I'm facing a hysterectomy in the relatively near future. Though I haven't gotten multiple opinions yet, it's likely to be the most invasive procedure. I am very fearful of a resurgence of my lyme problems as a result of the physical trauma.
I had lyme badly several years ago, thankfully brought out of the worst by Dr. C in MO but with some lingering fatigue that prevents me from working full time and occasional flare ups usually easily put down by a short round of antibiotics (with the cooperation of my family dr). I'm wondering what others' experiences have been with surgery after having been largely "cured."
My worst recurrence, requiring 3 months back on antibiotics and reduced work, occurred after relatively minor gall bladder surgery. In that instance, I couldn't get the surgeon to agree to ANY post-op antibiotics, let alone a longer course to prevent my lyme getting out of control. As is the way with these bacteria, I really didn't start to have the lyme problems until about 6 weeks after the surgery.
By far the scariest part of having a hysterectomy for me is the thought of it letting the lyme bacteria get out of control.
Posts: 4 | From Alabama | Registered: May 2011
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
If you need surgery, make sure that your doctor is using the most advanced minimally invasive options available like the "da Vinci" robot system. This allows for smaller incisions, less trauma to the body, quicker recovery. Not all hospitals have this technology so you may have to travel to a larger city. Get a couple opinions so that you can make the best decision.
You might also consider consulting with your LLMD Dr.C to plan a course of antibiotic treatment to prevent a Lyme relapse after the surgery.
Good luck!
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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jackie51
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Member # 14233
posted
I signed a form at my llmd's office that said I would consult with her before doing any surgery, even a colonoscopy.
If you have gone to an LLMD, you should be over your symptoms. Can you wait until you are symptom free? I don't know why you need a hysterectomy, but I do know that lyme causes some very strange female issues.
Good luck.
Posts: 1374 | From Crazy Town | Registered: Dec 2007
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just don
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Member # 1129
posted
MOST of the probs I have heard centers around the fact they give you steroids without telling or asking,,
,with the idea you heal faster and better.
I have heard the hysterectomy done vaginally is much less invasive!
You can ask about it and get your ideas.
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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The reason for the hysterectomy is a very large fibroid. I'm still looking into alternatives but the size may prohibit the less invasive methods--also, no insurance, which may also prevent me from being able to use the most hi-tech alternative.
apljack, in my experience, being symptom-free at one point doesn't guarantee you won't be symptom-free in the future. The bacteria are never completely gone and can grow again into problematic numbers when one's immune system is challenged.
Posts: 4 | From Alabama | Registered: May 2011
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Teaching hospitals usually have the most up to date equipment available. They may also have clinics to help folks with low income and no insurance. It's a win win situation, residents get more experience (under the watchful eye of attending physicians) and patients get top notch care.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
I can appreciate your fears To quickly summarize my recent experience:
Nearing the end of my treatment, not symptom free but feeling relatively good. Had an emergency appendectomy. I was so scared of waking the sleeping beast.
2 1/2 weeks post surgery lyme symptoms started creeping back. Keep in mind I was not able to keep up with my regular detox routine such as exercise, FIR saunas, epsom baths, coffee enemas and colonics. I could not discern if this was a relapse or I was just getting back logged in toxins from lack of detoxing.
I had my LLMD appt and the good news was it was not a relapse. Just alot of toxins. However my LLMD did say he has had patients that were bed ridden for six months following an appendectomy. However it wasn't my case.
When you had your gall bladder surgery could your symptoms reappeared from lack of exercise and detox? It is difficult to know what is residual toxins and what is a relapse. Detox needs to be kept up long after ABX are stopped.
I managed okay with this surgery but with what I have learned I would never get surgery unless my life depended on it. General anasethetic takes a looooong time to leave the body.
If it is imperative to have the hysterectomy would you be able to request an epidural?
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
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