Aa
Getting ready for Surgery
Well I have been on the phone and internet for the past 2 days and I am finally going to turn in the paperwork to see if I can get financed for surgery. I have been told by both dr.'s I have seen that I need surgery ASAP because the cysts grow so often. The doc doesn't know if she will remove only the left ovary, or if it will be a full hystorectomy. So ladies I am new here please tell me what to expect.... Is it like having another c- section, or another lap? How long until I can go back to the office? Play with my children? I am very scared and worried, the sad thing is that I haven't herd alot of good @ this hospital, but they are willing to help me.
Any information would be more than appreciated by my family and I. Also if you have any answers for my posting on 7/17/06 I would also appreciate any info.
Any information would be more than appreciated by my family and I. Also if you have any answers for my posting on 7/17/06 I would also appreciate any info.
The women who have posted have given you some excellent advice. I urge you to take everything they've said very seriously. This is especially true with taking the full time to recover. Lifting..not good. Pushing or pulling...even something as simple as ironing...not good. Even though your incision might look awesome on the outside, a lot of cutting took place on the inside. That means a lot of healing, AND you need to heal from the inside out.
Sitting at a desk isn't as easy as you think it is after a laparotomy. I think the bottom line for you to keep in mind is that you'll have a more complete healing if you're patient with yourself. As far as your little one, I totally understand what you're saying. It's not easy to tend to such a little person. Before you're discharged from hospital, they'll ask you about your living arrangements, including your responsibilities at home. if you're in need of help at home, they'll arrange it for you. PLEASE accept what's offered to you. Whatever you need to do to recover...just do it. You're worth the time it takes to do it completely. Best of luck to you!
peace,
Anne
Sitting at a desk isn't as easy as you think it is after a laparotomy. I think the bottom line for you to keep in mind is that you'll have a more complete healing if you're patient with yourself. As far as your little one, I totally understand what you're saying. It's not easy to tend to such a little person. Before you're discharged from hospital, they'll ask you about your living arrangements, including your responsibilities at home. if you're in need of help at home, they'll arrange it for you. PLEASE accept what's offered to you. Whatever you need to do to recover...just do it. You're worth the time it takes to do it completely. Best of luck to you!
peace,
Anne
I wish I were close to you, I love kids and would be so happy to help you. I could not drive for two to two and 1/2 weeks after surgery.
My OB-GYN said I could drive when I could stomp my foot on the ground. That took a while. You would need to do that if you had to stop quickly. I bet if you ask around people would be swarming to help with you and your child. Do you belong to a church? Members of any church generally are right there when one of their members/parishoners needs assistance, meals etc.
I live in Michigan in USA, I would be happy to help anyone around me who would need the assistance.
Take it easy, you don't want complications from trying to do too much too soon. I went back to work two weeks after a ceserean section when I was 26 years old because I was a single mom. I had complications that put me down again after that. (Mind you, I was a waitress). You have to take care of yourself to make sure you heal.
Take Care,
Danielle
My OB-GYN said I could drive when I could stomp my foot on the ground. That took a while. You would need to do that if you had to stop quickly. I bet if you ask around people would be swarming to help with you and your child. Do you belong to a church? Members of any church generally are right there when one of their members/parishoners needs assistance, meals etc.
I live in Michigan in USA, I would be happy to help anyone around me who would need the assistance.
Take it easy, you don't want complications from trying to do too much too soon. I went back to work two weeks after a ceserean section when I was 26 years old because I was a single mom. I had complications that put me down again after that. (Mind you, I was a waitress). You have to take care of yourself to make sure you heal.
Take Care,
Danielle
Yes pillows are good. I used them for previous operations but this time I couldn't bear it against my tummy - too sore. So a nurse told me to put my palms upon my tummy gently and firmly - and it worked! Like Anna I'm 2 weeks post op.
I went for a walk this morning with the aid of a Norweigan walking stick (the tips are springed so it is good support). Gosh it felt good - didn't go too far and had a big rest up after.
Get loads of DVD's, books, magazines, puzzles etc. Chances are you will get fed up with them and want to gently move around - gradually build up. You are able to make a sandwich and it will help you get back into the swings of things and make you feel useful.
The worst is the feeling of helplessness. I personally don't do that and the hardest part has been restraining myself from doing too much. And as Anna said NO LIFTING - A REAL NO NO.
Take it easy and good luck.
oh god yes a pillow dont go any where without a pillow. For the first week I walked with a pillow pressed on my belly the whole time you need it to cough sneeze laugh or even walk straight. And absolutly need it for B/M! When you are first in the shower just gently hold your tummy, it feels kind of like its going to fall out - weird feeling for sure. I am very stubborn so was doing far more than I should too soon. Walking is the best thing you can do because its safe as houses, listen to your body. All the literature in the world can only give rough estimates because everyone is different. Most importantly is dont lift. Try not to get to paranoid but be very carefull about lifting anything for 6 weeks this includes washing, shoping, hoovering big no no's.
Tell you what I did do though very early on I went to the super market and got hubby to wheel me round in a chair. Just had a small basket on my lap and hubby carried the bags to the car. I dont think you need to lie in bed for an age just be sensible and dont do anything reckless even if you feel well on the outside its the inside thats still healing.
Anna x
Tell you what I did do though very early on I went to the super market and got hubby to wheel me round in a chair. Just had a small basket on my lap and hubby carried the bags to the car. I dont think you need to lie in bed for an age just be sensible and dont do anything reckless even if you feel well on the outside its the inside thats still healing.
Anna x
Your input has been so helpful!!!!! Thank You Ladies SO So much!!!! My only problem is that I have a 2 1/2 yrs old little girl to take care of and practically no help. There is no date yet but as soon as the paperwork goes through then a date will be set ASAP. It will be so nice not to feel the pain anymore. (after recovery of course) However I have felt pressured by my OB to get this done because she doesn't want to give me the pain meds. I understand her point of view, but it would have been nice to post pone this a little longer so that I would have had more time to prepare. I only have 1 weeks paid vacation so getting back to work ASAP is important to keep the household and office running smoothly. Even if I sit at my desk is there a chance of returning to work after a week?
Amber
Amber
You will not be able to sit at your desk one week post op. Legally you are not able to sign a legal agreement until 5 days post op. Does this put things into perspective?
Driving. You are not legally insured until you can do an emergency stop. Dont even go there until 3 weeks post op - am I being graphic enough for you? You are going to suffer pain, discomfert, depression, the latter happening 2 weeks post op.
Take it easy!!
And get some help with your 2yr old.
Best wishes,
xx
Even if I sit at my desk is there a chance of returning to work after a week?
No way- don't push yourself! I healed very fast and still I took off for 4 weeks.
I also have a 3 yr old and I know how rough it is. I just talked to her a lot before the surgery, explaining that I will not be able to carry her for a while and that she would need to help me walk etc. My husband was home with me during the first week, but I still did a ton of stuff around the house like light cleaning, cooking and I did walk as much as possible. Walking really helps. After the 1st week, I was on my own and I did ok.
You'll be fine- just get some crafty things you can do with your daughter while laying in bed or sitting at the table.
I am now almost 6 weeks post op (on Friday) and I am doing great- I am also almost 6 months pregnant so I healed very fast considering my situation.
Best of luck with everything!!!!
No way- don't push yourself! I healed very fast and still I took off for 4 weeks.
I also have a 3 yr old and I know how rough it is. I just talked to her a lot before the surgery, explaining that I will not be able to carry her for a while and that she would need to help me walk etc. My husband was home with me during the first week, but I still did a ton of stuff around the house like light cleaning, cooking and I did walk as much as possible. Walking really helps. After the 1st week, I was on my own and I did ok.
You'll be fine- just get some crafty things you can do with your daughter while laying in bed or sitting at the table.
I am now almost 6 weeks post op (on Friday) and I am doing great- I am also almost 6 months pregnant so I healed very fast considering my situation.
Best of luck with everything!!!!
Amber~
If they are doing a laparotomy... if you're even able to get off the couch without grimacing after a week, I'll be impressed.
You will likely have a restriction on driving for several weeks, a 5lb weight limit for lifting (I know, that even leaves out most cats), and honestly, you won't even feel like doing more than going to the kitchen for more juice.
Healing depends on the individual, but only one week is really not much after major abdominal surgery.
Now, if you don't have the vacation/sick time, you should be able to reach into your short-term disability that all employers are required by law to give. It kicks in if you are to be out of work for six weeks, and I believe it's 75% of your paycheck that you get. You should look into that and get some details, so that you're not forced to go back to work and hurt yourself more simply to pay your bills.
~Marianne
If they are doing a laparotomy... if you're even able to get off the couch without grimacing after a week, I'll be impressed.
You will likely have a restriction on driving for several weeks, a 5lb weight limit for lifting (I know, that even leaves out most cats), and honestly, you won't even feel like doing more than going to the kitchen for more juice.
Healing depends on the individual, but only one week is really not much after major abdominal surgery.
Now, if you don't have the vacation/sick time, you should be able to reach into your short-term disability that all employers are required by law to give. It kicks in if you are to be out of work for six weeks, and I believe it's 75% of your paycheck that you get. You should look into that and get some details, so that you're not forced to go back to work and hurt yourself more simply to pay your bills.
~Marianne
I too have had two c-sections, then a full hysterectomy. I was prepared for how to move, how to get up etc. from my experience with the c-sections. (yes, a pillow is your best friend) I did not have any pain at all in the incision or abdomen. (I've had three abdominal surgeries in the past so that may be why?) but I did get tired easily and was told to only go up and down stairs once a day. (I did break that rule but I took the stairs very slowly)
You should have help lined up for daily things...kids, laundry, etc and REST REST REST.
Sending good wishes to you.
You should have help lined up for daily things...kids, laundry, etc and REST REST REST.
Sending good wishes to you.
I had a complete hysterectomy in July of 2005. I had already experienced a Ceserean Section so I thought I knew what to expect.
I can only tell you about my experience and what I went through. I had a verticle incision. I was in the hospital for three days (only because I was dealing with my cancer bursting and a spot taken off my bowel). They had me up and walking the day after the surgery. Just remember a pillow is your best friend. I walked bent over with a pillow against my abdomen for the first week & 1/2 to two weeks. The walking became easier after that. what I did experience was lack of appetite, so you may want to have things like soup, crackers, gatorade, fruit, yogart and stuff that may be easier to stomach (However with my second ovarian cancer staging surgery with chemo my appetite was fine).
The pain of my hysterectomy was on the same pain scale as my ceserean section. The part that was very hard for me with the full hysterectomy was the immediate menopause. I was only 39 and never experienced any symptoms of menopause prior to the surgery. I had heart palpitations, hot flashes, night sweats and couldn't sleep. I felt fine at the end of 4 weeks, I was walking and taking black cohosh for the menopause. Prior to my hysterectomy, however, I was working out 3 or 4 days a week and playing tennis, however. That probably really helped me in the fact that I seemed to recover quite quickly.
Hope this helps. I will be thinking of you. You will make it through this! I know it's scary, I remember the feeling. Take care.
Danielle
I can only tell you about my experience and what I went through. I had a verticle incision. I was in the hospital for three days (only because I was dealing with my cancer bursting and a spot taken off my bowel). They had me up and walking the day after the surgery. Just remember a pillow is your best friend. I walked bent over with a pillow against my abdomen for the first week & 1/2 to two weeks. The walking became easier after that. what I did experience was lack of appetite, so you may want to have things like soup, crackers, gatorade, fruit, yogart and stuff that may be easier to stomach (However with my second ovarian cancer staging surgery with chemo my appetite was fine).
The pain of my hysterectomy was on the same pain scale as my ceserean section. The part that was very hard for me with the full hysterectomy was the immediate menopause. I was only 39 and never experienced any symptoms of menopause prior to the surgery. I had heart palpitations, hot flashes, night sweats and couldn't sleep. I felt fine at the end of 4 weeks, I was walking and taking black cohosh for the menopause. Prior to my hysterectomy, however, I was working out 3 or 4 days a week and playing tennis, however. That probably really helped me in the fact that I seemed to recover quite quickly.
Hope this helps. I will be thinking of you. You will make it through this! I know it's scary, I remember the feeling. Take care.
Danielle
Hi there, I know you are scared, but try to remember that for a gynecologist, this is a nuts and bolts surgery, they just mechanically perform them all the time. I hope you can seek out the best surgeon possible, and arm yourself with as much information as possible, but after that you have to just let it happen. You will be OK.
I am seven days post op and even though it hasn't gone perfectly, there is nothing that I haven't gotten through, and you will too.
I would say you need hands on help at LEAST two weeks, that is you will not be able to care for your kids, lift much, walk much or do much of anything. I've been in bed for one week, no fun, but thankfully I have family to help with the kids.
Take care of yourself and I hope everything turns out OK for you, I know it will.
I am seven days post op and even though it hasn't gone perfectly, there is nothing that I haven't gotten through, and you will too.
I would say you need hands on help at LEAST two weeks, that is you will not be able to care for your kids, lift much, walk much or do much of anything. I've been in bed for one week, no fun, but thankfully I have family to help with the kids.
Take care of yourself and I hope everything turns out OK for you, I know it will.
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