Goerwitz

Background

For several years, I have had a sort of chocolate-coloured spotting, at least one and a half weeks prior to my menstruation. My first gynecologist suggested that I did both Cryo and D & C surgeries in order to relieve myself of this. Of course, I never hesitated and proceeded with both seemingly necessary minor procedures which were done on an in-office basis.Shortly thereafter, the spotting, to my utter dismay, returned. I requested an ultra sound examination which revealed that I had small uterine fibroids. The gynecologist recommended that I did a Myemectomy (removal of fibroids), but I wasn't prepared in any way to undertake such a major surgery, unless absolutely necessary, and especially due to the fact that the fibroids were small and weren't really causing any major problems.

Over the years, I have visited about three other gynecologists who all told me the spotting was as a result of a hormone imbalance which led to the early shedding of blood from the lining of the womb. I was given either birth control pills or Provera to control it, but as far as I can remember, I seemed to have spotted even more and once that happened I would cease taking the tablets even though I was always given more on subsequent visits.

My present gynecologist has been assessing my situation for the last four to five years. He, like the other gynecologists, (excluding the first one of course) said it was not yet necessary to do a Myemectomy based on the size of my fibroids and their location. Also, they were still not causing any pain or complication.

The Discovery

In 2002, I went for my regular medical check-up (even though my last visit was about two years ago). My doctor, upon examining me, said she felt something large, which at that point, I even felt myself, and she suggested that I have an ultrasound. I also showed her my umbilical hernia (which was diagnosed about 8 years ago) but she thought whilst it hadn't seemed to have got larger, the fibroids, which she said felt bigger than the last time she examined me, were of the greater concern of the two. The ultrasound revealed that I not only had small seedling fibroids, but also an ovarian mass consistent with a cyst measuring 10 cm. Naturally, I was very surprised, but in retrospect I had started to have an urgency to urinate and figured that the large cyst was the cause of this. As the saying goes, "you never see smoke without fire."

I took the report to my gynecologist and he did his regular examination as well as a pap smear. He asked me to remind him of my age (34) and when I did, he looked away and became, in my opinion, pensive. I dared to ask him what he was thinking but I guess being a doctor he knew what he had to consider -he could have been actually visualising performing the surgery! Anyway, he recommended both surgeries - Myemectomy and Ovarian Cystectomy in three weeks' time. He said even though the fibroids hadn't grown it was practical to do both surgeries together. I asked him if he was going to remove any of my organs, and he said that it was not his intention, but that if he went in and it was absolutely necessary for him to do so, or depending on what the pathologist report had revealed, then obviously he would be left with little or no choice, unless of course I strongly objected.

I showed him my umbilical hernia and asked him if he could repair this at the same time, to which he had agreed. I thought that since he was going to go inside of me it would have made sense, from my point of view, for him to do all the repairing and removal at the same time.

Countdown to the Surgeries

Whilst I have had surgery before it was not a major one, but nevertheless surgery is surgery and each has its own risk and experience. I knew I had some preparation to do even though physically I believe I was in good shape as, all being equal, I go to the gym three times per week. However, emotionally and mentally there was work to do and, of course, I had less than a month to work with. I told several co-workers, close friends and family members and whilst some gave me their positive support, I still had to deal with the many negative comments I received. Looking back I felt that these negative attitudes had helped me in my preparation as I tried to have a positive reaction to each of them, and reminded myself that I had no control over what comes out of people's mouths but the important thing was how I reacted. The truth is after a while I became so numb to people's views, experiences and worst of all, to even those persons who told me how I would (not even likely or probably) feel post surgery even though they had never done the surgery themselves, but of course they were using other persons' experiences to tell me what I would actually undergo. I faced the fact that I had to have my own experience and once I accepted that, surprisingly, I became eager to be able to say "been there, done that and this was my experience but that doesn't mean it would be yours."

I did my own fair share of research on the Internet to gain more knowledge of what I was really getting myself involved with in three weeks' time. After all, you don't always remember to ask your doctor everything and neither are you always told all the finer details. I read some very interesting stories and also printed a pre- and post-operating guide which I found very useful. Luckily for me some of the things that this guide says one should not do prior to surgery, were in no way relevant to me, e.g., quit drinking coffee (never had this)and quit smoking (never smoked). On the other hand, some of the things it says one should do prior to surgery, I was long ago trodding those roads, e.g., being physically fit (even though not very fit but was still exercising) and taking multi-vitamins etc.

One of the very positive things that came out of my surfing the Web was that I became acquainted, even though electronically, with a woman in the United States, who had shared her experience (and correspondingly her husband's view) with first-time gynecological surgery, which I found very interesting. One of the things I must say I copied from her was to look at the clock when the anesthesia was just being administered. This is a good thing to follow as at least it gives you an idea of how long you spent away from your room. This person and I have e-mailed each other before and after my surgery, and I have shared my story with her and even gave her permission to share it with other women as well.

What also helped me to face up to the reality of doing surgery and, strangely enough but absolutely true, revving up some sort of excitement, was keeping (I still do) a diary which I called Dear Diary. I was only too excited to enter events from the day I did the ultrasound onwards. Upon accomplishment of this daily task, it gave me lots of satisfaction and made me felt more in touch.

As I was always so busy at work and with other activities, my mind was not constantly on the impending surgeries. I continued to do my exercise which helped tremendously in building the right mental state and got me in a positive state of consciousness. Coupled with that, I read a lot of inspirational materials and continuously asked God to let me have a successful surgery and to remove any lurking fears waiting to manifest. I also asked God to skillfully guide the hands and minds of all the doctors who would be performing on me that day as realistically nobody is, and ever will be, perfect.

Apart from having faith in God, another key thing is to have 100% (probably even more or if that's not possible just a little less) confidence in your surgeon. I had so much confidence in my doctor that I was so prepared to let him perform on me. In addition to this, his reputation, not only locally but internationally, was remarkable. Up to the afternoon that I was to do surgery, I was reassured (not that I really needed to be but it added to what I already knew) that I had the best doctor in the country and that I would be in excellent hands. It felt absolutely good knowing that there were so many other persons who truly believed in my doctor. At least, my faith was shared!

Three days before surgery, I visited the anesthetist as requested by my doctor. As she said, at least I knew she was human and there was no denying that. She did her usual examinations which included checking my weight, blood pressure etc., and requested that I did a chest x-ray and lab tests to check my bleeding time, blood type etc.

Later that day, I went to register at the hospital which I had strategically started to call a hotel as, admittedly, I personally dislike hospitals. However, I had little or no choice to go there as that was where the surgery would be performed (unless of course I was going to transform my home into a hospital!). Also, another strategy I had used was that I told myself if I were going to have a baby then the probability of having him/her in the hospital was far greater than home delivery in this day and age, so, therefore, most likely I would have had to be hospitalised. Anyway, in the long run, both strategies seemed to have worked very well as I was more than comfortable with my stay.

Luckily for me, the reception at the hospital was great as I was not only shown the room I would be in, but was also introduced to the Sister in Charge and some of the nurses, etc. The Sister told me that her only advice to me was to come in the hospital with a positive mind as it would help to determine my recovery process. I really could not ask for a better advice and had come to realise that was one of the key ingredients required for the surgery. She also said that I shouldn't think of any pain as some persons didn't experience any, and if they did, the hospital had an effective pain management system in place. In addition, she told me to take with me anything, even my own bed linen, that would let me feel as comfortable as possible. As there was no television in the room, I knew there and then that I would take mine with me along with other items, including, of course, my Dear Diary. After all, I had to keep the excitement flowing.

The last significant thing I did the day before hospitalisation was to pamper myself somewhat. It was like putting on the finishing touches. I went to the hairdressing parlour and did my hair, brows and a pedicure (without nail polish). Needless to say, my image and self-esteem got a boost.

Hospitalisation (Wednesday)

I was told to be at the hospital at 5:00 p.m. As I didn't intend to sit at home counting down to this time, I went to the gym to do my last bit of exercise for a while, and more importantly to take a long relaxing steam in the sauna. To top it all, upon leaving the gym, one of my friends took me to have lunch so I didn't get back home until about 2:00 p.m.

Once home, I busied myself by returning a few phone calls and I also finalised my packing. Nevertheless, the time to depart came much sooner than I thought. First reality check. Somehow, I had this strange feeling coming at me, even though I did not wear it on my sleeves. I guess my emotions were trying to get the better of me as I said goodbye to my family. Gladly, this never lasted long as I quickly (and strongly too) reminded myself that I would return home much sooner than later and pretended as if it were a weekend trip to the northcoast or overseas. Also, after all that preparation and such a build up, I did not want to spoil my positive frame of mind. In all fairness (to me), the climax could not take place this way; it had to be more uplifting.

My mom and two of my friends accompanied me to the hospital. I barely had time for myself (probably fortunately) that evening as I started having visitors shortly after I checked in and that also helped me to focus on other things. Also, I was busy unpacking, responding to historical queries from the nurse and signing the Surgery Authorisation Form etc.

As I had bought my own bed linen, the appearance of my bed was transformed from being virginally white to beautifully and brightly floral. Obviously, it gave the room some much needed lift.

I remained outside of the room for most of that evening as I relaxed on the verandah which overlooked an immaculately-kept lawn and the road. It was only when my last visitor left, that I realised visiting hour had ended 60 minutes ago as by then it was 9:00 p.m. By that time, the nurse was only too ready to start her preparation for surgery the following day. Second reality check: my vital signs (blood pressure and temperature) were checked. My urine was also tested. Whilst one nurse proceeded to shave me, another one observed and that felt even more weird to the point where I was told by the nurse carrying out the act to pretend as if she were my big sister. I believed I tried to relax somewhat (even though only fractionally). I was then given an enema consisting of warm soapy water.

Upon retiring, I was given two tablets which I told were given to patients the night before surgery to help them to relax. I thought that was very considerate and as I felt so comfortable, in no time I fell asleep.

The Day of Surgery (Thursday)

Surgery was scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

Whilst not very welcome, I woke up to hot mint tea at 5:00 a.m. I was strongly urged to drink it even though I had not drunk tea or hot beverage for that matter, in many years as I tend to drink juice and/or water at breakfast.

At about 8:00 a.m. I was served an extremely light breakfast consisting of more tea, orange juice, a slice of toast and butter. I was told I would not have had anything else to eat before surgery so I made sure to eat all of the little that was given to me.

My vital signs were continuously monitored and luckily for me remained within normal limits.

I was introduced to the Administrator of the hospital, and sometime before surgery the Pastor of the chapel at the hospital came and offered a word of prayer. Both persons asked me who was my doctor and having told them they both told me that he was excellent so I had nothing to fear. I suspected it would definitely have been the last time I would hear this prior to the surgery.

At about 1:00 p.m., I was asked to shower and to put on a hospital gown. A catheter was also inserted. Luckily, I had read about it so it never came as a great surprise. Shortly thereafter, the first of eight very lovely bouquets arrived. It was from two of my co-workers who later visited me just prior to surgery. As I hadn't seen my doctor, who didn't really tell me that I would see him before, but was nevertheless hoping that I would, the bouquet somehow took his place, even though in a different way, of reminding me that all would be well. The bouquet was so bright and beautiful!

My last four visitors (my brother and his co-worker as well as two of my co-workers) left at about 1:45 p.m, as they thought it was only fair to give me 15 minutes (since the surgery was scheduled for 2:00 p.m.) of quality time to meditate.

Immediately as they left, I was given two tablets to take. I believed I asked what they were for and was told by the nurse that they were being given upon the recommendation of my doctor. Whilst this didn't really answer my question, nor was it much of an explanation, I thought it was sufficient at the time for me to pop the pills.

I continued listening to a tape with inspirational music which I had bought and re-read some affirmations. One of the nurses came in my room and commented that I looked so relaxed. Added to this, I was also very ready to get the surgery over and done with even though I wasn't really overly anxious.

Another nurse came, sat down and related to me her experience with endometriosis (where the tissues from the lining of the womb go outside of that area) and consequent hysterectomy (removal of the womb). I told her that I had heard about this condition, but actually didn't personally know anyone with it.

After she left, I believed I fell asleep. At about 3:50 p.m. two nurses came and told me the doctors were finally ready for me. Final reality check: I was placed on a stretcher and taken to the Operating Room (OR). Whilst there, I saw the doctors (luckily I had really met them before as I would not have recognised them based on their theatre attire which more or less camouflaged them from head to toe). However, as expected, my doctor came over and asked me if I were okay and I told him yes (was that a common or uncommon answer?) Due to the emergency surgeries before mine, the doctors apparently hadn't got a chance to eat anything so I saw them having snacks before commencing my surgeries. Even though I hoped they were not too exhausted to carry out my surgery, I really wasn't eager for any postponement.

Delays can really put thoughts in one's mind as they create last-minute decisions and so I had wondered whether I had enough time at that point, to actually change my mind. Wishful thinking as before I knew it, I was wheeled in the actual OR on to the operating table itself--final final reality check. Funny enough I wasn't very curious to see what the room contained as I was only too concerned as to what was about to be done to me--a concern which became very short-lived.

The last thing I remembered doing was to remind my doctor of the umbilical hernia and he touched my navel as if to say, oh yes. When the anesthetist injected me, with what I believed was the anesthesia, I turned to look at what she was doing and I saw a clock on the wall behind her and realised it was 4:25 p.m. As far as I can recall, I was immediately and completely knocked. I, fortunately or unfortunately, don't remember anything else that happened (not even being in the recovery room which I am sure I had to be in) except for being lifted on to a bed and told that I was back in my room. Even though I was very groggy, I still managed to place my hands on my abdomen and felt two relatively small bandages - one on my navel and the other below. Having felt the bandage on my navel, I felt happy that my doctor was able to repair the hernia at the same time, as agreed.

My phone rang and I grabbed it and it was one of my friends. I can recall asking her the time and she said it was about 8:17 p.m. She told me to go back to sleep and that she would call my mom and tell her that I was out of surgery as she (my mom) had waited out of patience that evening. I also remember opening my eyes and seeing another friend of mine standing beside my television, but I was much too groggy to even acknowledge him and went back to sleep until the following morning.

The Day after Surgery (Friday)

As was expected, I was fed intravenously (IV). Consequently, there was no mint tea at 5:00 a.m.nor breakfast to be had.

My mom and friends made a very short visit just after 7:00 a.m.

I was cleaned and dressed right in bed by one of the nurses. Whilst, as an adult I had never had this experience of someone cleaning me, I was less tense than before, and also, I had resigned myself to the fact that it was just one of those expectations immediately after having surgeries like these. You could say there was really no room for Mrs. Pride. Plus, I figured that once I was able to get out of bed, then it would be back to business as usual!

I was only too happy when one of the nurses came in at about 9:00 a.m. and said she had brought me a visitor. To my pleasant surprise, it was my doctor. He asked me how I was feeling and then proceeded to say that unfortunately ( I wondered what were his next words but strangely I remained as calmly as ever) what we thought was an umbilical hernia was a nodule formed from endometriosis, treatment of which he said was expensive and which he would discuss at a later stage. When he mentioned endometriosis, both my eyes and those of the nurse met as incidentally she was the one who had told me about her experience of the same condition the day before. My doctor also said I not only had one ovarian cyst but two. I asked him if he had to remove any organ and he said no. He said that the assistant surgeon had also asked him during the surgery if I had experienced pain and he told him not that he could remember. Whilst there are many theories surrounding endometriosis, it can really a silent invader as I either had no pain during my menstruation, or, if any at all, it was never significant and occurred on day one or only up to day two of the cycle. However, what I had even more at the onset of my menstruation or throughout was a backache which is also one of the symptoms of endometriosis, but I was told from about 10 years ago that it was due to improper sitting posture. I guess only time will reveal what was the real cause. Also, the nodule in my navel had really begun to feel more uncomfortable during the onset of my menstruation or sometimes throughout, and I just thought that it was the hernia that was getting larger and, therefore, more problematic. Before he left, I told him that I felt for something to eat and I believed he told the nurse to give me something. This eventually materialised into a cup of hot mint tea much later that evening.

The time came for me to get up and I was only too eager to feel what it would be like. Obviously, getting up at first wasn't an easy task. I initially thought that it was almost impossible, but the nurse assured me that I could do it, and told me how best to accomplish it. I first placed one foot over the bed and then the other and sort of rolled over on to my side and then got up. I tried to stand upright as I believed once I got it right the first time I would continue doing so. Needless to say, I was not only sore but stiff, even though in all honesty and fairness to my body, it wasn't all that bad to cause me to bend or to hold my incisions whilst standing or walking as some persons did. Also, I must admit that I had told myself that if I really had to bend etc. I reluctantly would, but I prayed that it wouldn't be for long as I had heard that once you got comfortable doing that it was hard to kick. I was told to walk to the door and was then placed in a surgical chair on the verandah, where I sat for about an hour, along with my IV pole etc. I slowly, but surely, returned to lying down.

Throughout the day, more bouquets arrived from other friends which not only added more beauty to my room but made me even more thankful of their i.e. my friends' tangible support. There was even one that read I was to hurry and return to office. Whist I could only smile, I needed not asked whom it was from.

Throughout the day and the evening I had more visitors. I felt empty inside and was very anxious to get something to eat. The IV was removed but the line was still retained in case it was necessary to put me on the IV again. Thankfully, the Catheter was also removed even though it had become a silent companion as there was no longer an urge to urinate, and so you never knew when you actually did.

At almost 7:00 p.m. I was finally given a cup of hot mint tea which, for the first time in my life, was most welcome. Shortly after two visitors came, but when the latter one came the nurses told both of them that they had to return another day. Of course, they weren't very happy, but she proceeded to show them the needle as she was ready to sedate me in order for me to get some rest.

Two Days after Surgery (Saturday)

Normality resumed. The mint tea returned and I didn't have to ask the time as I knew it was 5 a.m. on the dot. I got up and drank this and put on my robe and decided to take an early morning stroll. I saw only the guard and nurses in sight. I wondered if any other patients were walking at this time or even out of bed, but I figured that if they got the same mint-tea treatment at 5:00 a.m. they probably would at least be awake. Needless to say, the early morning air felt good along my face and not only did I try to walk upright, but also to increase my pace as I went along. Admittedly, the more I walked the much less sore and stiff I felt. Whilst I didn't want to overdo it, I didn't feel to stop walking, even though the view remained the same. One of the nurses saw me and asked me if I didn't have the surgery as yet and I told her yes and she commented on how upright I was walking; she even told my doctor later that morning when he made his daily visit. He seemed pleased to the point that he jokingly attempted to punch me in the abdomen. He asked me if I broke wind and I told him no and he said I should. As I didn't know what to do to ensure this, I asked him and he said nature would run its course. I had really hoped that it would very soon.

Just above my hips felt a bit tender perhaps as a result of the injections received. Also, both sides also appeared slightly swollen, but my doctor jokingly said they were my "love handles"! As I couldn't recall them being there before, I assumed that they would sooner or later go away as the tenderness disappeared.

The nurse was willing to clean me today but since I was able to stand up, I told her I was able to manage.

No breakfast was to be had so normality hadn't yet actually resumed. However, at mid day I was served fish, creamed pumpkin and Irish potato which were all very bland. I also got more tea and a glass of orange juice. I could barely eat the food as apart from it not being tasty, my heart was seemingly overworked and so I felt very tired. I found this strange as when I walked I did not feel tired. I took it that my heart got comfortable with not having to provide the energy to chew for a couple of days and was, therefore, rebelling for having to resume this arduous task. I, therefore, had more of the liquids and then slept most of the afternoon.

At about 4:00 p.m., I was served dinner. Whilst the food was the same, it was much more tasty. Even though I never ate all, I still managed to have more than the day before.

I had more visitors in the evening, and some commented on how "normal" I was walking and that I didn't appear to be experiencing any pain.

Since there was no reaction to the food, the IV line was removed so I was once again, and finally, needle-free.

Of course, with the introduction of food, nature had in fact finally started to run its course, as I broke the much anticipated and required wind and had also begun to belch. However, I did not have any bowel action.

Later that evening, I saw a little amount of blood which was apparently expected from the morning after surgery as I had awaken to the feel of a large sanitary napkin and so I had made sure to always wear one(even though much smaller as was what I had taken with me).

Later that night, I started to cough and, without a doubt, that was my biggest challenge to date, as there was nothing I could do to prevent this and deeply feared that I would pull some internal sutures. I was given cough syrup which relieved it fractionally. The cough, I gather, was as a result of endotracheal intubation (tube inserted through one's mouth to alleviate aspiration which is the accidental swallowing of one's gastric juices). Now I could understand why my mouth had felt so deformed and even my retractable wires from my braces had felt slightly misaligned, the morning after surgery.

Upon checking my vital signs, it was revealed that I had a slight temperature. I was given two Panadols to take. At some point my temperature returned to normal but I was still frequently monitored by the nurses.

Three Days Post Surgery (Sunday)

Again, at 5:30 a.m. I proceeded to walk, having drunk a hot cup of mint tea at 5:00 a.m. At 8:00 a.m. I was served breakfast which consisted of cornmeal porridge, boiled egg, toast and butter, more tea and orange juice. Having not had much the previous day, I ate it all. By now it was a bit less tiring to chew.

I cleaned myself and dressed in pajamas, which apparently seemed like an outfit that could be worn outside of bedtime as both my doctor and the nurses asked me if I were dressed to go home.

My doctor painlessly removed both bandages. I felt extremely pleased when I saw the incisions as they were both neatly done and I hoped that they would remain that way. Neither incision needed to be dressed nor cleaned. My doctor sprayed something from a can on both incisions which left a sort of plastic-looking appearance. He said I could resume bathing but not to rub the areas so I only pat-dried them.

He asked me if I broke any wind and I told him lots but I, however, admitted to not having a bowel action. To my pleasant surprise, he told me that was okay since I was having bowel sounds and said that some persons did not feel comfortable having a bowel action in the hospital. He asked again if I had planned to go home that day and without hesitating I told him yes (would he have expected any other reply?) and he said he would discharge me even though he had planned to do that the following day but since there were no complications I could go home. Even though I didn't remind him, he had said the first time that we discussed surgery that I could leave on the Sunday provided that I behaved myself. Whatever that meant, I guess I did.

Overall, the service at the hospital was very good. As my doctor had told me, the nursing there is very traditional and I proved it for myself. Whilst I wouldn't have wanted to be in the hospital for much longer, for the time I was there, I never missed my home as much as I thought I would. Service really makes a difference.

Upon leaving the hospital, I realised that with the removal of the bandages, I was a little more sore and stiff as the bandages seemed to have offered some support. However, by the time I got home and walked around somewhat the stiffness and soreness lessened significantly. Also, my abdomen seemed a bit distended.

Recovering at Home

Of course, moving from a surgical bed to a normal bed one could feel the immediate difference so I had to plan how best I would not only lie down, but get up, which initially seemed difficult. I used the same advice the nurse had given me from the hospital the first time I tried to sit up and also to use other muscles which have been sort of lying idle for a while post-surgery. It got easier and easier and in no time I got totally accustomed to lying down and getting up. I also made sure to pad the top of my bed to make a more comfortable head rest and to allowed me the option of reclining.

My doctor was correct, as later that evening at home I had my first bowel action post surgery, after having my usual Sunday dinner (rice, peas and chicken) even though not much as my appetite hadn't yet really returned to normal.

After one week, my bikini-line incision felt hard. I wasn't sure whether this was normal and decided to ask my doctor the following week as I had an appointment (two weeks post surgery) with him. He said it was normal as it were my cells regenerating and that what I was feeling were fibrous muscles and lymph nodes. He even said the incision could get even harder as the process continued. He proceeded to wipe the incisions with a piece of cotton which he had earlier soaked in some liquid. As he had used absorbable sutures there were none to cut except the knots at each end. I was surprised, even though glad, when after a second or so he said he was finished.

I was also careful about my diet. I continued to eat lots of fish, pumpkin and Irish potato. I consumed lots of water and cranberry juice and continued taking my multi-vitamins. I also resumed taking vitamin E. Also, I made sure not only to increase but to be consistent with my intake of fiber as the last thing I wanted, especially at this point when internally I was so sore, was to return to the road of constipation. Luckily I was having a relatively regular bowel action, if not everyday every other day. I had in fact come a long way!

My abdomen returned to its normal size after one and a half weeks or so. I was between being asked if I had lost weight and if I had gained. I thought that arose as a result of the type and colour of the clothes I wore. I knew I had obviously lost weight around my abdomen due to the removal of all those unwanted stuff from me. However, I sooner or later realised that I had lost weight even on my thighs when I put on one of my jeans Anyway, I never minded it even though I didn't have that much to really lose but still, I could have done with some more off my abdomen. I guess since my eating habit had changed tremendously it was very easy for me to lose weight and I understand that it's normal for patients post-surgery. Fish, pumpkin, chicken soup, fruits and vegetables made up a great deal of my diet. Apart from being more mindful of what I ate, I was eating much earlier in the evenings too i.e. before 6 p.m. as against at 8:30 p.m. I had also eliminated heavy lunches.

My menstruation came as expected and lasted its usual five to six days.

At the beginning of week three, surprisingly there was more evidence to justify that I had surgery as I felt a slight discomfort on my left side only. It's hard to explain how it felt, but it was as if there was some sort of pressure being exerted or as if there was something being squashed. Even thought slight, I could not pretend it wasn't there although I tried not to give it too much attention as I know there must have had to be a good enough reason why it was there. I figured my body was just carrying out its necessary repairs Not that I minded one bit, but I was, however, more curious to know why the discomfort was only on one side and not both. I guess I had to be very thankful and also for the fact that I did not feel any discomfort at all from the incision in my navel which was less noticeable. Both incisions healed very well.

I started driving exactly three weeks post surgery, as per my doctor's instructions. It went much better than I anticipated even though the discomfort was there as it had started just a day or two before but it really remained constant even when I drove and luckily never prevented me from carrying out this much-awaited activity. Like anything else, I felt it would sooner or later disappear.

By week four, the discomfort had more or less disappeared, or rather had become more inconsistent on a less significant basis, even though it never refused to give me a very gentle reminder once I unknowingly, though bravely, did something which I shouldn't have done e.g. lifting seemingly light objects which turned out heavy based on my situation.

During this time, I made my second visit to my doctor who did an internal examination this time and confirmed that I was healing very well. To my surprise, and probably his, he still had not got the report from the lab but told me not to worry as if there was anything abnormal or unusual he would have been alerted long ago. Regarding the discomfort on the left side, he said that he believed that the largest mass was taken from that side.

For the first five weeks, I got some relief from my acne perhaps due to the fact that I was at home and was so stress-free and had drunk lots of water etc. However, by the end of the five weeks, I saw one or two pimples showing up their ugly heads, as usual, just prior to my second post-surgery menstruation.

Basically, over the six-week period, I improved more daily. Each day had its own events even though there was no experience on some days. Luckily for me, I did not feel any pain and felt basically normal even though I tried not to fool myself as there were still some things that I dared not do. I never really felt weak nor tired (not that I was allowed to do much except for going on my computer daily and sitting up sometimes longer than I anticipated). Overall, I the nurses advice to take things easily as they told me that some persons who exerted themselves returned very quickly to the hospital. Apart from hating hospitals, that was an expense I could not have afforded right now. I, therefore, made sure to get sufficient rest, especially in the first three weeks, even if I did not really sleep.

Where gym was concerned, my doctor advised me to exercise caution when I returned as I could not immediately go at the same pace or do all the things I did pre-surgery--it has to be gradual and I just have to be very mindful of what I do and how. I will definitely return to some sort of exercising (even walking) soon, and definitely to the gym in another several weeks.

The coughing continued even though it had subsided a lot, but unfortunately it coincided with infected sinuses caused greatly by smoke in my surrounding environment However, it was after I had started taking the various drugs prescribed by the ear, nose and throat specialist that I really felt robbed of my energy. Gladly, after one and a half weeks I was more or less back to feeling like a complete human being again as I had really started to wonder when that day would return. I knew it had to be the medication as I felt much better without them even though they sooner or later accomplished their job.

I made my third visit to my doctor six weeks post surgery. We discussed the lab report which revealed, thankfully, that the cysts were benign. He said I was still healing very well. With respect to the Endometriosis, he initially recommended Danazol tablets, and later the Depo-Provera injection which is approximately $3,500 less per month than the Danazol. The decision was left up to me as to which one to take. I was told that they both had side effects such as weight gain and tenderness of the breast. However, I will do my usual investigative work to gain more product knowledge as well as to see what other side effects there might be, and the effectiveness of both drugs.

The surgeries have proven the point that no two persons will always have the same experience. Even though your surgeon plays a very important role, the outcome of the surgery is heavily dependent upon how mentally and physically prepared one is and, naturally, this follows through to the recovery period.

I am not sure which, if any, of the conditions i.e. the Endometriosis, cysts or fibroids, had contributed to the symptoms I initially mentioned, and which have not appeared post-surgery. Perhaps only time will prove if a co-relationship had existed but I sincerely trust that those symptoms will permanently disappear.

Contact

Please feel free to send me your comments/concerns or share your story with me. I may be reached at:

slgrant@kasnet.com(home) or Sophia.Grant@gleanerjm.com (work)

Sophia
slgrant@kasnet.com

Kingston, Jamaica

April 2002

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Amy and Richard Goerwitz
Amy@Goerwitz.com
Richard@Goerwitz.com