Rhi in Pink » Blog Archive » This entire post borders on TMI, you’ve been warned

This entire post borders on TMI, you’ve been warned

August 13, 2008 | Filed in: i like to overshare,the annoying

Hello, friends! I am going to try and type a semi-coherent post for you all. But, first, I am so, so thankful for Carrisa and Isabel spreading nasty rumors about my breasts guest posting for me whilst I was under the knife. I’ll be trying my best to whip Isabel up a little knit bikini before her fantastic trip to Europe and I’ll be allowing Carrisa to sleep in my very same bed when she comes to visit me in October. Don’t YOU all wish you had guest posted!

So, I’m home now and in quite a bit of pain and I wish I could say the surgery was a success. But, well. I guess it wasn’t unsuccessful, but, here goes.

Also, this entire post borders on TMI, so if you would rather not hear about my reproductive organs, why don’t you go over here and look at pictures of kitties and puppies.

So, picture it: Monday, 5:30 a.m., RhiRhi arrives at the hospital with a very handsome boy at her side. She’s eventually led into a hospital room and given a lovely gown to put on, along with some fancy boots to aid in circulation. They also put some sort of tracking device on my arm so they don’t LOSE ME while I am under. A scatterbrained nurse comes in and forgets to insert my IV not once, but twice. By the time she finally gets around to it, I consider asking for an intern, or janitor to do it for her. They seemed more trustworthy.

For the next two hours I make googly eyes at a handsome boy and he tries to make me laugh. The doctor with the happy meds arrives and he wheels me off to surgery. NOTE: Every single person you encounter before surgery will ask you your name and “in your own words, why are you here?” I had no idea I’d need to prepare an elevator pitch.

The next thing I know, they whisper to me that I’m done, and I did a good job (really, I’m an over-achiever). I’m wheeled off to recovery where I inform someone that I’m going to throw up, so they put anti nausea meds in my IV. Then, I try to sleep, except every five minutes the blood pressure cuff on my arm inflates which really makes it hard for a girl to get her beauty sleep.

Finally, I’m taken back to my room where my mom is waiting. And, she tells me. There was no dermoid cyst, but instead a large cluster of “chocolate cysts” which are caused by endometriosis. And, here’s the kicker: my doctor says she’ll treat this aggressively, most likely with medical menopause, but then I need to make a big decision regarding children (like whether I’d like to have them) and then either get pregnant or, well, you know, have a hysterectomy. So, basically, if I do decide I want kids, this all needs to be done by the time I’m 34. Which is FOUR YEARS FROM NOW.

So, there you have it. I’m a little freaked out. Also, there are many things they do not tell you about having surgery on your lady parts – like stock up on pantyliners, your belly button will itch, and holy hell you will be bloated.

For now, I’m home taking one hour naps and writing incoherent comments on all your blogs and whining via Twitter.

29 Comments so far
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I’m glad you came through ok.

I’ve never heard of chocolate cysts – are they called that because they are brown? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Aw shit, Rhi. I am sorry about the outcome- not just because you are uncomfortable and bloated but really because of the pressure to HAVE KIDS NOW or lose that option entirely.

Big hugs.

Know what you’re going through and feel for you IMMENSELY! I have severe endometriosis and have had 2 surgeries, lost one ovary and done the chemical/med-induced menopause. We didn’t think we could have kids, were just fine with that, were not trying, and I got pregnant when I was 34.

Anyhow, I know you’ve got a lot to think about, and, right now, you just need to get strong and well again. I’m sending good thoughts and wishes your way, and if you want to talk (or ask questions) to someone else who’s been there/done that, you can email me at:

psychmamma@hotmail.com

And make that boy spoil you a little!

You know I just want to hug you right now. And take you shopping. And buy you chocolate that is not cysts.

Ouch! So sorry about the outcome! I’d be rushing right to a second opinion asap. One of my friends had an entirely unnecessary hysterectomy and every doctor since then has told her she could’ve had more kids (which she REALLY wanted). Maybe you have more time than you think!

And if not, you know, I’m local and I have extra baby gear. ;)

Schnikies. I’m sorry about the diagnosis. :( I hope your recovery is speedy – take care of yourself.

I could say something totally inappropriate right now but instead, I’m going to say, I’m so sorry about the pain, the bloating, the decisions and the copious amounts of pantyliners you’ve had to endure.

Oh, Rhi!! That just sucks, all around. The pressure-to-have-kids issue is the worst…I wish you lived closer; I would ply you with candy, and sing some awful karaoke for you to take your mind off of everything. BIG HUGS! :)

I agree with Amanda – get a 2nd opinion. This is a big deal and you want to be absolutely sure what the prognosis is.

Get some rest, take it easy, and get better soon!

I’m with Kerri Anne… may I copy her – verbatim: ” You know I just want to hug you right now. And take you shopping. And buy you chocolate that is not cysts.” It’s true… for this moment, may your healing be speedy…

Good hell…no pressure or anything!

That just sucks and I am so sorry to hear it. Like you need that issue to deal with as well. I chime in also about the 2nd option.

i had the VERY SAME diagnosis/talk with my reproductive endocrinologist about 15 years ago. and after 3 laparoscopic surgeries to cauterize and remove endometrial deposits on my ovaries, cervix, colon, etc… they told me to consider both medical menopause and/or a radical hysterectomy.
i spent 7 years going on and off of different pills to manage the pain and the periods, i threw my arms up and said “eff it!” and walked away. i was tired of being medicated and “managed” and pressured.
i’m here to tell you to get a second and a third opinion and to do what YOU are comfortable with, not what the doctor(s) are telling you that THEY are comfortable with.
also, i just had my second baby eight weeks ago. and both of my children were conceived on the first try. this year, i fully intend to send my former reproductive endocrinologist–a leader in the field and at one of the top hospitals–a holiday card with the smiling faces of my children.

i’m so sorry you have to go through this and i know how scary it can be. hang in there and listen to yourself. i’d be happy to discuss this offline with you if you’d like. i found you through carrisa, so you know i’m only *marginally* crazy. i’m so sorry you have to go through this.
may your recovery be speedy and pain free!

First off I’m really glad that the surgery went well. I know you were worried. I’m sorry to hear about the Endometriosis. My sister had that. She is 33. No kids, but she really wanted to adopt anyway.

Still it’s such a huge thing to deal with and they sure know how to make you feel pressured.

Hugs and all that loveliness to you. You are wonderful and dealing with everything beautifully.

I suggest the second opinion too, not because I think he’s wrong, but with something so big like this it’s just a good idea to be sure.

So sorry Rhi! I can’t imagine facing that knowledge. But four years is a LONG time.

HUGS, friend!

but, i agree with the lovely slynnro, four years is a long time!

I’m new to your blog and it looks like I came in at a very trying time in your life. I’m really sorry about the diagnosis and the pressure you’re probably facing with such a big decision looming over your head. I am really glad that you made it through the surgery okay though. That is definitely a plus. Sending happy, healing thoughts your way.

Oh my heavenly stars, Rhi. *HUGS* I’m really sorry. I mean, I’m happy that the surgery went well and all but I’m so sorry you didn’t get happier, LESS STRESSFUL news. You know, no pressure. GAH.

Sending you all sorts of virtual hugs (and an extra Mini Owen) and wishing I could give you a real one.

I don’t have anything clever or meaningful to say that hasn’t been said already.

So um, get working on the bikini!

Wow, friend. I’m so sorry about the sudden demand for big decisions. Yikes. I hope you have a speedy recovery and that the yucky parts will pass quickly.

But now lets talk about this handsome man who accompanied you to the procedure…… swoon!

Ditto on the second opinion, though it sounds like a not-fun process. Love that your head is held high and that you have a cuteums to help you through.

wow..(insert inappropriate jokes at your expense here) at least you have a trail run on the whole post kids if you decide to have them..the part I never got over after having babies was how ‘wrecked’ your body feels afterwards….and the cute underwear..

Rhi, I’m sending good thoughts your way, and hoping for a speedy recovery for you. Bloating = yoga pants… no buttons or zippers! Also, yoga pants allow for discreet belly-button scratching! :)

Oh, sweet girl! I am sorry I have been a bad friend this week.

The others are right. Four years is a LONG time. Praying for you!

Four years is a long time, but that doesn’t make it any easier to hear news like that. Darling, I’m sorry because no woman deserves to have to go through this. I’ll be thinking of you. If you ever want to vent/bitch/moan (you should!), let me know.

xoxo

OK, seriously? They told me the same kind of crap when I was exactly your age. And then I found Dr. Cook, who is NOW not too far from you, in California. A miracle worker, that man. Fixed me right up and gave me several symptom-free years and a perfect shot at a perfect baby. Ta-DAAA. Just saying, don’t give up or get depressed. It ain’t over. I was the endo poster-child. I know whereof I speak. Whup its butt, Babycakes.

nice synopsis of the surgery. i may have just spelled synopsis wrong.

i too had surgically induced menopause when they yanked out all my innards several years ago at the age of 37ish.

thankfully i already knew that none of those pesky ole organs were gonna give me a baby, since the doctor booked the surgery before bothering to tell me that she was gonna close down my nursery. but she did leave me the playpen, thank god.

i feel for ya. but i’m also here to let you know that IF that is in fact what needs to be done, there is life after yankage. good life in fact. a life free of navigating the feminine aisle at the grocery store.

we now have a three year old adopted miracle monkey who is the light of our life, so that’s been a real bonus too.

i found you thru kristy over at where’s my damn answer, whom i am lucky enough to blog with, so you now know i am completely crazy.

oh yeah, crazy MAY be a by-product of yankage. hey, i want my uterus back. doctor!

good luck and thanks for sharing. and it took me three try’s to figure out what tmi meant. there is the possibility that yankage also results in a loss of brain power. hey, is it possible to undo an oopherectomy??
doctor!!!
actually, it’s probably just me. damn.

I’m like way late with commenting and I’m sorry to hear about everything. But four years is a long time. Think of it like an interview and this is the “where do you see yourself in four years?” kind of question.

Sorry, I had a job interview this morning.

Hello! I’m a lurker, but I am de-lurking to say that I am having a similar surgery later this month (also I turn 30 in 30 days, we seem to be living similar lives). I have a very important question for you: what do you recommend wearing home from the hospital? I know it should be something that doesn’t push on my poor stomach, but what exactly is the best thing? Yoga pants? A dress? Do you have any ideas to share?

Thank you! I will go with yoga pants to protect against Portland’s winter cold… The pillow tip is a very good one! I will stock the car with one. I’m glad things seem to be working out for you on the health front (though the Lupron doesn’t sound fun!). My other big question is how quickly you recovered- my surgery is right before Christmas and I want to be able to participate in some of the holiday at least!

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