Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:25:13 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2019 17:49:26 GMT
UPDATE: Finally met with the doctor today.
The doctor told me that she saw a lot of polyps present. She said that while the cells aren't presently atypical, that I am at stage 2 (endometrial hyperplasia) and that she felt at anytime, I could pass to Stage 3 and cancer cells start to form. She said that I have two options.
Option 1: Specialized blood test to identify the precise imbalance of the hormones. Then she would want to do hormone therapy for 3 months and 6 months to assess if that will reverse the problems. Because I already have a weakened liver, this could present another problem.
Option 2: A complete hysterectomy including the ovaries. She feels this will eliminate not only the endometrial cancer risk but breast cancer as well. She could not guarantee that the hormone therapy would work. Option #2 is the best route to take in her opinion.
I honestly had in my mind already decided that the hysterectomy is what I wanted to do. I have been blessed with two beautiful, healthy children. I am about to hit 50 so I mean what do I really need those parts for now anyway. I mean it's been real but time to hit the road jack!
The doctor said I could schedule the surgery any time. I left her office thinking I would do it in about three weeks so I could get my ducks in a row at work. I am such a Type A person that I need to have things very organized. Well, in the last two hours that DH took DS to basketball practice, he talked to his brothers (DH and his two brothers are basically my boss) and they convinced him that I need to do it as soon as possible. UGH! I feel like if I can't have at least one meeting with my teachers to put a plan together for the two months that I might be out...I won't rest well. DH said he is going to fire me! Am I being a hard head about this? *********************************************************************************************************************************
I did not tell many people...even in my own family, that I had surgery last Friday to remove an endometrial tumor. Thank god, it was benign. I still have issues that I need to consult with the doctor about. I have an appointment set for Monday. I have struggled with PCOS for YEARS!!!! I also had a D&C to thin the endometrial wall because of stopped having periods, but I am not yet in menopause. The doctor is concerned about the thickening of my uterus and how my body is no longer able to regulate because my hormones are being assholes! I won't know until Monday if the other findings of the complete biopsy will show atypical cells present and she said if that is the case, she wants to do a complete hysterectomy to prevent cancer from occuring.
This is my 4th D&C and of course, I was much younger for the others. I just turned 49. I even had foot surgery last year, which I was chomping at the bit a week later to get up and out. But THIS surgery has been all together different. I had much more pain than I remember with the others. For three days, I was in pretty intense pain. Just to let you know, they don't give good post-op drugs here. You can buy paracetamol tablets that have some codeine in them, but it is VERY RARE to get any type of narcotics here. Only IN the hospital.
But the fatigue with this recovery has been off the charts. I am a very active person and am always immersed in my work as manager of English curriculum in several schools. I have had ZERO thoughts about going back to work or even touching any work I brought home with me. I went to the grocery store today for the first time going out and I lasted 20 minutes before I felt like I need to get home and lay down.
This whole process, the days discovering there was a tumor and awaiting the surgery, has been an emotional roller coaster. Not to mention the almost week wait for the biopsy to come back. I have so not been myself and I don't feel like myself anymore. Like I am in a void. I don't feel like I'm depressed...maybe just in a fog.
I am reaching out to the Peas because I just have never had this type of reaction to surgery. I'm not a stranger to surgery, as I mentioned before. I've had D&Cs, a pretty serious surgery to remove HUGE ovarian cysts. I tell you...my hormones are assholes!!!!!
Has this happened to any of you? How did you cope? How long did it take to recover?
|
|
|
Post by malibou on Nov 1, 2019 18:36:26 GMT
I will tuck you up safely in my best thoughts, and help cradle your soul as you heal.
I have no advice to give from a been there done that stand point, I'm sorry. What you have been through is surely causing your fucking hormones to be all over the place, and the fatigue and emotions being whack, aren't helping. It sounds like you need to just rest and not think about your work. Rest and heal. I will wish you healthy outcome.
|
|
|
Post by chlerbie on Nov 1, 2019 18:49:16 GMT
I'm sorry for what you've been going through.
When I had gallbladder surgery this year, after having spinal surgery just a few months before, I expected to bounce back just as quickly as I had after the first one. I was in more pain and then, just sort of very tired, foggy and then that developed into a low level depression. It lasted for about two weeks. In talking to a couple of other friends, one told me that anesthesia depression and surgery is sometimes a thing and generally will clear up within two weeks.
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Nov 1, 2019 18:52:21 GMT
I’m so glad your results thus far have been positive! Part of it may be waiting for the results from the endometrial biopsy, before your body will accept the good news. Also as we get older it takes longer for our bodies to recover from anethstia so that may be playing into it as well. The elderly sometimes never fully get back to where they were. Is it possible they used a different anesthetic than you are used to? If it were me, there would be a strong possibility that the whole experience would send me into a bit of a depression.
Will be thinking of you and hoping for continued good news!
|
|
|
Post by scrapmaven on Nov 1, 2019 18:59:16 GMT
It's actually quite normal to get depressed after surgery. It's not just hormones, but the anesthesia and surgery affect the brain. Plus, pain is depressing, not to mention the scary potential diagnosis. Now you might face a hysterctomy and that in itself is likely scary. However, so many peas have had hysterectomies and have felt much better w/o the recurring issues that lead to the surgery. It may be the best thing for you.
Meanwhile, your body is exhausted and your mind is likely exhausted from anxiety and worry. Take it easy on yourself and rest.
|
|
wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,022
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
|
Post by wellway on Nov 1, 2019 19:09:10 GMT
I echo scrapmaven, take it easy, rest, be kind to yourself. You have been through a difficult time and you need time to recover. Hugs to you
|
|
|
Post by nlwilkins on Nov 1, 2019 19:13:08 GMT
Give yourself a break and don't fret about not being motivated or being tired. Your body is telling you to rest - listen to it. Every surgery is different and our bodies react differently to every surgery. So, don't compare this surgery to past ones and just go with the flow. Fretting doesn't help and may even inhibit the healing. All easy to say, but hard to do, right?
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:25:13 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2019 19:20:29 GMT
I will tuck you up safely in my best thoughts, and help cradle your soul as you heal. I have no advice to give from a been there done that stand point, I'm sorry. What you have been through is surely causing your fucking hormones to be all over the place, and the fatigue and emotions being whack, aren't helping. It sounds like you need to just rest and not think about your work. Rest and heal. I will wish you healthy outcome. I have definitely been overly emotional, which is very unlike me. Totally whacked out. Thanks for the positive thoughts. I need a bucket full!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:25:13 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2019 19:22:24 GMT
I'm sorry for what you've been going through. When I had gallbladder surgery this year, after having spinal surgery just a few months before, I expected to bounce back just as quickly as I had after the first one. I was in more pain and then, just sort of very tired, foggy and then that developed into a low level depression. It lasted for about two weeks. In talking to a couple of other friends, one told me that anesthesia depression and surgery is sometimes a thing and generally will clear up within two weeks. Never heard of anesthesia depression before. Something to think about. Thankfully, we have a fall break next week, so I have a whole other week to lay around like a lazy slug! LOL
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:25:13 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2019 19:23:02 GMT
I’m so glad your results thus far have been positive! Part of it may be waiting for the results from the endometrial biopsy, before your body will accept the good news. Also as we get older it takes longer for our bodies to recover from anethstia so that may be playing into it as well. The elderly sometimes never fully get back to where they were. Is it possible they used a different anesthetic than you are used to? If it were me, there would be a strong possibility that the whole experience would send me into a bit of a depression. Will be thinking of you and hoping for continued good news! GIRL!!!!! Are you calling me "ederly"?!?!?!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:25:13 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2019 19:25:36 GMT
Thank you Peas for your words. I am so independent and going all the time, that it is hard for me to ask for help or reach out. Really makes a difference to know that I'm not a total freak.
I will say the "rabbit hole" of YouTube at 2am is off the charts whack!
|
|
momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,153
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
|
Post by momto4kiddos on Nov 1, 2019 20:01:52 GMT
Like the others have said, take it easy on yourself you've been through a lot. Even if your hormones weren't out of whack, you've had surgery and you've probably been on edge about the surgery/biopsy results. I had a couple surgeries in the last year and when the biopsy results came in I felt more relief than I thought because I didn't really think I was too stressed about them (obvious I was more stressed than I was feeling.)
My two surgeries both threw me out of whack for a bit even though the pain was very minimal. The exhaustion was real and it threw off my sleeping habits. I'd be barely keeping my eyes open at dinner time and awake at odd hours of the night which was so frustrating. The restrictions were also frustrating, not being able to get out or do the things I normally would really puts you in a funk. It can definitely be a rough time even if you're feeling halfway decent so don't put that on yourself too. Take it easy, rest and recover.
Fyi one of the surgeries was a hysterectomy for atypical cells...recovery wasn't bad and i'm very happy to have had it done.
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Nov 1, 2019 20:22:28 GMT
((((Hugs)))) and prayers
I'll agree with the others that post-anesthesia sometimes throws me for a loop -energy and mood-wise even when pain is minimal or non-existant. I had oral surgery last Friday (under GA) and it was several days before I felt like I was myself again - and that was very minor surgery with minimal pain afterwards. I think age plays a role also - I had major knee surgery at 23 (3 days in hospital) and outpatient knee surgery at 46 - and it took me SO much longer to bounce back (mood/energy/exhaustion wise) from the one at 46 and the physical recovery was slower also
|
|
|
Post by peano on Nov 1, 2019 21:13:25 GMT
I had surgery the end of March for a recurrence of Cushing's disease. I remember the recovery from my first surgery nine years ago as being nothing—back to regular activities within a week. This time was not so easy—the entire month of April was a blur of nausea and exhaustion. Just listen to your body and rest. Hope you’re back up to speed soon.
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Nov 1, 2019 21:22:19 GMT
I’m so glad your results thus far have been positive! Part of it may be waiting for the results from the endometrial biopsy, before your body will accept the good news. Also as we get older it takes longer for our bodies to recover from anethstia so that may be playing into it as well. The elderly sometimes never fully get back to where they were. Is it possible they used a different anesthetic than you are used to? If it were me, there would be a strong possibility that the whole experience would send me into a bit of a depression. Will be thinking of you and hoping for continued good news! GIRL!!!!! Are you calling me "ederly"?!?!?! LMAO, no! Just saying that anesthesia can have some long lasting effects!
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on Nov 1, 2019 22:22:41 GMT
Hang in there. You have been through a lot, physically and emotionally.
Gentle hugs and prayers for continued good news.
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Nov 1, 2019 22:23:13 GMT
The elderly sometimes never fully get back to where they were. Hrumpf!! I'm not listening! Thankfully, we have a fall break next week, so I have a whole other week to lay around like a lazy slug! LOL Lay around all you want, but you are not a slug!! You body has been 'assaulted' medically, but then so has your brain. Rest relax, enjoy your kids next week! (((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))
|
|
|
Post by Scrapper100 on Nov 1, 2019 22:37:25 GMT
Be easy on yourself. You just had surgery. I had my gallbladder out in July and they don’t give good drugs over here either it really stinks. Hormones I think can make the pain worse. I swear when mine throw fits I hurt everywhere and it’s really painful. No pain meds even come close to touching it. I’m sure you are dealing with a bit of that. I’m in the process of maybe having a hysterectomy for fibroids but they are hoping to shrink them first. On meds that are supposed to stop my hormones nope two meds and still cycling every few days and period for almost three weeks now.
When you are in pain it’s totally normal to be depressed I bet once you start feeling better your depression will lessen as well and if not let your dr know. Good luck I hope your results are good and you are worrying for nothing.
|
|
|
Post by destined2bmom on Nov 1, 2019 23:05:18 GMT
Everyone has given you great advice. Each surgery is different. And depending on how long you were under anesthesia and what is done inside your body; it will affect how you feel afterwards and the length of time, it’ll take you to recover.
I had several surgeries for severe endometriosis over several years.
Then, I had to have a complete hysterectomy years ago; because I had a tumor on my cervix that had fingers on it and it had wrapped around my fallopian tubes and ureters. I was in constant, severe pain. Because the surgery was so intense; my gynecologist found an oncologist surgeon to perform it. Once the surgery was complete, the oncologist surgeon found atypical cells inside my tumor. I was very lucky that they did the surgery when they did; because I wouldn’t be here now. That was the hardest surgery to recover from in my life. It took me almost a year to get back to normal. I was weak and feeling the way you now feel for about 6 months.
I am saying this because if they think you need to have a complete hysterectomy; I would have that done. If you think you need to go to a different hospital or a different doctor then I would do that for your health.
|
|
|
Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Nov 2, 2019 1:07:56 GMT
I don't have any experience with this to base any advice on, but it makes sense that you need an 'adjustment' period after a surgery like that. Let yourself have the time to recover. It's probably your body telling you what it needs -- listen to it. And I hope you're feeling better soon!
|
|
scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,826
Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
|
Post by scrapngranny on Nov 2, 2019 1:29:23 GMT
Depression after surgery is fairly common. In your case, I believe hormones could be playing a part in this too. Your lingering pain is another factor. Be gentle with yourself and allow your body the time it needs to heal. This might be something you have not dealt with in the past, but listen to the signs to go a little slower this time.
I hope you are feeling much better soon.
|
|
|
Post by quietgirl on Nov 2, 2019 1:47:51 GMT
I don't have experience with your type of surgery or condition, but I can tell you that my experience with my surgeries is that they can take time, lots of time, to recover from. And each one is different, even if it's the same procedure. There are many factors that can change with each subsequent surgery. Don't rely on your past experience. Go easy on yourself, he gentle with yourself. Hormones can be a bitch. Take care. I'll be thinking of you.
|
|
|
Post by kernriver on Nov 2, 2019 2:44:53 GMT
The only advice I have is don’t have any more surgery without telling everyone in your family what is going on. Under most conditions, surgery has risks. Imagine how you would feel if someone in your family had surgery and the worst happened. And you only found out after it happened. Just take it easy and tell your doctor if you don’t feel better in a few more days. And you mentioned a high amount of pain. This really takes it out of you. In this day and age there is really no reason to be in pain for 3 days. If this happens again, call the doctor.
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 2, 2019 4:01:20 GMT
I think you’ve been through a physical and emotional wringer and either one of those things would be enough to drain anybody. But to have both going on at once feels like almost more than a double whammy. Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to take it easy and as much time as you need to heal. You deserve nothing less. Sending you loads of positive, healing thoughts! Hang in there!
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on Nov 2, 2019 4:13:48 GMT
I have no knowledge of the type of health issues you've been facing, however it sounds like your stress levels have been off the charts and I so sorry that you've been in pain. I hope the news on Monday is positive. Please be kind to yourself, you've been through a lot lately.
|
|
hannahruth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,688
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Aug 29, 2014 18:57:20 GMT
|
Post by hannahruth on Nov 2, 2019 15:47:28 GMT
I think what you are describing is relatively normal. Your body has been savaged and your mind as well leading up to and including undergoing surgery. You really have to give yourself time to heal both physically and emotionally.
Your recovery is really only days yet, it can and will take weeks, if not months to fully recover.
Part of the problem is that we (collectively speaking) expect to be back on top of everything in no time at all and expect ourselves to be up and doing within no time at all. It doesn't happen like that unfortunately and even if you feel okay your body takes time to heal internally as well. We tell ourselves we 'don't have time for this' but I hate t say that if you don't have time to heal yourself after major surgery when will you?
When I had a hysterectomy (I know it is not the same op. but in the same region!) I was told to take things easy, no driving, no heavy housework or hanging out washing for 6 weeks. I felt at the time very similar to what you are describing - miserable, teary, fatigue, disturbed sleep but I had absolutely no pain - and it did take me more than 6 weeks to recover probably more like 10-12 weeks but when all the symptoms resolved I felt great.
|
|
luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,687
Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
Jul 22, 2017 4:59:41 GMT
|
Post by luckyjune on Nov 2, 2019 16:34:58 GMT
I had my hip replaced two summers ago and experienced similar feelings. I chalk it up to stress around the surgery, the physical trauma on the body, ridding your system of the hospital drugs, and not being realistic about how long it will take to heal. I thought, being younger than your typical hip replacement patient, that I'd bounce right back, no problem. My surgeon wasn't kidding when he said it takes a full year to recover.
Be kind to yourself, rest when you need to, and give yourself time to heal. Let your doc know if the "blahs" last longer than you think they should. And check in here, too!
|
|
|
Post by Lexica on Nov 2, 2019 18:05:48 GMT
Yes, I've had a reaction like that after my spinal surgery and again when I shattered my elbow. I met a woman in the waiting room after my elbow surgery who told me she had surgery the same day that I did and that she was really struggling to get back to feeling normal. She said she had 5 children and usually had all the energy she needed to handle everything in her household. Here a week later, she said she could hardly get out of bed to make it to her first post surgery exam.
I mentioned it to the surgeon when I was in for my first check a week after the surgery. He said it sounded like a common reaction to the anesthesia drugs. I know that I do get an exaggerated reaction to anything invasive done to me, even just a flu shot, due to my fibromyalgia. The site of the injection will ache for a few weeks and I get fibro fog where I am unable to focus or get anything constructive accomplished.
Maybe they use different anesthesia drugs over there than you were used to getting here so you had a different reaction. I wonder how long it takes for each of the different drugs they administer to totally clear your body after surgery?
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:25:13 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2019 19:24:22 GMT
You Peas are just the BEST!!!! I really can't thank you for all of the encouraging words. I am a busy mom and wife, not to mention a big part of my husband's business. I have never been one to ask for help. I definitely am taking in all that you peas are saying. Again, I can't tell you how you have helped me to realize that I am not a weirdo! LOL My BFF just came back from the States and brought me a late birthday gift....."The Testaments" by M. Atwood! YEAH!!!!! Perfect timing!!!!!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:25:13 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2019 19:37:58 GMT
The only advice I have is don’t have any more surgery without telling everyone in your family what is going on. Under most conditions, surgery has risks. Imagine how you would feel if someone in your family had surgery and the worst happened. And you only found out after it happened. Just take it easy and tell your doctor if you don’t feel better in a few more days. And you mentioned a high amount of pain. This really takes it out of you. In this day and age there is really no reason to be in pain for 3 days. If this happens again, call the doctor. You are right. I told my one of my best friends here on Thursday and she was really pissed at me for not telling her. A big reason I didn't is because she just lost an uncle that was really like a father to her a week and half before my surgery. She was sooo devastated I could not bring myself to worry her more. I got a big chewing out over it. My husband slipped and told his mom...which is like taking an add out in the newspaper. Unfortunately, a HUGE Arab tradition is to visit people when they are sick. I had JUST come home from the hospital and DH had just gotten me set up on the sofa and I had drifted off to sleep. The door bell rang and in came my BIL, SIL and their two kids. Ten minutes later the doorbell rings and in comes his mom, niece and her husband and their baby. They are like...sleep....sleep. But then they proceed to talk at the normal Arab decimal level (kind of like a jack hammer!) for the next two hours. GAH!!!!!!! What I didn't know until they left that the niece brought food. She made the most delicious chicken soup I have ever had. I had not eaten all day and didn't have a taste for anything. Best damn thing I have ever had. They are crazy people, but I swear, they treat me as their own. My own mother has not called to check on me, so I appreciate their love. But you are right. I would be very upset if my close friends or family did the same.
|
|