DOUBLE SURGERIES...6 Months Post-Op

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


Liverpool Jeans HERE

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


xoxo


26 comments:

  1. What an ordeal! I've never had a real surgery either, so I would be freaking out too. I am glad you had the support of Mr. Nine and your mom and look how high you bounced back!

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  2. I can't believe it's been six months already. You were well taken care of! This post is going to be a helpful reference for anyone going through the same thing. I don't take estrogen because of the risk of breast cancer.

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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  3. Thank you for sharing your story and you look great and seems like you are crushing life post surgery- you got this! :)

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  4. I am so happy it's over with and that all went well. Hard to believe it's been 6 months!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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  5. Thanks for sharing about this. I had a hernia repair a few years ago and it didn't heal right and the wound opened back up so now I have a huge scar where I used to have a belly button. Sounds like you healed much better than me!

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  6. Any type of surgery is scary, double surgery is certainly terrifying. I am so happy that you are doing well and in another 6 months it will be that much better!

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  7. You are just so beautiful inside and out! So happy that your healing has gone so well! Keeping you in my prayers! Have a wonderful week!

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  8. Wow you went through a lot. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm sure it will help others going through similar situations. I'm happy you're over it and recovering/healing from it all.

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  9. I'm glad your ok! You look like Jessica Simpson with no makeup on!

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  10. That is certainly scary how you learned about the change in surgery at the last minute. I'm glad the surgery and 2021 are behind you now! <3

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  11. Thank you for sharing this!! I am sure it'll be a comfort to anyone in this same situation. I am glad your momma and husband took such good care of you. Pampering always makes me feel so much better when I'm going through a hard time! As for the estrogen, that is such a hard call. As common as breast cancer is these days (1 in 3 women, I think get it?), I would almost say that if you're ok without taking estrogen mentally/physically, then I would just not do it. But, if you feel you really are struggling without it, then I'd do it... It's a shame us women have to worry about breast cancer with everything else we have to deal with in our lives down there! Thanks again for sharing and I'm glad you're doing ok!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  12. That cup - LOL - I've never heard of that saying before.
    I'm so glad months are behind you now & the healing is just continuing.
    I am so up in the air on the hormone thing too - you hear so much on either side & its those sorts of life changing decisions that give me all the anxiety too. Praying you find some clarity

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  13. I cannot believe it's already been six months since all of this, but it sounds like everything is going well and I'm so happy for you! I know you were beyond nervous about all of it, so I'm sure it feels good to have it behind you. And LOL to that glass. That is the funniest thing ever!

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  14. So glad you are doing well! I am currently recovering from fallopian tube/cysts removals and surprise adhesions removal from the intestines/appendix (endometriosis)/ I got a two-for-one also. I am a week out today. You look great!

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  15. I can't believe it's been 6 months already! Glad to hear that all is going well. I have zero thoughts on HRT as it was a major concern with my hysterectomy as well but since they ultimately decided to leave my ovaries in I didn't have to worry about it.

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  16. Wow! Andrea six months has just flown by so fast. I didn't realize that you also had a hernia operation done at the same time as your other surgery. You are so lucky to have such a caring family to take care of you. I am happy that you've healed so well. I know this blog post will be helpful with other women who may have to have this type of surgery.

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  17. I can't believe it has been six months. So I have a lot of questions for you. So if you could respond to this and we can email back and forth.

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  18. I'm so glad you've healed so well Andrea. It helps that you're so healthy and take care of yourself before the surgery too, I bet?
    I still vacillate on whether to take estrogen. My mom never did, and she's been fine, but many of my friends say it helps them so much.
    I hope you keep sharing about if you do/don't and why.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  19. I'm so happy that all went well. I know how nervous you were, and I would be too! Double surgery is beyond scary, but you made it through with flying colors!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  20. You have gone through a lot and I'm glad to know you have healed well! Thanks for sharing your experience. Have a great day!
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  21. Oh wow, so glad to hear you're okay, what an experience for you. I'm so glad it went well.
    I would say not to have HRT, not that I have any experience with it, just a friend took it and ended up with Breast Cancer - she's okay now, but firmly believes it was because of the HRT! Food for thought, and I hope I haven't worried you Andrea. You look amazing, keep up the good work. Jacqui

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  22. This was enlightening! I've never heard of the breathing apparatus either! So glad you are sharing this information and your experience!

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  23. Having any medical procedure is scary enough, but two surgeries at once! I know it was a little rough then, but I am glad you are recovering and doing well. I loved that you shared your journey, as I am sure there are others out there that are going through this as well.

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  24. Oh, I remember you talking about your surgery when it happened! I can't believe that was six months ago! Thanks for sharing honestly about your experience, I'm sure it will help a lot of people in the same boat. I struggle with hormone stuff too, although I'm in my 30s, so it's more so the question of hormonal birth control. I do have PMDD, but somehow the birth control approved for PMDD made me feel much worse LOL. So I'm sans hormones now, and changing my antidepressant has made me feel much better! It's so hard to know what the "right" thing to do is with any of this stuff.

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  25. You did amazingly well Andrea. I loved chatting to you immediately after you op, as we were both Cut Virgins and under the knife at the same time. You were as bright as a button from the word go and crying is perfectly natural after anaesthetic, I’ve done that too. I was amazed that you dressed so prettily whilst convalescing, I didn’t!
    I’m now on the opposite meds, hormone suppressants, so can’t help you on oestrogen, but I’m hoping a bi-product of that will clear my endometriosis discovered last year - why my GYN just removed a polyp and not the whole kaboodle at 72 I do not understand!
    Hugs and well done you brave little soldier! 🥰😘

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