Risks of a lap hysterectomy
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi everyone I just want to share my story about my laproscopic hysterectomy. my uterus, tubes, and cervix were removed. I am 34 years old and on day 15 of recovery. I felt great 3 days after surgery and no longer needed to take any pain meds. I had been using a stool softener since the first day of surgery. I was constipated but finally got some relief on day 5. On day 10 started experiencing some pressure in my bladder and when I peed it still felt like there was urine in my bladder. both my doctor and I assumed it was a bladder infection. the test came back negative but my doctor just wanted to do a quick pelvic exam. blood work and found nothing. she also did an ultrasound to make sure I didn't have any fluid built up, nothing. the pressure started to subside but on day 13 I all of the sudden started bleeding. and it was not just a little blood I am talking gushing massive clot bleeding. luckily im only a 5 minute car ride from the hospital. I received a blood transfusion within 15-20 minutes of arriving at the ER and was in surgery by an hour. it turned out that some of the stitches came out of the vaginal cuff. unfortunately where the stitches came out was near an artery that was just pumping out blood. they went in vaginally and stitched back up the cuff and they say im good to go. however I am now scared to sneeze or cough. I feel like i.might have made the worse decision of my life. I very easily could have died. I know that's a risk with any surgery but I just want to warn others that are thinking about doing a lap hysterectomy to ask your doctor if it is the right choice. there is a less then 1% chance of what happened to me happening. but now I wish I would have asked more questions like is it necessary to remove the cervix(you dont have to have a cuff if the cervix stays) why cant the procedure be done vaginally vs laproscopic. there is even less chance of the cuff opening if the procedure is done vaginally. I was a very active person before this surgery but now I dont know if I will ever be able to workout the way I use to even if the dr tells me it's fine. the cuff could tear anytime even years after the surgery. I know I will need to seek help to get past this paranoia and anxiety. sorry to scare anyone I know what happened to me is really rare and I know tons of people that are beyond happy with their hysterectomy hopefully someday I will feel that way too.
0 likes, 8 replies
helen2018 robin62204
Posted
Hi Robin,
Thanks for taking time to share y our experience. So sorry you had to go through that. I can't imagine how you must feel.
I am sure you will recover fully from this. The body has a great capacity to heal and mend all alone. Give it time and take things real easy and slow for a long while.
All the best on this road of recovery.
robin62204 helen2018
Posted
Hi Helen, thank you for kind words and support.I definitely will be taking it way easier this time around even if I feel really good.
dm2136 robin62204
Posted
My goodness, you have really had a traumatic time. Thank you for sharing your story and experiences.
I had an abdominal hysterectomy 3mths ago and physio who specialises in womens health, advised me to purchase EVB sports shorts. They have a reinforced gusset and are for women to help support the pelvis and that whole area and prevent prolapse. They also do support pants that can be worn daily.
Mine arrived yesterday and they feel good.
When you feel ready to become more active they just might give you a bit more security and confidence that you are supporting a weakened area.
Best of luck with your recovery. It will take time and allow yourself that, and don't rush it. The mental as well as the physical scars need to heal from the ordeal you have been through.
robin62204 dm2136
Posted
Hi dm2136, thank you so much for the suggestion. I will definitely look into those shorts and pants in a few weeks. I hope your recovery is going well!
welshgirl67 robin62204
Posted
Oh my day's robin. You have bern to hell and back.
However on a positive note if y ou rest,no lifting anytjkng heavier than one cup of w water in a kettle,no bending or straining on loo for 8 weeks you would of given your body what it neefs to mend and heal. I know it seems a long time but believe me your body will thank you.
I was very over cautious now my lower backis stiff lol.
Dont you worry it will all be fine. Please remember y our pelvic floor exercises when cleared by yiur consultant. Good luck xx
robin62204 welshgirl67
Posted
Thank you. I am being extra cautious now and will be sure to wait the full 8 weeks before I try any type of exercise other then walking. hopefully I will feel up to going back to work in a couple of weeks. it's just a desk job where i can stand or sit.
welshgirl67 robin62204
Posted
Id make sure you are ready to go back.
Even sitting for long periods can cause pain.
Good lyck with your decisions xx
robin62204 welshgirl67
Posted
I definitely will not be rushing into it. luckily my work is super flexible and willing to let me just come in and work whatever amount of time I want until I heal.