Recovery from hysterectomy followed by post-op sepsis – Helen ’ s story

I have suffered from heavy periods all my life. A couple of years ago, as I reached 50, my periods became almost endless, flooding and very painful. After trying the pill, tranexamic acid, iron tablets and a host of other things, and having anaemia for months I opted for an ablation. The ablation failed and I was left with heavier bleeding and more pain. Eight weeks after the failed ablation I had a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. The surgery went well and I left hospital the next day (histology showed I had adenomyosis and endometriosis). On day 6 after surgery I felt very unwell and had a high temperature. My GP referred me urgently back to the gynae ward where they confirmed I had post-op sepsis. Three different IV antibiotics and 5 days later they found one that tackled my infection. By this point damage was done and my recovery was severely hampered. My recovery has been very slow and very frustrating. Physically I am about 4 weeks behind the usual rate of recovery. I returned to driving, working and other basic activities 4 weeks later than I expected. I am exhausted and suffering endless pain. My frustration with the slow recovery has made me depressed and feeling like I will never be ‘me’ again. A recent visit to hospital was really helpful because the surgeon said that because of the sepsis I have internal scarring (adhesions) which will mean I won’t be ‘me’ again, not the old me anyway. I have not been depressed by this ...
Source: The Hysterectomy Association - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Health hysterectomy stories post op infection recovery Source Type: news