For several years, I’ve suffered from fibroids; for at least the past year, I’ve also suffered from persistent anemia because of them. I’ve tried taking the pill, but it only helped the cramping, didn’t alleviate the anemia, and turned my brain into utter mush. After a lot of reasearching and thinking (with many thanks to those of you who’ve shared your stories), I will be having surgery at this time next Wednesday.
Although I am absolutely convinced this is the right choice for me, I am understandably anxious about the whole business. But I am looking forward to reclaiming the active part of my life, of biking without fear of bleeding, of having enough energy to go on long rambling walks again. I’ve felt as if I’ve been living a partial life for quite a while, and I’m doing what I need to do to change that. So please, no horror stories, ok?! 🙂
What does this mean for the blog? Jeanne has graciously agreed to post an after-surgery update on October 3rd or 4th. I should be home by sometime October 5th or 6th; however, I don’t anticipate having much energy for blogging right away – heck, I’m going to be on medical leave from work for four to six weeks! I’ll definitely be playing it by ear, since this surgery business is all new to me.
Until next Wednesday, I’ll continue hoarding groceries, kitty litter, and books! 🙂 Many thanks to all of you for being part of my extended support system.
“I am very worried. How will Mom feed us?! And how much purring and snuggling will it take to make her better?!! I will probably need extra food and tuna to keep up my strength. Did she mention hoarding kitty food or tuna?!” -Chaos
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Sounds like you’re doing the right thing – here’s to an easy surgery and a quick recovery. 🙂
I had a hysterectomy in 1991 and it was the best thing I ever did. I won’t lie — coughing and sneezing are very bad after an abdonimal incision (unless you’re going vaginal, which I couldn’t do) — but holding a pillow to the incision helps. Weird advice, but it works.
You have two sweet, soft, loving Nurse Kitties and I predict you will be feeling like your old self in no time. Don’t expect to drive for at least two weeks. I kept my ovaries so, while I no longer suffered from PMS, I still got UMS (as a co-worker described it — UNmenstrual syndrome).
All the best, Chris. Chaos and Mayhem will be there to help you.
Good luck! Make sure you stock up on tuna, or things could get ugly!
It’s not that bad, I promise. And if you’ve been having problems, it’s sooooo much easier.
I’ll be thinking healing thoughts for you! Hugs, Lisa
I think it goes without saying that my thoughts are with you. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery (and lots of kitty lovin’.)
All will be well! And I’ll be thinking of you.
Chaos! It’s time to step up and be big cat around the house! Keep May from the Addi turbos. Snuggle and purr for Mom. Learn how to use a can opener. (just kidding on the last one–you will be fed–no worries).
It’s just one of those things that you just have to take care of, Chris. My best friend suffers from the same ailment (and a host of other gynecological fun stuff) and she was really happy to have had the fibroids removed. You will be too.
I hope the kitties give you lots of kitty lovin’ while you recuperate.
Oh my! That’s some news! And here I thought you were talking about yarny bits when I saw the title! I’m sure everything will go well for you and I’m so happy for you that you’ll be back to your energetic self! I’ll be thinking of you!
Best wishes. Hope everything goes well and you heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.
A warm, purring weight by your side, or even on your tummy after a bit, feels WONDERFUL and I am sure speeds healing!
Chaos and Mayhem, I’m sure you’re listening.
(A cat launching themselves from your abdomen does NOT, however, feel good or speed healing — speaking from personal experience here…. A pillow on the tummy at first can come in handy for protection, depending on feline moods and habits!)
Best of luck to you and well wishes for a speedy recovery!
Mayhem and Chaos? Take care of Mom when she gets home, mmkay?
May your surgery go smoothly and recovery quickly! Chaos and May are going to need lots of tuna and the like to keep the purry engines going….
Best of luck with your surgery – 6 weeks is a lot of knitting time ;)!
sounds like someone needs a get well something. i shall get to work on it. sorry to hear about the stuff, but hopefully the surgery will give you some relief.
Take care and let the “kids” give you special comfort.
will be thinking of you and wishing a speedy recovery so you can get back to actively spoiling the cats rotten 🙂
Suzy and Peekaboo send their purrs through the Internet in the hopes that the additional strength of extra cats will help the healing process go more smoothly. I look forward to hearing about (and seeing pictures of) your adventures!
I think it’s great that you have decided to take such active steps to reclaim your life. More power to you!! And wishes for a speedy recovery.
I follow your blog daly but have never commented till now. I too have been there, done that for the very same reason. No horror stories here. It was the best thing I’ve ever done and afterward I wondered why I didn’t do it sooner. The best of luck and healing vibes sent your way! I do however suggest audiobooks and lots of crossword and soduko puzzles if you’re a fan. I did find it hard to concentrate on reading words on a page during my recuperation.
Best of luck and I hope you have a very quick recovery. Have other people wait on you and you just sit there knitting for a while (or reading, or just vegging in front of the TV). Just take it easy for a while!
best wishes for a safe and speedy recovery
best wishes to you and the kitties – I see lots and lots of good advice here, all you have to do is listen!
Sorry you have to go under the knife, Chris. Sending up prayers for a speedy recovery with no long-term problems.
Wow. I can understand why you’d want to go through with surgery for something like fibroids. And I know what it’s like to feel like you’ve been leading only a partial life due to something like that! My mother-in-law had her surgery a month and a half ago, but for ovarian cancer. Don’t worry – I don’t have any horror stories for you! I’ll be sending you happy thoughts and healing vibes through October.
When an issue affects your quality of life, I agree that the surgery seems to be a good option for you. I will definitely you keep you in my thoughts for a safe surgery and a quick recovery. You know what’s best for you. Take care of yourself.
I’ll be thinking of you! I wish I could be there in person to help, but I hope you feel my support and thoughts. I’m just curious to know what you plan to knit while you’re at home recovering. I’m thinking you might need new yarn, right? 😉
You are in my prayers. Heal fast.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! With 2 little kitty nurses, you’ll be better in no time.
You are going to feel soooooooooooo much better. We celebrate Hysterectomy Day at my house (July 18th) like a national holiday. Any pain you suffer in the short run will be so worth it!
I had my superfluous bits removed 10 years ago (endometrial cancer, plus fibroids, horrible bleeding and anemia every month, ack!) but I’m here to say it’s the best thing that ever happened! I never realized how much my life revolved around bleeding and the containment and management of same! It took me almost a full year to stop checking every seat I sat on to see if i had left my “calling card” or not!
You’ll be fine and MUCH happier after this is all over!
A successful surgery, speedy recovery and a whole “new” old Chris are my wishes for you!
Feel free to email me if you need anything!
The P-Man is here for the big and little kitty too 🙂
We totally should’ve had a going away party….
Afterwards let’s have a good riddance party instead.
It sounds like you’re making the right decision. No one I know has had any problems, so no horror stories here. You’ll have lots of yarn, books, plus Chaos and Mayhem to attend to your needs. 🙂
Sending you smooth surgery and speedy healing thoughts.
Best wishes for our surgery (I am terrible at being nice… Is that the right thing to say?).
Take some handknit socks to wear afterwards – they have to make you feel better 🙂
If there’s anything I can do…
Feed the cats, root through your yarn stash…
You know, anything at all…
Sending good thoughts your way!
Let me tell you, i think you are making an extremely WISE decision. My mother-in-law did not follow this advice, and she nearly bled to death because she let her condition go unchecked. Literally we were called to Peoria one night, with the fact your mother is dying get here quick to say good-bye. fortunately she came back, but she still refused to have the operation. She is still fighting this 6 years later.
Its a good decision, be confident in it.
And kitties, make sure you take care of your mommy. Lots and lots of snuggles.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
We will be sending good thoughts! I hope you’re stocking the stash (food for kitties, and fiber and books for you), and planning to relax!
Success on your surgery. I wish I could electively remove all my unused bits, but dammit, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them.
Sometimes being healthy as a horse has it’s drawbacks.
And no La comment would be complete if I didn’t offer a loving (temporary) home for M & C. So consider it offered.
I’m sure the surgery will go well! I wish a speedy recovery for you so you can get back to some of the things you enjoy most.
You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers and both the heathens send headbutts, nips and extra purrs!
May your recovery be swift and the surgery be successful. Chaos and Mayhem will be waiting to comfort you!
Sending hugs and good wishes to you!!!! Hoping this all goes smoothly and right-on-track for you.
Best wishes Chris! Hoping for an easy, smooth, and quick recovery. Actually I know no horror stories, only successful surgery stories…and yours will have the same success! The only thing you may wonder is why you waited to do it… Hugs!!!
Lots of warm wishes your way, take it easy & we’ll see you back here soon!
Chris
good luck and if you need anything at all don’t hestiate to call me
I’ll be thinking of you — but you’ll feel so much better afterward. And think of all the knitting time! The kitties will be spoiled, though, and very unhappy when you go bak to work….
Been there, done that, life is much better after the surgery/healing is done. Lots of good vibes coming your way from my corner of south Minneapolis. Shoot me an e-mail if you need someone to run to the store (yarn, book, grocery, whatever) for you or if you need anything.
You’ll be up and around in no time and repeating what my former fibroid owning friends say: “They were THIS big! Really, the doctor showed them to me afterwards”. No joking, you can’t wait to tell everyone about it.
Of course Chaos is concerning about his welfare but where is Mayhem? She’s an action girl – I think she’s in the cupboards checking out what’s for dinner.
Take care and feel better!
Oh Chaos, don’t worry; I’m sure that your mom considers cat food and tuna as groceries and will, therefore, be hoarding plenty of both. Take good care of her and give her lots of extra purrs and (gentle)snuggles.
I’ll be thinking about you Chris; I’m sure everything will go smoothly.
As fast as you read, maybe you should see if the library does delivery-by-mail. (New concept to me till I moved to Boulder.)
And oh, napping with kitties is such a pleasure…