Okay sorry if I this is TMI

Question ladies Have you heard or have this happend to any of you, the day of surgery you start you monthly? Would that be a problem as far as getting a correct iron level, blood count etc. Also, because you are not able to go to the bathroom the OR puts a catherer (sorry for the spelling) on you. Help me out.

Hi Victoria - Don't worry, nothing seems to be TMI here! The only thing I can say about everyone's cycles is that I've heard many, many different stories. For some, it seems like it inevitably occurred on surgery day, or the "stress" of the surgery affected it by not coming regularly. Sorry to be so vague, but like I said, it's probably different for everyone. Not being a medical professional, I wouldn't think that our normal cycles would affect our blood counts, provided the flow is not excessive. HOWEVER, I personally started mine the week after surgery, and it last approximately 8 months - yes, I said 8 MONTHS! I had all of my docs and a specialist working on it, giving me estrogen, shots, etc., but I swear, I bled like a stuck pig and eventually had to have a D&C, a two unit transfusion and an iron infusion because I was severely anemic. I still have some problems with my period, but believe me, it's nothing like it was. Talk about the period from hell!!! I may eventually have to have a partial hysterectomy, but that's down the road. Everyone seems to concur that because estrogen is stored in fat cells, and because we lose so much so rapidly, that estrogen just floods our bodies, making our cycles erratic. When I awoke from my surgery, I had a catheter in - it sounds pretty standard to me. I didn't even know it was there, and I didn't feel it when they took it out, which, I think, was late that night or early the next day. It didn't keep me from walking the halls, but I think better that they put it in while I was sleeping than to have to do it after the fact!!!! Any more questions, just give us a shout!!!! Teresa

Thanks Teresa for the info. My period is pretty normal, I have never had a problem with my period. I am currently taking birth control pills, I believe my surgery will be around the end of October and because I will be near my 28th day( green pills-no hormones) I know I will be starting my cycle. I would think I would have to wear a tampon after surgery because the catherer will be in I know at least to after the swallow test I've been told in a pre-op/post op meeting. Also, I have a few friends who are 2-3 years post op who told me the same. I just know want to be messing the bed up more than it will be you know what i mean What you think?

I think periods were invented by men, is what I think!!!!!! Again, not being a pro, this is just my opinion - I don't think they're going to want you to wear a tampon, although I could be wrong. As far as messing up the bed, I assure you, they've seen everything!!!! Don't stress about it too much, but do ask your doctor. I don't recall seeing who your surgeon is - care to share? Teresa

Sure Dr. Averbach will be performing my surgery.

Hi Victoria I have always been like clockwork with no problems. I was warned by my surgeon's office to take pads to the hospital because surgery causes such instantaneous drastic changes in the body's hormones, etc., that usually female patients have their period shortly thereafter. So knowing this, I packed the pads and said to myself "I've always been like clockwork and it's not due for another two weeks, so it won't happen to me". So I had my surgery on Thursday, came home on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday morning I woke up with my period. So all I can say is be prepared Take Care, Terry

Terry, That's interesting. I am not "regular" but have been more regular since having my daughter almost 2 years ago. Normal for me is about a 32-36 day cycle I also had an IUD placed 2 months ago and have been VERY light. Pretty much heavy spotting for 2 or 3 days. I just started my cycle a week after surgery and it's much heavier than usual like it was before my IUD. I wonder if it's due to the surgery! The human body is so strange. Heather

Oops! I think I made a turn down the wrong street, I mean wrong thread.

So you are around! Feel free to add any input you might have!!! Teresa

My period started the day of surgery. They gave me this net pair of underwear to attach the pad- the pad would not stick to the netting and the underwear was too tight to fit on my large bottom and it kept sliding down... . When i woke up in recovery I had no protection on but I was oblivious. When I later got back to my room and was more alert- it was frustrating and upsetting to think they had me in the bed bleeding on myself so to speak. At least they had one of those bed liners under me- usually for incontinent people... But in retrospect- as a dignity issue- they should have attended to my hygiene needs a little differently- not sure exactly how though given i also had a catheter in post op. I guess they did what they could do-- but it was kinda messy -- at least my flow is light though so I didn't look like i had bled out... It shouldn't effect your labwork unless you are prone to heavy bleeding and have been anemic for that reason in the past. The OR staff see menses all the time and are desensitized to it but they sometimes need reminding this is a unique and potentially humilitating experience for the patient. Best Wishes Karen