Abdominal Numbness After Hysterectomy

My abdominal numbness is improving everyday, and I'm so happy! I was afraid that the feeling would be permanent. For others who are thinking of surgery or who are recovering from surgery... it's perfectly normal to have a bit of numbness after hysterectomy.

In my case, the feeling is a little hard to describe. There was numbness, but there was also a burning sensation... all at the same time. I felt like my insides were numb, but my skin felt like it had been frostbitten. It wasn't exactly painful, but it was definitely uncomfortable.

Remember... even if your doctor tells you a full recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks, it really takes much longer. Your body has been through so much, and it will be months before you are completely back to normal. Everything-- muscles, nerves, ligaments, skin-- has been cut, and all those things must heal. Some numbness, tingling, burning, and loss of sensation are perfectly normal. Severe pain that persists despite medication, however, is not normal and should be reported to your doctor.

There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!

Back Pain After Hysterectomy

When planning my hysterectomy, one thing I was looking forward to was a life free of chronic back pain. With my endometriosis, my back and leg pain was almost as debilitating as my cramps and bleeding. Just days after my surgery, I could already feel a big difference. Aside from the pain at the incision, I was feeling better than I had in years. One notable change was the absence of back pain. Oh, happy day.

Imagine my surprise, then, to find my back hurting-- badly-- in my third week post-op. I instantly jumped to conclusions-- my endo wasn't completely removed, my back pain was never related to the endo in the first place, I was still doomed to a life of chronic pain, and on and on.

Luckily, I learned that back pain is perfectly normal in the third and fourth weeks post-hysterectomy. Apparently, the back is having to compensate for the weakened abdominal muscles. The pain should go away in another week or so. In the meantime, I'm finding relief from:

• Ibufrofen
• Heating pad
• Warm bath
• Walking

Don't worry, girls... this, too, shall pass. Just keep thinking of the pain- and period-free days ahead and it'll all be worth it.

There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!

Pamper Yourself Post-Op

As I mentioned before, I've been feeling down lately. Today, I took a good, long look in the mirror, and I realized something-- I'm looking quite haggard and frumpy, older than my age. Actually, I look like someone who just crawled out of a cave after a long, long hibernation: bushy, unkempt eyebrows; brassy, frizzy hair; and sweatpants that have definitely seen better days.

Now, don't get me wrong... noone excepts a woman fresh out of surgery to look like Miss America. You fully deserve to rest, relax, and recuperate. This isn't about impressing anyone or turning anyone on (after all, you won't be seeing any action for a good, long while!). No, this has nothing to do with anyone but you.

For the past three weeks, I've had no interest in being pretty or feeling pretty; I simply wanted to stop the pain, get some sleep, and lose the bloat. Suddenly, today, that changed. Today, I wanted to look like me. I traded in my sweats for a pair of jeans. No, not my usual jeans, not "skinny" jeans. They were actually the jeans that fit before I lost 20 pounds, but let's not dwell on that! The point is, I'm wearing normal clothes. Yay me! Surprisingly, it made me feel a little better, a little more normal.

Ways to Pamper Yourself

So, whenever it happens for you... whether a week, a month, two months, or three months post op... whenever you decide you're in need of a beauty pick-me-up, here are some things to try.

• Shave your legs (only if you're able to bend and stretch that way)
• Wax eyebrows and upper lip
• Touch up hair color
• Try a new hair style (for me, this just meant taking down the ponytail and washing it!)
• Take a bubble bath (if bathing has been okay'd by your doctor)
• Try a new perfume
• Spritz perfume or linen spray on your pillows and sheets
• Wear a nice top
• Paint nails or go all out for a mani/pedi
• Use a little makeup
• Get out of your sweats. Or, at least put on a pair of clean sweats!

What about you... what helped you feel better after your hysterectomy?

There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!

How Should the Hysterectomy Site Look?

When I was released from the hospital two days post-hysterectomy, I thought I knew what to look for. The nurse explained that the incision site would turn slightly red, but that the redness should not extend more than 1/8 inch from the incision itself. So, I felt pretty confident in my ability to care for my incision, and I went on my way. That confidence lasted all of two days!

On one of my husband's nightly incision checks (because I couldn't see it over my swollen belly!), he nervously said, "It's yellow! And there are purple marks all over the place!" Yellow? Purple? Those colors weren't mentioned in my discharge papers, and panic set in. I was convinced I had some strange, unheard of infection or that my mega-doses of Motrin and Darvocet had destroyed my liver. I called the nurse and was immediately reassured.

Turns out, abdominal hysterectomy is a pretty brutal surgery. The doctor cuts through many layers. Ligaments and blood vessels are cut away from the uterus. Organs are moved and rearranged. Blood vessels are tied off. The top of the vagina is stitched. With all the cutting, moving, tying, and stitching, it's inevitable that some bruising and discoloration will occur. Some blood vessels will undoubtedly be broken. Just like any other bruising, these bruises must go through the normal healing process, and that involves changing colors: red, black, purple, and yellow. Some people bruise more easily than others, and the bruising shows more vividly on light-skinned people. Have I mentioned that I'm pale as a ghost?

Normal Signs

• Bruising
• Slight numbness around the incision
• Slight burning of the skin surrounding the incision (I felt this around my belly button, too)
• A hard, jagged ridge forming along the incision (this will eventually recede)
• Swollen tummy

Warning Signs

Still, the possibility of infection and other complications does exist, so you should learn the warning signs. Call your doctor if you notice:

• Pus draining from the incision site
• Fever of 101 degree F or higher
• Abdominal pain that does not improve with pain medication
• Dizziness
• Persistent headache
• Vomiting
• Burning with urination
• Muscle aches
• Redness extending more than 1/8 inch from the incision

There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!

Start a Hobby Post-Hysterectomy

Face it-- you've got free time on your hands after a hysterectomy, lots and lots of free time. Yes, you'll be walking-- to the kitchen, to the bathroom, and, soon, around the neighborhood. Still, that time on your feet will be interspersed with tons of time off your feet. Sure, you could use that time checking out Victor's latest exploits on Young and the Restless (okay, so maybe I checked out a few episodes). You could use it watching Lifetime movie marathons. Or, you could use it to learn a new hobby! I, personally, am using my free time to learn about blogging. Here are a few other things you could try:

Reading & Writing

• Writing poetry
• Writing articles
• Writing letters
• Learning calligraphy
• Reading
• Journaling
• Word finds
• Crossword puzzles

Internet Hobbies

• Blogging
• Facebooking
• MySpace
• Learning web design

Paper & Photo Crafts

• Scrapbooking
• Rubberstamping
• Card making
• Painting
• Drawing
• Collaging
• Organizing photo albums
• Origami

Flower Crafts

• Potpourri
• Flower arranging
• Making wreaths

Fabric & Yarn Crafts

• Dollmaking
• Knitting
• Embroidery
• Quilting
• Cross stitch
• Needlepoint
• Crocheting
• Sewing
• Weaving
• Making potholders (simple kits for kids are great for beginners)

Bath & Beauty Crafts

• Nail design
• Making bath salts
• Jewelry making
• Beading

Games

• Chess
• Checkers
• Cards
• Dominoes
• Video Games

Have I missed something? Leave me a comment with your favorite post-hysterectomy hobby, and I'll add it to the list!

There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!

Things I Wish I Had Known Before Hysterectomy

There are so many things I wish I'd known before surgery. I'm learning new things each and every day. Here are just a few:

1. Even though I chose this surgery, there will be moments I will grieve-- painfully-- for my uterus.

2. In moments like that, I'll feel like curling up in a ball and bawling... but I won't be able to... pain prevents me from getting in that position!

3. Surgery proves who cares... and who doesn't.

4. God really does have a weird sense of humor. This is illustrated by the fact that I now look six months pregnant.

5. The incision really is way down in the nether regions and it really is healing nicely. Just as promised, my doctor has left me totally worthy of sexy lingerie... well, except for the bloated tummy, jiggly thighs.... oh, never mind!

6. Abdominal surgery leaves you constipated... very, very constipated.

7. You can literally feel your organs moving around... and it's a wicked feeling. (Wear your binder!)

8. You will be a big, fat farting gasbag, so embrace your inner guy.

9. Despite the doctor's mantra of "Female empowerment" and the thrill you feel over taking charge of your health and your pain, there will be moments of supreme self-doubt.

What about you... what do you wish you had known?

After Hysterectomy, You Must Rest

It sounds like common sense, but it needs to be said: if you feel tired, rest! We are women and we like to be useful... we like to be productive, we like to take care of others, we like to be part of the action, we like to do. We feel lazy and selfish when we sit around, watching others do the work.

If there's ever a time for "laziness" and "selfishness", though, it's after a hysterectomy. Your body has been through hell, and it needs time to recover. Your emotions have been through the wringer, too, and they also need time to adjust. Think of this self-care period as an investment in your future: if you take the time to take care of yourself, you'll recovery more fully, possibly need less pain medications, and be less likely to do damages that will require follow-up surgery.

Know Your Limits Post-Op

I woke up this morning to the sound of someone banging on my front door, banging as though they were about to kick it in. Without thinking, I jumped out of bed and ran to the door... and found a couple of ladies wanting to share "the beauty of Christ's love". As soon as I realized I was in no harm and the adrenaline rush died down, I was in horrible pain. I felt like my insides were being ripped to pieces.

While it is important to be increasingly active after your surgery, it's even more important to know your own limits and to listen to your body. If something hurts, don't do it! Pain is a definite sign that you've done too much. Increased vaginal bleeding is another dead giveaway. In the early weeks post-op, avoid:

*Lifting more than five pounds
*Running
*Stretching
*Sex
*Sudden, quick movements
*Anything that causes pain and discomfort

Wear Your Stomach Binder

After hysterectomy, your stomach is sore and swollen. There's this odd sensation that your internal organs are moving-- and they are. The organs are moving slightly, filling in the space your uterus used to occupy. Sometimes I feel like I have to hold my belly to keep everything inside!

Now I'm realizing that my stomach binder is my best friend. It's large and intrusive, a white velcro-covered wrap that goes all the way around my belly, holding things in place. It shows under my clothes. I don't care, though-- it works! The wrap provides support and makes walking less painful.

Since I haven't been cleared for driving yet and I'm not looking to win any fashion shows, I'm not really worried about the looks of it. For someone who needs less intrusive support, Hyster Sisters makes a cool Swelly Belly Band. I haven't tried it yet, but it's definitely on my wish list. Have you tried it? Let me know how it works!

Post-Hysterectomy Gas

There were so many things I didn't know before my surgery. One of those little tidbits I was ignorant of was the gas. Pass gas, poot, fart... whatever you call it, you're going to be doing it for days and days after the surgery. And that's a good thing... really.

Many, many of your bodily functions will be sluggish after abdominal surgery, and that includes passing gas. Trust me, you'll feel much better when you do! It's important to pass the gas, but it isn't always easy.

Walking helps-- a lot. As soon as your doctor/nurse says it's safe, start moving. It helps with the elimination of gas, and also decreases gas overall. Avoiding spicy and gas-producing foods immediately before and after the surgery helps, too. If you are uncomfortable, see if your doctor will allow gas relief medications, like Gas-X.