menstration during surgery

[WL WARRIOR 690]

Attention: This post has spelling/grammar errors that I am unable to fix because I can't see what I'm typing. There is something wrong with the app or my tablet.

I will be attending the day of surgery admission class tomorrow. This is the last step before surgery along with the pre op diet. The office called me today and told me that I could choose to have surgery on a Monday-Tuesday during one of the four weeks in October. I would like to do it soon as possible, which would be Oct. 6-7. There is just one problem with owe two days: its the onset of my monthly period.

My periods are very heavy and I experience pak ful menstral cramps. I've heard others mention that they needed a catheder while in the hospital. I had a terribly embarrassing experience two years ago when I was in the hospital for rheumatic fever. A male nurse got blood on his hands while inserting the catheter and had a disgusted look on his face. I didn't have a pad or tampon because my period had unnoticeably began 1-2 hours prior.

So, basically I'm worried that if I choose to have surgery during mensuration, then I will experience another embarrassing episode, have bad cramping that will cause me even more pain, and be an annoyance. Am I wording over nothing or should I just schedule a later surgery date? I've been waiting to have this surgery since Jan. and I'm getting impatient.

By the way, this post has errors because I cannot see my post while I type. Does anyone else have this problem?

Edited September 24, 2014 by WL WARRIOR

[jayhawk1965 34]

Hi. It is unfortunate that a trained medical professional made you feel uncomfortable about something that is a natural part of life for 50% of the population. Have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your concerns. I had my period during the surgery (and I have VERY heavy cycles). They let me wear a pad with my underwear into the operating room (I have no idea what happened once I was under but I know my underpants and pad were back on when I came to in recovery). I didn't have a catheter. You will also have an opportunity to speak to someone during your pre-op visit and you can mention your concern to them. I wouldn't let this keep you from surgery. Good luck!

[shellyd88 463]

Hello I agree with everyone else suggestions about discussing this with the medical team also being in the medical field is not a keep your hands clean job for most so the people working with patients should be behaving in a PROFFESSIONAL manner which doesn't include "looks" or "faces" or "comments" after all stress changes in hormones etc can make periods come on unexpectedly and if someone landed in a hospital due to an injury or accident and were to be having a menstral cycle they would have to deal with it so they need to suck it up do their job and act professional and don't let staff treat u disrespectfully its the last thing someone needs in a hospital in pain and all that comes with surgery however having said that u must consider how u will feel with the discomfort of surgery and side effects if u are willing or will be able to deal with that as well good luck with everything

[TheCurvyJones 721]

I'm sure they're used to it and you shouldn't need a catheter for this surgery. A drain, perhaps but no catheter.. You'll want to speak with your surgeon about any meds you're supposed to take for your menstrual pain during/after surgery. I'd imagine the strong pain killers you'll be on should take care of any pain you get from cramps/gas.

Mine started almost immediately after surgery. JOY.

But yes, they should be used to it and if you happen to be on cycle when you go in, let them know.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Thecurveyjones said what I was going to say. Surgery during your cycle may actually be to your advantage, especially regarding your cramps. You will be on strong pain meds in the hospital, which take a couple of more days to wear off. I had IV morphine which was not removed until day two. After that, I had pain pills (hydocodone) to take home which I only used until day five, then all was right with the world. I had a catheter which was inserted after I was out cold, and then it was removed a four or five hours after I came around (when they were sure I could get up and walk). A medical professional should be used to the sight of blood - geeze louize.

[Zoey716 98]

I had my period the week of surgery and my surgeon didn't have a problem with me wearing a tampon. They put extra bed pads under me just in case but not once did i feel uncomfortable or uneasy about having it during surgery. So sorry you've had a bad experience in the past. But I do agree with the others...just let your doc know. No biggie.

[WL WARRIOR 690]

Thanks everyone for your response! I did have a chance to talk with my surgeon and nurse today and I feel much more at ease with my period dilemma. I went ahead and chose Oct. 7., which will be here before you know it.

[Chrystee 838]

What a jerk! I'm surprised he wouldn't have had gloves on anyway.. its just another bodily fluid!

Good luck tho, i'm sure you will be fine!

[leenieceymic1 90]

I was thinking the same thing. He should of had gloves on & how unprofessional was he? The hospital would have received a nice little letter from me.... Lots of luck with your surgery, I'm the day after yours.