Conference vmszoo::medical

    I have been scheduled for a vaginal hysterectomy on May 20th.  I am
    concerned about this date due to the fact that around this time-frame,
    I'm due to start my monthly cycle. My cycle's aren't always
    predictable.  Sometimes, they are exactly 28 days apart, and sometimes
    they might be 21 days apart.    Is there a potential chance that the
    surgery would be canceled?   If so, then maybe I need to re-think the
    date that I'm scheduled to have surgery.
    
    Thanks,
    Sarah

    Have you checked this fact out with your doctor???  He might 
    just prescribe a birth control pill for the ensuing time period!
    (like the pun)  ;*)   

    Good luck and see if he can do a bladder suspension at the same
    time or else check to see if you need one.  My roommate back in
    1975 had the combo.

    justme

    Yes, as a matter of a fact, I just called and the nurse told me that
    she was pretty sure that it wasn't a problem.  However, she was going
    to check with the doctor and verify one way or the other.
    
    When we decided to do the hysterectomy, I did ask him about that and he
    said he didn't think it would be necessary.   He's done a laparoscopic
    procedure prior to this year, so maybe he knows from that procedure.
    
    Needless to say, I'm really nervous about it, but at the same time, I
    just want to get it over with.  The discomfort that I'm having every
    month, just isn't worth it anymore.   He told me that I would be out
    on STD for 4-6 weeks.  Can anyone give me some input as to how much
    discomfort I can look forward to after the surgery.  If I know before
    the fact, what type of discomfort I will be having, I think I can
    handle it better, because I will at least know (somewhat) what to 
    expect.
    
    Thanks,
    Sarah

    		Every individual is different, so to give you an idea of
    what to expect is difficult.  You will obviously have some edema
    (swelling) around your peri. area.  At first you should have some form
    of vaginal packing, etc.  The pain could be anything from a dull ache
    to ?, as I said, it varies from person to person.  But, you CAN expect
    discomfort.  Many factors can effect the duration and level of
    discomfort.  Age, physical condition, etc.  I am sure that your MD will
    prescribe some sort of pain med for you to take at home.  
    		I believe the initial main concern would be bleeding (in
    excess), acute pain and/or any type of urinary retention should also be
    observed for.  Let the MD know right away if you have any of the above,
    also any spike in temp, could be a first sign of infection.
    	        Hope this helps....
    
    				Bob 

    
       I wouldn't worry about that. When I had my hysterectomy I was
    bleeding quite heavily and nothing would stop it. He tried DC's and
    pills. I had too many fibroid tumors and they were breaking off and
    growing. He did the surgery fine. I also had a vaginal hysterectomy
    and it's great! NO stitches to be pulled. I was just very tired mostly.
    The pain after surgery wasn't bad, just took pain killers. Didn't
    over exert myself and took my vitamins and took care of myself after.
    
        So, if you are really worried, talk to your doctor. All concerns
    should be mentioned to the doctor for our own reassurance and what
    the doctor feels. Good luck!
     
        Rosie

    What I would also consider is taking a REAL LONG break from
    sexual intercourse!  How do porcupines make love???  VERY 
    carefully!  ;*)

    Most of the side-effects to a hysto in this manner will probably
    be related to heavy lifting, so don't do any.  Rest, relax, and
    get plenty of sleep.  It will take about 6 months for your body
    to recover from the loss of both the equipment and the drain you
    have been having on your body for toooooo long!  I was 31 years
    old when I had the happy face smile hysto.  Wish he had done a 
    bladder suspension then!  Oh well, I get to keep June Alyson in
    business now and again.

    justme....jacqui


    p.s.  You REALY will enjoy having the hysto.  Pamper yourself with
    	  frilly nities etc...  You will become more sexy!!!  

    In agreement with the last two replies...although every individual
    is different.  I found nothing to it, and I was 26 when I had mine
    done.  I was back to work in like 3 weeks, and at that time I was
    working in a place that had heavy lifting involved plus the factor
    of being on my feet for 8 hours a shift.  But, not to dampen your
    parade, it does depend on the individual as a friend of mine that
    had one was still whining around 5 months later about the pain ;)
    You just have to have the right attitude.
    
    Oh, and yes, frilly nighties are highly recommended. :)
    

    
    Well, attitude accounts for some of that but,
    really.  We all heal at our own rate...good
    attitude or not.
    
    

    Prior to the hysterectomy, I have been asked to donate 2 units of
    blood, just in case it's needed.   
    
    My appointment for the 1st unit is tomorrow, May 1st.  The second
    appointment May 6th.    I've noticed before (when I've donated blood
    to the Red Cross) that I am feeling very lethargic for a few days after
    giving blood.   
    
    Is there anything that I can do, to keep this from happening? I'm
    taking multivitamins with iron.   I'm taking potassium supplements (60
    meq/day) due to a chronic potassium loss problem that I have. I'm also
    trying to drink more fluids.  Are there any particular fluids which may
    be better than some.   When I set up the 1st appointment,  they told me
    that they would check my blood and determine if I need to take extra
    Iron.  
    
    Of course, I have the usual appointments prior to surgery.   I have an
    appointment with my primary physician, gynecologist and lab appointments
    for an EKG as well as blood work.   Then I have the appointment with
    the anesthesiologist.    I'm sure they will tell me what I need to
    know, I just wanted to be a little more pro-active and start doing the
    right things now.
    
    Thanks,
    Sarah

    
      My doctor mentioned that to me also, but he stated that I was 
    too enemic from the blood loss to give blood prior to surgery. So,
    I signed papers stating that it was okay to give me someone else's
    blood. I did say that I had to be dieing first before they'd give
    me the blood. Well, I was weak after the surgery, but they didn't
    give me the blood. He felt I would recover well without it. I took
    extra iron after that. 
    
       I'm not sure what extra's you should take prior to the giving of
    blood. but, what I see as good is getting all the info you can 
    prior to surgery and talking about it. I know that certainly helped
    me a lot!
    
        Rosie

    		The key, as you probably know, is the fluid replacement
    since that's essentially what you are losing is fluid.  Water, sports
    type drinks, milk, etc., are all good choices.  Juices, preferably real,
    not from concentrate as these tend to contain more sugar, are okay too.  
               Iron is essentail as well, but not too much as that can lead 
    to constipation.  All of your questions can/should be answered at your
    pre-op visits or just call them in advance.  Just the fact that you
    are inquiring is great!  Hope this helps....
    
    				Bob