Road to recovery
by Jillian Bogater (Exile From Hysteria)
Most days now, I don’t even think about my hysterectomy.
It’s as if I’ve almost forgotten this huge portion of my emotional map. The reminders come as I notice my pants are too snug (residual inflammation sweetly nicknamed “swelly belly”) or I reflexively pull back from a sudden muscle twinge deep within.
Life has moved on, carrying me in tow.
Two weeks ago I returned to work. I’d say it was a smooth transition. Still, I find myself completely tapped by 3:30 p.m. I know this will improve with time.
At my six-week checkup, my surgeon declared me well on the road to recovery. The only outstanding piece of business were two stubborn stitches that remained in my vaginal cuff (where my cervix once was). She cheerfully told me to hold off on sex for two more weeks.
She also cleared me to start working out again. After the surgery I lost 7 pounds, but then swiftly gained that and some extra. She told me to slowly build up my weight lifting, and to trust my gut when determining how far I can push myself.
After I thanked my doctor for everything — the accurate diagnosis, the skillful surgery, the kind bedside manner — she surprised me by saying this most likely would be our last meeting. She encouraged me to get pap smears (yes, I’ll still need those!) with my primary care physician, along with my breast exams. If I really wanted to see her, that would be fine, but she made it clear there was no reason. This made me sad. She had guided me on the toughest medical decision of my life.
I looked her in the eye and said goodbye.
The doctor soon stood up and grabbed my chart. My instinct was to pull her in my arms, and hug her deeply. But instead I watched as she opened the door, smiled and walked out.
Most days now, I don’t even think about my hysterectomy.
Except today.
And I’m grateful for the experience. Every bit of it.
Exile From Hysteria 
I’m 32 and had my hysterectomy on 2/26. I had the same feeling at my 6 week check up. My doctor said the same to me that I wouldn’t need to see him again. He saw me at most vulnerable and sad and at my check up with a smile. I was a little sad to say goodbye. At this point I’ve almost forgotten I had the surgery. I wish a continued healthy recovery. Please know that your blog was a place for me go through my journey; it was nice to read posts from someone going through a very similar journey.
Jillian and Jacinta,
You both are such an inspiration!!! It’s funny how quickly the mind takes you from one extreme to the other! Congratulations to both of you making it to this point!!
I still see the doctor who did my hysterectomy for my yearly exam primarily because she’s damn good and I love her to pieces!! As you mentioned, this woman saw me at my lowest point, held my hand as she and I walked to the operating room and said she loved me just before I went under. What a human being!!
Please be careful while exercising, it’s easy to over do it, but your doctor is right, your gut will definitely let you know!! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how your energy level will increase over time when exercise becomes part of your routine again!
Love you ladies!! And Jilli…..slay a few mushrooms!!!
Char.
See…you made it! My doctor did the same thing, but I quickly recovered from that separation too.
Oh sweetie, this post made me cry. I really need to post about my own hysto, and I will soon!! Lots of love and when you need a laugh go visit my page, http://www.abrokenvagina.com!!
continued healing, sister. xxx
Wow, my Dr. said the same thing to me, “You will only need to see me one more time in a year.” That’s funny that it made me feel that way. my Hyster was on 3/7 and needless to say I am back to work but still tired at 3:30pm.
Nice to know there are some others with the same experience.
I’m really pleased you are feeling like yourself again and you have been discharged from the hospital. I felt like you when I said goodbye to the surgeon who removed my ovary. That first meeting with her was so traumatic because they weren’t sure if it was cancer. I was a crying mess as they tried to explain what they would need to do to me to find out a diagnosis. I am so thankful to her that I could walk away with a clean bill of health, just minus an ovary. I wanted to hug her, but I just sent a thank you card instead. It’s weird to think that they put their hands in people and save lives for a living. It’s just another day at the office for them, but for us it’s amazing.
Totally not my story. Woke up from surgery, they got me up to walk and I couldn’t. My upper thigh completely numb, on fire, into the groin. Its been over a year. Oncologist said to be patient, wouldnt addtess, and then said not his problem. GP said be patient, and then nothing can be done. Its been the worst year of my life. Been hard to celebrate being cancer free and cured, their words, when no one will even give me a referral to help me make a plan. I know, thru all my research, there is definitely femoral nerve damage. Can’t work, no income, and totally lost with this and surgical menopause.