Isn’t it crazy it’s been six months since my double surgeries? Yep, on September 29 last year I had not only a supracervical hysterectomy but an umbilical hernia repair done at the same time! That’s right friends, two-for-one!
I never really went into detail here on the blog about it, just noted that I was having it done and needed your prayers. Many of you were there for me on social media, here on the blog and in life; so encouraging and so uplifting because I’m not gonna lie, I was overwhelmingly scared for the surgery as I’ve never actually been cut on before, lol! I'd been under anesthesia before but not under the "Knife" so to speak. Since I needed both procedures done, it did make perfect sense to have them done at the same time, not only saving money but not having to be under anesthesia twice as well.
And backstory, the hernia itself was not too bad but it did make sense to repair it as I could sometimes feel it. The hysterectomy was recommended because of a calcified cyst and the fear that that could become cancerous. I had had some cysts that went away on the other ovary but since I was so close to menopause, it just made sense to take it all. Then, when he got in there he found I also had some endometriosis. I had to laugh because even at 50, it did cross my mind: "but what if I wanted to have another child or carry one for one of my kids," lol! What was I thinking? Ha!
The good news is I survived, lol! The other good news is that I’m doing great despite the initial struggles I had post op; so not with the hysterectomy but with the umbilical hernia repair.
First, let me note about the hysterectomy, it was done by Dr. who I call friend and had a great relationship with when I worked at the hospital. He put all my fears at ease, and he was so amazing, even when I changed my mind that I didn’t want a full hysterectomy, wanted to keep my cervix so they call that a supracervical. That meant he had to make an extra incision a few inches below my belly button and of the four incisions, that is the only one that is still a little bit visible but no one will see it but me and Mr. Nine, lol!
My Surgeons
Let’s talk about the umbilical hernia repair. It was supposed to be done laparoscopically and also done by one of my favorite surgeons from my time at the hospital. However, somewhat last minute he was not going to be available on the day surgery was scheduled, so his partner stepped in who happened to be the Surgical Director so I knew I was in good hands. However, it was failed to communicate to me that it would be an open hernia repair and NOT laparoscopic which meant a larger incision. This was all thrown upon me five minutes before I was wheeled into the operating room so you can imagine my fear.
I was under anesthesia for more than three hours and because of all this, that meant an overnight stay in the hospital. I originally did not want that to happen, but I ended up being overwhelmingly appreciative that I could stay the night and get the care I needed. One note about anesthesia, I have gotten sick under anesthesia before in the past, heck I had even gotten sick after my colonoscopy a few weeks prior to the surgery but the good news is I had an anesthesiologist who I also knew and he made sure that you didn’t. I’m proud to say no nausea or vomiting which would’ve been excruciating with my incision. The surgery was done at the hospital I had worked at for 18 years and everyone was absolutely fabulous. My GYN made sure I got a private room on the mother baby floor so that I would get better care and not be subjected to Covid patients.
One of the few times readers will see me sans makeup
My View for that night
The next few days are kind of a blur other than the fact that it was excruciating every time I got up and down from that darn hernia incision. The hysterectomy portion was a breeze other than my emotions were all over the place and I had a couple days where I cried the entire day. A weighted blanket on the area and ice packs were my best friend! I made sure I did my breathing exercises in the apparatus they gave me as to not get post-op pneumonia. I never knew about that before which is odd. But hey, it works for your lungs! And I lived in nightgowns like this!
5 days Post-op and a lil makeup back on, lol
I had post-op appointments the following week and even my GYN was a little upset that I was not told about the open hernia repair. The Hernia Surgeon thought that I knew and said it was the only way he could repair it right. Boy was my belly button ever scary to look at! But now, I must say it’s not looking too bad! Maybe there will still be bikinis in our backyard pool, LOL!
Comfy yet stylish post-op Dr. Appt. outfit, lol
You know that I was not gonna let this surgery take me down so by day 5, my mom and I did a lap around the pond and within a week or two I was back to walking 3 miles. I didn’t do any aerobics or weightlifting but the cardio was all I needed to stay in the shape I was. I lost 5 pounds after surgery probably due to the fact that they also found endometriosis in addition to the cyst but I said put that back on, lol!
At one month post-op, Mr. Nine and I went on a day date and I was finally able to wear jeans again!
1 month post-op Day Date
Anyway, the only thing I’m still struggling with post surgery is whether or not to take estrogen or as you may know it as hormone replacement therapy. Since my uterus is gone I only need estrogen and there are pros and cons of taking it. I know women that have and felt really good, my nurse practitioner of 30 years said that she recommends it but I also worry about the risk of breast cancer. So, if you have any info on this for me let me know. I do use a vaginal estrogen cream which helps that situation and I’m just wondering if I’m going about life feeling good when I could be feeling GREAT taking the estrogen?
One more thing I’d like to note, what a blessing my mom and husband were during this time. My mom stayed with us for the first week and took such good care of me, and Mr. Nine too, making us wonderful meals of all my favorite things. She was a godsend and Mr. Nine, so understanding and loving. I literally could not have done it without them. 2021 was definitely NOT our year but I survived and healed and 2022 is looking better..I think, lol.
And thanks to many of you for the cards, flowers and love!!
This GLASS from my friend Angie..it was one of my funniest Get Well Gifts
Happy Fresh Week
