Upcoming Major Surgery...any suggestions? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

RedeemedHeart · 06-17-2003, 03:15 PM

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

adb263 · 06-17-2003, 08:31 PM

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.

MistyMisty · 06-18-2003, 08:12 PM

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).]

RedeemedHeart · 06-19-2003, 05:09 PM

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

Midnite · 06-19-2003, 09:47 PM

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!

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

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