Suz Learns @ Behind the Postcard

A long delayed hysterectomy saw me in recovery mode. My personal pause is over! As I reenter the world of activity and resume running, here’s a little summary of where Suz went!

Hystérectomie –

Due to EXTREME fear, surgery was put off for several years.  But the condition requiring the need for surgery worsened.

Three months shy of 55 and no longer a choice; I was forced to face my fear and was scheduled for a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingo) and ovaries (oophor)).

Living with an enlarged uterus riddled with fibroids, like many women, I experienced heavy bleeding, and horrible lower back pain for years. Exercise and activity were my relief.

Over the years the condition worsened to the point that the dysfunctional, uncooperative and difficult uterus and cervix positioned itself low, low, low in the vaginal canal — making interpersonal relationships undesirable and unobtainable.  More importantly, I feared a uterine prolapse.

To top it off, the organ crowded the bladder — making it impossible to run without a stream of urine escaping with each step.

I was unable to run at ALL the two weeks preceding surgery as the gushing of urine became quite obvious.

Speaking in the past tense and to help one visualize this diseased organ — upon removal the uterus weighed in at 340 grams; the average uterus weighs 60-80 grams.  Post-op report showed an enlarged uterus, multiple fibroids, and adenomyosis.

Thats the long story kinda short.

Post Surgery –

For the first time in fifteen years – I had no back pain.  For days on end, my mind searched every nook and cranny for the pain. It finally relaxed and accepted its new norm – no more back pain.

Week by week the body adjusted, slowly regaining its strength.

I’ve focused on putting the mind and body together and mastering the art of patience — paying careful and constant attention to nutrition and hydration — A huge focus on keeping constipation at bay.

Recovery –

I’ve walked and walked and walked — everyday.  At first slowly and cautiously — just a few minutes each hour, gradually adding minutes, distance, and effort.

Recovery from any surgery is completely subjective and should not be compared. My hysterectomy recovery is apparently pretty textbook. I’ve followed the weekly guidance of what to do and what not to do. And successfully reached MY personal planned milestones.

There’s no sense in rushing recovery. And as the old adage goes — go slow now, to go fast later.

Return to Running –

Finalement! Just as I built my daily walking up slowly — so shall I run. Slow, and steady and with planned purpose. Slowly adding minutes, distance, and effort.

It’s the three month mark – and although I’ve added in a run or two a week – walking is still my go to. My runs are short but strong! I’m running pain free and not losing urine – it’s going to be great – once I fully recover.

2020 has proven to be the year NOONE will EVER forget. And as we continue to pause and put moments to be on hold – what do I see but a glimmer of a new dot – just at the horizon of a new dawning day. Thank you Lord in Heaven for the many blessings you have shown to us this year – may we remember and recall and never forget the SLOWWW passing of time, which allowed us all to stop, look, and listen…

Wishing you all well as we continue to work through 2020 together!

Á bientôt – Suz!