A Hysterectomy of any sort is not the easiest procedure a woman could go through. It’s not only tough on the body but sometimes it’s even more critical on the mind. For those who don’t know what a hysterectomy is, it’s the removal of the uterus, cervix, tubes and sometimes ovaries. The procedure is usually common for those older into their forties. Unfortunately, some of us have to have it younger because of other health issues.
This past week Monday the 5th was my eviction date. I had a total laparoscopy hysterectomy but kept my ovaries. While I think being in my twenties will allow recovery to be faster and easier, it still was major surgery. I think the hardest part of the procedure was the anxiety of it -that and being on bed rest for a month-. I had been waiting for a doctor to take out my IUD for 8 years, but no one would touch my case because it had moved and grown into my uterus wall. I finally got an OBGYN that would do my surgery but the next problem we ran into was the birth control options. I couldn’t do another IUD because of the scar tissue, my insurance wouldn’t cover a tubal and I sure didn’t have 10 grand to do it, the pills or shots weren’t an option because they interact negativity with my other medicine.
So my options were to use the implant in my arm, practice abstinence (that wouldn’t last for long), or just be cautious. Neither my partner and I, need or desire any more children, so the thought of an accident just scared me even more. While I was panicking over that dilemma, I had another come to appear- the uterine fibroids. I have had fibroids since I had my first child at age 16. They continue to grow and cause all kinds of issues including- my period lasting over two weeks, severe back pain, and painful intercourse. Most of the time fibroids will die off, however, mine has only grown and multiplied. They can be surgically removed but re-growth is common.
My doctor and I had the prevention of uterus cancer talk. Once I had everything laid out in front of me, we had decided the hysterectomy would be best for the present and future of my health. It was a hard decision, but one made without a doubt. I briefly mentioned the emotional pain earlier- so; Once you have a hysterectomy, there is no turning back like tube tying is. You can never carry or have a baby again. You can reserve your eggs beforehand but that’s it.
Unfortunately, some people are blessed to have children before their surgery is needed, others not so much. My heart and soul go out to those who couldn’t have children. Even with having two little ones of my own, the thought of a vital organ being removed was very emotional.
The day of surgery I was an anxious mess. I had to be up and at the outpatient hospital at 5:30 am. I was tired from lack of sleep the night before, cranky because my partner couldn’t stay (work calls), and they wouldn’t allow me to have my blanket I brought from home while I was in the pre-op room. Two hours later, I finally got ready to go into surgery. The nurse came in and started the “relaxation” medicine through my iv. This was actually the anesthesia knock out substance. I remember being rolled back in a freezing cold room with bright lights and an extremely weird machine. I was barely awake when they got me to move onto the other surgical table. I could smell the iodine all over it. A little while later, I heard some voices. I opened my eyes and saw these two female nurses trying to get me to wake up. Apparently, my o2 states were way under, the machine was beeping annoyingly loud. They said something about my one lung being elevated or something. They got me to breathe in deeper, and the machine stopped.
They told me to sleep, that I was in recovery and will be in my room soon. Next thing I knew I was in my room. My dearest friend had sat with me for hours as I recovered from the anesthesia. I’ll save you the rest of the story’s details- it’s not as scary as it seems. I could probably finish telling it all the way till the present moment, but I am writing this 3 days post-operation in bed, with 6 pillows, 4 blankets, heating pad, ice pack, a laxative, and a bed full of cats while I recover. My energy level is low this evening so I’m wrapping this storytime up. If you want to read more- come back this week for my other posts regarding today’s story.
For those of you PO of recovering like myself, I send out hugs and virtual gas relief!!
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