I have fibroid tumors. I have had them for years and for years the largest one was about the size of a walnut. No biggie - right??? Well for some reason, even though I am Caucasian, pre-menopausal, and on the birth control pill - all factors that are suppose to keep them from growing, in the last year they have tripled in size so that now the largest one is a bit smaller than my fist! Doctor doing an external abdominal exam:
"Oh My!" she said as she was pressing down on my abdomen. "I can easily feel them. How many do you have?"
"Three - I call them my triplets." I chuckled.
Still pressing, "Your uterus is so large it is the same size as a woman carrying a 20-22 week old fetus!"
I rolled my eyes. Well, I thought, at least I know why my pants don't fit like they used to!
While I was there, they did an internal exam, blood tests, urine test (to see if I was pregnant ...ha ha don't even go there!) and a biopsy. Ouch! It was a uterine biopsy, not a cervical one..and yes, it did hurt.
So it seems that I have to have a hysterectomy and hopefully soon - like next week. I cannot have it done vaginally because of the size of my uterus. That means my recovery time will be longer...:0( Since I am adopted and do not have a medical family history, I have opted to have my ovaries out as well.
Sooo - do you think things can get any more interesting?
17 comments:
Oh, Julie, it seems like things start coming at you in droves. And having to have surgery so quickly will not let your mind linger on it for so long. There's got to be some good come out of this...I'm sure you're going to feel so much better after your surgery. You and hubby are in my prayers.
Oh, good heavens, girl! When it rains, it pours!!
Good that you have a caring doctor and nursing staff who assesses you and take care of you, you just hang in there! And, best be taking care of all "running around" that you can - - you're gonna be "on vacation" for a while!!
Dear Julie, I've been through this and can relate, so very much.
I had several fibroids, one so large, it was pressing into my colon, enough that it would have caused problems, had the fibroids been left alone.
My uterus was the size of a basketball by the time I got around to having the surgery. I had all but the kitchen sink and then some, hysterectomy, that includes ovaries. I was 55, when I had mine done. Of course, I had the big incision. That was 10 years ago. I had an amazing surgeon and loving nurses.
All went quite well. My recovery was great. It took some time. I was out and about in about 2 weeks. It took about 6 or 8 weeks, before I felt 100%.
Now, here is the best part. I never felt better in my entire life. I felt like a new woman.
All the best in your journey. Wishing you a quick recovery!!
Good grief is certainly the right exclamation!
I had a fibroid (one) the size of an orange/small grapefruit years ago. Still have it ... but as the years passed it shrank and shrank.
I am so sorry you have to go through this ... and sorry you don't have a good family history to fall back on.
Keeping you close to my heart right now.
OK, I don't know you and haven't ever read your blog before. I just happened to click a link from someone else's blog while surfing around. Anyway, 2 years ago I had a similar situation at age 34. I was supposed to have my total hyst. laproscopically, but the surgeon had to switch to abdominal b/c of the size of the tumors he found on my ovaries. Your recovery time won't be too long--you'll feel so much better and you'll be up and moving around in no time! Best of luck from a stranger :)!
I have gone through menopause and it was a breeze. I never did take any hormones, but it is something you should discuss now with your doctor as it would probably help you feel better afterward for the period of time that is appropriate. I'm sorry you have to have the surgery, and hope you feel better soon. Some of us don't miss a beat when we have stuff like that and some of us suffer. Let's pray you are the former.
Oh, dearest one that seems to have a lot on her plate.....
I had the very same surgery when I was only 33 yrs. old. I already had 2 children and the surgery was very necessary so.....I did it.
I have never looked back. I had the large incision and it DID take a little time to recover but not THAT long. After I regained my strength, I never felt better in my life.
Good luck to you and know that you have a lot of people praying for you.
And, give that ole cutie husband a hug for me, too!! :O)
Good grief! It seems things never end for you and hubby. I do hope things go okay for you with this surgery. Take care so you can be even better afterwards.
Oh, honey.... Take care. This is upsetting news. I'll be praying for you and your hubby.
Hi Julie:
Do you feel like you just want to pack a suitcase and run for the hills? I can sympathize with you on that biopsy..I had one of those too years ago and darn they do hurt!!
I am sure sorry to hear that you have to go through all of this. Keep us posted. I will be thinking of you and Don.
Well...sweetie...it's a tough thing to have to face during the midst of Don's treatment and all...but I am here to tell you...you WIlL NOT regret it...I had to have a hysterectomy when I was 27...YEA...27! Can you believe that? I was having horrible bouts of anything and everything related to cycles...plus I had a cyst the size of a grapefruit that ruptured...that was a real "walk in the park...good times"...I had to have the incision also, b/c of the shape my uterus was in and all the other complications (I personally didn' think it was all that terrible, but I was 27, but you are in great shape, so you should heal very, very quickly and completely)...Luckily I was able to keep my ovaries and all seems well w/those 25 years later...they are probably not functioning well...b/c I have been experiencing menopause...but Julie...I have NEVER felt better...and I don't regret it one bit...YES, I would have LOVED to have had 2 more children...but that just wasn't in the plan...and I feel so blessed to have the 2 I have. You will recover nicely IF you listen to your doc, don't overdo...even when you feel fine...it does take a few weeks to get your complete strength back...but resting and relaxing is a must. I know you're going to be worried about Don...but I think once you get the first week or 2 behind you...things will pick up. PLEASE don't hesitate to ask family, friends and any of your blog buddies for help. You deserve a little pampering.
Is there anything you need...I'm not that far away...so let me know...I can at least send you some books, magazines or projects to keep your mind occupied if you need that. Does Don need anything...books, rides to the Doc, seriously...ask your friends and family, don't feel you HAVE to do everything on your own...plus you know as well as I do...if you don't heal completely and listen to the doctors...you're not going to be of any help to yourself or Don...so listen to the Docs!
Tell, Don I am continuing my prayer vigils for him...I just know w/this new doc...things will be turning in the right direction very soon. My hubbin had some difficulties toward the end of his treatment and of course the normal side affects and then some during the duration...but now he is feeling great...no traces of Hep C...and we are claiming God's healing...I am going to claim that same healing for Don.
Sorry for the essay...it's been a while since I've commented...oh...and your new horse is GORGEOUS...just watching him should make you relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you...and take time to heal.
blessings...
Teresa
Not to worry....you are living MY life from last October...it was a breeze...into the hospital on Tuesday early, out on Friday and home by 2 PM....5 weeks of at home recovery...worst was not being allowed to drive for 3 weeks...otherwise was OK. I feel SO MUCH BETTER with all of those fibroids GONE!!! Everything went! I don't miss any of it! You will be fine! God bless!
Vickie
Well, I know this is the last thing you need right now. Sometimes it seems that trouble comes in downpours. I'll be thinking of you and continue to pray for you and Don.
eiy yie yie.. I actually read this last night but didnt have time to comment! So good grief is right. Certainly not the time you would pick to have to do this I'm sure.. and you probably would never chose to do it if you didnt need to.
There has to be a silver lining somewhere here! and you will feel better afterwords.
I feel for you and for Don. You will be fine though, I'm sure. I had a hysterectomy about 15 years ago.. I Have NEVER EVER regretted it.
Hang in there. You and don will have to take care of each other for a bit.
hugs and prayers!!
vivian
Oh, no, Julie, I am sorry! No fun at all. I'll be praying for you!
Girl! I feel for you and your sweetie! I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago, due to cysts and chronic anemia. It helped with the cysts. I hope you have a swift and comfortable recovery! I'll be praying for both of you!
{{Julie}} You will be in my thoughts and prayers! I too had fibroids along with a few other problems and had a hysterectomy 2 years ago this summer. Please don't over do it when you get home and take good care of yourself.
{{Big Hugs}}
Cathy
Post a Comment