis gave me a lot of uterine pain, I'm guessing you are going through that too. Adenomyosis is basically when the muscle wall of the uterus is invaded by tissue from the lining.
I have to say, I think that it's pretty much time for you to get rid of the parts that are causing you problems, pain, bleeding, and to feel bad. But you knew that. LOL
Good news about your mom, too. Keep us posted!
What a relief on your test results!! It's obvious you're raising two wonderful kids. I know that everything will work out just fine with the surgery, and you'll be doing so much better once you get rid of those girl parts!! LOL {{HUGS}}
That's great news, Trina. I'm glad your mom is feeling better, too.
(((Hugs))) Glad to hear some positive news! Keep us updated!!
{{{Hugs}}} By any chance do you cook with cast iron? Are you willing to? I was really Anemic when I was pg with ds and the doctor recomended that I start using cast iron. We switched to all cast iron and by the time I got pg with dd the new doc was wanting to know why my iron levels were so high.
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