Surgery

As most of you know, on New Years Eve I had a hysterectomy. Several people have commented that I am young for this (36) and they are right. Without giving too much detail, I'll let you know how I got to this point. A few years back, many of you know, I had a miscarriage. At that time I had an utlrasound, and the fibroids were detected in my uterus. Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the uterus that are almost always NOT cancerous. When they were first found, my doctor consulted a fertility specialist and determined that the location of the fibroids should not interfere with a pregnancy (they were growing outward) and so it was not necessary to take action at that time. Although they were causing me some trouble at a certain time during the month, it was not too severe. So from there we continued trying for a baby which was frustratingly unsuccessful. It was finally in June of 07 that I was on my way in to my doctor again to ask, are you SURE these fibroids aren't interfering and to talk about options that I found I was pregnant. During the pregnancy with Rowan my fibroids grew as my pregnancy progressed, which is what the dr said would happen. After pregnancy, we could expect them to shrink. Having them taken out at the time of my c-section would create too much blood loss and too much risk. So after having Rowan they were checked again. They had shrunk some, but not much. I was told at this point that if we were done having kids, which we knew we were, a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and fibroids would be the best option. Removing ONLY the fibroids would be just as invasive of surgery, and given my age they would grow back before menopause.

Around Thanksgiving of this year I started having severe pain in my lower abdomen. I went in and the dr found that the largest fibroid had grown from 6 cm diameter in April (my uterus stretched to the size of someone 12 weeks pregnant) to 11 cm (with my uterus stretched to the size it would be half way through a pregnancy!!!!!) The dr said it was time to take it out! So, I went ahead and scheduled the hysterectomy for New Years Eve. My doc does surgery on Thursdays, and I wanted it done over Christmas break so my students could start of January with a sub, hopefully making for a smooth transition for them.  Throughout the month of December I spent many hours at work getting my lessons and classroom ready for  a sub, who will be there in my place through Feb 15. 

My recovery includes not lifting anything more than 20 pounds for 6 weeks. (such as Rowan)

No vacuuming, excessive bending over, heavy housework, etc. I am supposed to use my "best judgement" on driving after a few weeks pass, with a risk being I might get hurt if I have to slam on the break quickly with my foot. I doubt I'll be driving.

Jeff and Ian have their work cut out for them but seem up to the challenge. Ma and Pa Stanton came to stay at my house to watch the boys during my hospital stay and were gracious to do some cooking. My mom will be coming down to help me for a week, Beth has agreed to let Rowan come to daycare an hour earlier each day so Jeff won't have to adjust his hours, and my dad and Lori will be coming for a visit and to entertain the boys too. Lots of offers from friends for help with meals...don't worry, Jeff will be calling you about this. I am feeling very grateful and lucky for such a wonderful support system. It makes what could be a lousy start to the new year not so bad!

Many have wanted to see some pictures, we have 3 posted on our hydrohaven sight.

In one picture you can see my uterus with the cervix still attached (I still have my ovaries)

In the other two you can see the uterus next to a scalpel to give an idea of size) One of them you can see the largest fibroid pusing on the wall of the uterus. Quite large and swollen. If you don't care to see...just don't click below!

Pitures