A Patient Discusses Her Experience With A Hysterectomy

I am convinced, and studies have shown, that stress causes medical ailments. As indicated in the preceding pages, throughout my life I have been subjected to a great deal of job-related stress. As a result, I began to experience excruciating lower abdominal pain, and my bladder was giving me fits. I was told I had fibroids. Upon undergoing numerous tests, and struggling to endure the pain, I had to accept the fact that I needed a hysterectomy––“The Big H”.   Ironically, when I was in my twenties, I was told by an Ob/Gyn that I needed a hysterectomy.  Thankfully, I obtained a second opinion and subsequently delivered two happy healthy sons.  So remember, always get a second -- and third opinion if necessary.

In any event, I don’t believe in unnecessary suffering, but “The Big H” is a major decision, and, once it’s done, there’s no going back. So I did my homework, asking my husband and numerous other physicians for a referral. Unanimously, everyone suggested Dr. John George––even his competitors. In fact, one doctor told me, “If you were my wife, I would send you to Dr. George.” So I called Dr. George’s office and I asked to be placed on his waiting list. I had hoped for the best and, fortunately, I received it.

I learned quickly that Dr. George specializes in a laparoscopic procedure that minimizes cutting, and hence, the pain is lessened and the recovery period shortened. Despite the accolades, I was still concerned about the procedure, particularly with regard to how it was going to affect my love life. 

I prayed on it and decided to go forward with the surgery. I can truly tell you that it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Dr. George was informative, patient, compassionate, and very honest about my options and the consequences. Post-surgery, I had a mild fever, my blood pressure dropped slightly, and it took approximately one day to use the bathroom again. Short of those minor matters, my recovery was normal.

Nevertheless, many women (and men) experience constipation and pain after abdominal surgery, which makes it difficult to have a bowel movement.  I have a few suggestions that will alleviate the problem. (Please check with your doctor before you incorporate my suggestions.)

First, go on a soft diet at least one week before your surgery.  Eat raw fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit smoothies, etc. to soften your system.  Also, drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day.  In addition, do not eat any heavy carbohydrates (i.e. French fries and bread); and lay off greasy food.     

Second, the week before your surgery exercise approximately thirty minutes a day.  Go walking, swimming, dancing, or skating – just make sure you relax and have fun.  I am a huge hot yoga fan so I suggest you attend a yoga class if your schedule permits.

Third, the week prior to your surgery read a good book or magazine and see a great movie, play or basketball game to help you relax.

Fourth, stay on a soft diet the week after your surgery.  Also, keep drinking eight ounces of water and prune juice the first week.  Keep reading positive books and magazines, and watching happy shows.  Please stay away from argumentative talk shows or anything that radiates negative energy.  

Fifth, use the down time to write letters and send cards to people who you haven’t contacted in a while.  Also, call your extended relatives and old friends to catch up on what’s happening in their lives.

Sixth, get up, get dressed and go back to your normal schedule as soon as possible.

Seventh, remove all the signs of your surgery from plain view.   On the third day after my surgery, I put my medication in my drawer and took it out when I needed it.

Eighth, get out of your bedroom as soon as possible and go sit in your family room or outside if possible.   

Nineth, if you have difficulty using the bathroom for either a No. 1 or a No. 2; stand up and go.  I know it sounds crazy but believe me it works.  Who knows?  Maybe it’s the gravity.

The bottom line is that healthy eating, a positive attitude, and returning to a sense of normalcy will put you on the road to a quick positive recovery.  Certainly, I had my ups and downs but all in all in was worth it. Physically, I look and feel ten times better and my love life is more exciting than ever.

Lesson No. 32: “The Big H” is a “Big Help”.  

Book Reference: "Look Under the Bed Before Your Vacuum" by Mother Mouton (available on www.amazon.com and at www.mothermouton.com).

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