I Will Be Having Surgery After Thanksgiving
By StacyB
@Srbageldog (7716)
United States
October 31, 2017 8:58pm CST
It is going on 7 p.m. here and I just finally got back from my appointment with the specialist in Berkeley. (I left at 10:30 this morning; it's been a loooong day!) He decided that he will do surgery to treat my issue. He will be taking out my fallopian tubes, removing adhesions and endometriosis "implants," and also freeing my ovaries from my bowel and possibly removing cysts from them as well, although there's the possibility he won't be able to save them and they will have to be removed. There are a lot of risks with this surgery as it is major surgery and involves my intestines, but hopefully the benefits outweigh the risks.
Most likely I will be having surgery after Thanksgiving, probably sometime in December. Which means I will be recovering during the Christmas season, unless for some reason surgery has to be postponed until after then. He said he should be able to do it laparoscopically but there's always the risk he'll have to open me up, although it's very rare he has to do that for this type of surgery. If it's done laparoscopically, I will have to stay overnight and then go home the next day; if I have to be opened up, I will have to stay probably two days in the hospital. Assuming everything goes smoothly and I experience no complications.
Anyway, I should know the date of my surgery by the end of the week, and I will also know the date of my pre-op appointment then. I am very anxious and scared about having this surgery, but it must be done or else I will keep living in pain, and the endometriosis could cause me further problems. Hopefully I won't experience any complications from surgery and by the new year all of this will be behind me.
18 people like this
19 responses
@NJChicaa (127140)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Good luck with it. I live with the same issues and have had 3 laporascopic surgeries. The worst part about them is the shoulder pain from the residual gas left in your abdomen. It presses everything up and your shoulders hurt!
I've had severe endometriosis and intestinal adhesions since I was 14 years old. They finally put some kind of gel (Hyscon?) in there to try to stop things from continuing to scar and grow together. Either things have calmed down or I have just become used to the pain over the years.
I would love to have everything removed. I want no part of these lady parts any longer! 
6 people like this
@FourWalls (86713)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Absolutely (RE: the gas pain). I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically, and they gave me OxyContin for the pain. I told my doctor I didn't want that because of all the news that had just started about the addictions. He replied, "Trust me, when that gas pain hits, you're going to want this." He was right, even though I was still scared to take the pills.
I had my lady parts removed in 1995 after they found an ovarian tumor. I haven't missed them in the least, especially those murderous menstrual pains.
3 people like this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
@NJChicaa Thank you. I am so sorry you also live with this issue! I don't know how long I have had it, but I have experienced lower abdominal pain since I was in my teens. I had all kinds of tests (multiple times) to rule things out and the doctors kept insisting it was all in my head. I am now 33 years old and finally got diagnosed with severe endometriosis earlier this year. Nobody ever thought to send me to a gynecologist before then.
I have contemplated having everything taken out, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet (plus I don't think my insurance will pay for a hysterectomy unless it's absolutely necessary.) I have had two laparoscopic surgeries earlier this year, and that gas pain was pretty bad!
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
@FourWalls I am the same way about pain pills. My doctor already gave me the prescription for me to fill so I'll have it on hand after surgery. He tried to prescribe me Norco but I asked for Tylenol 3 instead. I HATE Norco! They make me feel so funky, like my breathing is too slow.
2 people like this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Thank you! I am hopeful that this surgery will provide me relief from my problems.
2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
1 Nov 17
I am sorry this surgery has to be during the holidays, but on the other hand I am glad you are getting it, and you can heal and move forward from it Stacy.
5 people like this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Thank you. I am hoping it will resolve my issues and I will finally get some pain relief!
4 people like this
@FourWalls (86713)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Best of luck with the surgery. I'm amazed they can do that laparoscopically now. I have a long scar on my gut because laparoscopy wasn't an option when I had my surgery (ovarian tumor, not endometriosis) in the 90s.
3 people like this
@FourWalls (86713)
• United States
1 Nov 17
@Srbageldog -- truthfully, the worst part about my post-op was -- no kidding -- having the fishing sinker removed! (They had a sinker at the bottom of the incision to hold the stitches. Most of them dissolved, but the very bottom part of it had to be removed. My sister-in-law, who's a retired critical care nurse, did the "honors.")
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
They can do a lot of things laparoscopically now I guess. I am hoping I won't have to be opened up because that will mean a longer (more painful) recovery and also increases the risk of infection.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99353)
• Canada
1 Nov 17
Wishing you all the best with your surgery. You will feel so much better once it is over and you have recovered.
4 people like this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Thank you. I am trying to be positive about it and not dwell on any of the possible risks.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Nov 17
@Happy2BeMe I keep telling myself that. They have to warn you of all the possible risks in case something goes wrong so you won't sue them. But there's a chance that nothing will go wrong and everything will be fine. I think if I wait on this and it should ever become an emergency situation, THAT would be the bigger risk. Especially knowing how unreliable our local hospital is.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99353)
• Canada
1 Nov 17
@Srbageldog All surgeries have risks so you have to think of the positive side of things.
1 person likes this
@Ithink (10106)
• United States
7 Nov 17
@Srbageldog That is understandable, mine could get serious I guess but the best hospitals are 4 hours away really. I mean we have a few good ones an hour away. I don't know just don't have the guts I guess. Also wonder how I would get on afterwards with no help really. I mean I'm sure my 10 year old would do what she could but..
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
8 Nov 17
@Ithink That's completely understandable. Four hours is too far to travel for surgery (I have to travel 2.5 -- 3 hours away, depending on traffic.) One of my big worries is making the trip back when I'm in pain! My boyfriend will be able to take off a few days to help me afterwards, and then my sister will probably come over and help if I need it. The last time I had surgery (which was just a hernia repair) it was so hard getting up and down for the first week! My abdomen was so sore and I needed help getting up into a sitting position, and then I was restricted from doing much of anything for a couple weeks. We lived off of TV dinners, which is about all my boyfriend is capable of making. I can't imagine trying to recover from surgery with no one to help at all. 
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
7 Nov 17
I am terrified too and keep having second thoughts on whether I should go through with it or not. But, if it becomes an emergency situation, I would be in trouble since our local hospital is not the best and no one here is trained to do such a complex surgery. So I keep thinking it would be better to take my chances now, rather than risk it becoming an emergency somewhere down the line.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59761)
• Philippines
1 Nov 17
Good luck with the surgery. Hope everything turns out well.
3 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
1 Nov 17
I'm sorry you have to go through it at all but I hope and pray everything goes well for you.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (502491)
• Italy
1 Nov 17
@Srbageldog You know, the doctors must warn, because they fear to be sued if there is something wrong. Try not to be too stressed, everything will be fine.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Nov 17
@LadyDuck Thank you. I sure hope so! I am trying not to focus on all those "what ifs" and just think, this surgery will fix me, or at least make me feel better.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Thank you, I hope so too. I just read over all the possible risks in the form he sent home with me, and now I'm terrified. But I don't see any other choice in how to treat this issue.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
2 Nov 17
I hope the surgery goes well. It would definitely be better if it takes the pain away.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Nov 17
Thank you! I am hopeful that it will resolve my issue and not create further issues.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
2 Nov 17
@Srbageldog You can be sure you'd get a lot of well wishes from all of us
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Let us know when you learn the date of your surgery so we can be praying for you. So sorry you have to go through this.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Thank you, I most definitely will. I was told I should know by Friday this week, but we shall see. I know my insurance likes to take its sweet time authorizing things.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
1 Nov 17
@Srbageldog Insurance companies don't get in a hurry. Hope they'll cover everything.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
5 Nov 17
I'll be praying for you that everything goes well. Several years ago, I had laparoscopic surgery right after Thanksgiving, and I remember still being in recovery phase up through Christmas. Luckily, I was able to be up and moving around somewhat by then so other than taking it easy I still had a good holiday. I'm hoping for the same with you!
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
6 Nov 17
Thank you! I appreciate it. I just hope I won't have to miss opening night of the new Star Wars movie! I already bought tickets. If they try to schedule the surgery anytime that week or the week before, I will tell them I'm unavailable. I am NOT missing that movie! But I figure if I have it early enough in December or at the end of November, then I should be okay to go to the movies by the time opening night rolls around.
I am NOT missing that movie! But I figure if I have it early enough in December or at the end of November, then I should be okay to go to the movies by the time opening night rolls around.1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
11 Nov 17
@moffittjc Hopefully they aren't sold out! I always go opening day or opening night. It's a tradition my family started when Episode 1 came out when I was a freshman in high school. When "The Force Awakens" came out, there were still tickets available opening night, but I'm always paranoid that they'll sell out so buy them as soon as they become available months in advance.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
10 Nov 17
@Srbageldog I didn't even think to pre-buy my Star Wars tickets! I wonder if they are all sold out by now? I'm sure my son will be extremely disappointed if we don't go see the movie on opening weekend.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67089)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Any surgery is scary to think about, I think. But yeah this sounds very.. hope all goes well when you have it.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Nov 17
Thank you. Yes, it will be a complex surgery.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98004)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
1 Nov 17
Well my thoughts and best wishes are with you and I will keep you in my prayers that all goes well. Virtual hugs.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
2 Nov 17
Thank you! Virtual hugs back at you.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
1 Nov 17
You will feel so much better. I am Glad you got a doctor
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
I really hope so. I have to trust that it will fix my issues (and not cause more.)
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
1 Nov 17
It's wonderful what a specialist can do, to repair these health issues you have. I had endometriosis and it required a hysterectomy, in 1990. Now, modern medicine has progressed far enough, to avoid this extreme measure.
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
1 Nov 17
Hopefully this will take care of my issues and I won't ever require a hysterectomy. (Although the idea of no longer having a period is tempting sometimes!) My fallopian tubes are blocked and engorged and they are attached to my bowel so they need to go. Hopefully it all goes smoothly.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
1 Nov 17
@Srbageldog Yes, I will be praying for you, for sure:)
1 person likes this
