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Post by jana on Aug 26, 2003 9:46:18 GMT -5
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skt
New Hysterspotter
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by skt on Aug 26, 2003 10:57:00 GMT -5
Hi....I'm one of the newbie's hanging around. Just found your site today! I'm scheduled for a TAH 9/12/03....really not sure what to expect. I went to the Dr. on 8/5/03 w/multiple problems & was quickley scheduled for TAH. I have instructed the Dr. to leave my ovaries (if possible)...she has agreed. My pre-op testing is scheduled for 9/11/03 - what is this? Any info on what to expect would be grateful!
ST
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Post by jana on Aug 26, 2003 18:19:25 GMT -5
Hi! First of all welcome to the Hyster Spot! We are so glad to have you here! Your pre-op testing will probably include a visit with a nurse who will ask you 1005 questions...some of which you know why they are asking and some of which makes you wonder who thinks these questions up. lol. You may have an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), a chest X-ray, and you will have lab work. The lab work will probably consist of a pregnancy test(if applies), a type and crossmatch (in the rare circumstance you would need blood), and a complete blood count (CBC) to make sure that your red blood count is good and that your white blood count shows no infection or abnormalities. There may be other tests depending on your doctors wishes. You may see an anesthesiologist that day to take your history and look at your throat...this is usually the quick part of the appointment. I hope this helps and post anytime! It is so great to have you here at the Hyster Spot!!!! Jana
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Post by Francina on Aug 26, 2003 19:29:12 GMT -5
Welcome ST - we are so glad to have you join our little group.
Jana pretty much covered the pre-op question - the reason for the pre-op is just to ensure that you have no underlying health problems that might complicate your surgery.
How is the doctor doing your hysterectomy? I had a TAH - which is Total Abdomenal Hysterectomy - I kept my ovaries. Even though I have kept them, there is a chance that your ovaries will 'go to sleep' for a short spell after your surgery - this does not happen to everyone - mine did this and I had very few symptoms - an occassional hot flash was it - my ovaries are working again, and now I am doing awesome!
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you, ask any question at all - there is NOTHING you can't ask that we havent' already asked at one point or another.
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skt
New Hysterspotter
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by skt on Aug 27, 2003 9:18:01 GMT -5
Thanks ladies!
The Dr. is suppose to leave my ovaries (if possible). I hope my ovaries kick in - don't want to start menopause early (I'm 38). She said she won't know for sure until she gets in & takes a look. I have to have TAH because my fibroids are to big for TVH. Plus my uterus is enlarged way past my belly button. Also they think I have a "mass" in my abdomen and need to remove it & take a closer look. I am a little nervous but will never let my family know that I am. ( I am their rock in all situations!) Thanks! Sheila
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Post by Francina on Aug 27, 2003 15:24:11 GMT -5
((((Sheila)))) Isn't that the truth - we are always the rock in our families ;D - that is why there are sites like this to give you someone to lean on. We are all here for you - However, be sure that you take the time to heal after your surgery.
Prior to mine - I precooked meals - enough for 4 weeks - I stocked up on paper plates, napkins and had ALL laundry, bedding etc done the day before my surgery - BECAUSE we are not supposed to do any lifting for 6 weeks after surgery and this is absolutely important that you stick to that! You should also not stand to cook meals for any length of time for the first couple of weeks either. Make sure that you have anything you need to use on a regular basis at a reachable level - because reaching is also a big no no. I bought a long handled grab stick.
Also, Pillows are a girls best friend post op - I bought a couple of small pillows from Walmart for $5. each and sewed a pocket on them to stick a hothingyer bottle in - holding a pillow to your belly when you cough or sneeze will be a Godsend - and remember to stock up on anything you need because you will not be able to drive for 2-3 weeks post op - I couldn't drive for 4.
Hope these little tips are a help to you - and if you need to vent, have questions or concerns - please don't hesitate to ask - most of us have been where you are - and we will do our best to answer your questions. Please feel free to join us in chat - we are still in the process of getting it up and running on a regular basis - but it will be open most Mon, Thur, Fri and Saturday evenings.
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Post by jana on Aug 27, 2003 21:22:43 GMT -5
We are always here to help you so just post anything. I, with Francina's blessing am going to try to get a pre-op list together and post it here!
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Post by lillypad on Sept 25, 2003 23:12:02 GMT -5
Hi my name is lillypad (annie wilson) i ahve to have a hesterectomy on oct 27th . i hope that i can make new friends and i would like any advice that you have. i'm kind of nervous and scared about having it done. thanks lillypad
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Post by Francina on Sept 26, 2003 10:53:22 GMT -5
Welcome Lilly - we are here for you - As I mentioned in chat - the worst part of the entire hysterectomy is the waiting game - but make sure you prepare for your surgery.
Like I mentioned: - precooking and freezing meals, or having tv dinners in the freezer. -Making sure you have a lap pillow and lots of pillows to make yourself comfortable. -Dont do any lifting of anything that weighs more than a bag of frozen veggies -make sure you have some gas x and some stool softeners in the house -
Post op -no driving for at least 2 weeks - whatever doctor tells you -no bending to pick things up off the floor - they will wait -no sexual activities until the surgeon gives you clearance -no housework, no laundry for 6 weeks or til doctor gives you clearance
Even after your clearance for these things - make sure that you pace yourself and dont' over do it - it will take up to a year for your body to heal completely, but about 2-4 months before you start being able to feel normal again.
I will add as I think of things for you ;D Please feel free to ask any questions and we will do our best to answer.
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Post by jana on Sept 26, 2003 11:24:20 GMT -5
Everyone it seems gets nervous before surgery and it is natural. Make sure that your doctor answers all your questions and make sure to be in control of your own health care!!!!!!!! Jana
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Post by jana on Nov 19, 2003 11:04:04 GMT -5
We have had nore members join. Anyone pre-op? Can we help you with anything? Let us know and we will do what we can for you! Jana
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Gretchen
New Hysterspotter
Member
Posts: 4
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Post by Gretchen on Feb 5, 2004 0:30:37 GMT -5
Hi all, I am excited to find this site - Total Vaginal Hysterectomy (hopefully, but not sure) is scheduled for 2/12 - one week from today - trying to do everything I can to be prepared. I just printed the lists - thank you! I am a single mom with an 18 year old and 11 year old - as much as I hate to rely on them I think I need to have a sit down real quick to let them know what I will need from them. going to cosco this weekend to load up on food. Any special tips are welcome.
Getting scared - mainly of having to recover "alone".
Gretchen
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Post by Francina on Feb 5, 2004 2:39:47 GMT -5
Welcome Gretchen,
I know all to well that feeling of worry when you are alone. I have a 20 yr old son - I knew I wouldn't be able to count on him, and sure enough he went back to his girlfriends the day before I was to come home.
Being scared is a normal feeling. You must let your daughters know that they are not to let you do any lifting what so ever for at least 6 weeks - nothing over a 3lb bag of frozen veggies is what my doctor advised. You are not going to be able to cook for at least 2 - 3 weeks - for me I found it best to precook meals and freeze them. I made up huge pots of chili, cabbage rolls, meat loaf - precooked meats and froze them - etc so that I wasn't standing in teh kitchen for 1/2 hour doing the prep post op. I had all the items in my upstaird freezer to eliminate any need to use the stairs any more than required. I found that one of my most used investments was indeed the grabber - so that I didn't have to pick things up from teh floor. I purchased a case of water bottles so that I didnt' have to lift the water jug and had guests fill small water bottles with juices for the same reason.
Please dont' be afraid to ask questions - remember there is no question taht we haven't asked ourselves - from what do I do if my period starts pre op - to what is sex like post op - and all the questions in between. So don't be embarrassed to ask any questions.
Am off to read your other posts.
Glad to have you join us.
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Post by jana on Feb 6, 2004 22:07:34 GMT -5
Welcome to the Hyster Spot!!!!! We are glad to have you here. Francina has covered what I would have replied...so let us know if we can help with anything! Jana
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Post by jana on Feb 28, 2004 12:08:53 GMT -5
Has anyone heard from gretchen?
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