10 days after complete hysterectomy - looking forward to new lease of life!

[Becoming-me]

I finally got my total hysterectomy done after waiting so long - most of the wait was down to me not being well enough for the op - the other part was due to covid 19. I was petrified but my main thought was that if I needed an op I was only going to have one. I wanted it all over and done with as I'd had problem periods all my adult life but couldn't get that through to any doctor. Eventually my gynae problems were only taken seriously when they showed up on a scan for something else. Before the op I was told that I'd have all the help I needed before, during and after the op and even help with after care as I live on my own and have other health issues. On the day of the op they said no to after care and I'd have limited help at other times too. I decided to go ahead with the op and queried me having endometriosis. My op ended up being abdominal with a large cut but they tried unsuccessfully to do it by lap first. They had to cut me because I'd a large womb, a large suspect cyst and lots of fibroids and I asked them to check to see if I'd got endo. Yes they did find endo on the outside of my womb as they'd removed it. I was glad to be proved right but sad that it had taken so long to get it sorted! I'm thankful the op went well but had problems with pain meds as I didn't get adequate doses after the op or to come home with. As I was discharged over a bank holiday weekend I couldn't get any meds sorted until the tuesday! It's been a struggle as I've had no help at home and even district nurse refused to come out to me to take my staples out - when I'd been told they'd come out to me! To help with the stomach pain I used a hot water bottle on my stomach but it's meant that my belly button got too hot and the stitch in it has become infected. On this side of it I'm glad I had the wait because I would not have been able to deal with it at all and I can say that I'm relieved I've had it done and if anything was going to go wrong I would prefer it to be the after care rather than the op. I'm so glad I've been able to write down my experience and share it here as I know we've all had different experiences and we're all at different places in the process.

[Moon_maiden]

Glad you’re beginning to feel better. I can’t believe the medical ‘professionals’ left you to cope and shocking over district nurse. Well I suppose it really shouldn’t come as a surprise 🙄.

I’ve got this to come, trying to get answers to questions first.

Have you tried contacting social services? They maybe able to put in some help if you have other health issues, or are they normally manageable?

[Becoming-me in reply to Moon_maiden]

I asked social services, my GP and the crisis team who all said I’d to wait until after the op and the hospital would sort it. Yes I can self refer but that process took 6 weeks before Covid, I’ve no idea how long it is now!

[Moon_maiden in reply to Becoming-me]

I know what you mean, the GP or crisis team should have helped much more. I went to CQC for someone else and they got an appointment within couple of weeks, that was after the manager called me the day after speaking to CQC. 🤣 they are the ‘bogey’ men to the medical profession!

It might be worth signing up to an online pharmacy to send meds, but I’d recommend ordering at least 8 days in advance.

How are you today?

[Becoming-me in reply to Moon_maiden]

Pharmacy can’t send meds before speaking to GP for something new and if it’s a repeat a prescription is still needed - I don’t do well with meds even over the counter ones! I’m tired and sore but my main thought and feeling is that I’m glad to be alive and that I’m on this side of it and I’m on the mend x

[Moon_maiden in reply to Becoming-me]

Good point, forgot that bit, and I fell fowl of it 😂 (can I blame Zoladex for memory loss😂)

Glad you’re feeling better, and positive.

Are you managing to get deliveries for food ok?

I am dreading going through it and not getting out.

[Becoming-me in reply to Moon_maiden]

I can relate about Zoladex! I did as much as I could in advance. I sort of hoped for the best but prepared for it being a challenge. I got few weeks of packet and tinned food and I got some storage boxes and bought cleaning stuff etc to put in them. I bought extra underwear and easy wear clothes, bedding and towels. I bought some proper bed bath wipes and I’m glad I did cos although there’s info to say the dressings can be got wet and the nurses at the hospital said so too, the nurse from the treatment room said it’s best that they are kept dry. I also bought extra surgical socks too cos you only get one pair. I also left everything switched on at the socket and raised the extensions that were on the floor. I already had a hand grabber to pick things up from the floor. Just give yourself lots of tlc time and space and don’t push yourself.

[Moon_maiden in reply to Becoming-me]

Some good ideas 🙂, especially re bedding. Hadn’t even thought about plugs/sockets. Hand grabber is a must.

I’d agree with the treatment nurse and not get wet unless they can be replaced straight away. Due to someone with Diabetes I’ve had more than normal practice with wounds and keep plenty of supplies.

[Becoming-me in reply to Moon_maiden]

As you’ve diabetes it might go a bit different for you. They might take you in day before op and keep you in a few days extra to get your sugars right. Check out what they’re going to do and make sure you keep them to it

[Moon_maiden in reply to Becoming-me]

It’s someone else who is the diabetic, I was the one who did wound dressing. The district nurses and podiatry leave it to me most of the time. I keep a supply of dressings, inodine and silver patches. Trying to get help for anything long term is ridiculous. Luckily not something I’ve had.

Hope your day has been ok 🙂

[Becoming-me in reply to Moon_maiden]

Sorry I miss read your post. I’m in increasing discomfort as my nerve pain is intensifying. I’m lactose intolerant so I’m limited in what I can have. I’m going to ask the doctor for an increased dose of fentanyl. I was hoping to stop it after staples are removed but I think that the nerve pain will go on for a while. Hope you’ve had a good day

[Moon_maiden in reply to Becoming-me]

Don’t worry, I do it as well at times 🙂. Sorry, I didn’t mean to put anything down in the wrong way.

Sorry your pain hasn’t been good today. Does heat work at all?

The pain consultant suggested amitriptyline a few weeks back, he did say it would take time to work. I think it is a bit now, driving is a bit more comfortable. I don’t know if you’ve tried that in the past. It’s his go to first for nerve pain. It does get used for other things but is used more for pain these days. I likely wouldn’t have taken it from GP. Something was definitely effecting nerves, not sure if endo or fibroids.

Haven’t done much today apart from quick trip to Sainsbury’s for meds, couple of bits. They do mini rocky road bites that are dairy and gluten free, very moorish. Taste buds want them more than digestion though 😂

[Thecrazypugglelady]

Your so brave having no help 😘 you should be proud of yourself! That's disgusting that they wont come out and see you! Yes I agree with moonmaiden I'd phone social otherwise they would of kept you in longer or should of. That's so good that you went with your instincts that's a great feeling and relief knowing it's not in your head. Wishing you a speedy recovery do take it easy! Don't struggle keep on at them xxx

[Becoming-me in reply to Thecrazypugglelady]

Thanks. Social told me that the hospital would sort it. I can self refer but even before Covid it took 6 weeks!

[Thecrazypugglelady in reply to Becoming-me]

That's awful! yes covid is just an excuse for things these days before covid everything was long! it's a big thing you've had done aftercare is the main thing to a good recovery I hope you get the help you need my heart goes out to you x

[Becoming-me in reply to Thecrazypugglelady]

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi there so pleased your op went well.. I'm waiting for my total hysterectomy too I'm absolutely petrified.... Absolutely disgusting how they treated you after.. hope you full recover well... Thank you for sharing your journey and experience... Get well soon sending big hugs 🤗 x

[Becoming-me in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I hope all goes well for you x

[Hidden]

Thank you x

[Becoming-me]

I can’t take any form of amitripyline it doesn’t agree with me. Can’t use heat as it causes problems to the stitch and staples! It’s probably the endo that’s affecting your nerves. I can relate about the digestion! Good tasting things usually have that impact 🤣