Who's had a hysterectomy?

[Eireann]

I'm getting one.

FINALLY.

I went for a checkup today, and told the woman (she's not the one who did my endometrial ablation two and a half years ago; that was a man, but he was also in the office during my exam) that I wanted a hysterectomy.

And she agreed.

Really, it was that simple. My guess is that Mr. Male Gynecologist didn't think that I was really experiencing that much pain, which is why he suggested the endometrial ablation. Or maybe he genuinely thought it was all I needed. I don't know.

So, it looks like it'll happen in January, after yet another battery of tests. I don't know how they'll do the surgery, but the male gynecologist said I'd be in the hospital for four or five days. I don't like that idea. I want to go home the same day, or the next day. I don't like that clinic; the nurses are rough, and I just don't like the overall atmosphere.

So, what can I expect after this operation?

[April]

Not me, but my mom. Keep in mind that you are totally throwing your hormones out of whack. she still has major hot flashes. She used to stand outside in December in the snow because she was so hot. She had some weight gain that she can't seem to get back off. She said it was a more difficult recovery than she expected. I do not think she spent nearly a week in the hospital, but it was awhile ago, so I'm not quite sure.

Despite the hot flashes and everything, she doesn't regret. She's not in pain anymore all the time.

[wolfie]

Not in the medical field, and (for obvious reasons) haven't had a hysterectomy, but my understanding is that it's major abdominal surgery (that's why they want to keep you for a couple days).

I've heard there are two approaches. First is the traditional (abdominal incision) method. Second (newer and supposedly quicker recovery since they don't have to cut through muscles of the abdominal wall) is taking it out through the vagina. Check with your doctor which method they're using, and why they chose that one.

Another issue to consider is whether or not to take out your ovaries at the same time. If you're of an age where you would have gone through menopause already (ablation doesn't count), it's usually preferred to take them out (no longer providing normal hormone levels, so elimination of risk of ovarian cancer trumps the nonexistent maintenance of hormone levels). Don't know the preferred option for younger women.

[Eireann]

They'll leave the ovaries in. I don't know yet what route they'll take - regular abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic. I've sent the office an email asking about that, as well as how long I'll be off work, etc. I plan to have it done in January, when work is slow.

[Luna Baby]

I had mine done almost 10 years ago. Not only had my uterus prolapsed, but so had my bladder. I noticed the uterine prolapse in less than 6 weeks post delivery of my second son. It took me another 3-5 years to convince my doctor that yes, at 30, I was peeing on myself just standing up. It also took a 2nd opinion from my previous OB/GYN before he would listen to me, but all is well now.

My surgeon did leave my ovaries due to my age so that I will go through natural menopause. That is a blessing since I do not like taking daily meds.

My hysterectomy was done vaginally, however, I did incur 2 small incisions on either side of the pubic bone where (I assume) he went in laparoscopically to attach the "sling" that holds my bladder in place. I was in the hospital overnight, but was still considered outpatient since I was released less than 24 hours post admission and since I had no major incisions.

Best surgery ever!! I do not deal with my period anymore so I do not have to make those expensive purchases nor do I have to worry about ruining clothes. I do still contend with PMS due to still producing natural hormones, but that is not something that is terrible to deal with. The other big plus is that because my bladder was put back into place, I can run/exercise again without fear of peeing on myself.

I'm nearing 43 very soon and other than some slight weight gain, I have had no adverse issues with having had the hysterectomy. I did have a slight amount of depression immediately afterwards, but that lasted about a month and then I was over it.

[BlaqueKatt]

Really, it was that simple. My guess is that Mr. Male Gynecologist didn't think that I was really experiencing that much pain, which is why he suggested the endometrial ablation. Or maybe he genuinely thought it was all I needed. I don't know.

It's generally done with less frequency because your uterus supports your bladder, and it's the only thing that does, removing your uterus requires rearranging and sometimes adding stuff(surgical mesh) to support so it doesn't shift or prolapse. Short term studies show no change but long-term studies show up to a 60% increase in urinary incontinence. And you do lose some hormone function even if you keep your ovaries.

[pudddykat]

My mom had a hysterectomy. They left the ovaries and her cervix. The cervix supports the bladder so no mesh.

[Eireann]

I got an answer to my email. The gynecologist says it'll be laparoscopic, and I don't have to have it in the same clinic where I had the endometrial ablation. I won't know any more details until my next appointment, which will be in about two weeks.

[Valentinian]

My mother had a hysterectomy twenty-some years ago, and I went home to look after her during the first part of her recovery as she wasn't allowed to lift anything heavier than a box of tissues.

Now, hers was a lot more traumatic than most, as she had severe endometriosis and fibroids, and the endometriosis had caused adhesions through her whole abdomen - her uterus was stuck to her other organs, and the surgeon had to do a huge incision and spend hours teasing things apart - so I'm pretty sure she was on much stricter movement/exercise/activity restrictions during her recovery than you will be. That said, if they tell you not to do something, please for the love of cheese listen to them. I practically had to chase her around the house telling her to sit down, lie down, no don't do 'just this one little thing', I will do that, sit down! Yes, I will wash the laundry ceiling that you have decided needs to be done now after who knows how long, go back to bed!

(I can laugh about it now but man, at the time it was Not Funny.)

Ahem. Anyway. If they put you on activity restrictions, I realise it can be frustrating as hell but please comply. Even the easiest hysterectomy is major abdominal surgery, and you can easily sabotage your own recovery by doing too much. And congratulations on finding a doc who will listen to you!

[Eireann]

One thing I forgot to mention is, I'll be in the hospital for five days.

I'm not looking forward to this. Five days in the hospital! The longest I've ever stayed in one is overnight. I don't have endometriosis or fibroids, fortunately. They must want to make sure everything is working out okay before they let me go home. Five freakin' days.

[pudddykat]

My mom's started as laparoscopic but ended up with them opening her up as they were having trouble with that approach. She did well and I think it was five days or less in the hospital. The biggest problem she had was terrible gas pains afterward because they inflate the belly to work laparoscopically and it trapped some air. And yes as Valentinian says obey restrictions. Bonus funny: mom went back to work after healing. She was still a bit sore and had some difficulty with the ab muscles as she was still healing somewhat. Anyway, she went to the little girls room and inadvertently chose the stall with the lower than normal toilet. She had trouble getting back up and for one hairy moment considered calling her coworker to come help.

[Eireann]

First, they're going to do outpatient surgery - something to do with the endometrium. It'll be done under general anesthetic. Two weeks later, I'll have the big operation.

I don't know what I'll be doing after I get home from the hospital. How will I do just about anything if I'm not supposed to lift anything or bend at the waist?

[Akasa]

I had a full hysterectomy in 08.

Best thing I've ever done in my life!

I was in the hospital for about 4-5 days... kinda in a drugged daze so I'm not sure about the exact time frame.

After I got home I wasn't allowed to lift more than 1lb, and needed help getting in and out of bed.(My little brother was amazing through this. Tho he was a teen he was always checking on me and making sure my needs were met.)

Because I had a full hysterectomy they took my ovaries too.

The doctor told me we wouldn't put me on hormones immediately, we'd see if I started having menopause symptoms. I didn't so BOOM no hormones!

[Eireann]

A friend of mine filled me in on her hysterectomy; she was able to lift more than one pound, and she didn't have much pain.

It'll be SUCH a relief to have that problem gone... if it had been anything else, it would have been treated ages ago.

[Sparklyturtle]

I had a total vaginal hysterectomy along with removal of tubes and ovaries back in 2014 for endometrial (uterine lining) cancer. Believe me, I don't miss any of them at all. While I had a relatively uneventful menopause otherwise, except for occasional hot flashes and even those aren't very hot, really nothing's changed. I went in Thursday morning and was home by Sunday, but because my surgery was laparoscopic I didn't have any large incisions. I also had an incisional hernia right above my umbilicus repaired, which was a remnant from having my gallbladder removed back in 1995. I had intravenous pain medication, and Turtleguy pulled the tube out when that was finished, but Turtleguy has experience in the medical field (he's a retired laboratory technician) so I didn't have to go to the doctor to have the tube removed. I actually had very little pain. However, the first couple of days, don't be surprised if you have muscle spasms in your abdominal region from your remaining organs, etc. sorting themselves out. I had these, but they weren't very painful and quickly stopped. I also had to give myself injections of blood thinner afterward, which I think was the worst part, but because I had had to do that once before I knew how so I just gritted my teeth and did it. This was due to my having a history of a blood clot a few years back, so you probably won't need it, but don't take my word for it. And do follow your doctor's instructions as to activity, etc.