I had a complete TAH-BSO at age 48 for bowel endo in December 2000.
Going forward it's my (admittedly subjective) take that bowel
endometriosis after complete hysterectomy is best handled long term by
no use of replacement hormones, no large doses of calcium (although I
do take a standard multi-vitamin), weight control (I feel significantly
better at 160 than I did at 200 lbs.), and exercise, especially walking
and tension relieving exercise. It has helped me to cut out alcohol and
red meat, and to cut back on refined sugar and caffeine, and especially
on cola and similar drinks. I do not smoke. I am still aiming for an
ideal weight of 145-150.
My main concern at this point is osteo****osis and weight bearing
exercise, since exercise has always been my weak point in terms of
healthy habits, aside from alcohol consumption. When I first came home
from the hospital in 2001 I bought a very good exercise pamphlet from
Amazon in
this regard. The exercises involved either floor or chair balance, and
resemble easy ballet balance positions.
My heart health is good. My concern about calcium focuses on avoiding
constipation. I have chosen never to have a colonoscopy, in part
because I experienced respiratory distress pneumonia and respiration
following surgery for about 4 days. I have remained almost completely
pain free. At the time of surgery my endometriosis was previously
undiagnosed and was if anything stage 4+++++, that is, "everywhere."
Linda Scheimann.
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