Hysterectomy—Pre and Post-surgical Nutritional Support

Dr. Dean, I am getting ready to have a hysterectomy - June 8th (hopefully I will be able to leave my ovaries in) and was wondering what course of vitamins would you suggest for after I come home from the hospital? I currently take Turmeric, HerBalance 1 & 2, HerBalance Cream, Lycopene, GLA, CO-Q10, LipiControl, BioDIM, Detox-FiberPlex, and B-Complex. Is there any of these that I need to stop taking after my surgery? I have read a lot of articles about problems with infections and adhesions and was wondering if there is a natural approach to treating those also?Thank you for all your advice that you have given me in the past. I have taken it to heart and it has helped me greatly! I appreciate your time and sincerely thank you!GN

Dear Ms. N, The only substance that I have a question about going into your surgery is Turmeric—and that is because it may prolong bleeding, by reducing your fibrinogen levels. However, if your pre-surgical fibrinogen levels are within the normal range, then I would continue to take it, as its anti-inflammatory properties will probably help to speed healing, and reduce the likelihood of adhesions. I would also recommend a broad-spectrum multi-nutrient like Optimum Six, as well as additional Unizyme post-surgery. Unizyme is a powerful anti-inflammatory that should complement the anti-inflammatory effects of Turmeric.Are you taking thyroid hormone? One of the most common side effects of thyroid deficiency is "female problems." Many of my hypothyroid patients have had hysterectomies. I wonder how many of them could have avoided this surgery if their hypothyroid condition had been addressed in a timely manner. Please read my article on hypothyroidism on VRP’s website.Ward Dean, M.D.