TAH/BSO

[staciredman]

Hello, I posted here about a week ago.I'm 38 and I found out my OB/GYN is doing a TAH/Oopherectomy. He said with all the severe problems this was the only way to go. I have had my periods every 2 weeks for almost 2 years now. about 5 months ago they started getting really painful and its just gotten worse. I have been tested for just about everything. He did say I could have tested false/positive. Since my family history of uterine cancer and endometriosis. I went on depo provera but it only made the pain worse. I asked him about this and he was deeply concerned about it. I had my husband drive me to see him since its about 2 hrs away and I couldnt handle the pelvic and lower back pain. He had to pull into a gas station so I could at least stand up for a few minutes. That didnt help out much either. I have been on pain medication since this all started. More now then in the beginning. I take about 6-7 vicodine a day and that's just to try to get me by since I hate calling in for a refill. The nurses dont seem to understand my pain. I can hear it in her voice. I have had my husband ask for me. I have never taken medicine even for a headache but I just cant take it any longer. I have a couple questions that I'm very desperate in getting answered. My OB/GYN told me first that I was looking at a very painful and long recovery and because I have been on pain medication for so long it probably wouldnt help me that much when I wake up from surgery. This really scares me terribly. Has anyone had to take pain medication for a while and how was your recovery? I have a bad habit of smoking and he also told me I need to cut down to about 4-5 a day. I just cant bring myself to cut back. It seems to be the only thing I have left to keep me sane! Has anyone smoked up to there surgery date? I'm just afraid of what they will find when this is all done. My OB/GYN said they will be doing a biopsy on everything. I have 4 days left and would like to know if anyone has any suggestions on what else there is to keep the pain down when I get home?  Thank You for any suggestions on my questions......Staci

[Cherie762]

many peole smoke up to surgeryday its not advisable because of annestesia.  As far as pain meds if your body is accustomed to vicodin..You need to be aware theres several pain med a bit stronger,,,,Percocet, Dilaudid,Norco,  diluaidi is a good one,Percoet is a step above vicodin there is no rason your pain cant be controlled of corse You may not mix any of the med I mentioned with vicodin  ask your dr.

[Laney8463]

Hi There,
Sorry you are going through this. I had a total hyst/bso/appy in Oct 2008. I too smoked and I did fine. They do like you to cut down prior to surgery as to not have pulmonary complications post anesthesia. Do you have any pulmonary complications from smoking? COPD, Bronchitis? Do you have asthma? These types of things just put you at a higher risk post anesthesia. Doesn't mean you will have problems, just be up front with the anesthesia folks, telling them how much you smoke etc...That way they will be prepared and take all precautions. As far as the pain medication goes, there are plenty of meds available stronger than vicodin to get your post op pain under control. Again, be honest with how much you are taking on a day to day basis. They will just need to give you stronger meds. Not a big deal. I am a recovery room nurse and I see this all the time. Please dont let this surgeon discourage you. You will do great. I promise.
Are you having a laparoscopy (scope) or a laparotomy (larger incision) for your surgery?
Just wondering.
Take care and let me know if you have any questions I can answer. God bless
Laney

[staciredman]

Thank you. I feel a little better now. I am having a total abdominal hysterectomy and oopherectomy.

[BirdsandBlooms]

Although we're told not to smoke at least two weeks before surgery, I believe it's said more for insurance purposes..
Since 1990, I've had four surgeries, and each time smoked all the way to the hospitals' front door. For those of us who smoke, it's a source of relaxation..I am a chicken when it comes to doctors, let alone hospitals, so smoking was a sort of relaxation technique.
BTW, I'm  not telling anyone to smoke before surgery...I'm only revealing what I did, thank God, I'm still here on earth. :)
I don't know if Staci comes to this site, but if so, how did everything go? Toni

[Cherie762]

Not certain if you noticed the date but Stacis surgery was in Feb. Usually for any surgery one is adivsed noting no water, food or cigs for atleast 12 hrs prior to surgery. I completley understand that its calming, The reason is anestesia is very complex.