Spinals, catheters and hysterical over hysterectomy

[Apricot100]

To those who recommend spinal over general - I had myomectomy a year ago and asked about epidural. Dr said because I'm so nervous and because I'd feel tugging and pulling w/epidural, i must have general which is what I had.  How do I ask for the spinal that you guys had?  Maybe your hospital is more progressive?  What if they don't know about it and combining it w/the other sedatives so I won't feel the tugging and pulling??

Some commented earlier on no problem, no pain w/catheters, but that was NOT my experience and I'm worried sick over it.  Something went wrong when the nurse removed my catheter and I had the most severe pain imaginable.  I still have pain and it's been over a year.  I'm afraid they damaged something and doing it again will make it worse and do not want another catheter.  Suggestions?  

I'm still struggling w/the hysterectomy factor.  Does anyone say avoid if at all possible?  Is anyone glad they had it done & if so, why?  What about bladder issues, lack of uterine orgasm, etc.?  What is forced menopause like?  Do you have to take HRT for the rest of your life?  I tried hystercysters and this forum's web site, but not much info. on the above. Sorry for all the questions, I can't sleep.

[turtledovemom]

I'll admit that the thought of having an epidural scares the bejeezus out of me.  I've been blessed with very competent and compassionate anesthesiologists in the past.  This last time was no different.  As for caths, I know that it is a bit uncomfortable when they're taken out...but never as you've described, Apricot.  Sorry to hear that you've had so much difficulty with yours.  I, too, was very apprehensive before having my uterus removed in '97...read too many negative post-op issues that never came to fruition with me.  I asked my doc about hrt during Friday's visit.  His comment to me was that if and when I started to show symptoms of menopause, we could discuss hrt.  1 1/2 weeks post op and I'm not feeling anything, but my mind is open if anything starts.  Apricot, hang in there.  The women who post here have lots of wisdom to share with you.  Stay well and safe.
peace,
Anne

[NikkiPoo]

I'm so sorry that you are going through this it sounds awful! You should make an appointment with a urologist as soon as possible to see what is wrong. :):)

[brthbbs]

I actually asked the doctor to wake me up if he thought he needed to take my uterus. He didn't like the idea and threatened to not do the surgery if I didn't give him permission to take it if it was diseased.  We did come to a compromise and thus I had the epidural.  They give you a sedative anyway and you are asleep, but they can wake you up and talk if needed.  Which is what my doc did--when the oncologist reached up and swept her hand across my diaphragm, I asked to be put to sleep.  But they woke me up to tell me my uterus had microscopic cancer cells and they took it--I was sad but grateful to find out while things were going on--it seemed to out of control to have a general and find out later I'd lost my reproductive organ.  Just what I wanted.  I was going through menopause before the surgery and so my symptoms aren't any different---hot flashes are doable--I don't want to add HRT to the mix since they have been shown to cause breast cancer---no more cancers for me if I can help it.
Hang in there.

[LitDoc]

Hey, Apricot --

I guess every individual is different, and reacts in her own way to different types of anesthesia. I already spoke to you at length about my experience with the spinal, so I guess there's not much I can add to that except to underline yet again that the spinal anesthesia given for a laporotomy is NOT the epidural given for childbirth. It's an entirely different ballgame.

I've had both types (general and spinal), and will never again have general if I can get away with spinal. Also, with general anesthesia there's apparently residue hanging around in your body for up to 6 weeks! I didn't like that idea since I do enjoy a glass of wine, and was happy to know I could have one (or two!) just a couple of days out of surgery because I had chosen the spinal over the general.

Why not discuss your anesthesia options with your surgeon? You will also discuss your choices with the anesthesiologist him/herself. You might be surprised that both recommend the spinal with sedation; apparently, it's being done more and more frequently, especially in cutting-edge services.

As far as the catheter is concerned, I second my Cyster above who suggests you see a urologist. I've heard of damage being done by a catheter (the urethra is very small and delicate, especially in females), so perhaps something needs to be repaired? Although removal of a catheter is not what I'd call 'fun,' it still shouldn't be frankly painful, nor should it have repercussions a year after the fact! However, be aware that no matter WHAT TYPE of anesthesia you choose, you will need a catheter for the first two days.

As far as full or partial hysterectomy is concerned, here also I was given a choice that depended upon what the surgeon found during the procedure. Had it been cancer, he would have removed everything as per protocol. In case it was benign (which, thank God, it was), we agreed he'd take the ovaries to prevent another mass from growing a few months or years down the road. However, he would leave the uterus and the cervix since -- in his opinion -- both are important to enjoy intercourse to the fullest. Also, as he said, 'Why remove it if it ain't broke?'

Again, I cannot be more pleased with my options, my treatment, my surgeon. And, if I ever have to have surgery on my lower body again, I will not hesitate for one nano-second before opting for a spinal with sedation.

Good luck, Apricot. Everything will be fine -- you'll see!
*Hugs*
Annette

[Apricot100]

How do I find your Dr?  I'm not comfortable w/mine even though he was voted one of Phila. top drs...He says my uterus is a liability.  He says we are of different philosophies. My time is running out and I need to do something now before these masses grow any more.  I don't know what to do.  I tried getting an appt at a teaching hospital, but they are booked until the end of the month.  I will travel anywhere if necessary.  

How can they tell on the spot if you have uterine cancer cells?  I heard you had to have a d&c and they won't know for days.

[Apricot100]

Forgot to mention - I saw a urologist ASAP after surgery last year and it was a useless visit.  They gave me a list of foods not to eat and something to numb me.  I hoped the pain from the catheter would eventually go away but when a year went by and no relief, I saw a gyn who supposedly knows about gyn/urology problems.  He prescribed estradiol to be inserted vaginally - and that is when all of my problems w/ovarian masses really began.  I had an uls 1 month before taking estradiol, and all was fine.  Anyone else had this?  I have no faith in drs.  None.  I have never found one that I trust.

[MickeyVicki]

That is interesting. It is the first problem of this nature that I have read.  In addition to having had catheters myself, I have assisted with the insertions of catheters, and removed catheters. (I work as a personal care assistant, performing home-based care for clients.)   The catheter tubes are so small, flexible and soft, with a blunt, rounded end.

Men have more problems with catheters than women do.  Our urethras are shorter that men's; the penis requires a deeper insertion.   Also, only a very small portion, near the entrance (or should I say, exit) of the urethra has sensation in it.  At least for women.  It is my understanding that longer section of the male urethra has sensitive nerve endings.

[fungirl]

I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time.  The thought of being awake during surgery scares me to death!  I loved having general anastesia, but I did have neausia afterwards.  It is totaly your call.  If you are that uncomfortable with your doctor, DO NOT let him do your surgery!!  Can you go to a different doctor, or do you have to see this one for insurance purposes?  Where do you live?  If you live in Indiana, or close, I have a wonderful gyn.  She is the best one I have ever seen.  
I did have a partial hysterectomy when I was 25, and I loved it!!  I had endo. and had severe cramping, and heavy bleeding during my period.  I also had pain during intercourse.  After I had my hysterectomy, I was like a new person.  I was happier, and my husband loved that I enjoyed sex again:)  I am now 31 and have had my last ovary removed 3 weeks ago (other one was removed a year ago), and once again, I feel like a new person.  You need to do what feels right to you.  Do not be afraid to follow your instincts.  I will be praying for you.  Kasie