Thanks from me and my c-uterus!

Thank you from me and my c-uterus!

Since I posted about my health and needing a hysterectomy on Wednesday night, I’ve felt so loved. The comments and messages and offers of help have been heartwarming. I feel very supported, and less anxious about impending surgery. I was hesitant about how much to share, but what I have shared has meant I’ve received lots of reassurance about the procedure and also the great care at the hospital, and a few people have thanked me for talking about my symptoms as they’ve experienced the same. The response I received reminded me of all the good things about social media – which is much needed in these dark times. Of course, the very good preparatory appointments I’ve had at The Women’s have helped too.

I had a meeting at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre today and afterward, I went into the shop to browse. How could I resist buying this plush toy uterus and an ovary pin, to bid farewell to and thank mine! It’s given me 29 years of mostly pain free periods. I’m regretting only discovering period undies five years ago, because they’ve made my periods so much easier. I expect this c-uterus will provide some comfort and laughs while I’m in hospital.

This plushy is by Body Buddies, which helps educate children and diverse communities about organ transplants, and proceeds from sales go to Transplant Australia. Such a great cause.

PS: still not inviting advice or intrusive questions, thanks.

Disclosure: I used the Melbourne filter on this photo as the light was poor on the shortest day of the year. The filter hasn’t changed my skin colour much.

💗

Image: Carly, a woman with a red face and short dark curly hair, wearing a colourful puffer jacket, smiling, standing near a mural featuring diverse women’s faces. She’s holding a plush toy – it’s a pink uterus.