HELP....I Want/need a Hysterectomy

Hi S.,

I had Hysterecotmy in 2008 and can't be happier!

Good luck,

If you have more questions, please email me.

D.

I had one 6 years ago. Best thing I ever did for myself.

I had fibroids and very heavy bleeding. I was 42 and sick of dealing with it.

It was supposed to be done vaginally, but because there were so many fibroids it had to be taken out abdominally. Although it took a little while to get my stomach muscles back, I made a quick recovery. I spent 3 days in the hospital, and the next week I was at my daughter's first high school softball game. I sat in a lawnchair and held a pillow over my incision. I think because I had a positive attitude and kept moving, my recovery went well. I was back to pretty much normal within a month.

I kept my ovaries and have had no side effects at all.

Updated

Have you talked to your doctor about this? Are you a candidate for endometrial ablation (sp?)? There are other now less invasive ways to treat heavy bleeding that you may want to discuss with your doctor. A friend has a hysterectomy to treat endometrial cancer and it was pretty awful. She had a catheter in at home for several weeks and was out of work for quite a while. It is a major operation no matter how you have it done - just like some women recover from c-sections quickly and others are still feeling it months later, some women can bounce back easily from this and other are down for the count for a long time.

If the only issue is bleeding, I would seriously consider something like an IUD or ablation first. I think a full hysto makes sense for cancer or something like severe endometriosis but anything short of that? I'd do anything I could to keep that uterus inside.

I had an abdominal incision and you can hardly see it now.. bikini line

Recovery was no where near 6-12 months... I was at a track meet in 3 weeks to watch my daughter.

I had everything removed and went on HRT patch.

I had no negative side effects, no weight gain, no swelly belly, my sex drive sky rocketed because I no longer feared an oops pregnancy

I've never had any bladder, bowel issues

I do believe recovery has a lot to do with your current physical fitness and attitude. I am not one to be down long and I was up at at it as soon as I had a go ahead. I laid around the first week and slowly started getting back to my routine. Dr. did not let me drive for 2 weeks but after all that, it was a piece of cake.

It was the best thing I ever did for myself.. never felt or looked better!!

I had a hysterectomy a year after my son was born. I had suffered so many years and been in the hospital so many times, it was just time to end it.
My procedure was done vaginally and I felt fantastic after it was done. I was surprised how quickly I recovered. The only bummer was that they had a really hard time getting the right dosage for my hormone replacement.

I happen to know that most insurance won't pay for a hysterectomy unless you have tried other things first or you have a definitive diagnosis of uterine fibroids, etc. that would likely not respond to any other treatment. Your doctor needs to submit the paperwork saying it's medically necessary and get authorization.
Whether or not it's done abdominally or vaginally is a decision to make with your doctor based on your certain circumstances. One or the other might not be a possibility.

I know my health improved greatly after my hysterectomy and I was bummed because I really would like to have had another baby, but I was blessed with two when they told me I'd never have even one.
I truly have no regrets.

Best wishes.

Had mine Feb 7 2011 and it was the best thing I did!!!

In the hospital for 24 hours..no complications...bed rest for 48 hours and the rest is history..

Have not had to have any HRT...yes, I've had some hot flashes - but overall - best decision I made!!!

My mother had one over 20 years ago -the full abdominal incision and said it was the best thing she ever did! It did take her 5 or 6 weeks to fully recover, but she was glad she had it done. The lapriscopic and vaginal methods now are even better. I wish could have one! I hate having a period and always have. It's just a nuisance!

Have you considered an endometrial ablation?
It's something to try before a hysterectomy (which would be a last resort).
The endometrial lining is destroyed, which usually helps decrease the monthly bleeding.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endometrial_ablation

I had very heavy bleeding due to fibroids, but had the Uterine Fibroid Embolization instead of a hysterectomy. It really lessened the bleeding, and I was hoping that it would take care of it until I hit menopause. I still have a very light period, and occasional spotting, but nothing like what it was. I had mine done in 2006, I think? I'm 54 now....

I have a feeling some of the fibroids have come back, but I really didn't want to have the hysterectomy if it wasn't necessary. My recovery was really quick! A couple of days in bed, and that was it.

All of my aunts, mom, sister and female cousins have had it done. Most were back to work in 3 weeks to half days, and mostly recovered in about 6 weeks. I would imagine that full recovery would be a good few months. Surgery is hard on body, but you can function after surgery.
I too am looking into having it done myself. Since April I have bleed off and on with maybe one to three days of dry days. They have me on iron pills, and provera. My doc don't think I should have surgery, she thinks hormones will help it.

Please research "Edometrial Thermal Ablation" before you consider a hysterectomy. I had that done instead, and it has worked wonders so far. It's much less invasive and you can keep your uterus. The surgery is outpatient, and I was only really uncomfortable for about 6 hours after the surgery. I do have a tiny bit of blood once a month, but it's nothing compared to what I was dealing with before.

Vaginal. It was the best thing I ever did. I also had ridiculous bleeding that was prohibiting me from my life! No, it did not take anything like that to recuperate. Within days I was slowly walking around the house. After a week a was slowly walking on a treadmill. Yes, you have to go very slowly, but I don't remember it being terrible. (Had mine in 2000) I think a lot depends on the type of person you are and how nutritiously you eat during your recuperation.

No bladder or bowel side affects. Vaginal dryness can be an issue when you don't take hormones. Some women pee in a different direction.... you just get used to it.

HI, I had a hysterectomy in November and I wish I hadn't. It was supposed to help my endometriosis and nothing has changed except now I constantly feel the symptoms of menopause. You should really consider other options and leave this as a last resort. I know not everyone is the same, but if my experience can keep you from going through more pain and discomfort than you have to then its worth it. I had the hysterectomy 2 days after my 30th bday and if anything, my pain has gotten worse. Just my opinion...oh, yea and if you do end up getting the hysterectomy, i would recommend the partial. I didn't have that option due to my medical condition.

my mom had this done. and it wasnt just the recovery time. you also have to keep n mind what it will do to you hormonally. and doctors are more likely to preform one in this country han any other. it is truly a last resort.

Everyone I know who had one has complaints, and a long recovery. Some developed prolapse and urinary leakage. Others a whole host of other issues . You will have vaginal dryness and forced to be dependent on hormones -- many of which have not been shown to be entirely safe (ie carcinegens associated with estrogen)

Overall , an operation to remove healthy organs, and part of the female anatomy -- really is major surgery. It should truly be a last resort. I'm amazed at the number of women on this site that are recommending it. I thought that the popularity of performing hysterectomy's had declined . Certainly know that your periods will reduce over time in their intensity and will end up only lasting a few days -- whereas a hysterectomy is for a lifetime. Hopefully you will consult with several (not surgery happy) docs.

Robot assisted laparoscopic surgery is the way to go with the quickest recovery time. Some women leave the hospital the same day and if they do stay in the hospital, it is just overnight. Most women are up and moving pretty quickly though you do need to give your body time (2-4 wks) to heal and that is difficult for them because they feel so good.

First question and I'm sure it will be asked by everyone. Have you talked to a doctor about this and not just internet research???

Oh and I had a theatre teacher that had to have hers removed, and she was gone for an entire semester.

.

I have not had a hysterectomy but three of my friends in their 40's have and love it! I had a uterine ablation three years ago that took care of the massive fibroids and constant bleeding. I have had not had any residual bleeding thus far.