I just found out I have to have a hysterectomy. I was wondering if there were any of you who have had major surgery and could tell me if there is anything I can do before or after to help keep from having a huge flare?
I can't have the easy surgery (vaginally) due to previous trauma. Which is what started this dang FM for me!
Thank you for any help,
Blessings,
Kathy

I don't know what to tell you because I swear I got this DD after having a hysterectomy 4 yrs ago at the age of 30. The only thing I will share is that you must rest as much as possible after your surgery. My recovery wasn't really that bad but I was just amazed at how tired I was after the surgery. I really didn't have to much pain after the first couple of weeks but I was still taking afternoon naps months after the fact. That was really ok since I had a 2 yr old boy at the time who still took naps. I wish he still did. LOL You can ask me anything about the hysterectomy and the subsequent hormone jungle that I am in. hope this helps you a little.

Hi RH, I had a five hour thyroidectomy (with large goiter) that had long stringers into the chest 2 1/2 years ago.

They knew I had fibromyalgia at the time. Be sure to inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist and anyone else concerned with your care.

Sometimes it is possible to give a pint of your own blood before hand (about two weeks in advance.) If necessary you might want to consider doing that.

While I was in the hospital I was given my daily meds that I was on for the fibro--be sure to tell the doctors about EVERYTHING you take including vitamins, herbs, whatever.

I felt my recovery time was a bit slow. I had a black and blue chest for awhile because of the stringers they pulled from way down in my chest. Don't rush into trying to be superwoman after the surgery. Take time to heal!!

My biopsy proved cancerous but it was encapsulated and I didn't need chemotherapy.

I went through some depression (major) because we had a hard time getting my thyroid meds right, which took over a year. (I took Effexor during the day and Trazodone at night for the deep sleep until recently.)

My sister had a total abdominal hysterectomy last year and they gave her a once-a-month shot which worked well for her. She claims she has experienced no after effects like one has during menopause. Talk to your doctor about the drugs you will need after the hysterectomy.

Just before I went under I said to myself, "Well, I have no control of anything now but I am not afraid. I am in God's hands, He will decide what is best for me."

You have given me some good suggestions in the past or answered some of my former posts. I hope this helps.

AND:

It is weird, but my fibro-flare didn't come until I got home and the depression set in. When my thyroid hormone pill kicked in things got better. Sorry, I don't have the simple answer to prevent a flare, but I suspect that when you get rid of the female problems and get on a stable hormone med you might feel so much better than expected. I am hoping this is the case for you.

MistyMisty


[This message has been edited by MistyMisty (edited 06-18-2003).]

Thank you both so much!
I am not worried, however it took me 15 years to get someone diagnosis the FM correctly. That in itself makes me a bit nervous about Drs. HA!

I will take all your ideas and use them. I hope both of you are feeling good today.

Blessings,
Kathy

Take a look at this supplement regimen from Dr. Mercola.
http://www.mercola.com/article/surgery/protocol.htm

"The purpose of this information is to increase the rate of healing and minimize scar formation. Individuals who follow this program routinely heal much faster than normal, with less pain and swelling and fewer complications.

Please Begin 2 Weeks Prior to Surgery and Continue for 2-4 Weeks Afterwards."


This posting of Dr. Mercola's website is approved by Moderator1.

Hi RedeemedHeart,

Misty gave very good advice regarding resting after your hysterectomy. About 2 weeks after my surgery, I was feeling so much better, and thought I was ready to tackle more physically besides resting most of the day. I went about the house armed with my dust rags and vacuum. Whoa! Was that a big mistake! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/nono.gif I paid dearly and set my healing back several days. R&R is definitely called for after a hysterectomy and don't try to fool yourself as I did. If your doctor says to take it easy for 6 weeks with no heavy lifting, cleaning, stair climbing, or any other physical activity, abide by it, and you'll be doing yourself a huge favor.

Stock up on good books, videos, crafty items, or whatever else you enjoy in your spare time. Wishing you a successful surgery and a restful recovery.

Take gentle care,
Midnite http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

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If you keep a green bough in your heart, the singing bird will come.

Thanks for all the great ideas!
My bedroom is up a flight of stairs how big of a problem do you think this will be? Do I need to room downstairs for a while?

Actually resting sounds great! My husband is going to take off for two weeks. We have three teenagers 19,18,and 16 plus a 14 month old that we are adopting out of foster care. So rest is high priced commodity around here. HA!
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

You'd better ask your doctor about the stair climbing. I was told not to do any stair climbing, but I had to go up some steps to get into my house, and once inside my house there are more steps that lead to the main landing of the house. I don't think they want the patient going up and down stairs several times a day. If it's not too inconvenient, then staying downstairs for the first couple days probably would be better for you. You have plenty of people around, and I hope they will be a big help to you while recovering.

When is your surgery scheduled? Are you having your ovaries removed? I never regretted having the hysterectomy for a minute. My only regret was that I didn't have it done sooner than I did. I was 36 when it was performed. I used to bleed excessively and for a prolonged period. I started out menstruating that way and would bleed heavily for up to 15 days. By the time I had my hysterectomy, the bleeding time decreased to 11 days. For me my periods were a true curse and all the other problems going on inside my uterus. I hope you will feel as good about having it done as I did. Just be patient with your recovery time and give your body the time it needs to heal.

Take gentle care,
Joanne http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

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If you keep a green bough in your heart, the singing bird will come.

My surgery is Monday the 14th. I have been doing some reading and trying to find out if there is anything I can do to make the likelihood of a bad flare up less likely.
One thing I am a bit worried about is that they are taking my ovaries and I will be in a serious hormone deficit. I know that when my hormones fluctuate my FM gets worse like right before a cycle.
Thanks for all your help.
Kathy

Hey Kathy, I had my TAH and removal of both ovaries last Nov. I also had to have a major abdominal muscle repaired during my surgery. I was in the hospital from Friday to Monday. Personally, I would think about staying downstairs for at least a couple of weeks if not longer. They used staples to close the incision. That was the worst part for me because the rub on your clothes. I lived in nothing but loose night shirts for a while. As for the hormone thing, they will probably give you a shot right after the surgery to help with the discomfort of sudden menopause. That will usually last about 3 weeks, then you can decide if you want to continue with HRT and how to take it. I really beleive that surgery brought on my fibro. My gyn put me on .625 premarin, but that caused unwanted side effects for me, so I stopped. I am taking 30mgs Paxil and 20mgs Feledene. The paxil is supposed to help with my hot flashes since I'm not taking HRT. The Feledene is not doing anything for me. I am going back to my family doc. the 18th, and hoping he will give me something for pain. Enough about my stuff. I do hope you have someone who can help you when you get home. You don't need to be lifting or pulling anything at all! Also, if you have a recliner, you might be more comfortable sleeping there for awhile. I lived in mine for 2 weeks. Your doctor will explain everything and should give you a pamplet to read about what to expect after surgery. I hope that evrything goes well for you. God Bless http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Kathy, I forgot to tell you about a site you should check into. It has wonderful people who can give you all kinds of insights. It has helped me alot. It is *************.com. You can talk with other women about what to expect before, during and after surgery. Hope this helps.

Kathy, HYSTER SISTERS

Hi Kathy,

The 14th is only a few days away, and I wish you the best with your surgery. Just remember to take it real easy after your surgery.

Last year while on vacation, I took an over-the-counter menopausal supplement, and it helped contain the hot flashes I was having at the time. Since I wasn't able to drink my soy drink each day, the tablets were very convenient while away from home. I have heard good things about Black Cohash also. It's good for menopausal symptoms, but I believe one shouldn't take it longer than about 6 months, since it can affect the liver if taken for longer periods. There is so much more information available today about menopause and alternative treatments, especially since the latest news releases came out regarding the negatives about HRT therapy.

Oh, and just in case your doctor expects you to get up out of bed the day after your surgery and walk a bit, don't think he's nuts. I thought the nurse who told me to get up and walk some the next day was crazy, but actually, the short walk really did help. At the time though, I was swearing under my breath and hoping she would do a disappearing act pronto. But she didn't,(darn it!) and I did make it out of bed with some swearing to help me out, walked a bit, and discovered that it was helpful. Maybe yours won't expect you to do that. Thought I would mention it, so if it happens you won't be surprised.

Good luck to you and hope you have a speedy recovery.

Take gentle care,
Midnite

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If you keep a green bough in your heart, the singing bird will come.

Thank you all for the input. I am getting more nervous the closer it gets but I am not scared. I had a c-section with my last baby and remember well the pain.
My Dr. said you should be doing pretty well by week two. But every woman I have talked to has said it took her much longer to get back on her feet.
My husband will be home with me for the first two weeks. Then a friend is coming to take care of my baby. I have three teenagers 19,18,16 and 14 month old. The baby is our foster child that we are adopting. I could use a couple of weeks off. HA!
I will try to keep you updated on how the hormone thing affects my fibro.
Thanks again,
Blessings,
Kathy