Eight days ago I had a TAH/BSO (total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)--in English, it basically means a hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries. And yes, I've had many comments that I'm too young for this (actually I don't feel very young), but there have been a number of issues for quite a few years that finally led up to the surgery. Anyhoo, I'm eight days out, and so far I have survived.
Since I had a c-section with Tommy nearly five years ago, I knew the recovery would be tough, but I was ready for the challenge (actually, to just get it over with and move on with life). And while it was PAINFUL and I worry the "swelly belly" will last forever, there are quite a few things I have learned over the past week.
-I learned that Tom is truly awesome (actually I already knew it, but he refreshed my memory). For the past week he has juggled taking care of me, the kids, the cleaning and laundry pretty much by himself. He would get Sam off to school, get Tommy on the preschool bus, and then head back to the hospital to see me. Then he'd race back home to get the kids from school, make sure homework was done and baths were done, then he'd bring them back to hospital so I could spend a little time with my babies. He even did all the fun chores like helping me shower, shaving my legs, and putting lotion and socks on my feet. And I'm especially sure he loved midnight bathroom breaks when I had to have help to get out of bed and back in. (I still can't convince him to look at the staples and incision though.)
-I learned that Tommy, being the Mommy's-boy that he is, can survive without me, and he actually did really well.
-I realized again that I am surrounded by awesome family members--they helped with watching Tommy and Sam and showed up at the perfect time for visits (and even brought flowers--I love flowers!)
-I learned that Banner Desert Medical Center is still my hospital of choice. Tommy was life-flighted there when he was born, he spent a few days there with rota virus last year, and now it was my turn. Once again, they didn't disappoint. Nurses like Che, Christine, Linky, and Mary would bend over backwards for anything you need. Lynda--not so much, but moving on.
-At my first attempt out of bed, I remembered why abdominal surgery is no fun--OUCH! However, it proved true--the more I got out of bed and walked around, the less it hurt each time. And by the way, I HATE automated calf compressor devices! I was ready to throw them across the room by the time they came off.
-I had complete confidence in my new OB/GYN/surgeon, and I decided that I truly love my family doctor. He even showed up to assist with the surgery.
-I realized the goodness of people around me--neighbors and friends offering help, as well as ward members bring over lots and lots of meals, or just showing up with a treat.
-I realized that laughter is the best medicine. While I was in pre-op and a little nervous, Tom and I spent 15 minutes or so laughing as we played with my cool "Bear Paws" hospital gown. A tube is hooked into the gown and you can control the air flow into it and keep your temperature where you want it. We would turn it up and down to watch it balloon in and out. Stupid, I know, but it made me laugh and calmed my nerves.
-I learned that once home, Tommy's $5 grabber toy from Walmart has proved invaluable to me. Since I can't bend, those little grabbers come in quite handy when trying to pick shoes, toys, etc. up off the ground.
-I decided it will be a lot of years again before I ride on a motorized scooter at the store--they BEEP, BEEP, BEEP in reverse and EVERYONE looks at you! No thanks, I'll head back to the store again when I can walk far on my own.
-Last, but not least, don't act like you're feeling good too soon. I'm still a little sore and quite slow, but I've been able to do a little more the past few days. Once the husband sees this, he quits feeling so sorry for you and takes it as a cue that he doesn't need to do everything anymore. Maybe I should turn on my heating pad, climb back in the recliner, and whip out a few tears--tell him I overdid it or something. Nah, who am I kidding? I don't make a very good lazy patient :)
