Some have wondered what kind of surgery did I have.
I waited to give any details to see how I was going to be and what the full outcome of it would be as well.
I had a hystorectomy.
There I said it! I only told my family and a few closest friends.
Why I had such reservations about it, Im not sure exactly. I think one part is that it's a very personal thing to go through and like everything-everyone has an opinion. I didn't want the stress, worry or anything added to what was already a huge decision I was needing to make for my health. The bottom line is I had a ton of miserable and very unwanted symptoms that left me either in pain often or I was held captive at home for a few days in a row for ongoing months. I called my doctor after I thought long and hard and did my own research and a pelvic ultrasound was ordered. Basically in a nut shell the ultrasound showed why I was having such problems daily and monthly. I had already knew my ovaries had been full of cluster cysts from my PCOS diagnoses years ago. What was new was a very enlarged uterus full of fybroids and bilateral cervical cysts that were causing most of my discomfort. I was refered to a GYN specialist soon after.
I saw the specialist and she listened fully to my complaints, symptoms and future plan ideas and then she presented me with my options. There weren't many options after hearing my side and seeing the ultrasound results so surgery was agreed the way to go to regain my life back. My biggest concern was I very much wanted to keep my ovaries and if not both then to save one. She explained the uterus was too enlarged to go an easier route of surgery so another 7"-8" incision would join my already 2 c-section incisions. It's a good thing I don't have a bikini body nor is it a reality in the future to have one. The doctor proceeded to explain the Fallopian tubes and cervical canal would be removed but she could not guarantee saving any of my ovaries till she actually when in at the time of surgery to see if they were healthy or not.
Surgery Day:
I was awake at 4 am and arrived at the hospital for 5:30 am. Surgery was scheduled at 7:30 and was to take no longer than an 1 1/2 hrs. That time frame changed once in and my mom and husband were notified it will take much longer as doctor wanted to take her time removing from what she says was an extra long cervical canal. I woke hours later and was very happy to have a pain pump machine as I was feeling the discomfort for sure. Happily the doctor said considering my PCOS, both my ovaries were in good condition so they got to stay. Yay, happy dance for sure! I did not want to go right into menopause and now I won't and my natural clock will do that for me. Hoping that happens much later than sooner.
First time on my feet was a shocker!
The next morning I was encouraged to get up and walk to the bathroom. Oh My Goodness! Being able to walk miles upon miles as my daily activity I thought it would be a simple task. Who was I kidding! I needed a walker. Yes a WALKER!! Also with my mom on one side and my eldest son on the other maneuvering the pain pump just to take a few wimpy steps. This was a huge shocker to me and kind of upsetting knowing how far I had come in my daily activity and had such worries on how long it would take to get back to my normal routine again.
My first week:
When I was discharged I went home to my moms house. I still was very shakey on walking and it proved to be a very challenging task for me. I moved very slow and held a pillow in front of my abdomen when ever I walked or sat to aide in support. My little pillow I received from the hospital became my essential accessory for the next few weeks. My mom was a great caretaker and I can most certainly say I couldn't have recovered so well if I came straight home. I know I would have not gotten the adequate kind of rest I needed nor the awesome yummy meals. Lol
Thank you mom, your awesome!
Just a few of my yummy meals.
My tummy pillow the hospital gave me right after surgery & flowers & balloons from my dear sweet walking buddy.
I went home week two, actually a couple days after Mothers Day and still took it easy. I gradually increased my movement around the house and in the yard walking each day. I was itching to get back walking so later in the week I went out and did my thing. 😄 It wasn't easy, and I didn't go too far but it felt so good to be doing what I love.
Week three & four:
Back to my walking routine and feeling great. I had one minor set back with incision area but since have taken care of and moving forward. I have racked up the walking miles in these last two weeks and have enjoyed being back walking with my walking/exercise buddy and seeing the fantastice morning sun too.
So now May is coming to an end and Im excited to start a new month.
🙏 Praise Report:
Labs show all areas of concern are cancer free.
Thank You Jesus!
Thank you to those for you encouraging words, prayers and thoughtfulness this past month.
Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers,
Janine
