First, sorry for all the typos on the last post. Typing half asleep on my iPod is rough. Second, thanks for all the thoughts and well-wishes. They really mean a lot. Third, it’s easiest to post here (which also crossposts to my my livejournal) from various sources, especially remotely, so I don’t know how often I can make updates but this is the best place to check first. Also, someone on a message board wanted to send a card which is sweet. Anyone is welcome to share my post office box with anyone needing an address for me (M. Turner PO BOX 1484 Elfers, FL 34680 USA)
Now, some updates.
OB/GYN doc admitted me around 5am Monday. Met with his partner in the group around 1pm. She was really nice and told me they were going to discharge me because the pain was under control with the painkillers and I’d be more comfortable at home for the next few days waiting on the surgery. Got discharged yesterday afternoon but slept most of the evening. Only got up briefly to check my email and such and eat a little.
This morning I called the Dr’s office to schedule my pre-op appointment. (I actually tried Monday when I got home like the Dr said but they were closed for Memorial Day.) I’m waiting to for them to call me back. I’m worried because when I called the first question was, “what insurance do you have?” and of course, I said I didn’t. She put me on hold for like 5 minutes and said they’d call me back. Now I’m afraid they won’t even let me schedule the surgery. It’s one thing to go into the ER and get treated, it’s another to schedule major surgery. Honestly, it’s been such a crazy few days I just didn’t think about it. Now I’m worried I shouldn’t have discharged. I don’t know. I’m waiting to hear back.
Right now I’m exhausted. I slept for a few hours yesterday afternoon/evening and I went to bed around 11am and slept through about 9am but I’m still just so worn out. I couldn’t get my Rx yesterday because they accidentally wrote the date for today (5/31/11) but I’ve been taking 800mg of OTC Motrin on the Nurse’s advice to tide me over. I guess the Rx version is easier on the stomach but not much I could do. Love’s getting me my Rx now. It’s amazing that it helps as well as it does. Especially since they gave me two doses of morphine (!!!!) in the hospital and that didn’t even help as much. It helped take the edge off but not as well. I guess the Dr says that it’s the type of pain I’m dealing with that morphine isn’t really good for and that it’s even more proof (in addition to the CAT scan and two ultrasounds) that this is the source of the pain.
My stomach is also upset right now – probably for a host of reasons from the contrast they gave me, to the large quantities of meds I’ve taken in the last 36 hours, to of course stress. It’s really bubbling and painful right now but it’s still less pain than the uterine pain that’s for sure. I’m just tired and worn out and stressed and scared and now I’m not sure what’s going to happen because I need to hear back from the Dr’s office just to know if they’ll allow me to schedule the surgery in the first place.
I did some research on the hysterectomy and it’s definitely scary. I don’t know all the details but I do know he wants to do it Laparoscopically which would involve going through my belly button plus three other small incisions. It’s easier externally for healing but the same internal healing. The dr’s partner I met with yesterday said 4-6 weeks heal time. I will keep my ovaries so no change in my hormones and no early menopause. They could only visualize one ovary (the other is obscured by the fibroids/cysts) and there is some worry it may have twisted but that’s a small chance. If so, it will have to be removed because it will have “died” from lack of bloodflow. Like I said, that’s just a possible worry but they don’t think that’s occurred. My uterus is the size of a woman who’s 4 months pregnant because of the sheer size of the fibroids and cysts. (Isn’t that just lovely?)
Anyway, I’ll know more when/if I can get my pre-op appointment. I’m just trying to remember all the info that’s been given to me so far. I’m very scared and it’s major surgery and I just don’t know what to say really. I’ll close up here but if/when I can, I’ll update again. Thank you all for your support. It means so much to me.
edit to add: I also gave my good friend, annaonthemoon, access to post. Not sure how often I can update her or here but it made sense to have at least one other person have access to write an entry if need be.
I’m sure they will let you have the surgery without insurance. AFAIK, doctors aren’t allowed to refuse a patient for lack of funds. And you know any help you need with raising funds, I’m there for you. Even if it’s promoting the hell out of PhoenixFireDesigns.
I’ll make posts for you as/when you or S are able to update me.
Stay calm. We’re sending lots of love across the ocean to you and I’m wishing desperately that I was still in PA so I could hop in my car and drive down to be there for you!
Hi M – So very sorry to hear about your situation. I had a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (LAVH BSO) about 5 years ago. That is a laparoscopic hysterectomy with the small incisions to remove the uterus, but I also had my tubes and ovaries removed at the same time. If you want to talk with me about it, please feel free to e-mail me.
For some background information, I was 37 at the time. I had never had kids and didn’t want any and have been married for 20 years now.
I will say this – try not to read stuff on the Internet! The Internet is great and has tons of information and blah, blah, blah – however, in situations such as this, it can make you SO crazy it just isn’t worth it. I read a ton of sites before my surgery and was a basket case, up to crying on the table in the OR while they put me under. So much so that the doctor violated her sterile field to hold my hand and calm me down!
A laparoscopic approach is great – you won’t have a huge scar and your recovery will be much less painful and much shorter overall. This is truly a very routine surgery and there is minimal risk involved – again, with a laparoscopic approach, it is a much “simpler” procedure.
My recovery was fine and I felt SO MUCH BETTER afterwards – sorry about TMI, but in my case I was bleeding nonstop for 98 days, was hormonally crazy, and in quite a bit of pain. I had lots of hormonal issues with regards to my situation (i.e., blinding headaches, mood swings, etc.), which led to my decision to remove my tubes and ovaries as well, but is seems that wouldn’t apply to you in your case. I did end up in what is termed medical menopause (versus natural menopause), but apart from hot flashes have not had any real issues with it.
Anyway, sorry this is so long. Please write me if you want more information, some support, whatever – I was where you are just about 5 years ago and it can be very, very frightening. I am sorry about the financial aspect of it as well.
You are in my thoughts and I’m sending you all my best wishes. Take care and get in touch with me if you want. Huge hugs from the opposite corner of the country in Washington.
Kathryn
So sorry to hear this. I hope you’re on the mend soon. I have sent you a little something which you should receive in a few days. Please let me know that you’ve received it (when you’re well enough). Take care.