Running After Hysterectomy & 4-6 Week Post Op Updates

I haven't posted in awhile.  With the Holidays, I just got busy.

I had my 4 week follow up on December 11th.  At that time I was still spotting and achy at times.  My doctor said it was normal and to continue to listen to my body and take it easy when it happens.  He said my stitches were starting to dissolve and that the worst part is over, but I have to still use caution and not over do things or lift anything too heavy causing me to strain.  He released me back to work full time & for me to wait until 6-8 weeks before running.  He said once I'm ready, to take it slow and use a run/walk method.  I wont see him again until my final 6 month follow up.
Once I started work back to full time, I wore my binder with the ice packs in it the second half of each work work day.  I did this to help with any swelling or discomfort I may have due to working more.  It really helped!

Fast forward to yesterday December 29th....I ran for the first time since surgery!!!

I started out walking then began to run.  I had the biggest smile on my face when I took off, because I was so happy to be running again and the fear of my running days being over was lifted.  I did 3 miles taking at least 3 walk breaks each mile.  I felt great with only slight cramping at times.  Which, I had that the day before as well, when I went for a bike ride.  The cramps weren't painful and only came up now and then and went away.  Nothing compared to the discomfort I had running with those fibroid's and enlarged uterus for so long.

I am signed up for a race challenge on February 2nd.  Its a 10k with a 5k race right after.  I signed up for it way before knowing I was having surgery.  I am hoping to build back my running in January.  But, I will pay close attention to my body and if I feel its not ready, I will only do one of the races.  I'm just happy and thankful to be back running again!!

At 6 weeks post op I am starting to feel back to normal.  I still get the swelly belly at times and now and then get slight cramping.  I use the heating pad more now than I do the ice packs in the evening.  But, only as a precaution, I don't really get too achy anymore and don't need to take anything for pain.  I haven't had any brown, pink or red spotting for over a week now.  It has turned to a yellowish color and that has decreased too as well in the last few days.  My breast are swollen and tender right now.  Not sure if its just my hormones trying to get back to normal since I kept both my ovaries.

My doctor said to wait the full 8 weeks before having intercourse.  He said it may be slightly painful or discomfort at first, but to start out slow and it should get better over time.  I'll let you know how that goes.  But, I do want you ladies to know that my husband gave me the big "O" yesterday.  I was so nervous to even try, because I was so scared I would never have one again, after reading some women stories on it after having a hysterectomy.  But, not only was I able to have one, it was amazing!!  I laughed and cried afterwards, I think because I was so scared I wouldn't be able to anymore and so relieved I was still able to and it was amazing!  I also did not have any cramping or discomfort afterwards.
I am letting you all know this because I know I had all these questions and concerns and if my experience helps even one woman out there who is going through this, then I'm happy to have given TMI. :)

3 week post op back to work

December 6, 2018

Wednesday was my 3 week post op mark.  I started back to work part time on Monday.  Everyone welcomed me back with hugs and well wishes.  My team surprised me with flowers and a cute card.  Definitely brightened my 1st day back. 

This week I've had light spotting on and off.  Usually a light pink or brown color.  Work is going well and doesn't make me feel exhausted when I get home.  I'm still able to do a few chores after work and then I relax with some ice packs just in case.  This morning I passed my first dissolving stitch.  I saw it on the piece of toilet paper.  It looked like a mini lasso rope.  I'm hoping that's a sign I am healing well.  I go for my 4 week check up on Tues. 

The past few days I've gotten a few sharp tinges in my lower abs.  Not painful just a little achy.  Maybe because my stitches are starting to dissolve.  I'm feeling better and better each day.  I'm walking up to 2.25 miles at a time.  I'm going to try for 3 miles this weekend as long as my body feels good.  My foot and leg are also getting better each day.  I feel like I'm getting back more feeling.  I woke up the other night and realized I was sleeping on my belly.  First time since before my surgery and it wasn't uncomfortable.    I also noticed it no longer hurts to go over bumps while driving in a car.  Each week gets better and better. 

Hysterectomy Surgery & First 2 Weeks Recovery

November 14, 2018

My surgery was scheduled for Weds. November 14th at 10am so I had to be at the hospital at 8am.  Once I arrived we went to the waiting area.  The volunteer let my husband and daughter know that they would periodically give them updates when I go back into surgery.  Vaginal hysterectomy surgery generally takes about an hour, but mine may take longer due to the size of my uterus.

I gave my husband and daughter a kiss goodbye.  I first was asked to verify my information and was given my hospital band.  I then was taken to the surgery pre-op area.  She took my weight and gave me a gown to change into, slipper socks and a cap.  I changed into everything and laid on the bed.  The nurse came in and put compression air bags on both my legs.  She went over questions and started an IV.  She also needed to take blood, so she decided to use the iv needle to do so.  It was pretty uncomfortable, because it was in my hand.  The anesthesiologist came in and let me know that he will be putting a mediation into my iv to relax me and that once i get into the OR he will give me general anesthesia.  After they did all the pre-op procedures on me they let my husband and daughter come back to stay with me until it was my time for surgery.  My doctor/surgeon came in and went over what to expect.  He reminded me that he will do his best to perform the vaginal hysterectomy, but the OR is ready if he has to change to abdominal.  The time has come and my husband and daughter kissed me goodbye and I was wheeled to the OR.  I remember being wheeled into the OR, but nothing after that.  Next thing I know I woke up in the recovery room.

RECOVERY ROOM
Once I woke up I was still groggy.  I was told that the surgery went well and that he was able to do it vaginally.  I was in stage 1 recovery for an hour before my husband and daughter could come back.
I was told my surgery lasted 3 hours due to the size of my uterus and fibroids.  A normal uterus is around 90 grams mine was over 400 grams.  I had 2 fibroids the size of oranges inside my uterus and the large one on top of my uterus was solid hard and had to be broken in to pieces to get out.  Plus multiple small fibroids.  He said I had a mess in there.  He said most women who have half of what I had would be complaining and miserable.  He said I must have a high tolerance and not a very big complainer to go around for so long with all that inside of me.  I cant wait to be fully recovered and see the difference in how my lower abdominal area feels especially when I run!

My husband and daughter came back to see me.  The nurse continued to take my vital signs and my doctor/surgeon came to see me.  At that time I started to realize that I could not feel the top of my foot.  My husband rubbed the bottom but I couldn't feel the top.  Shortly later the numbness moved to the bottom of my foot and started up my leg.  I could not feel my foot at all.  I couldn't lift it up or rotate my ankle.  Everyone was surprised and couldn't figure out why.  My doctor decided to admit me and they scheduled a neurologist to come see me in the morning.

HOSPITAL ROOM
I was wheeled into a hospital room once they had one available.  I was really starting to feel the pain because the meds were wearing off, but they had to wait for the doctors approval before getting me any.  Because I originally was supposed to go home the same day.  At this time I am crying because I cant feel my foot or part of my leg and I cant have meds until who knows when.  I called my sister who is a nurse and she was upset of how things were going.  Luckily the shift change happened and I got an amazing nurse and tech that was much more helpful.  I hadn't peed since around 7am and at this time it was well into the evening.  They needed me to try to pee or they would have to use a catheter which I didn't want.  They wheeled a bed side toilet next to me to try.  Which of course I couldn't go because I had someone sharing a room with me and she had family in there and the nurse was standing there and it just was not happening.   Every time I would get up to try (with help) I would start dry heaving and that was painful.  I was finally given my meds.  It was nearing 9pm and my family was told they would have to leave.  I wanted my husband to stay but they said he couldn't in a shared room.  The nurse checked to see if they had a private room available and luckily they did.  My daughter and son left and I was taken to my new room.  They provided a pull out chair bed for my husband.

PRIVATE ROOM
Once I was situated into my new room I asked if I could get up and walk.  Of course I couldnt just get up because I couldnt feel my foot.  The nurse got a walker and helped me up.  I walked very slowly and carefully.  I had to looked down at my foot to make sure i didnt step down on my toes that were pointed down.  I had to lift my knee up step & down carefully with each step.  It was the craziest feeling walking on a foot you could not feel.  I managed to do 2 laps around the floor.  Once I got back to my room they did a bladder scan and my bladder was over 458 full.  They usually catheter  you when you are over 300.  I asked if I could try going again in the bathroom.  They got a walker and helped me.  Of course I was not able to go each time I tried.  And I dry heaved every time.  The last time I dry heaved I actually peed with each force of dry heaving.  But would stop peeing when I stopped dry heaving.  I tried one last time to pee in the bathroom and just couldn't go.  So they had to get me a catheter.  The 1st nurse tried and couldn't get it in because I was so swollen,  The 2nd nurse tried and she couldn't either.  They got someone that usually is very good at getting them in but, she wasn't able to either.  This was pure torture. At that point I was so upset, here I couldn't feel my foot and no clue why and now my bladder is getting over full and no one can catheter me.  They called my doctor who told them to get a nurse from OB because they are used to catheterizing swollen areas.  2 nurses from OB came in and finally was able to get it in.  I was so relieved in more ways than one and thanked them so much. I was very glad that nightmare was over.   I was still on a liquid diet.  They gave me Percocet for pain and IBProphen when needed.  I also had Miralax with orange juice once a day to keep my bowels soft.  I didnt get to finally sleep until after 1am.

MY UNFORTUNATE NUMBNESS
My doctor/surgeon could not understand why my foot was completely numb.  He said that I was positioned correctly and cushioned very well.  Although the surgery lasted 3 hours this has not ever happened to any of his patients before.  He said it had to be a nerve compressed or something.  We were hoping once the neurologist came in he could give me answers and advice on what I could do.  Boy were we wrong.  I myself kept pushing my foot up using my other foot and bending my toes up with my other toes to try and keep movement going.  I also kept the air leg compressions on any time I was in bed.  The next morning the neurologist came in.  He was in a hurry, rude and not helpful at all.  He told me that I may never get feeling back in my foot and if I did it could only be partial.  He said I will no longer be able to climb stairs...I live in a townhouse and my bedroom is upstairs.  He said I may have to wear some kind of special boot for the rest of my life.  He said because of the holidays he couldn't schedule me to see him to do further testing for 2-3 weeks.  When I asked him what can i do in the meantime, he said he doesn't have any answers for me.  He was useless!  He was awful!  I just sat there shocked as he left.  I told my husband here I was thinking I cant run for 6-8 weeks due to my hysterectomy recovery and now I dont know if I'll ever be able to run again.  Once it really hit me I just cried and cried.  Every time someone came in the room to talk to me I cried.  It was awful.  My anesthesiologist came in to see me saying he could not sleep, he felt horrible and he researched to see what could of happened.  He said from what he researched it sounded like I had drop foot.  Which in time you could get the feeling back.  After talking with him I felt more hopeful and better.  I asked the nurse if I could walk the floors.  I did this 2 -3 times during the day.  I also continued to keep stretching my foot and toes with my other foot.  They scheduled me for a MRI which I do not like closed spaces.  I was given Zanax to calm my already upset nerves and to help me get through the MRI.  The MRI was so loud and took 30 minutes.  I made sure to keep my eyes shut.  Because I knew once I opened them and saw how enclosed I was I'd probably panic.  Glad thats over with.  Oh and best of all I finally let out gas!! LOL after surgery thats a big deal and you have to be able to in order to go home, so I was happy it finally came out.  Funny it was during my MRI, good thing it didnt stink lol.  The MRI results came back fine, which he did of my pelvic area.....  My doctor had me stay another night since I had the catheter just put in the night before and I was so swollen.   I was finally able to eat a normal diet that night.  Later that night I felt a tingling feeling in the bottom of my foot and asked my husband to touch my foot.  I could feel a slight touch on the bottom but nothing in my toes, top of my foot or bottom of my leg.  But it was a progress.  By the next morning I had a little more feeling in the bottom of my foot and was able to move my toes a little more.

HOSPITAL RELEASE November 16, 2018
The next morning at 6am it was time to take out the catheter.  I was so worried I would struggle to pee again.  As soon as he took it out I had the urge to pee.  The nurse said it could take 2 hours before I could.  I asked if i could try and wa la I peed!  I was so happy.  If my foot wasn't numb I would have got up and done a happy dance.   My doctor put in the release orders.  They took out my IV and I changed into my regular clothes.  They went over my discharge info and wheeled me out front where my husband was waiting.  I gave the nurses a hug bye and thanked them.  They were wonderful.

RECOVERY AT HOME
The ride home was uncomfortable, but luckily we only live 10 minutes away.  They prescribed me a walker to take home, but my neighbor had one i could use so i didnt have to pay for one.  My husband helped me in and had the living room recliner all set up for me.  He was so amazing with everything.  I dont know what I would have done without him.  I tried sleeping downstairs but could not get comfortable.  I finally said lets try to go upstairs.  Very very slowly I eased up one step at a time and made it upstairs.  Ha in your face neurologist!  My husband situated my pillows for me.  I was able to sleep on my side so i kept a pillow between my legs.  Every time I moved it was pretty uncomfortable.  I think it was mainly because of the gas pains which were brutal at times.  My husband continued to help me walk with the walker and go downstairs so I could walk a little outside.  I ate fruit in the morning hoping it would help get my bowels working.  The next day I was feeling like i couldnt get the pain under control.  I had only took 2 tylenol codeine since I got home.  I called the doctor.  He told me to not skip them.  To take them every 3 hours and I could take the Ibuprofen in between.  He also said I could take benadryl to help me sleep.  Once I got on the schedule it helped a lot with the pain.  I only took the pain meds for 3 days at home.  Each day my pain was getting a little better and the feeling in my foot was coming back.  By Sunday I finally was able to pass my first BM.  It wasnt bad at all.  I take the Miralax with orange juice every morning to keep them soft and boy did it help.  My tummy hurts when I need to pass gas or my bladder is full or when its time to take a BM.  But, not horribl,e just really achy and uncomfortable.  By Monday I was able to walk without the walker.  Still couldnt feel the top of my foot or leg but able to slowly walk on my own.  I took walks everyday.  Day before thanksgiving I prepared a few casseroles.  It felt nice to do something normal again rather than laying around and walking.  But, by the evening I felt achy and had to put ice on my belly.  Same thing happened Thanksgiving day.  By the end of the day I felt achy and needed to ice and rest.  The day after Thanksgiving I decided to take a ride with my husband and shop a little.  As much as I wanted to get back to normal, each bump in the road was uncomfortable and the shopping made me feel achy and tired.  So we didnt do too much.  Each day has gotten better and better.

I am now just passed my 2 week mark.  I have increased my walking to a mile and a half each morning.  I have not gotten tired at all walking.  I actually feel I could go further, but dont want to push it.  Last week I started at half a mile then a few days later a mile and Weds my 2 week mark I tried a mile and a half.  I think I may try for 2 miles tomorrow as long as I feel good.  I make sure to listen to my body.  Usually at the end of the day especially if I cleaned the house or did a lot, I get sore and lay down and use ice packs.  But, by the next morning I feel good again.  The first week I barely had any spotting, then I started to get a little bit of brown discharge, this week Ive had some pink discharge.  Yesterday my discharge was a little bit more than usually and a reddish brown.  I used yesterday as a complete rest day in bed with ice packs just in case I over did it.  This morning I woke up with no discharge and just slight spotting today.  I went for my mile and a half walk this morning and felt great.  My foot feels like its about 90% feeling in it.  I still have the outside of my calf and top of my foot and toes slightly numb and always feeling like it wants to fall asleep.   But from where I was 2 weeks ago, I'll take it!

My doctor has released me to part time work starting Monday.  Then I go see him at my 4 week check up on December 11th and if all goes well then he will release me to full time.  I feel like my recovery is going well.  I try to always listen to my body.  Any time I feel achy I lay down and put ice packs on my belly.  I used the heating pad twice, but in my preference I like the ice packs better.  My bowel movements have been consistent everyday and the Miralax really helps keep it soft so no pushing at all.  I drink lots of water throughout the day and eat a normal diet.

Pre-OP Appointment with Doctor/Surgeon

November 12, 20018

I went for my Pre-Op appointment at my gynecologist, who is also my surgeon.  He went over what he was planning to do and what I needed to do to get prepared.  He said because of my uterus being mobile and me being slim, he still felt that 80% chance he could successfully do the vaginal hysterectomy.  But, because of my uterus being so enlarged, if he sees any complications, he will then cut me bikini style and finish the hysterectomy abdominally. 

I asked him my list of questions:

Do I have to do a bowel prep?  No

Do I need to do a liquid diet day before surgery?  No

How much can I increase my walking daily?  He said 1^st week walk around the house, 2^nd week try a quarter of a mile, 3^rd week increase to half a mile if I feel up to it and increase gradually each week from there.

When is my post-op appointment?  One month after surgery.

Can I return to work after 2 weeks?  He said if I feel up to it, I can gradually return to work part time after 3 weeks. 

Will I be put under general anesthesia? Yes, that is the preferred choice unless the patient has a reason not to.

He went over my consent and I signed it.  He said usually he would send me to the hospital to finish the pre-op there, but since I already did it on Friday, to bring my signed consent with me on my surgery day.  He said my surgery is scheduled for 10am Weds. and for me to be there 2 hours before.  He said to wear loose clothing only, no makeup, deodorant, jewelry or piercings.  He gave me 2 prescriptions, one for pain, Tylenol 3 with codeine and also Miralax to take once every day after surgery for a month to soften my stools to help prevent constipation. 

He said once I wake up from surgery and the nurse calls him to say I am good to go home, he will have them give me 2 shots.  One for pain and one for sedation.  He said they will go into my muscle and be slow releasing.  Once I get home, he said for me to take one of the Tylenol codeines and for my husband to wake me up every 3 hours to take one.  At 9am the next morning I am to call the office and let them know of my progress.  I can have a regular diet 24 hours after my surgery.

November 13, 2018

I woke up at 3am this morning feeling very anxious.  Instead of lying in bed thinking about it, I got up and cleaned downstairs.  I even cleaned the kitchen floor on my hands and knees.  I was trying to keep my mind off it until I had to leave for work at 5:30am.  I’m excited to get this done, but I am feeling anxious, nervous and scared.  I am really hoping he can successfully do the vaginal hysterectomy, so I can have an easier and faster recovery.  I am hoping to be able to return to work before having to use short term disability.  Fingers crossed it all goes well!  I’m lucky I have a husband who is very supportive and keeps reminding me that no matter what we will get through this!

Pre-Op Hospital Admittance

On Friday, November 9, 2018

Hospital called me that morning to confirm my 2:30pm pre-op appointment for that day.  I never received any prior info regarding having an appointment that day, so I was luckily able to leave work to go to it.  I called my doctor’s office right away to ask about my scheduled Monday pre-op appointment with them.  She said I still will have that pre-op appointment with my doctor as well.  Once I got to the hospital I was told to go to admittance.  There she confirmed my name, address and general info.  She then told me what my co-pay was.  I was paying for an Out-Patient surgery, because as of right now he is planning on doing the vaginal hysterectomy unless there are complications.  So, I paid the co-pay and she put a hospital band on my wrist.  She told me to remove it once I leave the hospital, that they will issue me a new one on surgery day. 

I then went to where I had my blood pressure taken, pulse and weight.  The nurse called me back to go over all my medical history.  I had just had my blood work done on October 15^th so she called and had them fax over the results.  She went over what to do before surgery and what to expect on surgery day.  She said for me to stop taking my multi vitamins because some of the ingredients can affect the surgery medications & my blood going into surgery.  She also told me to not shave anything before surgery.  She said that using a razor can cause microscopic cuts and can increase the chance of infection.  My surgery is Weds.  I decided to not shave after Sunday to be on the safe side.  She said to wash with an antibacterial soap the morning of surgery.   She told me to wear comfortable clothes and to take off all jewelry & piercings, wear no make-up and no deodorant.  She said to drink a lot more than usual the day before surgery to prevent dehydration.  She said to not drink or eat anything after midnight before surgery. 

Once I was home, I later received an email from the hospital including videos I needed to watch before surgery.  They were very informative.  The videos went over the hysterectomy procedure, what to expect before surgery, during and after surgery.

Today I have my pre-op appointment at 2:00pm with my doctor, who is also my surgeon.  I will update what happened during that appointment later today or tomorrow.

Preparing for Hysterectomy Surgery & Recovery

I've been reading up on suggestions of things to have, to help you through recovery.  Below are some of the things I found, that may be useful and have purchased for myself.   Of course, once I am going through recovery, I'll let you know how much each one did actually help. 😉  **Always ask your doctor first before trying anything.  These are just some of the ideas I've read that were useful for other women who had a hysterectomy.

• A soft comfortable robe.  Whether you are staying in the hospital for a few days or fully recovering at home.  A comfortable robe is nice to have walking through the hospital halls, especially while wearing the hospital gowns that tend to want to open up in the back flashing everyone you walk by. 😮 It's also nice to wear at home when you need to do your walking around, but aren't up to getting dressed. 
• A Pair of Slip on Slippers.  You will definitely want a pair of soft comfortable slippers that are easy for you to slide on to your feet.  Good for when they make you start walking around at the hospital.  Also, great for going to and from the bathroom or walking around at home during your recovery.  This way you would not have to bend down to put them on.

• A Tummy Binder.  I have read that using some sort of tummy binder helps with healing and swelling of your belly.  It is useful for any hysterectomy you have, but especially if you had an abdominal one.  I purchased one that included cold/heat packs and a mesh pocket to slip them in.  That way I can have the cold/heat packs on my belly even while walking around.  Some women like using them, others prefer not too.  I figured if for some reason I didn't end up liking it, I could still use the binder and packs for back aches as well.  But, I wanted to have it handy just in case it does really help.  I purchased mine online through the hystersisters store.  You can purchase binders at Walgreens, CVS and other places as well.  I'm not sure if they have the pockets for the cold/heat packs though.

• Eye Mask & Ear Plugs.  If you're staying in the hospital for a few nights, you may want to have an eye mask and ear plugs handy.  Hospitals can get pretty loud and you will need as much rest as possible.  It's also good if you have a snoring husband or young children around.  That way you can block out as much noise and light as you can to keep resting.

• Hot Water Bottle.  I read somewhere that putting ice cubes and water in one of these and putting it into a pillow case and lay it on your belly helps a lot.  Also, when you want to apply heat, putting hot water in it will do the trick as well.  I have a heating pad I will use for when I want to use heat on my belly.  But, if you don't have a heating pad, this will work great as well.  I bought one for myself off of Amazon, but you can find them at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and other places as well.

• Nightgowns/Night Shirts & Comfy Clothes.  You will want to wear things that aren't tight around your belly.  A night shirt or gown is good to wear while recovering, you can just slip it over your head.  If you choose to wear pants, you may want to get baggy sweats or shorts that are loosely fitting.  You want to be as comfortable as you can.  This is the time your husband/boyfriends big shirts/sweats come in handy. 😀

• Small Pillow.  A small pillow is good to use between your tummy and the seat belt for car rides.  Also, a good protection to have from small children or pets that may try to come around your belly.  It will also help to hold it on your belly when you have to cough or sneeze.

These are just a few ideas that I found, that could be very useful during recovery.     

Fibroids & Appointments

10/25/2018

I am 46 years old, wife & mother of 2.  I am scheduled to have a hysterectomy on November 14, 2018. 

I thought maybe if I did a blog of my journey, it would help other women going through what I am.  A few years ago, I created a blog when I got braces as an adult and surprisingly others reached out to me and told me how much it helped them reading my blog.  I am hoping this blog does the same, even if it's just one person.

Here we go...
In 2015 I was starting to have an achy feeling when I would go for my runs in my lower abdomen.  I also noticed I could feel a small bump in my lower belly when I laid on my back.  I made an appointment to see a gynecologist (it had been a few years).  During my appointment, while she was doing the pelvic exam, she felt the bump and said it was probably a fibroid.  I had an ultrasound which confirmed it was a fibroid.  I then had a hysterscopy done to make sure it was benign.  Instead of her scheduling an appointment with me to go over results and my options.  She had her nurse call me to tell me it was benign and that she wanted me to start taking Provera for several months and she didn't explain why or what for.  I picked up my prescription confused on what exactly the medication was to do for me, was it to shrink my fibroid, get rid of it, or what??!!.  So I researched the medication myself and read all the side effects and reviews on it, which were worse than what I was currently dealing with, plus it would do nothing to my fibroid.  So I decided not to take it.  I also decided not to go back to her, because I did not like how she didn't go over anything with me, especially my options.  I figured I could handle heavy periods once a month and the low pressure feeling in my belly.

Fast forward to 2018.  I continued to have the achy pressure feeling in my lower abdomen, especially when I ran.  My periods started to get worse lasting 10 days with my heavy days needing Ultra tampons and a night time pad and changing it every 30 minutes.  I also passed huge clots with bad cramping.  I could see the bump a lot more in my lower abdomen when I laid on my back.  Some days it seemed to stick out even further than others.  I would get fatigue during my periods with headaches.  But, I would still continue to run on my running days.  I could tell a huge difference on my running days on my periods.  Sometimes I could barely make 3 miles.  On days I'm off my period, I could run 7 miles or more no problem.  My lower abdomen would ache more when I had to pee.  Once I would pee, the pressure wouldn't feel as bad.  2 of my friends recommended me to see their gynecologist.  They swore by him and they both had hysterectomies performed by him (he's a surgeon as well). 

On September 24, 2018 I had my gyno appointment.  The nurse took all my info.  Once the doctor was ready for me, they sent me to his office.  When I say office, I mean his actual office, him sitting at his desk and I sat in a chair in front of him.  This was much better than talking to him, sitting in a gown on the exam table.  He asked me what brought me to see him.  I told him all my issues I was having.  He couldn't understand why my 1st gynecologist prescribed me a medication that wouldn't even shrink a fibroid.  Even if she had, it would grow back. He went over options I would have, to treat a fibroid.  He explained to me that these were temporary options, because in most cases the fibroid's grow back.  He said since I'm 46 and no longer want children (I had a tubal ligation after my 2nd child in 1998, so having more kids was not an issue.)  Also, with all my issues I was having, pressure and aches in lower abdomen, heavy bleeding, bad cramps, huge clots, pain at times during sex, anemia, he said a hysterectomy would be my best option to get rid of the fibroid and the problems I've had with it.  He then said that since I'm slim that he may be able to feel the fibroid during the pelvic exam.  He told me to go to the restroom 1st, because he would be pressing a lot on my abdomen. Luckily I was able to pee, because when he said he would be pressing, boy did he ever.  I went into the exam room, changed into the gown and the doctor and nurse came in.  He did the pap smear 1st.  Then he started the pelvic exam which was very uncomfortable.  At times I would tense up, because of the sharp pain when he pushed.  He told me to relax, then the nurse came by my head and then he started pushing really hard and I about flew off the table.  I said "I'm sorry", because I know I'm supposed to stay relaxed.  He said no, you are a very good patient.  I said I am?  Thinking hello??!! I just about flew off this table!!!.  He asked me if I knew what he just did.  I said ummm no.  He said he just rotated my uterus.  I was like what?!  He said my uterus was turned around so he rotated it back.  He then said again that I was a very good patient, because most patients he couldn't do that unless they were put under.  Yikes, no wonder I almost flew off the table in pain.  He then had me get dressed and meet him back in his office.  There he explained that it felt like I have a pretty big fibroid and that my uterus felt enlarged.  He said he wanted to do an ultrasound to get a better idea.  But, if the fibroid was too large there was a medication I could take for 3 months to help it shrink enough down, so I could have a vaginal hysterectomy.   I then scheduled to have my ultrasound done.

On October 11, 2018 I went in to have my ultrasound.  I had to drink at least 32 oz of water an hour and a half before my appointment and not pee.  Luckily they called me back right when I got there.  They did an internal and external ultrasound.  I was able to go empty my bladder before she did the internal ultrasound.  Once I was done my doctor came in to go over what he saw.  He said that my biggest fibroid measured over 15cm and that I had multiple fibroid's.  He said that my uterus was enlarged and that my bladder was being pressed and he showed me how a bladder should look and mine definitely looked squished.  Which explains the pressure achy feeling and always having to pee.  He suggested that I take Lupron for 3 months to help the large fibroid shrink down, so he would be able to do a vaginal hysterectomy.  He said he may still be able to do one now, but I would have better odds if it was shrunk down at least by 30%.  I already knew I did not want to take the Lupron injections.  After reading about it and I have a friend who had to take them years ago and caused her nothing but problems.  He said for me and my husband to discuss it over the weekend and decide if I want to take it or not.  I had already seen what this medication could do, loss of hair, "temporary menopause" which most woman said it continued even after getting off the shots and much more.  My husband was looking to see what exactly the medication was.  Apparently it originally was used for men as a chemotherapy type drug for prostate cancer.  Once we read that, we both agreed that I absolutely do not want to take this medication.  We were going camping for the weekend, so I decided to put it behind me, enjoy the weekend and deal with this on Monday.  

On October 15, 2018, I called the gyno office and let them know I absolutely do not want to take Lupron, that I needed to know what are my next steps.  She said she will talk to my doctor and give me a call back.  Around 10am she called and said he wanted to do another pelvic exam to see if he feels he can still do a vaginal hysterectomy.  I was able to go in at 2:15pm that day because they had a cancellation.  He did the pelvic exam and did a lot of pressing again.  He said he felt that 80% he could do the vaginal hysterectomy, because my uterus was mobile and my fibroid's were more towards the top of the uterus.  He said that he would have the OR ready for an abdominal one just in case he was unable too.  I told him I understand and I agree and that I just want to get this done.  He said he wanted to do blood work to get my blood count since I loose so much blood.  They took my blood there.  I then went to his admin and she scheduled my Pre-op appointment for Monday, November 12th and my surgery for Wednesday, November 14th.  A few days later I got my blood test results and my Hemoglobin was in red 11.2L and my Hematocrit was also in red 34.8L.  Which this meant I am anemic.   I take an iron supplement everyday along with a vitamin C and multi-vitamin.  But, when I went camping that weekend before the blood test, I forgot to take it with me, plus I was on my period.  So, I think that may be why my levels were low.  I'm hoping they will be back to normal when they take it again at my Pre-op.  

So now is the fun waiting game.  I have 2 weeks and 6 days until my surgery.  I have watched and listened to many videos on U-Tube about hysterectomies.  A friend of mine recommended a site called Hystersisters (link below), which is amazing.  It's women who are having or already had a hysterectomy and their own experiences.  I'm sure I will continue to read and watch videos until the day of my surgery.  I am really hoping I can have the vaginal hysterectomy, but I'm feeling like I will probably end up with the abdominal one, because of how big my uterus and fibroid is.  But, we'll see.....

https://www.hystersisters.com/

I am nervous and scared, but I'm also excited and cant wait to get this done and hopefully feel much better.  A big plus will be no longer having a period!!!  No more going to the bathroom every 30 minutes, worrying that when I start gushing am I leaking on my clothes.  No more waking up 2 to 3 times a night because of gushing and hoping to make it to the bathroom before it leaks over the pad.  No more worrying about plans being made when it's my time of the month.  No more tensing up during sex because in certain positions it feels like I'm getting punched inside.  Hopefully no more running without feeling exhausted and a lingering heavy pressure achy feeling in my lower abdomen, which makes me feel like I have to pee.  

October 21, 2018 I ran my last 5k race before my surgery.  I have ran at least a 5k, 10k or half marathon race once a month for exactly 2 years now.  It's bitter sweet right now, because I had already signed up for one in December with my daughter and her boyfriend, but I wont be able to run it.  That is going to be really hard.  But, I have to keep reminding myself, this is for my own good and once I fully recover, who knows I may end up running faster and farther than I ever did before, because I wont feel so exhausted and achy while doing so.

I know I just typed a book lol.  But, I just wanted to catch you all up on where this all started and where I am at today.  I will continue to update this blog on info I come across, my Pre-op appointment, surgery and my recovery.  Until then, I hope this helps someone going through the same thing.💜