Among the Walking Wounded, but BETTER!

I would not recommend a hysterectomy for something "different" to do to pass the time away. Not even if you are into extreme experiences. However, if this is needed, then I guess it could be much worse.

Last Friday, I was up in Sacramento by 8am, being prepped. By 10, I have no idea of where I was. I don't even know what time it was when I came to. My first words I do remember.

"I have to go pee!"

Odd, they thought, when I still had a catheter in me.

Then they decided they would not send me home, as they had hoped since my heart rate in recovery hovered around the mid 30's.

As I faded in and out of sleep (as they gave me morphine since I said I hurt at about a level 5). They carted me to my room where I was to spend the night.

They gave me jello and crackers. Even after not eating anything solid for 2 days that was enough. Crackers were like sand in my parched mouth. But the jello was so good that I asked for another, even though the nurse never did show up with it (darn those shift changes).

So I spent the night. I didn't sleep well, as I was woke up every 2 hours for "vitals". Gee, did they really have to take blood and my blood pressure that often?

I guess better safe than not.

In the morning, the surgeon called, and I had a visit from the oncologist. The GREAT news was that the spot of cancer that was there appears to have stayed in the endometrial lining and did not go into the wall. But the final real confirmation will come from the lab in a few days from today.

That was great news!! I could have leaped up from my bed and hugged the oncologist if I didn't have so many tubes attached to me. And if my belly didn't hurt.

Saturday afternoon, it was nearly time to send me home. They yanked out the catheter and made me drink water so that they could see that I could pee.

Three hours later, I still hadn't gone pee.

Four hours later, I tried. Not much luck. With an instrument that looked like a microphone they could tell that my bladder was full.

Long story short, they put a catheter back in. (Not a fun experience) and sent me home. Leaving me in a panic because I thought: "OMG!!! Something happened with my plumbing! I will never be able to pee on my own again!"

They did not explain to me that this is a common side effect of the anesthetic.

I found that out later.

So, by yesterday, I had become attached to my ball and chain so to speak. I carried my "purse" around everywhere. What was I supposed to do? Drag it? That would HURT!!

Sitting was a problem. Think of it, ladies. You know your anatomy. Guys, you can imagine it I am sure.  The tube exiting my body had an uncomfortable position as I sat. I had to sit very carefully.

Every few hours I would have to empty my external bladder. I had to pee like a man. Grab the nozzle and aim the stream..... then just like a man, shake...then I rinsed (I don't think guys do that part). I would have LOVED to have gone into the Men's room and try out a urinal. Can you imagine? It would have been a HOOT!

Yes, so I was attached to my man-peer.

But I was so happy to have it removed yesterday. I can sit without feeling like I have hemorrhoids where you would not expect to find them.

So, I am recovering. I am in better spirits. I won't be going to the gym soon, might be a week or two before I gently go back.  I could, I suppose, drag myself back to work on monday, but since I have nearly 1000 hours banked sick leave, I will indulge myself with another week off.

Maybe I will even pick up my beads!

Thanks to all who left me good wishes on my last post, and to those who emailed me and sent cards. I really appreciate the support and concern of all my friends!