Jennifer Lambert

A Sacred Balance

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My Laparoscopic Myomectomy

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October 26, 2020 By Jennifer Lambert 9 Comments

My cycle was regular and asymptomatic since I was 13.

But the last three years, I got tired of suffering each month with extremely heavy periods. I even landed in the ER a couple months ago.

Ultrasound and MRI showed two fibroids, probably in my uterus for a decade or longer.

Who knows, really? Since the only time doctors took scans were to view pregnancies.

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids project to the outside of the uterus.

Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids. Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells do. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production.

After removal, they can grow back. I have years before menopause, so I worry.

Symptoms of Fibroids:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
  • Pelvic pressure or pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Constipation
  • Backache or leg pains

I had all those symptoms for a really long time.

My belly is still big even though my youngest child is now 10. The few times I asked doctors about my bladder issues and tummy flab, I was dismissed.

I feel really let down by the medical community. No one really knows why women get fibroids. No one really know hows to stop them or treat them. Women’s health doesn’t seem a priority.

A female NP prescribed Mirena IUD to see if that would help my symptoms, just a bandaid.

I agreed to try it to reduce my estrogen and see if it would shrink the fibroids or reduce my period bleeding.

It didn’t help at all.

I weighed all my options. I didn’t want anything removed that didn’t have to be. Many doctors only do hysterectomies because that’s easier for them and a permanent solution to many gynecological problems.

I chose to remove my uterine fibroids with Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy.

Thankfully, Wright Patterson Air Force Base hospital has a doctor on staff highly trained. She has been wonderful and I was able to get the surgery scheduled, even during the pandemic.

Before Surgery

I wanted to be as healthy and strong as I could be so I would have the quickest and easiest recovery.

I’ve been exercising and eating well for months, but I really ramped it up this last month and lost a few more pounds and got very toned. Still can’t lose this C-section pouch, but maybe with the fibroids removed, it will help.

No fish oil or flaxseed or anything that could thin the blood for two weeks prior to surgery. I had never heard this before. No vitamins or supplements for 72 hours prior to surgery to ensure no interactions with anesthesia or drugs.

I ate very light the few days leading up to surgery. No alcohol. Less caffeine.

I stocked the fridge, freezer, and pantry with quick and easy healthy foods for the kids and my husband to make. I planned dinners based on worst case scenario since I really didn’t know how I would feel the first week. I made them promise to make and eat vegetables.

Day of Surgery: Thursday

Nothing to eat after midnight. Just like a Mogwai.

I did not opt to sip water or Gatorade up to two hours before surgery. I hydrated well the last few days. I have a history of vomiting during my four childbirths, so I was very nervous about that. I’ve never had general anesthesia before so I was worried what my reaction might be.

I wore comfy loose clothes so I wouldn’t have to worry about anything tight across my belly.

I showed up at 0545 and got prepped for my 0700 surgery.

I got changed in to a surgical gown and got an IV.

I had already signed all my consent and risk forms. A nurse verified everything and asked some questions. It was quick and easy since I have no prior conditions and I take no prescription medications. I’m pretty healthy and boring.

Pre-surgery meds for pain, muscles, nerves, and an anti-nausea were in pill form. I got an anti-nausea patch behind my left ear that works for three days. I got anti-anxiety meds and saline through my IV. I got compression boots to relieve swelling and that was a great relief to me since I usually swell up very badly with IV fluids. I was told I would probably receive a block injection in my abdominal muscles before surgery to help alleviate pain.

The techs, nurses, and anesthesiologists were all so very comforting.

Last thing I remember was viewing the OR and it seemed like a whole crowd of people in there and my doctor asking if I liked her music as two nurses held and rubbed my hands.

My husband said he got an update that they had begun and another update when I was going to the first recovery.

I woke up rather suddenly and it didn’t seem to take long for me to get released home.

I was wrapped with a thick elastic velcro belly band and that thing was sure a life saver.

I was sent home with ibuprofen, Tylenol, and tiny Oxycontin. Also Colace for a stool softener.

I had a larger incision in my navel and two small ones on either side. There were gauze and Tegaderm over the incisions. There were steri-strips over the stitches. The stitches dissolve. Granulation tissue appears as the tissue comes together and heals. It can be red and puckery or white.

The two fibroids were 75.4 grams, 10.0 x 8.5 x 1.5 cm.

I wasn’t under too many restrictions. No heavy lifting. No driving until off pain meds. It was a long weekend, so I had plenty of help with my kids and husband home. I didn’t drive for over a week.

After Surgery

First Evening

I was very woozy and dizzy and not at all hungry the whole first evening.

I had to force myself to sip water, Gatorade, and apple juice until I felt I could eat a little. I was pretty queasy.

My belly was very sore and swollen. I had a huge bruise under my belly button. A heating pad helped so much.

I had pretty horrible gas pains all evening Thursday and all day Friday. The Colace helped and I took that for a few days.

My throat and diaphragm were terribly sore from the breathing tube for a couple days. Ricola herbal drops helped.

Day 1: Friday

I slept in my recliner in the living room for the first two nights, Thursday and Friday.

I was able to eat more normally by Friday afternoon and I felt my appetite return. Still, I ate light, less than I really wanted. I was still pretty woozy.

I walked to the end of my street and back.

The doctor called to check on me and told me I could remove the bandages and shower.

My husband grilled some honey lime chicken breasts and I ate ok.

Day 2: Saturday

I was able to shower. My kids told me I smelled like hospital so I guess that was their way of telling me I should bathe.

It took a long time to get over the dizziness. I had no energy or stamina for a week. It takes about that long for all the meds to wear off.

Saturday was a painful day. I started getting nerve pain in my incisions and cramps inside worse than any menstrual cramps I’ve ever had. My pelvis felt sore and heavy.

I was able to sleep in my bed.

We had our usual pizza night but I could only eat about a third my usual portion.

Day 3: Sunday

I took off the belly band because I didn’t think my belly was getting enough air to heal well. My belly button was too moist and the steri-strips fell off.

I walked one lap around our neighborhood pond.

My husband grilled a tritip steak and I was able to eat that ok.

Day 4: Monday

I felt pretty good and proud I didn’t need the support of the belly band anymore. My muscles weren’t as sore.

I did my regular walk around our neighborhood pond: 3 laps.

My husband made cashew chicken for dinner and I ate that ok.

Day 5: Tuesday

Rough day. I was so sleepy and woozy all day long and just longed to go back to bed. I was sore and crampy.

I craved salt so my husband made homemade potato chips with kielbasa for dinner.

Day 6: Wednesday

I felt better with more energy. I sat outside in the sunshine and sunned my belly to heal.

I was able to eat a little beef stew for dinner.

Day 7: Thursday

My two smaller holes are almost completely healed and barely visible. I was worried my navel incision was getting infected. I had diarrhea all morning and a slight fever. General malaise.

I made delicious spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.

Day 8: Friday

Still had diarrhea this morning and slight fever. Worried about infection. Got more steri-strips for my belly button incision which was not healing as well as I had hoped. Doctor said it is not infection, but it is angry.

Still have bruising on my pelvis and where the IV was in my hand.

Pizza night again! I made a white chicken pizza.

Day 9: Saturday

Rainy all day. I didn’t do much today. Resting is good.

My husband made homemade Philly cheesesteaks and fries for dinner.

Day 10: Sunday

Rainy all day. I was quite lazy. Resting is good.

My husband grilled an eye of round roast for dinner. I roasted a sheet of veggies.

Day 11: Monday

Didn’t sleep well.

Follow-up Appointment with my surgeon. My belly button wasn’t as healed as she liked. She told me to use bacterial ointment on the wound and cortisone for my rashes.

This was the first time I drove since the surgery.

Still feeling bruised and wearing jeans was probably not the best choice. The button was irritating.

My dishwasher died and I’m in mourning.

I made chili and tacos for dinner.

Day 12: Tuesday

Didn’t sleep well.

My kids had a dentist appointment and after waiting on that two hour ordeal, I was pretty tired the rest of the day.

We bought a new dishwasher and will get it installed in a week. I’m still in mourning.

My husband grilled salmon and chicken. I made couscous, sauteed spinach, and salad.

Day 13: Wednesday

I weighted 139 when I woke up!

Didn’t sleep well. Woke up with a bad headache.

I was tired all day.

My belly button is still bright pink and puckery.

I put my belly band back on for my walk around the pond and the rest of the afternoon for extra support.

I made borscht and goulash for dinner in the slow cookers.

Day 14: Thursday

It’s the two-week mark!

I feel strong. Sneezing and coughing doesn’t hurt.

My digestion is still off a little.

My bladder doesn’t feel as inflamed as it did before the surgery. I don’t feel the same urgency or spasms.

My belly button is almost completely healed. The scars are barely noticeable. My hand still feels bruised from the IV!

We cleared out the fridge of leftovers for dinner this night.

What’s Next?

I’m making changes to my lifestyle to insure healing and hopefully these fibroids won’t grow back.

I don’t smoke. I’m cutting way back on my alcohol intake. My D levels are good. I walk almost 2-3 miles every day. I’m not overweight and I’m almost back to what I weighed 15 years ago, but stronger and more toned. My blood pressure is great.

I’m increasing my fiber intake. Potassium-rich foods, full fat dairy like cheese and yogurt, and green tea are in my daily diet.

I’m avoiding sugar and soy. I just learned to avoid flax since it’s an estrogen-increasing food.

I read the Mediterranean Diet is best for overall health, but especially for women’s hormonal issues.

I already love the foods I ate in Italy and Greece and I’m incorporating more recipes into my daily repertoire. I’m learning about other cuisines from the Mediterranean region, which varies greatly. So thankful my family is willing to experiment and try new flavors and textures.

I go back for my last follow-up appointment with my doctor in early November.

Hopefully after my follow-up appointment, I will be cleared to begin exercising regularly again. I may look into abdominal massage if I still can’t lose this tummy after resuming my workouts.

Linking up: Random Musings, April Harris, Marilyn’s Treats, Create with Joy, Anita Ojeda, Kippi at Home, Little Cottage, Surburbia, Purposeful Faith, LouLou Girls, Our Three Peas, Anchored Abode, InstEncouragements, Soaring with Him, Welcome Heart, Ginger Snap Crafts, Fluster Buster, Girlish Whims, Ducks in a Row, Grandma’s Ideas, Katherine’s Corner, CKK, Imparting Grace, Slices of Life, Life Beyond the Kitchen, OMHG, Debbie Kitterman, Penny’s Passion, Answer is Choco, Chic Shoestring, Momfessionals, Simply Sweet Home, Pieced Pastimes, Everyday Farmhouse, Fireman’s Wife, CWJ, Being a Wordsmith, Mostly Blogging,

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Filed Under: Health Tagged With: health, healthy living, urinary health

No More Incontinence

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

April 30, 2014 By Jennifer Lambert 9 Comments

Apparently, I have a tiny bladder.

My family teases me that I have to go all the time.

My first grade teacher told my mother I was retarded because I needed to use the restroom frequently – and got my p’s and b’s mixed up. I remember too many embarrassing days when I had accidents sitting at my desk because my teacher refused to allow me to use the in-class toilet except during her prescribed breaks.

Of course, pregnancy and childbirth causes stress to the bladder and urinary tract. It seems I haven’t fully recovered and my youngest is now four years old.

Time to research and heal so I can run, jump, laugh, and sneeze without having an embarrassing accident.

No More Incontinence

Urinary Health

Going to the gym is always an adventure. Many of my acquaintances can’t relate because they’re stronger or they don’t have kids – or maybe they only have a couple kids who were born with average weight and they just don’t have any bladder issues.

I have four kids and I can’t do jumping jacks.

My kids were BIG babies. And they kickboxed my bladder. They came out like toddlers, holding their heads up and their hands out for the car keys and demanding steak dinners.

My first was almost 8 pounds and I bounced back completely after having her because I was young at only 24. My second was almost ten pounds. A mere fourteen months later, my third came along at almost eleven pounds. She was my C-Section baby. My last baby was VBAC and he was 9 pounds, 1 ounce.

I want to be able to run, jump, do exercises, sneeze, and laugh without worry.

I’ve been taking half dropperfuls of a urinary health tincture twice a day, morning and evening. I use a great oil blend that includes spearmint, sage, geranium, myrtle, nutmeg, and German chamomile (over kidneys) and cypress essential oil (over bladder) topically every evening to try to help balance out everything and support urinary health.

It does help! I forgot to do this routine a couple nights and I had more problems on those days than when I remembered to do this regimen.

I drink lots of water. While that does mean I go more frequently (which is really, really frequently compared to most people), it does help toxins get flushed out of my system.

I try to limit caffeine and alcohol consumption because those irritate the bladder. Also citrus irritates the bladder, so I limit those fruits and juices.

I try to eat well, with lots of veggies and fiber. We had lots of catering trays of sandwiches the week the moving company was packing and moving our household goods. While it was a healthier option than greasy fast food, that was not the best week for my urinary and digestive health.

One day, I drank a Throwback (real sugar) Mountain Dew and that was a big mistake. A healthy digestion essential oil blend and rest and eating better the next day helped. Sugar and carbonation doesn’t do well with me. Soda is a bladder irritant.

I should stick to water and occasionally tea.

Strengthening the Muscles

Some of us bounce back fine from having babies. I did ok until 11 pound #3 came along.

Then, there was no more bouncing for me.

It took quite a while for me to lose weight and feel better after having my third baby by C-Section. My body was pretty drained. I was advised to take mineral supplements and adjust my diet. It was recommended we follow a Paleo-type diet – long before that was a fad! This was the beginning of our healthy journey!

I slowly got healthier and got my energy and body and life back.

Then I got pregnant again with my son.

I was healthier during that pregnancy since I was put on a no-sugar diet for gestational diabetes.

I still have about ten pounds I would like to lose. I usually feel great and have enough energy to get done what needs to get done. Supplements, regular exercise, and great diet help.

But diet alone isn’t enough to heal all the mama parts that are stretched out and loose and weak by pregnancies.

But most of the exercises at gyms and in home videos and online aren’t helpful. They could actually harm the body more.

Online exercises programs are great, like Fit2Be.

It’s a great membership with online workout videos, a Facebook group, forum, and a lovely teacher. Beth is direct, professional, and knowledgeable. The exercises are short and sweet for busy moms, but they really work with regular use. Many of the exercises can be done sitting or while you’re doing other things. There are programs for the whole family. The kids love to do yoga moves with me! There are workouts for pregnancy, strengthening that core and pelvic floor, challenges, and running. I’ve never found another workout program so comprehensive, challenging, yet gentle.

Join Fit2b.us

Also, the Metabolic Renewal program is useful to work out hormone issues with diet and exercises, specifically during perimenopause or menopause. It’s a one-time paid membership with diet tips and online workouts with a supportive Facebook group.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a great option I’m looking into and my doctor is referring me!

I’m still on the strengthening part. But I’m getting stronger.

Medical Intervention

Sometimes, we can’t fix ourselves all alone.

As I’ve gotten older, my muscles just aren’t maintaining tone with yoga, walking, Kegels, and online exercises.

I developed a cystocele and rectocele and I have to strengthen my pelvic floor to heal them. I must make sure I avoid bladder irritants. I stay hydrated and eat lots of fiber so I don’t get constipated.

I recently developed a 6 cm fibroid and we’re shrinking that with Mirena and keeping an eye on it.

It’s important to get regular checkups with women’s health professionals to rule out problems and to know options for hormone replacement, exercises, physical therapy, pessaries, or even surgery.

I think incontinence is more common than we think.

My mother even had surgery to repair her bladder, then a hysterectomy.

Many women occasionally confide that they have to wear pads in case of accidents. They complain they can’t play with their kids on the trampoline or run for fear of accidents.

It’s embarrassing.

It shouldn’t be.

We’re all in this mama journey together. Let’s help each other instead of hiding.

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Filed Under: Health Tagged With: exercise, fitness, urinary health

Natural Remedies for Urinary Health

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

April 3, 2014 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

Urinary health is important.

My aunt died of bladder cancer. My mom suffers from many UTIs and it worries me that she seems to be constantly on antibiotics for it.

I’ve had UTIs several times throughout my life and they are so unpleasant.

I want to practice prevention and I want quick relief when I do suffer from any UTI symptoms.

Natural Remedies for Urinary Health

My top ten list for urinary health:

1. Baking Soda

Try a spoonful in a glass of water. It neutralizes the acidity in your body and urine. Not sure if lemon oil helps the taste or not.

2. Cranberries

These tart treats have anti-bacterial properties. Make sure you drink no-added-sugar instead of cocktail. Recommended 2-4 glasses a day if you have a UTI already.

3. Blueberries

An anti-bacterial superfood. Sprinkle these on yogurt or blend with cranberries for a great juice or smoothie!

4. Pineapple

Contains bromelain. It’s thought to have anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Water

Stay hydrated! Drink more to flush out your system if you have a UTI. Also, adding salt tablets or drinking a fitness drink helps get the hydration where it needs to go.

Warm water in an old-fashioned water bottle on your lower tummy helps to ease discomfort of the UTI.

6. Vitamin C

Keeps the bladder healthy by acidifying the urine so no bacteria can grow. A great general antioxidant.

7. Cotton underwear.

Fresher and dryer. And maybe opt for skirts or looser pants and leave the skinny jeans in the closet.

8. Stay clean.

Make sure you go after bathing or sex to ensure bacteria doesn’t stick around down there. Always wipe from front to back to make sure there’s no cross-contamination.

9. Limit caffeine and alcohol.

These irritate the bladder and dehydrate you.

10. Goldenseal

Maintains urinary health (possibly fights E.coli, a common UTI-causing bacteria.) A good antioxidant supplement.

And my friend shared this yummy Tabbouleh salad recipe that helps maintain urinary health:

1 box of plain couscous – prep as directed (can also use bulgur or quinoa)
1 c. Chopped tomatoes
1 c. Chopped cucumber
1/4 c. Chopped green onions (or red onions)
1/2 c. Chopped fresh parsley and/or cilantro (yum with some mint too!)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 c. really good olive oil
Sea salt to taste

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Filed Under: Health Tagged With: natural health, urinary health

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