Day 56 Post-Op

 12 May 2022

        Eight Thursdays ago was the day of my total hysterectomy. Although it's still 4 days away from the 2-month post-operation milestone, I feel it's apt to post an update. My recovery has been swift and steady most of the way, all thanks to the support and tender loving care of my personal doctor (hubby) and nurse (mummy). Incidentally, today is Nurses Day and all the more fitting to pay tribute to my personal nurse who has toiled lovingly to aid my speedy recovery.

        There was a mildly concerning phase during these 56 days when there was a slight split of my wound after a week back at work. There was slight bleeding and discharge. It was possibly due to lifting something heavy. I've been trying to steer away from that, but I suppose at times it could have been inevitable. My personal doctor tenderly cleaned my wound, applied Fucidin, an antibiotic cream, and patiently changed my dressing every day. 

        Unlike my thyroidectomy scar, which is much shorter and is not covered my clothes, it is not easy to apply Dermatix to lighten, smoothen and flatten my hysterectomy scar. The latter is approximately four times longer. However, my personal doctor attempts to apply Dermatix for me occasionally.

        On previous Mothers Days, I never had a poignant tug in my heart that I am not part of that elite group. I had always just focused on honouring my own precious mother. This year, knowing that I will never ever be able to bear children of my own, there was a sense of loss. It was a brief moment of sadness, though. After all, I will soon turn 47 and should have been close to menopausal age. I suppose the momentary poingnancy was brought on by the realisation that the removal of my female reproductive organs equated to the final nail in the coffin. It didn't take long for me to chide myself. I ought to be thankful for my blessings instead of dwelling on the might-have-beens.

        To mark this day, which reminds me that eight Thursdays ago was the last I had of my uterus and other female reproductive organs, I washed my dirty bathroom. Careful not to do vigorous scrubbing or attempt any acrobatic moves, I cleaned the bathroom floor. It was not only therapeutic, but was a good reminder of how blessed I am to be on the mend after a successful straightforward surgery. More importantly, the fibroids and cysts have all turned out to be benign. Above all, I'm blessed to have such loving family members.

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

17 April 2022

          Alleluia! My Lord is risen! His resurrection from the dead is a liberation for us from our sins. Let us go forth and boldly proclaim His triumphant victory over darkness and all that it represents. We are assured that His love for us has given us new life, new hope. We should have complete trust in our Lord and a faithful following of His teachings.

       For today's tea, Derrick took great pains in making Easter bunny pancakes, which were too adorable to be devoured. It was a delightful tea, a little celebration of Easter at home, a perfect end to my convalescence at home as I return to work tomorrow. 

Day 28 Post-Op

 14 April 2022

        Four Thursdays ago, a jittery, apprehensive bunny was wheeled into the operating theatre for her total hysterectomy. Later, in the evening, I was safely returned to my hospital room, in pain and in cold. The former was soon alleviated by means of a portable painkiller dispenser. As for the latter, an angel found my socks and helped me put them on.

        This angel and I have shared 33 years of friendship. We've argued and made up, we've gone through thick and thin, we've attended each other's weddings (I was even her bridesmaid), we've gone on a memorable trip to Melbourne together (and Santorini's on the cards for our 50th birthday)...she is truly one of God's greatest blessings to me.

With Angeline (the Angel I was referring to) at Great Ocean Road

        Four Thursdays later, I am almost fully recovered. Apart from the occasional light-headedness, I have no other complaints. I have resumed most of my normal routines, including cooking. I will resume driving this weekend (no choice as I have to return to work next week). Hubby just reminded me over dinner that I am still to steer clear of lifting heavy things, especially when I go back to work.

        One of my usual activities that I miss is my exercise regime. As much as I miss it, I know it's too soon to resume working out on my crosstrainer, dancing zumba, lifting weights or even doing some of the torso-stretching yoga poses. Ah, perhaps tomorrow during my follow-up, Dr. Chuah can give me an indicator when it's safe to do all that again.

The Return of the Kitchen Goddess

9 April 2022

          It's already day 23 post-op and I've been gradually resuming my normal routine. Besides taking short, slow walks outdoors, I've also started taking the trash out, watering my parched plants and have gone for rides with hubby. Today, for the first time since my surgery, Derrick and I had brunch outside. It was at our favourite eatery, Mushroom Pavilion, which has less diners in the morning. In addition, I resumed cooking, albeit on a much smaller scale. Derrick was most excited to feast on his wifey's cooking and gleefully went to the market to procure all the items on the given long list. Nevertheless, he thoughtfully came to check on me when I was in the kitchen.

       It definitely feels good to be almost fully back to my usual routine. As much as I love and anticipate my parents' daily visits (with food and nutritious soups), it breaks my heart too to see my two precious darlings having to go out of their way to pamper me. After all, they are both already in the eighties. Although I delight in being treated as a princess by Derrick, I do feel bad at times as I have never been one to lie idle.

       However, there's one thing I've been doing during my convalescence that I would definitely miss when I return to work. Resting at home with all the time in the world, I get to shop online. And there's the assurance that I'm at home to receive the delivery. This evening, I was thrilled to receive another Le Creuset purchase - a 19cm Marseille rectangular stoneware dish. My mind is already whirring with recipes to put this new baby to use.

Me waiting for the courier delivery

My new baby

        "Irene, oh Irene, to stave off your shopaholism and protect your bank account balance, it's best you go back to work soon!" 😂

Baby Steps To Recovery

2 April 2022

        As planned, I ventured out of the house this morning for a short and slow walk outdoors, accompanied by hubby dearest. I had planned for a 10-minute walk, as advised by the physiotherapist on the Internet. But I found that I'd completed a 1 km walk in 15 minutes when I checked my watch later. This included 3 pauses during the walk as I felt light-headed at times. 

Happy to get some sunshine and fresh air, albeit for a short while

     It was also time to remove the dressing over my wound. Arghh! Now I can view my wound clearly. It does look ugly and when I sit, I can see the indentation on my lower abdomen. Derrick examined my wound and said it's healing well and it's very clean. He explained that the indentation is because of the absence of the organs. I don't like the look of it and will aim to do abdominal exercises to flatten my belly as much as possible. This, of course, will have to wait until after 3 months.

Day 14 Post-Op

 31 March 2022

        Two Thursdays ago, I bade farewell to my female reproductive organs. A hysterectomy that removes both ovaries, the Fallopian tubes and cervix together with the uterus is, technically, referred to as a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as opposed to a total hysterectomy, which leaves the ovaries and tubes untouched. 

        My recovery, so far, has been good. Pain has been minimal, apart from the first night after the surgery. It was initially slightly painful getting into and out of bed. Climbing up and down the stairs was, on the other hand, painless. Pain was intense when coughing the first few days after discharge, but it doesn't hurt anymore when I cough now.

        I have been moving around a lot at home as I know this is the key to a swift recovery. It also prevents post-operative venous thromboembolism. However, my energy is sapped fast and I need to take frequent breaks on my favourite sofa in the living room.

Obediently lying on my favourite sofa to recuperate

   

I diligently wear these T.E.D. (thrombo-embolic deterrent) stockings, as recommended by my gynaecologist. Derrick lovingly puts them on for me daily.

        According to a London physiotherapist on YouTube, patients recovering from hysterectomy can start walking outdoors for 10 minutes at the end of Week 2. Hence, this is what I'm going to do this weekend.

        Despite visible exterior recovery, I have to bear in mind that it takes 3 months for complete recovery as there are internal wounds to heal. This is something I have to keep reminding myself because at times when I feel fresh and energetic, I tend to aim to do more. Lifting anything heavier than 4.5 kg is still a big no-no. Remember, bunny, more haste less speed.

A Mother's Love Knows No Boundaries

28 March 2022

        Needless to say, regardless of how fit one is, a major surgery does take a toll on one's body. No matter how capable a surgeon is, inevitably there will be blood loss. Average blood loss for a hysterectomy is a little over 200ml (equivalent to 3/4 cup). Prior to my hysterectomy, I was warned of the necessity of blood transfusion. Having a large uterus and obesity are risk factors necessitating the need for blood transfusion during hysterectomy. Thank God for His grace that a blood transfusion was not necessary in the end!

      To nourish my body after the stress of a surgery, fight inflammation and inhibit infection, my doting mother has been double boiling chicken to extract its essence. It is believed that this tasty chicken soup helps to revitalise one's energy.

       Seeing I was slightly pale after my surgery, Mummy has also been boiling red dates tea for me. Also known as jujubes, red dates nourish the blood and relieve fatigue among other conditions.

       After painstakingly boiling these two for me, my 82-year-old mother then takes the trouble to bring them to me daily. In addition, she brings me food for my brunch. 

Mummy pours her red dates tea into my thermos mug.

Chicken soup : testament of a Mother's love

       Agatha Christie certainly got it right when she said, "A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."

       She was the first person I broke the news to when Dr. Chuah told me that my fibroids and cysts are all benign. And her reply was, "Mummy is the happiest person in this world today."