There’s no better feeling in the world than regaining control over your body. My periods were plainly debilitating, and lately they had become even life-threatening. I ended up in the emergency room two months in a row at the end of 07 and the second time my doctor just decided it was time to kiss my uterus of evil goodbye (and good riddance). There is so much more freedom in my life now than ever before and a lot more optimism and much less dread. If you are fully committed to knowing you will never have anymore children, and if you are prepared for the possibility of menopause (if the ovaries are taken too), it will be worth it.
How to have a hysterectomy
How I did it: I ended up in the ER after hemorrhaging and some major loss of blood. I got a blood transfusion there and it was discovered that I had some major issues inside of me.
- Discussion with ER OB/GYN
- Ultrasound
- In depth discussion with my personal OB/GYN
- Denial
- Acceptance
- Scheduled surgery
Lessons & tips:
- Do NOT wait until you are in the ER to discuss possible OB/GYN issues going on
- If you start having "odd" things going on with your period (odd for you), don't just discuss them with a general practitioner doctor, talk to an OB/GYN
- Make your doctor explain everything in detail
- If you have very long hair, donate it to Locks of Love - I donated 20" that would have been a real pain to take care of post op
- Get out of bed and walk at the hospital as soon as they say you can
- bring one or two of your own night gowns to the hospital - cut the shoulder straps and sew in Velcro so you can accommodate the IV tubes - you will feel nicer walking around without fearing your behind will be flashed from the hospital gown
- Take the pain meds as you need them, but remember, everything will start functioning better the sooner you are off of the narcotics
- Let people help you
- Don't over do it
- Take advantage of nap time
- If you are getting your ovaries taken out also, discuss in depth your hormone treatment options and even if you should have hormone treatment
- Quit smoking weeks before your surgery and don't start back up
- Start walking 10 to 20 minutes a day for two weeks before the surgery
- Keep a possitive attitude
Resources:
- from "about.com" http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/hysterectomy/a/hysterectomy.htm
- from the Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hysterectomy/my00163
People doing this are also doing these things:
Entries
I had a hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy
this was due to severe endometriosis and pelvic adhesions
while I am not pain free, my overall pain is greatly reduced and I no longer have to deal with periods that were quite honestly horrific for a couple of days every month
I have my 2 daughters and while I get sad from time to time that I’ll never have another baby I’m ok with my decision
I had other health issues that compounded my decision however, and I would advise any other woman my age (mid 30s) to think long and hard before taking this step
Mama Kelly
http://mamakellysmusings.blogspot.com
i had a hysterectomy last november…it was a speedy recovery due in part to my age (25) and my health. I had no alternative and I’m glad I had it done. I was really scared, I’d never had anything serious done like that before. I had a great doc and great drugs…lol…I feel like a new woman…some women say they feel less of a woman after the proceedure…I don’t, I’ve actually been taking better care of myself now and I embrace my body more.




