benefits of surgery

[birdcarver]

I underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy two weeks ago today. Surgery was deemed necessary because of a rapidly growing ovarian cyst. In the weeks leading to surgery, like everyone else, I questioned if I was doing the right thing. I was given the option to just wait and see, but for many reasons, I chose to go ahead and get the surgery done. I opted for TAH and BSO because I am already dealing with a life-threatening, incurable disease (Cystic Fibrosis) and at 47 years old have already outlived my life-expectancy by over 10 years. I am still going strong, but did not want to have any uncertanties regarding other health issues. I did not believe I had very many symptoms from my cyst, but since the surgery I have aknowledged that many of my health issues could have been blamed on it. I have always had bowel problems, but since they are symptoms of CF they were blamed on my disease. My very painful periods were just something I felt I had to live with. During surgery endometriosis was discovered along with the cyst and another cyst on my cervix and multiple adhesions affecting the bowels. Since surgery, I have had normal bowel movements for the first time in my adult life! I no longer feel daily pain, although there is still a little healing pain. I am suffering an attack of pancreatitis right now and so there is that pain, but my daily just put up with it pain is gone. It feels so good to know that I made the right decision. I know everyone has different circumstances but I would urge you all to do what you feel is right. I also thank the ladies

[birdcarver]

here for their support, encouragement and knowledge. You all really helped just by being here. I now only wait for my pathology results (which I'm positive will be fine) to come back. I'm sure if there were something wrong, I would have heard by now. Sorry for making this so long, but I really had to aknowledge the good done by this list. I hope everyone facing surgery or trying to make up their minds can have as positive experience through this trying time as I have had.
Love to all,
Michelle

[lawyermom]

you have had so much to deal with. ((hug))..I am glad that you are feeling a little bit better!

[AnotherKatie]

Isn't that fantastic? I am so happy you had a good result!  I remember you had lots of questions  :)  Good for you!  Here's to your continued good health....
God Bless, Love Katie

[livertrans]

Birdcarver, I tip my hat to you.  You are showing great strenght and integrity in you decisions.  It is funny that you worked for liver transplant as well.   I am stable in that regard and am hoping I may never need it.  I am monitored by the transplant team just to keep an eye on things.  I also, would like to see some one who really needs the liver get it.  I am 52 and can probably plan on seeing my 22 year old son graduate, marry and start a family.  I have never been in  a hurry to be a grandma and I have not changed in that regard.  Good luck and sounds like you are on top of things.

[livertrans]

You have done exceptionaly well with the CF.  To come through the surgery as you have give me hope that I will also.  My problem is liver failure.  I use to know more about CF when my husband was in the Kinsmen service club.  Strictly a Canadian organization. They raised all sorts of money for CF research.  They had speakers at conventions and then we had a local girl diagnosed with it.  The doc caught it very early and she is still doing quite well.  Have you had, or consider having, a lung transplant?  I know some people have opted for it.  Good luck in your near and far future.
As I said, you give me more confidence in facing my surgery later this month.

[birdcarver]

I, too, am in Canada and very familiar with the Kinsmen/Kinette Clubs of Canada. I have been very active on my local CF board of directors and have made many speeches at various fund-raisers over the years. If you go to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation web site, you can read a copy of my latest speech, last year at the Toshiba Breath of Life Challenge. I used to work for our local liver transplant program - how's that for coincidence? I have thought about lung transplant, but it is not in the cards for me for many reasons. I have multi-resistant organisms in my lungs making a transplant a tricky option. Also, I feel that I have had a wonderful, full and long life already with CF. If I took lungs, maybe it would be at the cost of a younger person with CF's life. Also, lung transplantation is a long recovery and with so many obstacles, I just couldn't put my family through that. They are all aware of my decision in this matter and back me up fully. Because of my chronic pancreatitis, and the fact that I have 3 lesions in my liver, liver failure is a strong possiblity. I would consider liver transplant if it came to that. I have seen first hand some great success stories and know that this type of transplant is much more successful. I wish you all the best and hope you receive a liver when the time is right. Thanks for your intrest,
Michelle

[Thuney]

YOU have been such a great support to everyone here and I thank you for that.  And I am so thrilled for you that some of your problems have cleared up!!!  And the info you post is so beneficial for women who will follow.

Take care--and keep us posted!