Pain and recovery BMX vs hysterectomy and oophorectomy

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SunnyC
SunnyC Member Posts: 75
edited January 2015 in Genetic Testing

Hello All,

I am BRCA 2 + and was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Had a BMX with recon at the end of August. I now have the suggested hysterectomy and oophorectomy scheduled for December 29. For those of you that have been on this same track, can you advise the pain and recovery time of one versus the other?

Many thanks!

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited November 2014

    I had a complete hysterectomy laproscopically and was doing all normal activities 3 days later. I was surprised at how easy the recovery was.

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  • Kayrem
    Kayrem Member Posts: 164
    edited November 2014

    I had a vaginally assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy and I took it easy for a week (as suggested) but I was moving around within a day or 2. As Jen says the recovery is easy (compared to the mastectomy!) and the greater challenge is to remember not to do too much too soon.

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  • SunnyC
    SunnyC Member Posts: 75
    edited November 2014

    Great ladies. Thank you. Makes me feel a little better.

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited November 2014

    I had a robotic lap HX, and it was much easier than my Uni MX.  I felt pretty normal after 3 days.  The only thing is the bowels!  They move them around with the surgery and that can cause some issues, especially the first couple of times. I recommend prune juice. It really works!

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  • SunnyC
    SunnyC Member Posts: 75
    edited November 2014

    Thanks Glennie! Prune juice and I became friends after the BMX too. The pain meds can really mess you up.

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  • anneoftheforest
    anneoftheforest Member Posts: 52
    edited November 2014

    I agree with the other posters. My BSO and LAVH was a breeze compared to the BMX. I had to stay a night in the hospital. If I had just have the BSO I would have been sent home that day. The only thing that was kind of surprisingly uncomfortable was the shoulder pain I had for a couple of days after the surgery. The gas they use to fill your abdomen moves around.

    Gas from food is also not your friend after this kind of a surgery. I was told to stay away from high fiber foods that cause gas until my bowels were moving regularly. I stopped the strong pain killers a day after I came home.

    Best wishes with your surgery. Mine was four weeks ago. My hot flashes have been starting but so far it is manageable.

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  • SunnyC
    SunnyC Member Posts: 75
    edited November 2014

    Anne,

    I am hoping that because I've been in natural menopause for 7 years, I will not get those side effects. I have to stay one night as well. I remember that awful shoulder pain from the gas from my tubal ligation many years ago quite uncomfortable indeed.

    I hope you continue to feel well

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  • SunnyC
    SunnyC Member Posts: 75
    edited January 2015

    Post Surgery Update:

    Surgery went well, all path results were benign. Thank God!

    The CO2 gas pain was beyond anything I had ever imagined, even though I had a tubal back in 2003. First time out of bed walking 'shook it all loose' and that kicked off the pain. Thought I would pass out before I got pain meds and they kicked in. Whew.

    Less than one week after I was feeling really well.

    Two week post op doc appt - all looks good, healing well.

    That afternoon...... the hot flashes began. Holy mother of God. Extreme. It makes me nauseous and dizzy. i called the doctor back today and she suggested 2 supplements; black cohosh and evening primrose oil. Plus avoid caffeine, alcohol and exercise. Estimated duration is 8-12 weeks.

    How are you all doing?

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  • anneoftheforest
    anneoftheforest Member Posts: 52
    edited January 2015

    Hi SunnyC,

    Glad your surgery went well and your pathology was clear. That is a blessing! I hear you on the gas pain. It seems silly but it really was painful for me as well. With the BMX I expected pain but it was shocked by the pain of the gas. But at least it was shorted lived.

    I'm sorry your hot flashes have been bad. I'm almost three months out and I'm dealing with them. So far they are manageable. Stress is a big trigger for me. I am on an SSRI for anxiety and was on it even before my diagnosis and it might be reducing some of my hot flashes. I know some SSRIs are better than others for treating hot flashes like Effexor and low dose Paxil. Some women that are on hormonal therapy after BC seem to have it harder after a BSO when it comes to menopause symptoms since the drugs are blocking any estrogen the body still makes apart from the ovaries.

    I'm 38 so I wonder how long this will last. I already have osteopenia before my BSO. It is kinda depressing but it is for a good cause :)

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  • SunnyC
    SunnyC Member Posts: 75
    edited January 2015

    Anne,

    That is an interesting point about the stress. I'm in a very high peak of stress at work right now. Bad timing. My doctor did mention the possibility of an SSRI if the supplements don't help after a bit.

    I've been in menopause for 7 years and I'm 50. I also started Arimidex on Oct 1. Could be that combo.

    I'm glad your hot flashes are manageable. It is depressing as you say, at times, but knowing we have taken control is empowering. All my best to you!

    Feel well

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