Aug 2: 1pm Surgery, 3pm Recovery Room, 6pm Home.
FRIDAY
I was calm, relaxed and felt totally confident about being in capable hands. I attribute some of that to the Successful Surgery meditation CD I listened to every night before I went to bed for the past 10 days and the first few mornings in addition before the surgery. Jeff was joking around with the nurses, my oncologist checked in and it was an atmosphere of positive energy.
I left the prep room immediately after they administered my first sleeping cocktail of anesthesia. I was out before we hit the hallway, just a couple of feet! My next memory is waking up in recovery groggy and with some discomfort, mainly from the removal of the catheter and the gas bloating from the air they fill your abdomen to see and separate the organs. My legs felt restless and I couldn’t quite find a position. My eyes hurt intensely for a few moments at a time. My throat was scratchy from the breathing tube. They gave me Oxycodone. It felt amazing to have Jeff rub my feet.
I closed my eyes for a bit and then little by little, I felt more aware and awake. They had me dress and I saw the cute heart-shaped gauze coverings my oncologist makes for his patients, one over my belly button and one on each side of my abdomen. A small gesture that lightens the tone of the surgery each time I check my belly out.
I take a walk to the loo, drink sips of water and ultimately, get checked out by one of the anesthesiologists. By 5:30, I was already being wheeled to the garage. I remembered to bring a pillow in the car for the drive home to cover my abdomen to help with the bumps and give me a sense of comfort.
Arriving home, I had a small dinner and soon, the catheter discomfort was gone, my eyes felt just fine, my legs weren’t restless and I was sitting up, propped by pillows, and reading in the lounge. Pain was minimal but I took Vicodin to make sure I wouldn’t experience pain as the anesthesia wore off.
Some of the best advice I received prior to surgery was that I was going to feel the need to be vertical, to be walking. This would help eliminate the gas pain. It would also get my body moving which needed to happen in order to start the HRT when I was ready. I took a few slow laps around the backyard.
I slipped into bed that night wearing silk pajamas, another tip to ease getting in and out of bed and listened to the affirmation section of the Successful Surgery meditation CD.
SATURDAY
Saturday morning was uneventful. My throat was still scratchy so I sucked on Ricolas, I ate a small breakfast and I read. We did a walking meditation in the backyard led by Bodhipaksa. I felt strong, and in only mild discomfort from the gas pain, being relieved by the manly burping which began, or as Jeff has been calling it, “Shrek burps.”
I shifted to an upright chair with a back pillow as I relaxed in the lounge, as it was more comfortable to have as straight a back as possible due to the gas still in my system. As the day went on, my abdomen became inflamed, hot to the touch, and the bruising was starting to show. I actually looked a bit pregnant—ironic, hey?
A friend stopped by and recommended I use Arnica on my belly—of course! And with the constipation I was also suffering, asked why I wasn’t taking any Colace (stool softener)—I had read about that but forgot to pick some up. Jeff got both of them from the store and the next phase of recovery began.
Jeff helped me with a sponge bath and we prepared for our dinner arrival—a feast of vegan dishes ordered by my family from Houston. I was hungrier now, but was cautious about over doing it, as I was a bit full up: bloated from the gas, swollen in my abdomen, and constipated. The ginger beer (non-alcoholic) we drank with dinner gave me the burps, which helped release quite a bit!
After dinner, I used a heating pad for the gas bloating and an ice pack for the ab swelling along with slathering my belly in Arnica gel. By 10pm I was feeling tired, took 3 Colace gels and now, Tylenol, and once again, went to bed listening to the affirmations.
SUNDAY
Today, I felt a bit more tired. Stayed in bed. Read. Jeff asked if I felt relieved to have the ovaries and fallopian tubes gone. I realized I was focused on the physical for the past 36 hours and I hadn’t really contemplated the release of what were these unwanted mutating cells. I did feel relieved but it was still a bit surreal.
I ate leftovers for lunch along with a scrambled egg as I could feel my body needing some protein. In the early afternoon we did the walking meditation, this time around the neighborhood. A slow easy pace. Back at home, I got back into bed with heat and ice. I kept rubbing my belly with Arnica. Wiped my face with a chamomile cloth, sprayed cucumber toner, coated my lips with balm, eased my throat with Ricolas and took Tylenol for a headache and the combination of discomforts…
At this point, the bleeding has stopped. Took another Colace and began writing. And later, Jeff made us a healthy almond milk, almond butter, peach and leafy greens smoothie.
In the later afternoon, I wanted to get moving again and took my walk to the backyard again.
I’m really pleased with how I feel, day 2, 48 hours after I was released. There is little pain, only mild discomfort, which I know will continue subsiding as the days go by. I plan to listen to the signals my body is sure to give about what it needs, actively move through my recovery and begin to put this first phase behind me.
I’ll be honest, I feel a bit separated from what has happened. Logically, it all makes sense. Emotionally, it’s happened so fast and I’m a bit dazed. Should I be feeling the enormity of this more? Or am I just healthily adapting to what I know were the right decisions for me and there’s nothing more to feel? I do know I want to be strong and healthy for the mastectomy in November. And as I’m want to do, maybe I’m just already moving on to the next. We’ll see what happens as the hormones kick in. I might have oodles more to say about all of this! Til next time. xoxo ~ Bonnie
Pre-Surgery Prep:
- Successful Surgery Meditation CD Daily for 10 days prior
- Lots of green juicing, clean eating, yoga
- No eating or drinking from 8pm the night before (instructions said midnight)
- Remove nail polish (fingers not toes; so anesthesiologist can monitor oxygen ensuring nails aren’t turning blue!)
What’s on My Bedside Table
- Steel water bottle
- 2nd Chakra aromatherapy spray
- Ricolas
- Organic vanilla rosemary lip balm
- Olbas natural inhaler to open nasal passages with a refreshing cooling feeling
- Bell (gift from a colleague; Jeff had a chuckle)
- Blum Naturals organic chamomile natural cloth face wipes
- Honest plant-based natural cloth body wipes
- Cucumber cool face toner spray
- Tea Tree and Lavender deodorant
- Bach Rescue pastilles for natural stress relief
- Origins “Peace of Mind” on-the-spot relief
- Arnica gel
- Tylenol
- Vicodin
- Colace
Helpful Tips:
- Pillow for the car ride home
- Silk PJs
- Get vertical, walk laps around the house, the yard, the block
- Be conscious of being slow, not lifting or stretching
- Don’t be so anxious to “do normal stuff” as you’ve just had organs taken out
- Be ok in the being still
Bonnie you are amazingly strong. I have every confidence that you will make a full recovery and go on to live a full and healthy life. You are an inspiration. I love you. Midge Banchik
So informative Bonnie. Wow! I could have done without the bloody gauze but the hearts were cute!
Woooohoooo! So happy it went well and you came out feeling as well as you did.
Sending love to both of you xxxxxx
Reblogged this on Our Hystories and commented:
A post-operation update from one of the blogs I follow. I love the photo of the heart-shaped dressings! There are also some good pre- and post-op tips. Enjoy!
It all sounds like good news – yay!
Yes! And a new blog post coming later, 1 week post.
Absolutely amazed I stumbled upon your blog..I’m having almost the exact same surgery this coming Monday..Total robotic-assisted hysterectomy..I’ve been fighting being a “scaredy cat”; because well I’m a grown woman & very prayed UP..So I figure I’m NOT supposed to be scared..But truth is the unknown is scary, indeed, especially when one hasn’t had surgery before..I opted for this type of surgery for far less recovery time & because I’m vain..I didn’t want to be cut. But YOUR courage and ability to be able to blog such detailed descriptions..WOW..Blew me away..Just a few hours earlier my boss advised that mayhaps I should look at a youtube video of the surgery..She did already..BUT I’m far too squeamish for that..As I have been about “hearing” how my reproductive organs will be pulled from my vagina…OMG..Yet , its been easier for me to “read” what is going to take place..And lo & behold, BAM, ran smack into your blog..I’m constantly amazed at the “help” God has placed in my Life..And most certainly I needed to read your “herstory”..It has helped me a great deal…I already knew to get the stool softners & to anticipate much bloating & gas & constipation..But I didn’t know to get gel for possible burning in my tummy area…I truly thank YOU for sharing..I’ll attempt to do the same post-surgery also..Who knows how my “herstory” could help? Paying it forward..Congrats on a successful recovery steps & I’ve not only added your blog I can’t resist re-blogging your write..2 thumbs UP . Stay UPlifted & blessed
Berna, you are exactly the reason we’re blogging. I’m so happy to hear that the information is valuable to you. If it helps you to think of it this way, consider the wonder and innovation of science that provides you anesthesia, like oxygen, to allow capable surgeons to do their work and with you in a dream state remembering none of it! And, the wonder of advancements in medical science that provide surgeons with tools to be as minimally invasive as possible and work in small spaces with greater ease. And also, the wonder of the body to repair and heal. I’m sending you positive vibes and will think of you on Monday!
Well I honestly can’t express how MUCH reading your words helped me..I was almost in tears! I’m usually so strong about; stuff. But this…well this is such a delicate topic for me; as I know it is for you. I blogged on it a bit ago; when I first discovered I’d have to have surgery. (almost 2 months ago…) My first thought was OMG will I still be a woman? And then I thought OMG that is the place that held “love” that is now my 3 grown awesome sons..I honestly thought about not giving it up..And then when it was actually explained to me the procedure?!? OMG my first question was(after I fought off fainting..) Will my vagina ever be the same again? I’m sure my doc/surgeon wanted to bust out laughing..But bless her heart she didn’t..She quickly told me of course & that it would bounce back just like after birthing..So I say all of that to say to actually read your words & realize you could walk so soon! And that in a couple of days the pain was subsiding..That was what I needed to free my mind of thoughts & thoughts..And now this weekend? I’m just to be able to do happy things without stressing..So your self-less & beautiful reason for blogging IS a success! And with such quick results..Wow…I wish you continued recovery wonderful results..I just know in my heart of hearts; the rest of your procedure later this year will be just as successful. I thank you for sending me positive vibes..So many lovely folks in my life have prayed /praying for me..It is going to be just fine. I’ll pop in after surgery when I’m back to blogging..
I woke up this morning..And that is a blessing inofitself(how often we take waking UP for granted..when just a couple weeks ago I had an Aunt that died in her sleep..) Anyways I woke up at O’dark thirty with one of the 1st thoughts; that I owe YOU an apology!!! I responded last night thinking primarily of my OWN self..My own fears of this surgery..And I had the nerve to talk about my own “vanity”..My fear of not wanting to be scarred by being cut..and what my body will be like post -surgery..I should NEVER have responded like that when you’re in the midst of waiting on results of Cancer. I got so caught up while I was responding that it wasn’t my primary thought..And it should have been! For I’m a sensitive, caring, emphathic person..Honestly I am..So I wanted to make sure you know that I’m sorry for not taking into consideration that my vanity is the last thing that should be in my mind..I am thankful for this type of surgery for the simple reason it will remove all chance of Cancer..And I am thankful that your surgery resulted in positive results for you. And I will include you in my prayers that your future sugery will also remove chance of Cancer and I know in my heart it will yield positive results. You will still be a beautiful person. You will still be a beautiful WOMAN. Sincerely, Bernadette (Berna)
Reblogged this on Berna's Vibe~The Way I See IT and commented:
Imagine my amazement when I stumbled(without looking for..) this blog post about the VERY same surgery( although mine will be robot-assisted..) that I’m having this coming Monday..I needed to “read” more about the actual procedure; to calm my fears. And to wipe away the being scared of the unknown..Know I know almost verbatim what I and my body will experience. I’m in such a phase of my Life that God just keeps on answering my prayers..So very thankful I am!
I just came across your blog and wanted to give you my support for your upcoming surgery. I have the BRCA1 gene and did the bilateral prophylactic mastectomies in 2007. I’m planning to do the prophylactic oophorectomy in early 2014. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about your upcoming surgery (what I went through, suggestions etc). I will definitely read more of your blog so I can get your perspective on the journey with HRT. Hope you have a great day!
Thank you for posting your experience and great tips! I’ll be having this same surgery on July 24, 2014 so I was looking for someone going through the same surgery. I’ll be sure to read through this a few times! Hope you are feeling good!
Ann, it’s nearly a year since your surgery and I hope you are well into your recovery. Sending continued healing and strength to you!
Thanks for sharing,…I go the end of March 2016 for the same surgery….. so glad I kind of know what to expect…… Thanks
Best of luck with your surgery, Monica. Glad to know the information was useful. Will keep you in my thoughts. ~ bonnie
I’m so glad I stumbled across this. I’m going in for a bilateral salpingectomy in less than a week and I’m terrified, having never been under the knife before at all. To top it off, I thought they would schedule me months from now, not days, and I run a major event 48 hours after my surgery. Thankfully I have an amazing crew of people but I know I’ll still be there myself to help out. I’ve been sweating bullets but this makes me feel better!
Jazmyn, apologies for missing your comment so many months ago. I hope you had a healthy recovery and feeling [mostly] back to normal. And that your event went smoothly and your crew showed up in all the amazing ways…
I know this was posted a few years ago. I came across this post as I was searching for the reality of post hysterectomy type surgeries. I am thankful for those that share intimate details like this for those that are not as open about sharing. The information in this post will greatly prepare me for what’s to come. I recently had a confirmed BRCA 1 and have a planned surgery in the next two months to have a TAH and BSO. The mastectomy is on the list but still in a monitoring phase for now.
Bonnie I do have a question if you still monitor this post. How do you feel about your decisions now, about getting the BSO? Do you wish or a plan to go and remove your uterus and cervix? Please note my curiosity no judgement whatsoever.
Thank you again for sharing your intimate details, it empowers you and your readers to have confidence and to honor y/ourselves.
Hi. So glad that my blog continues to provide good information… First of all, you’ve got this. Keep doing the surveillance, ask questions and get the support you need. With your surgery in 2 months, I’m reminded of the benefits I had from getting off caffeine close to the timing, eating healthy, nutrient dense foods and walking a lot. It all aided in my recovery. To answer you question, I remain confident I did the right thing. The liberation from all of the surveillance and waiting for a diagnosis is a huge life/balance win. While I have some minor things since each surgery, they are livable. Eg some shoulder muscular tension from the breast reconstruction and I use a CBD rich balm that helps–but who doesn’t carry some stress in this area? Eg some surgical menopause stuff–but most women experience some kinds of symptoms and I feel mine are minor and with so many new kinds of botanical, CBD and clean products on the market, I have many options I feel good about using. I’m still super healthy and my gyn hasn’t yet suggested I should remove uterus and cervix. In my early research, my doctors didn’t think it was necessary as I was otherwise healthy. … hope this helps. Best of luck with your surgery. I wish you all the best in health. Let me know if any other questions. ~ Bonnie