June 11, 2009

6 Month Update

I was looking at the calendar tonight, trying to figure out how I was going to fit in everything I need to do this summer when I realized, hey! It's been six months since my TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) and I haven't recorded my progress/lack thereof.

And thus, a story was born.

For the most part, I'm doing really well. I've been *mostly* pain free since I woke up from my surgery six months ago. One thing I wasn't expecting was PMS. I foolishly assumed all those symptoms would go away, but since I kept my ovaries, I still have a monthly cycle. It's just that there's nothing to shed anymore and nowhere for those eggies to go. So I have a few days every month when Ibuprofen is required, but I'm proud to say I don't require anything stronger than that. (amazing, I know)

As for the swelling, I'm back down to the measurements I was pre-surgery. I still can't believe how swollen I was and for how L-O-N-G.

My incision site continues to be numb. It's measuring at 9 inches today, which is a big improvement from the 14 inch scar I came home with. (I pretty much looked pregnant which is the complete opposite of what I am. Which is barren.)

I still can't jog, it's too uncomfortable. I'm still having bladder spasms, but they're few and far between. I still passing stitches every now and then. And I'm STILL so glad it was done.

My quality of life is getting better and better. I'm able to keep up with my kids more easily; even my mental state is improving.

In March, I tried going off of my anxiety meds. That was a massive fail. But this past month, I gave it another shot and have been coping just fabulously. There have been no anxiety attacks, no crying, no flying into fits of rage; I'm sleeping better, have been more active, and don't feel like I need to escape anymore.

All in all, I'm doing phenomonal.