For several years, I’ve suffered from fibroids; for at least the past year, I’ve also suffered from persistent anemia because of them. I’ve tried taking the pill, but it only helped the cramping, didn’t alleviate the anemia, and turned my brain into utter mush. After a lot of reasearching and thinking (with many thanks to those of you who’ve shared your stories), I will be having surgery at this time next Wednesday.
Although I am absolutely convinced this is the right choice for me, I am understandably anxious about the whole business. But I am looking forward to reclaiming the active part of my life, of biking without fear of bleeding, of having enough energy to go on long rambling walks again. I’ve felt as if I’ve been living a partial life for quite a while, and I’m doing what I need to do to change that. So please, no horror stories, ok?! 
What does this mean for the blog? Jeanne has graciously agreed to post an after-surgery update on October 3rd or 4th. I should be home by sometime October 5th or 6th; however, I don’t anticipate having much energy for blogging right away – heck, I’m going to be on medical leave from work for four to six weeks! I’ll definitely be playing it by ear, since this surgery business is all new to me.
Until next Wednesday, I’ll continue hoarding groceries, kitty litter, and books! Many thanks to all of you for being part of my extended support system.
“I am very worried. How will Mom feed us?! And how much purring and snuggling will it take to make her better?!! I will probably need extra food and tuna to keep up my strength. Did she mention hoarding kitty food or tuna?!” -Chaos
Big kitty don’t worry! You’ll be so happy to have mom home and she’ll be so ready to give you extra pets for snuggle time. Of course having you and May purr (loudly) will help her heal more quickly!
Sending tons of good thoughts your way!!
No horror stories here.. just good thoughts and well wishes for a speedy recovery.
Hey Mayhem & Chaos.. make sure you take good care of your mommy, ok?
Poor Chaos! So thoughtful, more tuna to keep up strength in helping you!
You know you can talk with me anytime! I wish I were there, but I’ll definitely have good thoughts for you!
Lots of good wishes for a smooth operation and a speedy recovery! I’ve heard that purrs are true healing “vibrations” so Chaos and May, you’d better snuggle lots!
Best of luck with the surgery. I’m so glad you have a guest blogger who will step in and let us know how you are apres-surgery.
If it makes you feel any better, I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon on Friday, so it looks like surgery is imminent for me too.
No, I didn’t figger it would make you feel any better.
Oh, Chaos, I’m sure Mom will make sure you get fed. You be a good kitty while she’s recuperating.
Goes for you, too, Mayhem: no Addis whilst Mom is recovering.
I’m sending good wishes your way! Fibroids are a b#*(% — way to take a positive step toward reclaiming your life.
Chaos and Mayhem will make good post-op nursemaids, I’m sure.
I’ve been there, and you’ll be fine! Just remember to take it easy, which I know you will. I’ll be sending extra special good thoughts your way!
Keep an eye out for a box from Toronto *hee hee can’t keep secret*.
{{{{Hugs}}}} from us all! And Gandalf sez that if Mayhem feels neglected, he’s just a ping away.
Good thoughts for you – I know it will be great to feel like your old self!
Four to six weeks? That will take a whole lot of hoarding. Hope you have someone to check in on you! Heck! Hoping/wishing/praying everything goes well with the surgery and that you recover quickly.
The kitties will be wonderful nurses while you recover. Lots of purrs, licks, and snuggles, which are all well-known quick healing aids. I’ll be sending speedy recovery wishes your way.
Sending healing thoughts Chris. And if you get a chance to read (or have read?) Oryx and Crake, speculative fiction by Margaret Atwood, there’ s a part that says scientists discovered why cats purr — it creates a vibration that heals injury. So get purred over.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope you’ve hoarded enough yarn to last you four to six weeks!!
Can I bring you a meal when you’re back home? I mean, I’m one of your lucky readers who actually lives close enough to do this! Let me know what you can and can’t eat and what day would be best. I’m all over it!
I’ll be thinking the good thoughts for you!! And nothing helped me more than Boo cuddles when I was recuperating after surgery in April. Cat cuddles rock and you got two big lovers there
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Chris!
Best, best, best – I’ll be thinking of you!
I’m sending big, strong healing vibes and will keep sending them until you are safe at home and cared for by C and M. Love to all of you!
Trust your instincts, it sounds like you’re making the right decision. I’ll be thinking about you.
Awwww…. I’ll bet the kitties have been hoarding fur and purrs in preparation.
No horror stories from me, either; just a piece of hard-won advice: make sure you have all kinds of help at home. And even if you think you feel good enough to sweep, vacuum or bend over to pick up a Big Kitty, let someone else do it
Eventually, you *will* feel freer than ever from all the bad business fibroids can bring.
Have questions or want to chat, please email me. I’m usually available.
We’ll be sending you good thoughts, Chris! That is, good thoughts from me, and encouraging tail wags from Chappy!
Best of luck with everything – surgery’s scary, but you’ve got lots and lots of positive energy coming your way!
Lots of good wishes for a smooth surgery and speedy healing. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from your guest blogger. Good luck!
No worries, mate-4-6 weeks “at home” will keep your dish full. imagine each toe being worth 7 days.. The Addis will be flying (which will keep May busy) and you can supervise and stroll past for a stroke whenever you like. Besides-if she can’t go to work, she can’t walk you down to the you-know-what. All the visitors will most definitely be providing tuna (as well as company for your Mom). Go Chris! Enjoy creating a pseudo bomb (aka fibroid-free)shelter this week. The good news is that you don’t need to hoard yarn..it’s already there.
I hope you have a very easy and quick recovery!!! I’ll miss you but TOTALLY understand if you need a break from the blogging thing. Take care and I’m sure everyone will be thinking about you!! :O)
I know you’re making the right decision and I haven’t heard any horror stories to repeat, so it can only be good stuff, right?
You’ll be fine – thanks for the guest blogger to keep us posted, and come back for even just a few words now and again as soon as possible? We’re gonna miss you!
(and worry)
Chaos, worry about Mom, okay? Your tuna stash is probably already secured…Mayhem, your best behavior is requested…(but you can both touch base with The Meezer is you’d like, as she’ll be around!)
Purrs and cuddles are the best healing there is, Chris! Candles lit, prayers sent up for a speedy recovery and feeling like YOU again, soonest…and I’m sending
((((hugs))))
Best wishes for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. And I, too, don’t have any horror stories — every woman I know who’s had surgery to remove fibroids has found the process to be just as described and the results to be well worth it, and that’s a good sign.
Hope you have a smooth surgery and speedy recovery and that all will be well.
It will be okay! Sounds like the right solution and I hope it’s very successful!
Also no horror stories from this corner.
I wish you a painless fast recovery. I only had to deal with polyps, but they give you good recovery drugs
.
My dear, not only more horror stories, BUT: when *I* had that surgery (for the same reason, might I add) it was (read this slowly, and out loud): a new lease on life! Someone said “you’ll feel better afterward” – and my goodness YES! After the first few days (during which you’ll have lovely drugs) you’ll find that you really CAN enjoy the rest of your time off. YES, get that pile of books assembled; get your stash organized with the requisite patterns and needles; plan to REST (give yourself the whole time – even when you feel better, you can tire easily). One last bit: get yourself a walkman if you don’t have one, and BOOKS ON TAPE! (or…you know, a CD player and CDs on tape; I tend to forget it IS the 21st century). The purrs, the snuggles and the combined affection and prayers of US will assure a fast and comfortable healing time.
Ooops….I meant “not only NO horror stories…”
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. And then, some good knitting time while on medical leave
I’m sure the surgery will go well – and you’ll be much happier afterward, I promise!
And to Chaos and Mayhem – just think! You’ll get mom all to yourself for weeks and weeks. There’s nothing like a captive audience!
Kona sense his best wishes for you surgery. He certainly is empathizing – he says to make sure you take your pain meds.
Chaos – you are the ever-practical kitty! I’m sure you will have everything under control.
Best of luck with the surgery. The kitties will be waiting to take care of you when you get home!
Chris – I will put you in my prayers. I hope it all goes smoothly for you and you come back to us better than ever!
More good thoughts for a successful surgery and a quick and pain free recovery – just remeber to tell the cats – no jumping on the tum for a while!
Get well soon and stock up on junk food! Maybe you can get ahold of some GF muffins!
I will be thinking of you next week. I’m excited for you — not in the surgical sense, but in the sense that you will be reclaiming your life again!
Chris- It’s all good. You will regain all your energy. Give yourself a chance to recover fully. It will be worth it.
Chaos and Mayhem will be happy that you’ll be able to play “where in the world is the black kitty?” again.
You will have so much time to read and knit! (Hopefully you’ll feel up to it pretty quickly.)
Everything will go well, and your reclaimed life will be worth it!
Good luck! I’ll be here looking forward to your return, waiting to see what you’ve been knitting while in recovery.
Do you get to bring the spare parts home in jars?
– or –
“GARAGE SALE”
That’s the best I could come up with for ya!
A good friend of mine had the same surgery a few years ago. Best thing she ever did.
I’d say “look after yourself”, but what I really think I mean is “get others to look after you”. The run-up to something like this is never fun, but it’ll be done soon, then you can get on with reclaiming your life.
Good luck, it’s a tough decision, but as you say, one that has a lot of upside for you.
I will be watching for updates and sending recovery vibes your way next week.
Chaos and Mayhem will be there for you I’m sure!
Good luck with the surgery. I’ll be thinking of you this week. (And don’t forget your knitting!)
I’ll be joining in sending happy thoughts your way, in hopes of a speedy and complication – free recovery! Take your time and cuddle the kitties – and thanks for arranging to let us know how it goes!
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Sounds like you’re doing the right thing – here’s to an easy surgery and a quick recovery.
I had a hysterectomy in 1991 and it was the best thing I ever did. I won’t lie — coughing and sneezing are very bad after an abdonimal incision (unless you’re going vaginal, which I couldn’t do) — but holding a pillow to the incision helps. Weird advice, but it works.
You have two sweet, soft, loving Nurse Kitties and I predict you will be feeling like your old self in no time. Don’t expect to drive for at least two weeks. I kept my ovaries so, while I no longer suffered from PMS, I still got UMS (as a co-worker described it — UNmenstrual syndrome).
All the best, Chris. Chaos and Mayhem will be there to help you.
Good luck! Make sure you stock up on tuna, or things could get ugly!
It’s not that bad, I promise. And if you’ve been having problems, it’s sooooo much easier.
I’ll be thinking healing thoughts for you! Hugs, Lisa
I think it goes without saying that my thoughts are with you. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery (and lots of kitty lovin’.)
All will be well! And I’ll be thinking of you.
Chaos! It’s time to step up and be big cat around the house! Keep May from the Addi turbos. Snuggle and purr for Mom. Learn how to use a can opener. (just kidding on the last one–you will be fed–no worries).
It’s just one of those things that you just have to take care of, Chris. My best friend suffers from the same ailment (and a host of other gynecological fun stuff) and she was really happy to have had the fibroids removed. You will be too.
I hope the kitties give you lots of kitty lovin’ while you recuperate.
Oh my! That’s some news! And here I thought you were talking about yarny bits when I saw the title! I’m sure everything will go well for you and I’m so happy for you that you’ll be back to your energetic self! I’ll be thinking of you!
Best wishes. Hope everything goes well and you heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.
A warm, purring weight by your side, or even on your tummy after a bit, feels WONDERFUL and I am sure speeds healing!
Chaos and Mayhem, I’m sure you’re listening.
(A cat launching themselves from your abdomen does NOT, however, feel good or speed healing — speaking from personal experience here…. A pillow on the tummy at first can come in handy for protection, depending on feline moods and habits!)
Best of luck to you and well wishes for a speedy recovery!
Mayhem and Chaos? Take care of Mom when she gets home, mmkay?
May your surgery go smoothly and recovery quickly! Chaos and May are going to need lots of tuna and the like to keep the purry engines going….
Best of luck with your surgery – 6 weeks is a lot of knitting time
!
sounds like someone needs a get well something. i shall get to work on it. sorry to hear about the stuff, but hopefully the surgery will give you some relief.
Take care and let the “kids” give you special comfort.
will be thinking of you and wishing a speedy recovery so you can get back to actively spoiling the cats rotten
Suzy and Peekaboo send their purrs through the Internet in the hopes that the additional strength of extra cats will help the healing process go more smoothly. I look forward to hearing about (and seeing pictures of) your adventures!
I think it’s great that you have decided to take such active steps to reclaim your life. More power to you!! And wishes for a speedy recovery.
I follow your blog daly but have never commented till now. I too have been there, done that for the very same reason. No horror stories here. It was the best thing I’ve ever done and afterward I wondered why I didn’t do it sooner. The best of luck and healing vibes sent your way! I do however suggest audiobooks and lots of crossword and soduko puzzles if you’re a fan. I did find it hard to concentrate on reading words on a page during my recuperation.
Best of luck and I hope you have a very quick recovery. Have other people wait on you and you just sit there knitting for a while (or reading, or just vegging in front of the TV). Just take it easy for a while!
best wishes for a safe and speedy recovery
best wishes to you and the kitties – I see lots and lots of good advice here, all you have to do is listen!
Sorry you have to go under the knife, Chris. Sending up prayers for a speedy recovery with no long-term problems.
Wow. I can understand why you’d want to go through with surgery for something like fibroids. And I know what it’s like to feel like you’ve been leading only a partial life due to something like that! My mother-in-law had her surgery a month and a half ago, but for ovarian cancer. Don’t worry – I don’t have any horror stories for you! I’ll be sending you happy thoughts and healing vibes through October.
When an issue affects your quality of life, I agree that the surgery seems to be a good option for you. I will definitely you keep you in my thoughts for a safe surgery and a quick recovery. You know what’s best for you. Take care of yourself.
I’ll be thinking of you! I wish I could be there in person to help, but I hope you feel my support and thoughts. I’m just curious to know what you plan to knit while you’re at home recovering. I’m thinking you might need new yarn, right?
You are in my prayers. Heal fast.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! With 2 little kitty nurses, you’ll be better in no time.
You are going to feel soooooooooooo much better. We celebrate Hysterectomy Day at my house (July 18th) like a national holiday. Any pain you suffer in the short run will be so worth it!
I had my superfluous bits removed 10 years ago (endometrial cancer, plus fibroids, horrible bleeding and anemia every month, ack!) but I’m here to say it’s the best thing that ever happened! I never realized how much my life revolved around bleeding and the containment and management of same! It took me almost a full year to stop checking every seat I sat on to see if i had left my “calling card” or not!
You’ll be fine and MUCH happier after this is all over!
A successful surgery, speedy recovery and a whole “new” old Chris are my wishes for you!
Feel free to email me if you need anything!
The P-Man is here for the big and little kitty too
We totally should’ve had a going away party….
Afterwards let’s have a good riddance party instead.
It sounds like you’re making the right decision. No one I know has had any problems, so no horror stories here. You’ll have lots of yarn, books, plus Chaos and Mayhem to attend to your needs.
Sending you smooth surgery and speedy healing thoughts.
Best wishes for our surgery (I am terrible at being nice… Is that the right thing to say?).
Take some handknit socks to wear afterwards – they have to make you feel better
If there’s anything I can do…
Feed the cats, root through your yarn stash…
You know, anything at all…
Sending good thoughts your way!
Let me tell you, i think you are making an extremely WISE decision. My mother-in-law did not follow this advice, and she nearly bled to death because she let her condition go unchecked. Literally we were called to Peoria one night, with the fact your mother is dying get here quick to say good-bye. fortunately she came back, but she still refused to have the operation. She is still fighting this 6 years later.
Its a good decision, be confident in it.
And kitties, make sure you take care of your mommy. Lots and lots of snuggles.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
We will be sending good thoughts! I hope you’re stocking the stash (food for kitties, and fiber and books for you), and planning to relax!
Success on your surgery. I wish I could electively remove all my unused bits, but dammit, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them.
Sometimes being healthy as a horse has it’s drawbacks.
And no La comment would be complete if I didn’t offer a loving (temporary) home for M & C. So consider it offered.
I’m sure the surgery will go well! I wish a speedy recovery for you so you can get back to some of the things you enjoy most.
You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers and both the heathens send headbutts, nips and extra purrs!
May your recovery be swift and the surgery be successful. Chaos and Mayhem will be waiting to comfort you!
Sending hugs and good wishes to you!!!! Hoping this all goes smoothly and right-on-track for you.
Best wishes Chris! Hoping for an easy, smooth, and quick recovery. Actually I know no horror stories, only successful surgery stories…and yours will have the same success! The only thing you may wonder is why you waited to do it… Hugs!!!
Lots of warm wishes your way, take it easy & we’ll see you back here soon!
Chris
good luck and if you need anything at all don’t hestiate to call me
I’ll be thinking of you — but you’ll feel so much better afterward. And think of all the knitting time! The kitties will be spoiled, though, and very unhappy when you go bak to work….
Been there, done that, life is much better after the surgery/healing is done. Lots of good vibes coming your way from my corner of south Minneapolis. Shoot me an e-mail if you need someone to run to the store (yarn, book, grocery, whatever) for you or if you need anything.
You’ll be up and around in no time and repeating what my former fibroid owning friends say: “They were THIS big! Really, the doctor showed them to me afterwards”. No joking, you can’t wait to tell everyone about it.
Of course Chaos is concerning about his welfare but where is Mayhem? She’s an action girl – I think she’s in the cupboards checking out what’s for dinner.
Take care and feel better!
Oh Chaos, don’t worry; I’m sure that your mom considers cat food and tuna as groceries and will, therefore, be hoarding plenty of both. Take good care of her and give her lots of extra purrs and (gentle)snuggles.
I’ll be thinking about you Chris; I’m sure everything will go smoothly.
As fast as you read, maybe you should see if the library does delivery-by-mail. (New concept to me till I moved to Boulder.)
And oh, napping with kitties is such a pleasure…
Add me to those who wish a quick recovery to you!
Your kitties will be very happy to keep you company during your recovery I’m sure.
Chaos looks so concerned in that picture!
Take care of yourself C!! I think it is a good thing your doing, plus what a great excuse to be a slacker for a bit and sit back, be catered to, and knit! *smile*
Good luck! I know you’ll do great. Feel better soon!
As I am sure you already know, you’ll be in Drew and I’s thoughts as you undergo surgery and recovery!
i’ll be thinking bout ya!
Hoping you heal quickly!
I’ll be thinking about you! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Best wishes on a fast recovery! I’m in the next state over- Wisconsin- and would happily send a bit of yarn your way during your recovery. Not the same as visiting your LYS, but something new might be just the ticket to feeling less like a recluse. Let me know! Good luck to you!
Only good thoughts and good wishes, Chris. You’re a smart lady to take charge of the situation and you’ll be rewarded with great health. Wish I were close enough to change a litter box or two–no heavy lifting for awhile!
You take care of yourself. I’ll be sending all my good healing vibes over to you.
Oh Chris, you know we just love ya right back. Take care of yourself and we will all be thinking of you.
I just know you’ll be so glad you went ahead and had those extra bits removed after it’s all done! Sending tidal waves of healing thoughts and BIG hugs your way for a speedy recovery! The Minions even send begrudging kitty hugs, too…because I made them….but they sent them, all the same. (They’ll do anything to make me quit kissing their faces!!) :p Really, all the best to you!
((HUGE HUG)) Here’s to hoping for a quick and easy recovery!! I’ll be thinking of you.
I wish you the best of luck, get lots of rest and no heavy lifting!
Scary stuff! But you know you have lots of lots of hugs and good wishes heading your way!
Good luck! I hope your surgery goes as smoothly as mine did.
I’m so sorry that I’m late to your big news!
I had an abdominal hysterectomy last year and it changed my life for the better. It’s tough. It’s hard to let go and let yourself heal, but it has to be done and you reap the rewards later.
Stock up on comfort books, audiobooks, and dvds (I took a portable dvd player and rented dvds to the hospital with me, too.) And of course, some knitting.
Take care of yourself. Don’t lift anything heavier than a teacup!
Sending lots of love and healing to you!
I will be thinking of you, and sending many fast-healing type thoughts out your way this coming week. It must have been a truly difficult decision, yet it sounds like the right one Chris.
If there is any way I can help from a distance – I’ll be there for you. You’ve been such a wonderful cheerful blog friend to so many of us out here. And we appreciate you.
audio books sound like a great idea for now, it means nothing to hold up, and a wonderful ability to lounge around while you are read to
Many cyber hugs going out your way from the west coast.
Good luck with the surgery! Definitely take full advantage of your time off work – back in my cooking days, I had a coworker who came back only a couple weeks after her hysterectomy and it was not good at all. Give your body time to recover and build up those iron stores!
Please holler if there’s anything I can do for you, okay?
Good Luck with the surgery. It’s nice to have a “Jeanne” to take care of you isn’t it? I have a “Jeanne” too, and you’re Jeanne may have told you about me and my Jeanne sinced we are “Jeanne and Chris” or “Chris and Jeanne”!! But my Jeanne – well, I don’t know if she’s as nice as yours. We might have to work on that. Right now, she’s planning on crushing me with a Cobblestone Sweater. Sigh.
If this is confusing – ask your Jeanne.
And once again, best of luck with the surgery!
Best wishes Chris! I know you’ll do fine. I actually had similar surgery about 6 years ago and I recovered surprisingly quickly and I’m sure with a little help from May and Chaos, you’ll do the same!
Chris, I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow and wishing you lots of strength for a quick recovery. I know you did not come to this decision easily and I hope with all my heart that this will bring you some relief from what I know has been heious symptoms.
There’s another blogger who recently had this surgery due to cervical cancer. You might want to check her out. http://schmutzie.blogspot.com/
HEY! I’m having surgery on Friday. We should recover together. LOL
Feel better soon!
Wow – it seems to have come round so quick! Best of luck and take your time recovering. This is not the time to rush…..