Surgery

On September 8, 2021 I had a hymenectomy. A hymenectomy (hi min ECK tuh me) is a procedure that is done to remove extra tissue from the hymen that partly or totally covers a female's vaginal opening (https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/hymenectomy). My hymen came in extra thick so it made the opening very narrow. I had another piece of tissue called a septate that runs down the middle and created two small openings, instead of one. This is a congenital disorder, meaning this was present at birth. 

For a long time, I thought that I was inserting and taking out a tampon wrong. It was a little difficult to get in. However, taking it out was 10 times worse. It usually took 30 min and resulted in lots of tears. I would have to work the tampon to one side because it would catch on the septate tissue, which would wrap around it and prevent it from coming out. Needless to say, I would only wear a tampon when I was going to be doing things in the water i.e. kayaking.

I tried to have this checked out once. The provider I went to did not catch it. All I was told was that I had a narrow opening. A few months ago (April/May) I decided to have it checked again. I just new something was wrong. I first saw a PA and then an OBGYN. Both recognized it right away and were surprised that the other provider had not caught it. They both said that they were impressed I had ever managed to wear a tampon.

Post surgery has been fine. I've been a bit sore, but nothing too bad. I've only taken Ibuprofen. Hopefully I continue to heal and not have anymore problems from here on out.

I thought it would be fun to share the funny things I said after surgery. So here is Meg's account of the things I said from when she walked into the recovery room until we left.

M: "Hey, how are you feeling?"

C: "Pretty good, especially since they gave me crackers!  I'm starving and I never thought I would say this, but these are the best saltine crackers I have ever tasted!"

M: Me laughing at you said, "Well, when they give us the ok to go home, we will get food."

C: "That would be good!  Do you think they will let me have more crackers?? Those were fantastic! Also, did I throw up like mom?''

M: "When the nurse comes back, we will ask for more. And no, you didn't vomit."

C: "Great.  Do you have my glasses? The world needs to stop being blurry."

M: "Here ya go."

C: "Oh good! Now if the room would stop spinning, that would be great.  Did I throw up like mom did?'

M: "No, they did what they call a conscious sedation, so they didn't have to put an airway in your mouth,"

C: "What does that mean? Conscious sedation?"

M: "That you were given a drug to forget the surgery, so they really didn't put you to sleep.  When I did my EMT rotations in the ER, I watched as they set a bone on a kid and thats what they did."

C: "Well that sounds painful.  Glad I can't remember then."

M: "Can I convince you of a Zombi invasion? Or get you to tell me your deepest darkest secrets? Or do I already know them?"

The nurse came in to check on you at this point, and you asked for more wonderful crackers if you were allowed to have more.  The nurse gave you options...... you couldn't choose, so the nurse brought you a little of everything.

C: "I  think you already know them."

M: "Crap, I will ask the family."

C: "Good luck. Mom already knows everything."

M: "Crap! This is no fun!"

C: "Sorry, my life is an open book... Did I throw up like Mom did? (Please note I did not remember asking the first two times) Did you give me my glasses, or did I get them out?" (I didn't remember putting my glasses on either).

After this I asked to use the restroom. They unhooked me from the IV. I changed, went to the bathroom, and talked with a nurse so I could discharge. After that we left and went back to my apartment where I ate some food and just chilled on the couch the rest of the day.