I don’t feel this is mundane or pointless, but I didn’t think it was appropriate to post anywhere else.
I’ve had severe pelvic pain for about seven years. I have endometriosis, pelvic congestion, and possible adenomyosis (which they can only diagnose after the uterus is removed). After about five laparoscopies and a pelvic venous embolyzation, the options have run out and I am having the evil uterus removed.
I’m only 31, but I have a child and don’t care to have any more. I feel this is the right decision and as of this moment, I’m feeling pretty good about my decision.
The surgery will be done vaginally, if possible, so I won’t have a big scar. That in itself is a big relief. I wasn’t looking forward to trying to recover from an abdominal surgery. That seems to be what keeps women down the longest after they undergo a hysterectomy.
They told me to tell work I need six weeks off, but that I might be ready to go back sooner. I’m hoping for a quick recovery with extra time off to enjoy the nice weather and have a much needed break from work and life.
I just felt like sharing on here rather than the cheesy hysterectomy boards that are out there. I don’t need teddy bears and flower icons, just other stories from women who have gone through it. If anyone feels like sharing, please do so. I think I’d feel better with the support and words of those who have gone through it.
Thanks for being good Dopers. You guys have always been helpful to me, and I hope you can give me a little info and share with me.
I had everything removed when I was 35 - big ol’ incision from the belly button down. I was back to work in 4 weeks, I think. Unfortunately, I was plunged into hot flashes immediately, and that was the worst part of recovery. You should be spared that. And without the abdominal incision, you should bounce back pretty fast.
Enjoy your six weeks off! And listen to your doctor and give your body time to heal!! And don’t forget to post and tell us you’re peachy-keen fine after surgery!
My mom had a total hysterectomy, including both ovaries, about 20 years ago. I was in the fourth grade. She also had endo, as well as fibroids and cysts. Her surgery was an emergency procedure, during which they had to go in abdominally and pull out a lot of gunk along with actual organs.
I remember she was *really *sore for a few days, and spent about two weeks in bed. But she could sit up and talk with me, and I’d bring her soup and crackers. I think it really helped me to be able to “help” her, even in little ways, so keep your kid informed (at her age level, of course) and find as many things as possible that she can do to be an actual help. I’d suggest making a bunch of casserole or soups or other freezeable meals now. Freeze them in freezer bags with labels on them that incude oven temp and time to cook. (Or microwave time, if your child’s too young for the oven.) That way, your child can “cook” healthy dinners for you with little difficulty.
Keeping one ovary is a very good idea. My mom’s hardest part of her ordeal has actually been in the last few years, as they’ve tried to wean her off the hormone pills she’s been on for 20 years. I can’t be sure, of course, but it looks to me like a much harder menopause than a natural one.
I’m sure your procedure won’t be nearly as bad as my mom’s, considering the newer technology and even better pain meds, and even hers wasn’t the end of the world. Hang in there and keep us updated!
I’d had an ovary removed decades ago because of a tumor (eventually diagnosed as a “borderline lesion.” Then about 10+ years ago I had the rest of the equipment removed because of concerns about possible cancer. I was already into peri-menopause at the time. Got on HRT (which you probably won’t need). Excellent choice, IMHO, keeping the remaining ovary if it has no problems.
Mine was done by slice at the approximate abdominal place where I’d had a couple of previous gynocological surgeries. The immediate pain was relieved in the hospital with an on-demand pump of some kind. I went home within a week, and stayed home recuperating for about another 5 - 6 weeks. My abdomen was a bit bloated for a good while. As soon as I was up to it, I started doing ab exercises to get it back into a more acceptable condition. Obviously you’ll have to ask your doctor when the appropriate time is for you.
Have you ever had general anaesthesia before? If you have, then you know what to expect. YMMV, but I have always found myself quite listless, lacking in stamina and energy for quite a while after general.
However, when I had the hysterectomy, they used autologous blood donation. This is a process whereby over a period of several weeks before your surgery, you donate blood to be saved just for you. Then they put it back in at the time of your surgery. This did help me; I had more energy and felt like a real person sooner. If you are not in an emergency situation, you might want to ask your doctors if that would be appropriate for you.
Also, I would not be surprised if your stay and recovery period are shorter than mine; there have been a lot of medical advances since then, including better and better anaesthesia.
In answer to another sometimes-asked question, I found absolutely no difference in marital relations afterward.
My aunt had a hysterectomy when I was quite young. I do not know the details, but even though it was the old-fashioned abdonimal scar type, It was obvious to even a small child that it was a huge relief for her. Her whole personality changed. She was less tense (I think that meant less pain), and not losing vast quanitities of blood every month resulted in her having a lot more energy and patience. She even even seemed younger. I wish I had more tangible information for you.
I just wanted to pipe in with a " Good Luck" and I hope you have an uneventful painfree existance in that department from now on. Lord knows, you deserve it!
I’m 43 now and I had my hysto about 5 years ago. I had a bout with uterine cancer, fibroids, and finally, I had began to hemmorage, which led to the surgery.
It was quite painful when I awoke from the surgery, but I had a morphine drip. It knocked me out almost as soon as I pressed the little button they so kindly put into my little hand.
I had the regular surgery, and was cut from one side of my pelvis to the other. I want to add that you can’t even see the scar, really. It’s just a fine, slightly pink line.
I recall waking up out of my drug-induced stupor the morning following the surgery, and demanding that they remove my cath, since it was so uncomfortable. The nurses argued with me about that one! Finally, they removed it and I went to the bathroom on my own. That was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced, I might add…the actual sitting up and walking to the bathroom…not to mention sitting back down on the toilet and then having to get back up again to walk back to the bed.
We didn’t have insurance at that time, and I knew this was already expensive, so I decided to leave the hospital that very day. It was around 1pm. The day after the surgery, against doctor’s orders. I stayed at home, alternating between the bed and the couch, for about a week, eating Vicodin like they were Tic Tacs.
Having the surgery was the best thing I ever did, though.
Now, life is GOOD!
I had a TAH 8 weeks ago due to having leiomyosarcoma of the uterus. Because of the cancer, I had to have the long abdominal incision and have both my uterus and cervix removed along with several lymph nodes. It’s taking a very long time to recover but I think that’s because I was still recovering from a previous surgery when I underwent this one. It may be a result of trying to do too much too soon though, or a result of too much anaesthia in too short a time period.
Anyway, my incision kept opening up following the surgery and I’m still battling infections with it. I’m constanly fatigued, my incision is painful, and I’m very, very bloated. I still can’t wear pants that button and am reduced to wearing baggy elastic waisted ones.
On a more positive note, but possibly TMI, I was worried about a loss of sex drive following the surgery. While I can’t do anything about it yet, I have to say that the drive is definitely still there, so that’s something good at least, and of course the fact that I’m cancer free at the moment is a very positive thing. Best of luck with your surgery. I’m sure the freedom from pain will be wonderful for you.
Had the whole shebang taken out almost two years ago. I’ve had several surgeries, one of which was abdominal, but this one screwed up my digestion worse than any of the others. The nurses seemed to be watching for that, so I’m guessing it’s common. They spent the first two days asking me if I’d farted yet. As a recurring question, it seemed kind of surreal, but I could see why they were asking when it finally happened. So if you’re preparing food ahead of time, be sure to have enough fluids and semi-fluids on hand. Just in case.
Hope everything goes well. We’ll all be rooting for you. Take all the time you can to recuperate. It will be worth it. Once you’ve healed, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the difference.
This may sound like an absurd question, but can you elect to have a hysterectomy? I have endo, abnormal bleeding, and uterine polyps. I won’t be having children (choice) and I’d rather not have to worry about thepossibility. It’d be nice to be off BC (currently depo) and stop the seemingly endless bleeding.
I had a vag hyst when I was 27. I had the surgery on Tuesday. I was discharged on Thursday, played tennis (lost) the next Tuesday, Went back to work (light duty) Thursday.
I wasn’t allowed stairs (up for 2 weeks , down for 1 week) or baths ( for 1 month)
If I didn’t hurt, I could do anything I wanted after 10 days.
I was in perfect health prior to surgery. I ran 5 miles a day and weight training 4 times a week.
My doctor was world class, a professor of OB/GYN at the university where I worked at the time.
My experience was off the scale for perfect, but it can happen. Now you have something to shoot for.
Cool, I’d been praying that you’d find what’s best for you.
I know a woman who had to have everything taken out when she was … hmm. 27ish? (Tubal pregnancy exploded.) She had a rough time being thrown into menopause out of nowhere like that, but apparently stuff with soy really helped her.
Since you’re keeping an ovary, though, sounds like the hot flashes and stuff will be kept at bay. I bet you’re gonna feel so much better that you won’t know what to do with yourself. It’s a shock going from chronic pain to NO pain at all, but a good one.
