I have a date and pregame that does NOT sound fun

[missdiane]

Full abdominal hysterectomy is scheduled for October 1. They could have made it September 3 but that was too soon for me to get things squared away at home and work. Besides, since I had a couple of *~*surprise*~* periods after my year with none, I now have to get a endometrial biopsy first to make sure that she can do the surgery (and that it doesn't have to be done by oncologists). Eeeep. I've heard more horror stories about that biopsy than the hysterectomy. Greeeeat.

It's convenient that I have my follow up with my GP next week since hopefully I can have them do the medical clearance stuff (blood tests, ekg, clearance note). I messaged them when I got home so hopefully they get back to me. If they can't, I schedule an appointment with the hospital folks for that. Two days before the surgery I go in for a type and screen. You know I had my gallbladder out years ago and we STILL don't know my blood type? It's not in my records and I didn't do a type and screen before that procedure. I did a home test some years ago but totally forgot the results. Besides, would be better to know by the pros and also have it in my stupid medical records for once.

I have to also get another ultrasound to make sure there's no changes or other weirdness since my one back in January. It's the one with the wand again (ugh). Between that and the biopsy, way too many things going into that area.

I had a couple of surprising things at the appointment yesterday, though. Rather than having them write down a random weight, I asked to be weighed since I have a scale coming tonight and want to start a DietBet to motivate myself to get some bulk off before surgery. I thought for sure at the doc that I would be in the 210s or higher since I've been eating like total crap lately and it was 198? Huh? Well...ok? But I'm still doing the DietBet. Also, I usually get white coat syndrome at the doctor and even when I don't have white coat, my BP is around 130s over 80ish even on my BP meds. Yesterday it was 122/66. Whuuuuuuut? Ok, keep that up, system! I highly doubt it has anything to do with the Zetia that I just started since that's not supposed to affect BP as it is.

Anyhoo, with the surgery, they expect two days in the hospital. Insurance usually only approves the first day and then the doctor comes by and deems a second day necessary. Not that I want two days in there but I do want them to make sure that it's safe for me to go home. I have my doctor's note to keep me out until 11/15 but if I'm feeling up to it in two or three weeks, I can try to WFH. I'll play that by ear and even if I feel up to it, won't jump back into a full time week even WFH.

Emily is taking off work from surgery and will see how I'm doing after that weekend to see if I need help getting up and to the potty and stuff that next week to see if she could WFH a couple extra days or partial days. Hopefully JonJon is understanding that Mom won't be able to bend for a while.

I'm not in any sort of constant pain at the moment but the way those fibroids are just crushing on my bladder is rough. Just bending over to scoop kitty litter causes issues. I am also SO DONE with way they push my stomach up with the constant swelling. The new Zetia doesn't help there either. The fact that we can't see what's going on behind them also make the doctor think it's definitely time to clear out the works. Most everything will be extracted and she'll make a judgment call as to whether to leave any of the ovaries when she's in there.

I found the Xanax that went missing during the move that I hadn't used. I'll VERY much need one for the biopsy and stuff. Right now just trying to keep myself distracted with getting things ready at work and home.

Comments

[threecee]

My friend had two uterine biopsies, first was "suspicious", second was okay. She had an oncologist with her GYN in the OR to check everything as they pulled it out. Post-op pathology was all good, fortunately. Having the oncologist there is apparently the new standard for anything questionable, so don't assume it means anything more than precaution.

You will be more tired than you expect, so don't rush into WFH. I'm told some people also find themselves prone to emotional outbursts or crying, so another reason to avoid work stress until you are sure you are up for it. Plan to take it easy and catch up on reading or TV. They won't let you go home until you can walk around on your own and get in and out of bed, so you should be fine as long as you don't do anything you shouldn't.

[missdiane]

My gyn wants to make sure that she doesn't get in there and have any surprises so I can appreciate it but maaan I'm not looking forward to that biopsy. Insane that they don't knock you out. She did prescribe some pills that I'll have to put in the ol' hooha some hours beforehand to soften and dilate the cervix. Normally those pills aren't prescribed but in my case since that area doesn't get any action, she thinks dilation will help. The side effect on those is cramping so gonna be a good time. I hope she numbs things too.

I have no desire to rush back to work, which is part of why I scheduled it for October 1. I want to get as much done as I can so I can just let things lie for several weeks. I stupidly went back too early years ago when I had my gallbladder out and I'm not doing a repeat.

I've never had an overnight stay in the hospital before so this should be an interesting experience. The hospital where I'm getting it done is one that Emily is VERY experienced visiting since both of her parents had stays there. I wouldn't be surprised if she is greeted like Norm from Cheers. lol

[threecee]

My local hospital has transitioned to all private rooms, which is nice. They are set up to shove in an extra bed or two in emergencies, but otherwise you get quiet. Hope your hospital is similar. Much nicer than having a sick stranger as a roomie.

I grok Emily's situation. Five years after my parents died, I walked into the ER with a kidney stone and was greeted by name by two nurses.

[missdiane]

Emily says it's not likely to be a private room but it's not too bad. I'll make sure we bring my iPad and headphones for when I'm not sleeping. The menu looks pretty good and she says it's decent
https://www.saintpetershcs.com/patients/culinary-and-nutrition-services/all-menus

The advantage to this hospital as opposed to the one down the street where I had my gallbladder out is that I'm less likely to have people coming down to greet the OTHER Diane French that worked there. Not sure if she still does.

[threecee]

They have vegetrian and vegan choices? That is good!
I couldn't get the doctor to take me off clear liquid diet last time I was in. He kept asking how I was doing on soild food, but all I could order was clear liquids.

[missdiane]

If I have any appetite the next morning, totally going to get an egg white omelet with some veggies. Nom.

A regular liquid diet would be bearable (I'd totally go for cream of mushroom soup) but an extended time on clear liquid? UGH! Dumb ol' doctor

[threecee]

The worst was the artificial apple flavored clear Ensure. I occaisionally use high protein Ensure when I haven't been eating right, but the artificial apple was awful.

[missdiane]

Noted. I'll avoid that.

[spiffikins]

You know I had my gallbladder out years ago and we STILL don't know my blood type?

That seems really odd, LOL. You'd think that would be something they want to know before they cut you open?

Woohoo on the good numbers for weight and bp! Keep it up, whatever you are doing!

October 1 - at least it's on the schedule!

[missdiane]

I guess the folks that did things laparoscopically didn't think it was a risk. For cutting me wiiiiide open, it's much more of a risk.

Woohoo on the good numbers for weight and bp! Keep it up, whatever you are doing!

Hot damn! I'll continue to ignore anything diet related and go NOMNOMNOM. I just got my new scale and stepped on it to test it out. It registered a pound and a half LESS than yesterday (which means the doctor's scale runs higher at the gyno). It'll be interesting to see how the home scale compares to the GP next week. I think I'll still try the DietBet for motivation. It's a $40 gamble so why not?

I have a lot to keep me busy before the big day. I went in aiming to do late September to early October so this works out.

[spiffikins]

I mean, that's fair if they weren't slicing you open for the gallbladder thing.

Actually, to be honest, I'm not sure if MY medical chart has my blood type? If so, it's because somewhere a form asked for it and I wrote it in, not because anyone in the medical group has ever tested it or verified my words!

I am not sure how my mom knew all our blood types - unless they checked when we were born? But she always seemed to know what our blood types were - so I knew from a young age that I was O+ - and it has been confirmed by the red cross blood donation people :D

[missdiane]

Ah, Emily is also O+ and you likely knew it because it is the one in demand!

[spiffikins]

O- is the one that the blood banks REALLY want, though - as that is the "universal donor" - everyone can accept O- blood, so if they don't know what type you are and don't have time to check - they will give you O- blood.

O+ is the most common and the "universal recipient" - they can give us any blood type and it will work :D Which is why I think O+ is the best one to be, LOL