Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Leonie--just want to say that your explanation to Jeri of your activism around informed consent as it affects a woman's choice to have (or not have) a hysterectomy is lucid and compassionate. I hope you get feedback from women in the hyst decisionmaking process that helps you and NUFF help them. I'm not familiar with NUFF's standard materials/brochures, etc.--do you have a brochure that helps a woman identify where she is in the process? For instance, using your language (below), questions to help a woman figure out if she HAS done her homework, questions to help her determine what is preventing her from doing her homework, plus suggestions about how to manage the fear/panic while getting solid info. Also, resources. I guess if I were putting something like this together I would make the caption " Hysterectomy or Myomectomy or UFE? How to figure out what's best for you. " Then maybe follow it up with profiles a woman can plug herself into, such as age, desire to have children, maybe even her feelings about the role of the uterus??? Sort of a " You Are Here " dot on a map, and then lead each profile into the issues they should consider/research? Actually, a map as a graphic showing the steps in a thorough decision-making process would be interesting--idealized, of course, but maybe useful as a get-it-at-a-glance message. Also, thanks for the Sheila-Na-Gig association--yes, when you go looking, you find so many references to women flashing their vulvas as a sign of power with a sense of humor! Also see Baubo (I think)--I'm fuzzy on details, but I believe Baubo was something like a lady-in-waiting to a queen-type who had suffered a great loss (Demeter after losing Persephone??), and to get the queen to laugh again, she flashed her vulva! At least one African initiation rite for girls that I know of includes vulva-flashing dancing. D'you think mini-skirts in our culture qualifies as vulva-flashing? Right now it seems women are into breast-flashing... BTW, Houseo'chicks is GREAT! Those vulva puppets are gorgeous, wish I could afford one! Faryl Feminista Forever RE: Surgery > I'm thinking now about how I feel when women in different mind states >about hysterectomy come to us. I know for me personally that if a woman >comes to us having fully made up her mind to have a hysterectomy but > it becomes obvious that she isn't really knowledgeable about her other >options, and hasn't been fully informed about the possible negative side- >and after-effects of the procedure, I feel an obligation to inform her. >After all, that's why I joined NUFF -- because I feel women have both a >right and a duty to themselves to educate themselves about their health and >their treatment options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Leonie--just want to say that your explanation to Jeri of your activism around informed consent as it affects a woman's choice to have (or not have) a hysterectomy is lucid and compassionate. I hope you get feedback from women in the hyst decisionmaking process that helps you and NUFF help them. I'm not familiar with NUFF's standard materials/brochures, etc.--do you have a brochure that helps a woman identify where she is in the process? For instance, using your language (below), questions to help a woman figure out if she HAS done her homework, questions to help her determine what is preventing her from doing her homework, plus suggestions about how to manage the fear/panic while getting solid info. Also, resources. I guess if I were putting something like this together I would make the caption " Hysterectomy or Myomectomy or UFE? How to figure out what's best for you. " Then maybe follow it up with profiles a woman can plug herself into, such as age, desire to have children, maybe even her feelings about the role of the uterus??? Sort of a " You Are Here " dot on a map, and then lead each profile into the issues they should consider/research? Actually, a map as a graphic showing the steps in a thorough decision-making process would be interesting--idealized, of course, but maybe useful as a get-it-at-a-glance message. Also, thanks for the Sheila-Na-Gig association--yes, when you go looking, you find so many references to women flashing their vulvas as a sign of power with a sense of humor! Also see Baubo (I think)--I'm fuzzy on details, but I believe Baubo was something like a lady-in-waiting to a queen-type who had suffered a great loss (Demeter after losing Persephone??), and to get the queen to laugh again, she flashed her vulva! At least one African initiation rite for girls that I know of includes vulva-flashing dancing. D'you think mini-skirts in our culture qualifies as vulva-flashing? Right now it seems women are into breast-flashing... BTW, Houseo'chicks is GREAT! Those vulva puppets are gorgeous, wish I could afford one! Faryl Feminista Forever RE: Surgery > I'm thinking now about how I feel when women in different mind states >about hysterectomy come to us. I know for me personally that if a woman >comes to us having fully made up her mind to have a hysterectomy but > it becomes obvious that she isn't really knowledgeable about her other >options, and hasn't been fully informed about the possible negative side- >and after-effects of the procedure, I feel an obligation to inform her. >After all, that's why I joined NUFF -- because I feel women have both a >right and a duty to themselves to educate themselves about their health and >their treatment options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Leonie--just want to say that your explanation to Jeri of your activism around informed consent as it affects a woman's choice to have (or not have) a hysterectomy is lucid and compassionate. I hope you get feedback from women in the hyst decisionmaking process that helps you and NUFF help them. I'm not familiar with NUFF's standard materials/brochures, etc.--do you have a brochure that helps a woman identify where she is in the process? For instance, using your language (below), questions to help a woman figure out if she HAS done her homework, questions to help her determine what is preventing her from doing her homework, plus suggestions about how to manage the fear/panic while getting solid info. Also, resources. I guess if I were putting something like this together I would make the caption " Hysterectomy or Myomectomy or UFE? How to figure out what's best for you. " Then maybe follow it up with profiles a woman can plug herself into, such as age, desire to have children, maybe even her feelings about the role of the uterus??? Sort of a " You Are Here " dot on a map, and then lead each profile into the issues they should consider/research? Actually, a map as a graphic showing the steps in a thorough decision-making process would be interesting--idealized, of course, but maybe useful as a get-it-at-a-glance message. Also, thanks for the Sheila-Na-Gig association--yes, when you go looking, you find so many references to women flashing their vulvas as a sign of power with a sense of humor! Also see Baubo (I think)--I'm fuzzy on details, but I believe Baubo was something like a lady-in-waiting to a queen-type who had suffered a great loss (Demeter after losing Persephone??), and to get the queen to laugh again, she flashed her vulva! At least one African initiation rite for girls that I know of includes vulva-flashing dancing. D'you think mini-skirts in our culture qualifies as vulva-flashing? Right now it seems women are into breast-flashing... BTW, Houseo'chicks is GREAT! Those vulva puppets are gorgeous, wish I could afford one! Faryl Feminista Forever RE: Surgery > I'm thinking now about how I feel when women in different mind states >about hysterectomy come to us. I know for me personally that if a woman >comes to us having fully made up her mind to have a hysterectomy but > it becomes obvious that she isn't really knowledgeable about her other >options, and hasn't been fully informed about the possible negative side- >and after-effects of the procedure, I feel an obligation to inform her. >After all, that's why I joined NUFF -- because I feel women have both a >right and a duty to themselves to educate themselves about their health and >their treatment options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Can I ask just this question: Is it better to be left with a scarred and misshapen uterus, rather than no uterus at all? Will this prevent future bladder problems and high blood pressure? And how many people after myemectomies experience these problems anyway? I am just curious Fran Re: Surgery Jeri Wouldn't it be worth it to check with some of these Doctors on the list that do so many myos? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Can I ask just this question: Is it better to be left with a scarred and misshapen uterus, rather than no uterus at all? Will this prevent future bladder problems and high blood pressure? And how many people after myemectomies experience these problems anyway? I am just curious Fran Re: Surgery Jeri Wouldn't it be worth it to check with some of these Doctors on the list that do so many myos? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Can I ask just this question: Is it better to be left with a scarred and misshapen uterus, rather than no uterus at all? Will this prevent future bladder problems and high blood pressure? And how many people after myemectomies experience these problems anyway? I am just curious Fran Re: Surgery Jeri Wouldn't it be worth it to check with some of these Doctors on the list that do so many myos? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Fran, this is a valid question. It may help to understand why there's a connection between hysterectomy and later bladder problems if you know that the bladder and uterus are connected to one another. So during the course of a hysterectomy, the surgeon has to cut them apart. That explains why so often you hear that someone had to have a tear or nick in the bladder sewn up during a hysterectomy -- the surgeon accidentally sniped part of the bladder while cutting them apart. There are also ligaments that hold this bladder/uterus in place, and typically they also are cut intentionally during a hysterectomy. They need to be relocated (since they're no longer holding up the uterus as well as the bladder, I believe they also need to be shortened) and sewed back in place. But as with many other repaired items, the new resuspended bladder is not as good as the original set-up. As time goes by, the ligaments can loosen and the bladder shifts in position. See Carla's message at number 30735 for a discussion of post-hysterectomy prolapse (dropping of organs) and urinary incontinence. See also this piece in OBG Management Online at http://www.obgmanagement.com/examin_evidence.asp?which_issue=7/1/2002 for an answer to the question: Does hysterectomy contribute to the occurrence of urinary incontinence? Here's part of the response, which discusses a study done to answer the question: " RESULTS: The authors' findings suggest that hysterectomy is associated with a 30% increased risk of urge and bothersome urge incontinence. These symptoms were present in women younger and older than 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: Who may be affected by these findings? Women who had or will have a hysterectomy. EXPERT COMMENTARY: This study explores the possibility that iatrogenic overactive bladder is an unavoidable complication of a common procedure. Why hysterectomy is a risk factor for urge incontinence is not clear, although overactivity has been linked to innervation problems of the detrusor muscle. Here, I will outline the surgical techniques of hysterectomy and the pelvic anatomy that may contribute to the problem. " Read the article for more. --------- So yes, even a scarred and misshapen uterus can continue to serve a function, by keeping the bladder and ligaments in their normal positions. Fran, you also asked: And how many people after myemectomies experience these problems anyway? -------- Did you mean how many women experience this problem following hysterectomy? I'm writing this on my lunch hour and don't have much time to research but I have a recollection that the American College of Gynecologists came out not too long ago and said that some degree of incontinence will be found in most post-hysterectomy women as they get beyond age 60. Perhaps someone else remembers the details? I hope this helps. Leonie > Can I ask just this question: > > Is it better to be left with a scarred and misshapen uterus, rather than no uterus at all? Will this prevent future bladder problems and high blood pressure? And how many people after myemectomies experience these problems anyway? > > I am just curious > > Fran > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Fran, this is a valid question. It may help to understand why there's a connection between hysterectomy and later bladder problems if you know that the bladder and uterus are connected to one another. So during the course of a hysterectomy, the surgeon has to cut them apart. That explains why so often you hear that someone had to have a tear or nick in the bladder sewn up during a hysterectomy -- the surgeon accidentally sniped part of the bladder while cutting them apart. There are also ligaments that hold this bladder/uterus in place, and typically they also are cut intentionally during a hysterectomy. They need to be relocated (since they're no longer holding up the uterus as well as the bladder, I believe they also need to be shortened) and sewed back in place. But as with many other repaired items, the new resuspended bladder is not as good as the original set-up. As time goes by, the ligaments can loosen and the bladder shifts in position. See Carla's message at number 30735 for a discussion of post-hysterectomy prolapse (dropping of organs) and urinary incontinence. See also this piece in OBG Management Online at http://www.obgmanagement.com/examin_evidence.asp?which_issue=7/1/2002 for an answer to the question: Does hysterectomy contribute to the occurrence of urinary incontinence? Here's part of the response, which discusses a study done to answer the question: " RESULTS: The authors' findings suggest that hysterectomy is associated with a 30% increased risk of urge and bothersome urge incontinence. These symptoms were present in women younger and older than 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: Who may be affected by these findings? Women who had or will have a hysterectomy. EXPERT COMMENTARY: This study explores the possibility that iatrogenic overactive bladder is an unavoidable complication of a common procedure. Why hysterectomy is a risk factor for urge incontinence is not clear, although overactivity has been linked to innervation problems of the detrusor muscle. Here, I will outline the surgical techniques of hysterectomy and the pelvic anatomy that may contribute to the problem. " Read the article for more. --------- So yes, even a scarred and misshapen uterus can continue to serve a function, by keeping the bladder and ligaments in their normal positions. Fran, you also asked: And how many people after myemectomies experience these problems anyway? -------- Did you mean how many women experience this problem following hysterectomy? I'm writing this on my lunch hour and don't have much time to research but I have a recollection that the American College of Gynecologists came out not too long ago and said that some degree of incontinence will be found in most post-hysterectomy women as they get beyond age 60. Perhaps someone else remembers the details? I hope this helps. Leonie > Can I ask just this question: > > Is it better to be left with a scarred and misshapen uterus, rather than no uterus at all? Will this prevent future bladder problems and high blood pressure? And how many people after myemectomies experience these problems anyway? > > I am just curious > > Fran > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Wow, thanks for some really good information. Do you think that the makers of Depends are in cahoots with docs doing hysts? Don't all those commercials for Depends, Poise pads, etc., leave the impression that incontinence is just inevitable as we age? > > Can I ask just this question: > > > > Is it better to be left with a scarred and misshapen uterus, rather > than no uterus at all? Will this prevent future bladder problems and > high blood pressure? And how many people after myemectomies > experience these problems anyway? > > > > I am just curious > > > > Fran > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Wow, thanks for some really good information. Do you think that the makers of Depends are in cahoots with docs doing hysts? Don't all those commercials for Depends, Poise pads, etc., leave the impression that incontinence is just inevitable as we age? > > Can I ask just this question: > > > > Is it better to be left with a scarred and misshapen uterus, rather > than no uterus at all? Will this prevent future bladder problems and > high blood pressure? And how many people after myemectomies > experience these problems anyway? > > > > I am just curious > > > > Fran > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2003 Report Share Posted May 9, 2003 Wow, thanks for some really good information. Do you think that the makers of Depends are in cahoots with docs doing hysts? Don't all those commercials for Depends, Poise pads, etc., leave the impression that incontinence is just inevitable as we age? > > Can I ask just this question: > > > > Is it better to be left with a scarred and misshapen uterus, rather > than no uterus at all? Will this prevent future bladder problems and > high blood pressure? And how many people after myemectomies > experience these problems anyway? > > > > I am just curious > > > > Fran > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2007 Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 I just got out of my appointment with Dr. Haefner and I am scheduled for a vestibulectomy at the end of february, any advice/info from those of you who have experienced this?? Also, I am really concerned about the fact that she said I won't be able to run for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, so I would be interested in recovery info, how soon were you able to go back to exercise??, Anne in michigan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2007 Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hi Anne, I had a vestibulectomy in August. The surgery sounds much worse on paper than it actually is... I was probably able to start excercising (pilates) at 6 weeks, but I wasn't able to run until the 8-10 week point. The stitches had dissolved by then, but the skin was still tender and the friction bothered it. I was able to go back to work (I have a desk job) 9 days after the surgery, but I was wearing sweatpants and sitting on my knees. Sitting all day was unpleasant, so I think I left a couple of hours early for awhile. For the first 4-5 days after surgery, I had some bleeding if I moved in a weird way and pulled a stitch. It looked like a lot of blood so I got scared, but it always stopped in 30 minutes to an hour. The first 3-4 days were the worst, but as long as I took it easy it wasn't unmanageable. My doctor gave me vicodin, 4 a day. I only needed to take all 4 for the first couple of days. After that I was taking them as much to help me sleep and pass the time as for the pain. It was very constipating, so I took a lot of laxatives... this wasn't a time when I wanted to be straining. It was about 3 months until I was completely healed, which seems like a long time, but it was well worth it. If you have any other specific, please feel free to ask me on or off the group (off-group, my work email is faster, rcoons@...). I don't know what your symptoms are, I had pain all the time, sex was completely out of the question. I went through nine doctors and 11 prescriptions, and the vestibulectomy was the only thing that did any good. I had about 75% relief. Becky mcgeea@... wrote: I just got out of my appointment with Dr. Haefner and I am scheduled for a vestibulectomy at the end of february, any advice/info from those of you who have experienced this?? Also, I am really concerned about the fact that she said I won't be able to run for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, so I would be interested in recovery info, how soon were you able to go back to exercise??, Anne in michigan Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2007 Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hi Anne, I had a vestibulectomy in August. The surgery sounds much worse on paper than it actually is... I was probably able to start excercising (pilates) at 6 weeks, but I wasn't able to run until the 8-10 week point. The stitches had dissolved by then, but the skin was still tender and the friction bothered it. I was able to go back to work (I have a desk job) 9 days after the surgery, but I was wearing sweatpants and sitting on my knees. Sitting all day was unpleasant, so I think I left a couple of hours early for awhile. For the first 4-5 days after surgery, I had some bleeding if I moved in a weird way and pulled a stitch. It looked like a lot of blood so I got scared, but it always stopped in 30 minutes to an hour. The first 3-4 days were the worst, but as long as I took it easy it wasn't unmanageable. My doctor gave me vicodin, 4 a day. I only needed to take all 4 for the first couple of days. After that I was taking them as much to help me sleep and pass the time as for the pain. It was very constipating, so I took a lot of laxatives... this wasn't a time when I wanted to be straining. It was about 3 months until I was completely healed, which seems like a long time, but it was well worth it. If you have any other specific, please feel free to ask me on or off the group (off-group, my work email is faster, rcoons@...). I don't know what your symptoms are, I had pain all the time, sex was completely out of the question. I went through nine doctors and 11 prescriptions, and the vestibulectomy was the only thing that did any good. I had about 75% relief. Becky mcgeea@... wrote: I just got out of my appointment with Dr. Haefner and I am scheduled for a vestibulectomy at the end of february, any advice/info from those of you who have experienced this?? Also, I am really concerned about the fact that she said I won't be able to run for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, so I would be interested in recovery info, how soon were you able to go back to exercise??, Anne in michigan Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2007 Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hi Anne, I had a vestibulectomy in August. The surgery sounds much worse on paper than it actually is... I was probably able to start excercising (pilates) at 6 weeks, but I wasn't able to run until the 8-10 week point. The stitches had dissolved by then, but the skin was still tender and the friction bothered it. I was able to go back to work (I have a desk job) 9 days after the surgery, but I was wearing sweatpants and sitting on my knees. Sitting all day was unpleasant, so I think I left a couple of hours early for awhile. For the first 4-5 days after surgery, I had some bleeding if I moved in a weird way and pulled a stitch. It looked like a lot of blood so I got scared, but it always stopped in 30 minutes to an hour. The first 3-4 days were the worst, but as long as I took it easy it wasn't unmanageable. My doctor gave me vicodin, 4 a day. I only needed to take all 4 for the first couple of days. After that I was taking them as much to help me sleep and pass the time as for the pain. It was very constipating, so I took a lot of laxatives... this wasn't a time when I wanted to be straining. It was about 3 months until I was completely healed, which seems like a long time, but it was well worth it. If you have any other specific, please feel free to ask me on or off the group (off-group, my work email is faster, rcoons@...). I don't know what your symptoms are, I had pain all the time, sex was completely out of the question. I went through nine doctors and 11 prescriptions, and the vestibulectomy was the only thing that did any good. I had about 75% relief. Becky mcgeea@... wrote: I just got out of my appointment with Dr. Haefner and I am scheduled for a vestibulectomy at the end of february, any advice/info from those of you who have experienced this?? Also, I am really concerned about the fact that she said I won't be able to run for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, so I would be interested in recovery info, how soon were you able to go back to exercise??, Anne in michigan Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 i know that personally i took a long time to heal and it took me about 10-12 weeks before I truly felt like exercising. when i would go for a 20 minute walk, the rubbing was very irritating and burned. I would go for about 10-15 minutes at a time and that was all i could do. I started around 8 weeks and worked slowly to more time. The 1st 4 days were rough but i could better stand than i could lay or sit but only for short periods of time. I didn't drive until the 11th day because it was hard to sit. I only took vicodan 1 time the 1st day after surgery and it made my nauseaus so i took ibuprofin after that and did pretty good. everyone heals at different paces so it is hard to be sure. > > I just got out of my appointment with Dr. Haefner and I am scheduled > for a vestibulectomy at the end of february, any advice/info from those > of you who have experienced this?? Also, I am really concerned about > the fact that she said I won't be able to run for 6 to 8 weeks after > surgery, so I would be interested in recovery info, how soon were you > able to go back to exercise??, Anne in michigan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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