Re: Hysterectomy

The feeling of being so tired is surprising Cate, it was one of the things I wasn't prepared for. I am pleased that you are back on the forum, but don't try to do too much - it is so important to rest up. I did too much too soon and ended up back in hospital, which prolonged my recovery.

You are right, Cate, nobody should ignore symptoms like unexplained bleeding. I think we should all talk about these things more freely. If experiences can be sensibly shared it can help people such a lot. Take care.

Re: Hysterectomy

So sorry that you ended up back in hospital. I may be wrong and speaking out of line here but some of the nurses on the gynae ward were experienced angels. I told one of these that the only way I could explain myself to her was that when I saw her or a couple of others on duty, I felt I would be safe and well looked after.

Some of the nurses on the ward seemed to just read a script so that on the day after your op they wanted you up and in the shower, the second day up showered and sitting up after a brief walk around the ward.

One lady was very nervous and begged to be allowed to stay in bed as she said she wasn't feeling well enough to shower she was a very large lady and very scared that her stitches would come open when she moved. The nurses all assurred her that this just didn't happen. She gingerly got up and went into the shower, all hell broke lose when she pulled the alarm because her stitches had come undone, she had to go back into theatre as an emergency, and she had eaten breakfast which complicated things.

All hysterectomy patients are not the same if six ladies have the op there will be six different problems or no problems at all.

I know the shorter time we are in hospital the less likely we are to get infections but sometimes I felt as if I were on a conveyor belt.

Please don't get me wrong the NHS is the bees knees as far as I am concerned I just think some of the managers are more worried about number crunching than patients.

Re: Hysterectomy

I think we have bean counters on both sides of the Pond. When I was born, ladies stayed in the hospital for about a week.Now, it's getting like the woman in Pearl Buck's book who stopped plowing, went under a tree and had the baby, then got up and finished plowing .....

But you're spot on about hospital infections being more likely the longer you're in, I was so relieved to get out unscathed!

Re: Hysterectomy

Although I would not directly say anything to someone who was being admitted, I do think it is quite frightening to be in hospital undergoing surgery Cate and you are right it often does seem a bit like a conveyor belt - and in a way I suppose it is. Hospital stays seem to get shorter and shorter which is generally a good thing, but it is all rush, rush, rush and the nurses don't get as much time to spend with patients as they should.
In my case, because my favourite flatcoated retriever was old and dying, I was desperate to get home for him, so I pestered my surgeon and came out after 4 nights, insisting I felt better than I actually did, but it was a mistake. I did too much and I thought I could kneel down washing the floor and my wound opened up so I had to go back in. It was very silly of me and I worried my husband Brian, my family and frightened myself. I don't think it was all my own fault though because they said I had a wound infection (which does sometimes happen after surgery and cause problems). If I had stayed in I would still have had the infection and had difficulties with my wound, but it did make me realise I'd been very foolish. I didn't regret spending a bit more time with my dear old Zac and doing right by him though.

Re: Hysterectomy

My husband's Aunt did, she never married and was a very private lady. I didn't know till after she had died the full measure of her problem believing it to have been cancer of the bowel.

Re: Hysterectomy

Although I would not directly say anything to someone who was being admitted, I do think it is quite frightening to be in hospital undergoing surgery


Rena darlin' - have been in hospital 5 times for surgery in the last 7 years, wasn't scared at all - had my knees and hips replaced, (was even conscious on the operating table for every operation). I know my surgeon and have every trust in him - he's a lovely man, and his wife is my G.P.

Re: Hysterectomy

I had to go in to have a growth removed from my arm last year and admit to being apprehensive but not frightened at all. BUT....... if I had to go in for a hysterectomy to have 'bits' removed like a few of our brave ladies here have, I would be inwardly terrified ...... that is a huge operation to cope with, both mentally and physically.

Best wishes to all you brave ladies..

Re: Hysterectomy

I think you must be quite brave to go through all that Uncle Joe - I have always been full of aprehension every time I've had surgery. I should have confidence and trust, but I think it is the lack of control and being in someone else's hands that I don't like. I am a very bad patient.

Re: Hysterectomy

Aerolor, my heart goes out to you. Iwas fortunate and have no wound but because of that I have other complications. All in all I have to say that if I must have another operation (knees) I shall ask more questions, I don't know if I could be brave enough to be awake, the great thing is to go to sleep and wake up and it is all over.

Re: Hysterectomy

Yes, the lack of control is a definite element in the fear; especially if it's the very first time you've been in hospital and having surgery. I was quite terrified at the prospect of colon surgery. I did have faith in my surgeon, and she said I did well, and they got all of the tumor which had NOT metastasized. It's been six months but I don't feel I still have 100% of my strength back; maybe never will, bit I'm not complaining, just glad to be here!