“Lauren you have done so much to stay alive including having your core ripped out. My sister is an OBGYN and they are not nice when they take it all out. You would think they would go in gently and remove each organ with care, but they don’t. They tear up your insides and move things around to make sure they are getting everything out!”

It was during a therapy session that my therapist told me the truth about my hysterectomy! It was 8 weeks from my surgery and I had taken a hot yoga class, a boxing class and my usual 1:1 pilates session. I felt like I had no strength, especially no core strength. I literally didn’t have any! It was all taken from me when I laid on the operating table to have my insides removed to prevent cancer from entering my body again.

“Doctors have 20 minutes when they see you to see how you are doing, discuss results, do an exam and provide you with next steps. Make sure to check in with your doctors about how you're feeling and ask questions!” A doctor even admitted to the lack of time there is with the doctor and patient to go beyond them making sure your treatment is on track or that you have the results of a scan. It was nice to hear this honesty while watching a zoom session for Dr. Susan Love.

There are so many details that we are not informed about before the surgeries that we have. Preparing for my hysterectomy last year, my brain heard they are going to slice and dice your ovaries and uterus to help prevent cancer from coming back, but I never never truly heard what it was going to be like after the surgery. They told me it was an 8 week recovery, but what was it going to be like after 8 weeks. No one even mentioned my cervix being removed or what my body was going to feel like entering full on menopause. It’s not just the hysterectomy, but even my double mastectomy. I’m finding out years later side effects and new feelings or lack of feelings that I was not prepared for.

Recommendations before (any) surgery:

Bring a notebook and writing utensil to every doctor's appointment filled with questions and write down how you are feeling. The doctor might not get to the answers right away or that day, but at least you have something to reference. If they don’t get to answer them the day of your appointment consider sending a MyChart message or message through the medical portal they have.
Take notes - use the notebook you have an take notes so you can refer back.
Ask a friend or family member to go to the appointment with you. Many times I would sit in the room listening, but also not listening. Having someone to listen and take notes for you can make a world of difference. What you didn’t hear, hopefully they heard.
Keep asking questions. Don’t be afraid to ask. I used to think I already asked and they are going to think I’m dumb that I don’t know what they are talking about. Big words are my forte. Vocabulary was not something that came naturally to me, especially not the medical jargon (big word I know!) You have every right to ask and not feel embarrassed. Ask Ask Ask!
Check on your body and get to know how your body feels normally. After surgery if you feel something or don’t feel right this will help you keep an eye on that part of your body. You can always tell the doctor how you are feeling. If you aren’t made aware ahead of time it can be scary and you may feel uncomfortable. Many times it's a side effect, scar tissue, damaged nerves or your body healing. If you don’t know, then again ASK!

It wasn’t until I was laying in bed about to get my IV in when my doctor said, “Ok we are ready to take out the left ovary, uterus and cervix.” I stared at my husband. She said “oh yes, we just remove everything.” At that point I closed my eyes and the next thing I remember is waking up with five slots in my belly. Five more scars to embrace.

Down to your Core