I’m sorry for the lack of posting over the last couple months. I have been struggling with a lot of pain and other issues, which finally drove me to the doctor about two weeks ago. I was left to find a new GYN since mine had left the area back in March/April.  I first went in to see his replacement, who I did not like one bit. She did a quick exam, said it was probably hormonal, ran no tests and sent me on my way with a progesterone prescription. The whole thing lasted less than 10 minutes. So, I took the medication, which then made matters much worse and add lots of intestinal issues (lost about 8 pounds in a week).
Through recommendations from friends, I made an appointment with another GYN. Before the appointment, they worked to stablize me (took me off the earlier prescribed medication and prescribed pain meds). I expanded on my history I already created for the first GYN. I had my entire history typed up from puberty on along with a paragraph with my opinion and had Michael type up a paragraph with his viewpoints and feelings. I went into this appointment last Monday loaded with information. The experience with this new doctor was the opposite I’ve had with any other (I’ve walked out of doctor’s offices with medications, birth control, anti-depressants and bandaids-more or less). He listened to everything I had to say. He read the history I typed up and noted my frustrations. He took me back for an ultrasound. He saw a few small ovarian cysts, but couldn’t really see anything else. He suspected Adenomyosis, which is a condition that affects the walls of the uterus. It cannot be seen, there are no diagnostic tests for it and it’s only treatment is removal of the uterus. He said we could continue to band-aid it or solve the problem. It was up to me whether to keep the ovaries or not. Since I’ve had ovarian issues for years, I felt those were also part of my pain. The decision was made that I would have a Supracervical Hysterectomy with Bilateral Oophorectomy (in English: remove uterus and both ovaries, leave cervix). I was able to get in for this on Wednesday (July 2nd). I am glad it happened so soon and that I did not have to wait weeks/months for this.
Surgery was close to the scheduled 10:30 start time. I guess I was in recovery by Noon. The doctors report was that I had endometriosis and adhesions (scar tissue). I am not sure of the severity, but apparently enough to cause great pain.
I have no idea what time I got wheeled to a “regular” room. I remember listening to the chatter around me that I was going to Pediatrics, which did not thrill me one bit. Send someone who just had her reproductive organs removed to an area with a bunch of screaming kids… I had complaints about the lack of courtesy by one of the surgery techs who took me to my room. She was rude and when I asked for my “belly pillow”, she dropped it onto my belly. Don’t take your bad day or dislike for your job out on me! I requested to be put on a list to be moved. I recinded that when I realized that there were actually more adults in Peds that children. The hospital was packed. The nurse to patient ratio is also better in that department, so I feel I got better care overall (except for 2nd shift). I had a couple great nurses!
I remained heavily medicated through Wednesday night. There was a concern that I was retaining fluids. i was given some Lasix to help that. It was not a concern for long! I had the catheter removed on Thursday. When I woke up Thursday morning, the lower back pain I’ve had for years was gone! This pain was always so severe where I could not lay on my back. Now all I have is just a dull ache, which is related to the surgery and should resolve over time.
I was released Friday morning (July 4th). It felt nice to get out. I thanked the doctor for understanding and listening to me and explained what I had been through over the years. This is one of his traits his referring patients like the best (in addition to his experience). I go in on Wednesday to have the staples removed. My incision (I cannot really see it, except for in the mirror) is probably between 10 and 12 inches long. YIKES! I cannot drive for two weeks, no lifting over 15 lbs and other strenuous activity for 6 weeks (the obvious activity included).
I have discomfort, which can be compared to my c-section, but not as painful. I’m moving around well. I started getting out of bed within an hour of the catheter’s removal. I’ve had some issues with nausea, which I found can be remedied by benedryl, minty gum and lemon shake-ups :). I walked over to the park for a bit to watch Evalynn and Elizabeth on the inflatable slides Friday afternoon. The ambulance assoication had the pork chop stand at the park up town Friday night and Saturday. I went up there for a bit Saturday afternoon…Just sat there with occasional walks to the portajohn. People are surprised how well I’m getting around. Quite honestly, I feel better after this than I did after my gallbladder was removed almost two years ago.
I’m getting lots of help and support. Michael and the kids are great! I’d like to thank everyone for their support!
