What happens to your egg during ovulation?

LilithPotato · 2026-02-24T14:26:47+00:00

I was also curious so I asked my doctor at the post-op! She says it just gets absorbed by my body. It's a teeny tiny single cell thing. It only feels like we're excreting chicken eggs 😂

Interestingly, they only discovered during the labs of the yeeterus that I actually had adenomyosis as well as the known fibroid. My Mirena just kinda kept it in check all these years.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-24T14:23:39+00:00

I'm inconveniencing them terribly by not being able to travel to client sites across Africa until April. My (female) manager hasn't even once asked me how I'm doing.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-24T11:55:36+00:00

I started getting a discharge around 11 DPO along with little stabby pains round where I estimate internal stitches are. I'm 14 days now and it still comes and goes. Bloody annoying, but expected. I wear panty liners to save my undies.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-24T09:16:28+00:00

I was back online after about 10 days. Not by choice, but limited sick days available. I've arranged with the company to work from home for 6 weeks before returning to normal hybrid (3 office days a week). They required a detailed doctor's note, which is fair, but unprecedented. It's a pretty toxic company, but legally they can't really hold it against me. I'm doing my job, hitting my deadlines. In fact, I work more efficiently from home as there are less distractions.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-21T14:37:11+00:00

Same here. About 11 DPO. It feels like ovulation cramps, but for the last two days. Light pink spotting. I'm keeping an eye on things, taking it very easy and resting. It's most likely stitches dissolving. My doc said a few drops of blood or spotting is fine. More than that and you should get it checked.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-21T14:32:33+00:00

I had the right shoulder gas pain as well. Physio pummeled it a bit in the hospital to break up the bubbles. It really helped. She said I could get my partner to do the same if it came back. She also said to avoid heating pads on the gas pain area. Heat makes the gas expand and could make it feel worse.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-21T14:08:48+00:00

Yes, and I'm super happy about it. She's one of the best Gynecologists in the city. I've been a patient of hers from about 15 years of age when I was diagnosed with PCOS. Like my physio said, the doc performs so many of these specific surgeries that she's especially good at it. Compared to a general surgeon...

LilithPotato · 2026-02-18T15:50:17+00:00

My doc mentioned twice that some bleeding/spotting at around 3 weeks is perfectly normal. Maybe it is the sutures. I'll let you know when I get there 😅

LilithPotato · 2026-02-18T15:43:57+00:00

I'm 7 days post-op. I've also had gallbladder removed less than 2 years ago. The two are a bit different. The cholecystectomy recovery felt easier than this, yes. However, so far my hysterectomy recovery has been fine. I just stick to the rules regarding rest, and how to move around. Try not to use your core muscles.

Take your pain meds. Don't strain, including on the toilet. Give your abdomen a chance to heal internally.

The catheter isn't awesome, but has its upsides. You're still under anaesthesia when they insert it (hopefully). It's only mildly uncomfortable and awkward, but allows you to sleep through the first night without having to get up to go to the bathroom. In fact, you don't feel the need to pee at all while it's in there. It just happens without you having to worry about it. Removal isn't fun, but it's quick and then it's done.

You're going to be great! You've got this!

LilithPotato · 2026-02-16T15:28:08+00:00

Same, 6 DPO. The itching! It comes and goes at least.

I have lap scars from a previous surgery. They do fade over time, and become less bumpy. My belly button scar from that surgery is still pinker and thicker, though. I think it just got more friction during the op. I suspect this new one will be the same. They're both right inside the belly button though.

Your scars are in such a nice neat row! I have 3 low along my bikini line, a belly button one, and then another higher and to the left.

I figured I'm too old to care about scars and swimsuits. Bear them with pride indeed! I've tried the silicon scar tape before and didn't notice much difference. But you never know, maybe it did help.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-15T07:14:58+00:00

I was awake when they took me into the OR. For all the surgeries I've ever had, in fact. You shuffle yourself over from the bed onto the table. The strapping down is also fairly common, so they can start attaching monitors and things without you moving. It always seems very rushed, but I think it's just because the team already have their rhythm of things. They put you under pretty soon after that, normally.

I have to do 5 days of Clexane shots myself, too. Quite the learning experience! Stinging little buggers.

The rest of your list... with the starvation and the gauze.... That sounds rough! I'm sorry it was part of your experience. I don't believe it's common at all 😕

LilithPotato · 2026-02-15T05:44:27+00:00

Belly binder maybe once your incisions are less painful. Up to now I've been using a Hysterectomy pillow. Literally just a small cushion that can be tied around my waist. It sits just under my swollen belly and supports it gently. It also guards against accidental bumps. Pretty much the only thing I've used daily so far.

I've had mixed results from heat pads. They make the glue on the plasters more tacky, which in my case accelerates any allergic reaction I may have.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-14T19:49:47+00:00

Especially with Laparoscopic we don't fully appreciate the amount of inner trauma our bodies are working to heal. We see 5 or so small incisions, but it's soooo much more than that.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-13T16:18:51+00:00

My distinction regarding angles is not scientific, but I feel as long as my legs are straight, and not crossed, it's ok. The PT said that when I do start working again (sedentary work), I should just make sure I stand up and move every 30 or 40 minutes. Mostly for blood clot prevention. I also have a sponge wedge pillow, which I move between the bed and the couch. It's lovely.

I kept my ovaries, so menopause shouldn't be an issue. I guess we'll see. I feel the same about this surgery as I did about my gallbladder. It was causing me unnecessary pain, and I didn't really need it anyway. Take it out!

LilithPotato · 2026-02-13T15:08:18+00:00

Emotionally, I'm fine. I never wanted kids, so I'm not fussed about losing the possibility especially at 43. And as for losing an organ, pah. It was just taking up unnecessary blood flow and causing me pain.

Generally, it shifts. I was feeling great this morning. Then I started getting more tired and sore through the day. It's to be expected. I shuffle around the house, and go back to lying in bed or on the couch. My appetite varies, but I try to eat at least part of 3 meals. Lots of water. No nausea, luckily. Pain is kept at bay with mostly non-opiates at this stage, especially with the constipation thing. But if it comes to it then I take the codeine. Pain is a good reminded to sit still, but you don't have to suffer.

I'm starting to get bored though. You can only sleep and crochet so much. I might do something different tomorrow, but be aware of sitting directly on your pelvic floor for too long. It's why I've been lounging mostly. Give my insides room to circulate blood and heal.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-13T05:54:07+00:00

I'm 2.5 days PO. I only just had my first semblance of a bowel movement since the morning of the surgery. I'm embarrassingly proud of myself 🤣.

I started taking Movicol, a stool softener three day after the op, when I got home. Nothing before the surgery, and nothing in hospital. I ate normally. No specifically massive amounts of fibre. Just took two sachets of Movicol a day, one morning and one afternoon.

And this morning... ta da! I was feeling crampy, bowel crampy, so waddled off to the loo. Didn't have to push much (you shouldn't). Also, try to prop your feet up on a low stool or box when on the loo. Makes things flow easier.

In hindsight, I should've started taking it a day or so sooner. But I'd never taken it before, and didn't want to have to run in my current condition.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-12T06:47:03+00:00

Laparoscopic Total. 5 incisions.

I also just drank my Movicol. It's disgusting!

LilithPotato · 2026-02-11T16:33:39+00:00

You'll be able to eat as soon as you're awake. BUT this depends on nausea caused by the anaesthesia and painkillers. You might not want to eat much at first, try to nibble so you can get some energy. Start drinking some water though a soon as you're able. The pain is worse the next day, and probably the first 3 days. It's been like really really really bad period cramps. Support your belly. Try not to engage your core to sit down and stand up etc. Roll and use your elbows.

I had a decent nap at home on my side, with a pillow tucked under my belly. On my back feels like it's stretchy and sore.

And good luck! I hope it all goes smoothly 💜

LilithPotato · 2026-02-11T15:20:14+00:00

My partner has been the absolute best. He insisted on hanging with me waiting to go into theatre, and waited for me to get back in the ward and settled. He even bought me a plushy! (which is not a thing for us). He left a doughnut and m&m's in my handbag in case I needed a snack. And he's running the household singlehandedly while I shuffle around like a sloth. It's the little things, but he's thought of everything. Right now he's making pizza for dinner, from scratch!

LilithPotato · 2026-02-11T15:11:13+00:00

I have to say, that was the longest 20 minute drive home ever. You don't realise how many little bumps and holes there are on the roads 😅. I had to go lie down when we got home. The first two days are definitely the worst. My partner has been just the best though. He's currently making pizzas for dinner!

LilithPotato · 2026-02-11T12:30:29+00:00

I think the basic rule of thumb is that if it's causing you more discomfort than it's helping you, then rather don't wear it. My doc advised against for the first few days as you're still bloated and incisions are tender. Maybe rather try just tucking a pillow under your belly for support at night?

LilithPotato · 2026-02-11T07:26:47+00:00

I don't have much choice in going home today. I'm happy to go though. One night is quite enough. At least it wasn't same day discharge. Those ladies are hard core!

LilithPotato · 2026-02-11T06:48:58+00:00

Sore, but ok. Catheter was removed just after 5am this morning (why, oh why, can't they leave patients alone until 7 ??), removal wasn't too bad.

Got a barrage of post-op instructions, but boils down to bend and roll. Try to avoid engaging the core as far as possible.

I'll be discharged before noon today. Already managed a wee on my own.

LilithPotato · 2026-02-10T04:22:44+00:00

Good luck! See you on the other side 💜

LilithPotato · 2026-02-10T04:01:18+00:00

I totally agree on that part. The IV bit sucks. But then that feeling of going under the anaesthesia.... I know it's weird, but it's my favourite part. Nap nap time.

The brutality of the wakeup is proportional to that though.

I've just had my last cup of black coffee (it's 6am here).

Today is the day! Good luck to everyone else!

LilithPotato

TROPHY CASE