The Recovery: A ProcessRead Dr. Robin's Five-Part Diary Chronicling Her Hysterectomy
RobinMillerMD
Posted: Jan 17, 07 6:48pm A hysterectomy is an operation that removes a woman's uterus. In the U.S., it is the second most common surgery among women. Each year, more than 600,000 are done. One in three women in the United States has had a hysterectomy by age 60. This is the personal journey of our own Dr. Robin. Part 5: The Recovery: A ProcessI was so happy to be home. However, although I knew what I had just gone through, it was hard for others to see that I wasn't up to snuff and couldn't do my usual activities. My dogs were totally confused. They angrily barked for me to take them out for a walk. My husband, who had the best of intentions and a touch of ADHD, would forget that I was up in my bed for hours at a time. My teenage sons were off with their friends. It was time to call in the reinforcements. My mother came in to help me recover. She kept me from overdoing it; and she kept me company. We watched a lot of really horrible movies, and laughed, reminisced and rested. No matter how old I get, my mom can always make me feel better. Now, two weeks post op, I am up and around, walking daily, and have about 80-percent of my energy back. I was so distressed when I found out that I needed the hysterectomy. I was upset that I was going to miss work and that I couldn't continue with all my multi-tasking. I was upset that my body "failed" me. I felt powerless. The funny thing is that in losing my uterus, I found my power. I learned so much about "the patient" experience. I now understand the frustration that my patients express with the way the whole medical system is set up. I learned how to work with the system to get what I needed. I experienced the therapies that I regularly recommend to patients first hand and realized their potency. I was able to reconnect with my mother in a way that we never could have done if I weren't confined to my bed. Most importantly, I learned to ask for and accept help. How amazing that in losing an organ that has meant so much to me throughout my life, I would gain power, knowledge, wisdom and grace. Part 1: The Diagnosis Have Something to Say? |  ADVERTISEMENT  |
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Posted: Jan 18, 07 5:28pm
Thank you for sharing the process! I am a big fan of the alternative ways we can approach surgery: imagery, energy work, acupuncture and acupressure points, massage, even certain vitamins, like E, magnesium, and zinc to reduce scarring and heal quicker. Good to hear how you managed the system that wanted to manage you, and how you listened to your body, honored it and let them know when you wanted to sleep, when you were ready to walk etc. Very nice modeling for the rest of us. Thank you again.
Posted: Jan 19, 07 9:26pm
Thank you SallyWhite. The whole experience was a real eye-opener for me! Robin
Posted: Jan 20, 07 4:07pm
Robin,
Are there any doctors like you in New York City?
Posted: Jan 21, 07 9:42am
Hi Ann, If you go to this website:
http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/alum/index.html
and click on New York you will see the list of those docs in NYC who have completed the same program that I have done with Dr. Andrew Weil. I don't know any of them personally, but the docs who go through the program are generally people who feel an integrative, patient focused approach is a good one!
Posted: Jan 23, 07 9:16am
Robin,
this is an amazing story. I am really interested in the accupunture piece. I wasn't aware that accupuncture could help prevent pain. Can you explain a bit more about that?
Posted: Jan 23, 07 9:12pm
Hi ChicagoGirl, Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been evolving for 2000 years. By stimulating certain points along energy channels called meridiens, the acupuncturist can alleviate pain or boost endorphins to help counteract pain. He or she can also help treat and prevent nausea as well. Even after 2000 years no one is really sure how it works, but we know it works for many things!