I suppose it's time...(some TMI)

[LenaGardner]

to 'fess up and come to you girls for support. I've actually been keeping this from the public for so long, it actually feels weird sharing it at this point. I just needed to have all of the details sorted out before I asked for advice, help, hugs and prayers. You all know I'm long winded so I'm gonna do the best I can to keep it short.

3 weeks from today on December 29th I'm having a TAH BSO (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy & Bilateral Salpingo oophorectomy)...meaning they are taking ALL of my girlie parts and doing it via open surgery (no laparascopy for me, who has had 3 c-sections). All of this at age 29 (gah!)

I've had cervical dysplasia for 10 years now, and 6 months ago I had a LEEP procedure to remove part of my cervix & it didn't work...a few weeks ago I had a biopsy come back very bad. So, out it comes! I've struggled for years with endometriosis, so out it comes too! And I've struggled with ovarian cysts (a few right now as a matter of fact, causing me pain), so out they come too.

I wish that this were the end of my problems but I'm also newly diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, a very painful bladder condition. Basically for whatever reason the inside of my bladder is very inflamed and bleeding, causing me excruciating pain.

Honestly, the IC is much more painful and debilitating than the other pelvic stuff. They started me on a new drug for IC that should start working in a month or so, and finally just today gave me something to numb my bladder in the interim...which is why I'm even well enough to sit and post for a change!

In addition to the IC drug I'm on a very strict IC diet...for life, unfortunately. The details of which I'll spare you but I won't be having fruit, coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate again. So, it is a very limiting diet that I'm trying to adjust to. At first I was very pouty about it...but ultimately I want the pain to go away so badly I'd give up anything to make it go away.

As some of you know I do have a new guy in my life who has been very good to me through all of this...we've been dating a couple of months and I'm happy My recovery time will be pretty extensive but...David is going to take the kids during week 1 post op, and Tab is going to take the kids during week 2, and my boyfriend will be with me during that time. I lucked out because he teaches college and has a month off for Christmas so we scheduled surgery while he was available to be there for me and with me.

I'm worried and stressed of course, but overall not doing too badly Just another thing to get through. I'd love it if any of you have hysterectomy stories to share with me, or, although this is a long shot, if any of you have IC or know someone who does. Support seems pretty important to me right now and I'll take all I can get

[jessica31876]

Im sorry to hear all that...seems like its been a really rough year for you. Although having the surgery and maybe being without pain sounds like it might be something of a good thing. I have not had a hysterectomy YET. My sisters both did and my mom did and I have issues which still have not been diagnosed. My doctor is not really concerned with alot of issues I bring up so Im in the process of finding a new doctor who would give me the referrals for hte specialists that would be able to help me with those issues. So while I dont have any experience to share I can relate about the pain. Hope everything goes well with the surgery and you have a speedy recovery!!

[dgreenshield]

hang in there Lena, I will be praying for you.

[Sharon Kay]

{{{Lena}}} I don't have anything to share with you but hugs! I hope they can help alleviate the pain soon!

[Jennilyn]

I'm so sorry about all of it Lena! I haven't been properly diagnosed but I believe I've had a mild form of IC for years now. I take Amitryptaline so I don't feel like I have to pee constantly. I'm a member of a forum, www.ic-network.com, but don't go there too often now. Lots of support there!

I hope your surgery (& recovery) goes well!

[emmasmommy]

you know I love you girlie. If you ever need to just bitch...you know where I am...and how to get ahold of me

*****HUGS******

[rach3975]

Oh, Lena, it's just been one thing after another for you, hasn't it? I hope your surgery and recovery go well and the new medicine relieves your pain. Let's hope 2010 is a much better year for you!

[MamaBee]

Oh, sweetie... I'm sorry to hear that you are having more troubles! I don't have any advice, but what you to know that I'm thinking and I'll be praying for you! Here's to a way better 2010!

[lovely1m]

Glad to see you sharing, Lena. I am sure all the extra prayers will help. Hugs and you know your team is here for you!

[neenee]

Oh Lena.....so sorry honey for all you are going through. I also have endometriosis and ovarian cysts. I have had 3 surgeries to remove cysts and burn off the endo. I was avoiding a hysterectomy for years as I wasn't sure I was done having children but, am now sure and need to just go have it all taken out.

I wish I had some good advice for you. Just take care of yourself and rest! I will be thinking of you and saying prayers. {{HUGS}}

[g8rbeckie]

Oh wow, so much to deal with! Hang in there sweetie!!

{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}

I'll keep you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery!

[LibbysMommy]

Awww sweetie!! I don't have any advice for you but I do have lots of love and prayers and support for you!! (((hugs)))

[crystalbella77]

aww! I am so sorry Lena!! That is so rough! I wish I had some advice, but just know we are thinking of you and sending you tons of hugs and prayers!!!

[scrapmonkey]

Lena - my thoughts and prayers are going out to you. I cannot share most of your experience, except for having the LEEP procedure which is to date successful for me. My only advice for any major surgery like this is the one we learned from when my husband had a 2-level spinal fusion - get the best possible anesthesiologist you can.

[livelys]

I've no stories to share either - only love 'n hugs xxx

[Nathalie]

Oh my Lena, you are surely going through a rough period in your life! I would say, you had enough of that now and it is time to start with more positives again. Hope all goes well and I wish you a speedy recovery.

[Stacey42]

I've got endo & cysts & a mild form of IC as well but have been blessed with all of it mostly responding to meds & only small dietary changes. The IC diet is a tough one. I only had to do it for a month (then they had me slowly add back foods one at a time) & it was miserable. {{{hugs}}} I hope the surgery goes well for you

[meganmecrazy]

(((((HUGS))))) So sorry for all this crap you've been dealing with lately. I'll be keeping you in my T&P's!

[pomi]

(((Hugs))) from me too, Lena. Praying that everything around the surgery goes well and extra more prayers for you to have a great great year 2010!

[joelsgirl]

Ouch. I hope it gets you feeling better.

[nikkiARNGwife]

Lena..my mom went through something similar when she was 45..she had extremely bad uterine fibroids that were causing her a lot of pain etc and a few other issues. She put of having a hyst. for a while but after it was done, she felt 110% better. It's an ordeal to go through but on the flip side you will probably be so glad you went through with it.

I'll add you to my prayer list...hugs!

[nun69]

{{{HUGS}}} Lena...I don't have any advice but will be wishing you a quick recovery~

[meems]

oh wow, Lena, I'm sorry you have to go through all this. ((hugs)) I hope you have a speedy recovery with the surgery.

[Balinda]

I don't have any advice either.
I do so hope you have a speedy recovery and all
goes as planned.
Many prayers will be sent your way.

[HeatherKS]

I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this Lena. I hope the surgery and recovery go smoothly and that the new meds give you some relief from your pain. Hang in there.

[ajf9597]

((hugs)) Lena, I will be thinking and praying for you. That is great that you will have someone there for you though.

[WalkersMommy]

Oh Lena, I'm so sorry you're going through this! I'll be thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery!! ((((huge hugs))))

[chastml]

Lena, I don't have any stories or advice, but you're in my thoughts and I hope you have a speedy recovery and a lot less pain when all is said and done. I really hope next year goes so much better for you.

[chloe]

Sorry you have to go through all that, Lena! (((((hugs))))), healthy vibes and speedy recovery wishes to you!!

[jan31]

hi
I had a massive fibroid but I can tell you that the op was the best thing I have ever had after years of putting up with things, just take it easy when you get home and do exactly what you are told by the hospital, it takes a while to get over and you will feel very weak and feeble for the first week or so bu its worth it believe me. I`ll be thinking of you take care.

[scrap2day]

{{{Hugs, Lena}}} Prayers and positive thoughts being sent your way. Hope 2010 is full of blessings!!!

[Julie Billingsley]

((hugs)) here's to hoping 2010 is much better than 2009! Wishing you a quick recovery!

[Melissa Bennett]

No advise for you, but just wanted you to know I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

[momtutu]

I had an abdominal hysterectomy May 2008 (for fibroids but they also found an ovarian cyst and removed it and one ovary) and it was the best thing I ever did! It was just like having a c-section again so the recovery was like that. The best thing you can do is....walk, walk, walk!!! After they take out your catheter and you're off your morphene pump, get your arse outta bed and get walking. You'll be very sore like after c-sect but the more you get up and move, the better you are going to feel. Really.

I had to take 6 weeks off work and it was really two weeks before I started to feel like myself. I would have felt better after a week but ended up with a UTI (darn catheter) and then had allergic reactions to the antibiotics I was on so that slowed things down a little.

Good luck to you!

[ColleenSwerb]

No advise Lena, just wanted to send you big hugs and lots of lovin!

[Di-ahh]

Aww so sorry about the health issues Lena, but exciting news on the BF front! Sounds like you got a good one there!

[schock77]

Sorry Lena...... I had cervical cancer and ovarian cysts. Did the cryosurgeries and LEEPs and neither worked. Did chemo and radiation because I was young and wanted a chance to have kids and that did it. Anyway, all that to say,hugs to you and if you need to talk, we're here!

[DogwoodMama]

No advice or personal experience, but just wow that sounds hard. And will send virtual hugs and real prayers. (((Lena))))

[Chantal Miller]

I too, have no advice on this subject but my thoughts go out to.

Hugs Chantal

[xboxmom]

I have not had either but I just wanted to tell you good luck, stay strong and search online for those support groups, they can be very helpful during the hard times. I hope you recover quickly!!! *hugs*