After battling with stage iv endometriosis, infertility, and all the delightful associated aches and pains, I’ve finally decided to go ahead and get a hysterectomy. My doctor advises me that everything’s having to come out (ovaries and all) in order to get all the endometriosis out.
My surgery date is December 9th.
Is there anyone out there who’s had the procedure done, who has some scintillating words of wisdom for me?
It is going to be laparoscopic/vaginally, not abdominally, so I’m assuming that means a faster recovery time. But so far, that’s about all I know. All my presurgery testing and appointments are set up for December 3rd.
It’s a skillful piece of surgery, so make sure you’re comfortable with your doc, and ask him if he’s done a lot of these.
Done properly, you may be able to go home the same day. The wife of a friend had one of these a month ago, and she seems like her old sef. We went out drinking last night.
My best friend is the guy who did the surgery, if you have any questions that you’re afraid to ask your doc, post them here and I’ll get a response for you.
You will find more information that you can imagine, to prepare you for your surgery and to help you prepare for life as a Punctured Princess. More importantly a support group beyond all others.
Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me.
I had everything removed 13 years ago - abdominally tho - long story.
Apparently my endometriosis was wide-spread, so after the surgery, I was put on some medication that pretty much de-hormonized me - instant, raging menopause. It was 60 days of hell. Then I started estrogen replacement.
I’ve been mellow ever since.
The hardest part for me was the realization that I’d not be able to have another baby - I was only 35. But living without the pain and without the periods has been wonderful!
My main advice, and I give this for all medical procedures - Do what your doctor says! Don’t try to rush things. Your body needs time to heal and you do it no favors by trying to ignore that.
Good luck to you! Milk your convalescence for all it’s worth!
What Scylla said. Laproscopy can be quite dangerous without a very skilled surgeon. In some ways it is more difficult (and potentially risky) than convential surgery. Make sure he/she/it is top notch and experienced.
Thanks for responding. My surgeon is a very skilled surgeon–he specializes in endometriosis, is principal investigator on some research grants to study endometriosis, etc.
The compassionate service leader from my church called me the other day to let me know that they were going to be bringing meals over for a little while after I get home from the hospital. And she made me promise to let them help with housework since I won’t be able to do anything for a while.
I know I’m making the right decision–the endo has been running my life for the last year, and I’m really ready to start running my life myself!
11 months ago I had a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy/Left salpingo oopherectomy