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Hysterectomy experiences
- Thread starter Missy
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@missy I'm going to assume you mean the full deal. I had it but it was very young (in my case only uterine though mine was complicated because of cancer)
I don't know all the options for doing the surgery but back when I had mine (way back) there were 2 options and thats only if you didn't have complications like I did. My sister had hers at 55ish without complications and her's was smooth sailing as she had hers laporascopically. Thats not always an option though.
If you stay on BHRT you should be fine that way. Its mostly about recovery time for you.
I don't know all the options for doing the surgery but back when I had mine (way back) there were 2 options and thats only if you didn't have complications like I did. My sister had hers at 55ish without complications and her's was smooth sailing as she had hers laporascopically. Thats not always an option though.
If you stay on BHRT you should be fine that way. Its mostly about recovery time for you.
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Sending hugs x
mom2dolls
Shiny_Rock
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I had a hysterectomy in 2013 leaving one ovary. They used the Davinci robot, and the recovery was brutal! Please do not allow your surgeon to use this robot. A recovery that should have been a few weeks turned into 11 weeks flat on my back. I still have pain and long lastings issues because of the surgery. I went to one of the best hospitals in Orange County and my doctor sold the procedure as ground breaking and you will be up and about within days. When I was not recovering as he felt I should, he humiliated me. I would go back in every two weeks to be checked, the second appointment he happened to be on vacation so I saw another partner doc. Come to find out there was a 1" hole caused by him and this stupid robot. Dr's are heavily compensated for use of such devices. Class action lawsuits are everywhere because of this device.
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luvmysparklies
Brilliant_Rock
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This right here. I had a family member who had this surgery and the doc used the Davinci robot. She ran high fever, and the doc seemed to not be accessible. She wound up having to go to her PCP, who got on the phone with the ob/gyn and gave him hell. She healed, but it was rough. Rougher than it should have been, given her mother had a hysterectomy back in the day using the regular laproscopic procedure--no issues outside of the norm. Also, Davinci leaves more scars whereas the laproscopy's scars were placed in the navel, pretty much undetectable. Don't do the Davinci. It will be nice when women's issues are taken more seriously and more well researched!
finerthings
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Missy, I had Laproscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy over 20 years ago for endometriosis and my ovaries were removed as well. The doctor went in and excised my uterus through the vagina, only two small cuts were made on my belly for instruments. My recovery was pretty much by the book, very sore and tender for about 6 weeks. My issue with any surgery is my body really reacts with major post operative edema everywhere, so I was very bloated for a couple of weeks. I had some difficulty later getting my hormone replacement dosage correct, but after that I was fine, and I have been on a low dose Estrace regimin since then. I think in your case, a hysterectomy may be the best answer for your bleeding problem. After it is done, you will not need to have progesterone as you no longer have a uterus, and the whole hormone replacement issue is much simpler. Good luck with your research, and take care. ((Hugs))
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Thanks for sharing your experience @finerthings. I’m glad it went well.
I just want to add that progesterone is actually important for more than our uteruses. Our entire body has progesterone receptors. It’s neuroprotective and important for so much more. When I get home I’d be happy to link scientific journal articles for you to read if you’d like. Even men need progesterone and they don’t have a uterus obviously lol.
I appreciate you posting thanks.
finerthings
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Demon
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I had a complete hysterectomy - cervix and all. They couldn't do a laproscopic as I was having it due to an ovarian tumor, and it was too large for that. So there's the scar, which I care nothing about, and of course there was some recovery time. But other than that, no problems. I had already gone through menopause, which was a breeze for me, so I had no problems from all of a sudden not having hormones. I really can't say anything bad about it, and the way I look at it is I now have 4 fewer spots for cancer, lol.
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My pleasure! Here you go. Click the links for the full article. I am just copying and pasting certain parts.
Also want to distinguish the difference between progestins (synthetic p) and progesterone which is bio identical. Meaning same structure as our body makes. Progestins are not good. Progesterone is good.
Progesterone and Neuroprotection - PMC
Numerous studies aimed at identifying the role of estrogen on the brain have used the ovariectomized rodent as the experimental model. And while estrogen intervention in these animals have, at least partially, restored cholinergic, neurotrophin and ...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Snip...
"Similarly, one must also consider the fact that the human menopause results in the precipitous decline of not just circulating estrogens, but in circulating progesterone as well and as such, the increased risk for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease during the postmenopausal period could also be contributed by this loss of progesterone. In fact, progesterone has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects, both in cell models, animal models and in humans. Here, we review the evidence that supports the neuroprotective effects of progesterone and discuss the various mechanisms that are thought to mediate these protective effects."
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Snip...
In addition to maintenance of the endometrium during pregnancy and vascularization of the endometrium during ovulation, progesterone also plays a role in bone formation. The process of resorption and building of new bone requires hormones such as estradiol and progesterone, as well as bone-forming cells, such as osteoblasts. Progesterone increases the process of bone formation by stimulating P-4-receptor mediated osteoblastic growth during the initiation of bone modeling.[11] This process of formation is a balance between estradiol, which rapidly resorbs bone and progesterone, which slowly forms bone. In turn, the findings of ovulatory abnormalities due to deficiencies of progesterone result in low levels of P4 and a subsequent decline in the ability to achieve peak bone mineral density.
Progesterone additionally plays a crucial element in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. During the luteal phase, the hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which acts on a gland called the anterior pituitary. In response to this release of GnRH, the anterior pituitary will release FSH and LH, which will subsequently act on the gonads. In the female ovary, this release of FSH and LH on the gonads causes the release of progesterone. Excess amounts of progesterone will cause negative feedback inhibition on each prior organ, resulting in the cessation of the release of hormones. This process allows for regulated control of hormone levels. Abnormalities of this axis results in dysregulation of hormone levels affecting numerous organ systems and downstream hormones within the body.
Although progesterone is primarily associated with the reproductive system, it also plays a functional role in the neuroendocrine axis. Progesterone may demonstrate neuroprotective factors in both the central as well as the peripheral nervous system, affecting myelination processes and regulation of astroglial plasticity. Additionally, progesterone functions to aid neuron survival in the setting of neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These effects are due to the expression of progesterone receptors located throughout the nervous system.
Progesterone has also been studied regarding its protective effect on various neurological disorders, osteoporosis, benign prostate hyperplasia, and osteoporosis.[14] In the setting of the nervous system, progesterone plays a role in myelin proliferation, whereas in the musculoskeletal system, this steroid hormone interacts with estrogen to form an equilibrium for peak bone mineral density.
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Most importantly, progesterone is associated with a plethora of critical central nervous system functions, and the dramatic drop in progesterone that follows bilateral oophorectomy may have a significant impact on mood, cognition, and neurogenesis. In fact, multiple studies have found strong evidence of progesterone’s neuroprotective effects. As one research cohort from the University of Southern California notes:
Emerging evidence suggests one possible pathway between progesterone and emotional health after menopause: the gut-brain axis. A 2019 study on mice led Japanese researchers to conclude that “progesterone reduces depression and anxiety through changes in gut microbiota composition, particularly by increasing the Lactobacillus spp. Population.” While more research is needed to confirm this phenomenon, it does provide an intriguing argument for the use of progesterone treatment after hysterectomy with oophorectomy.
The evidence for progesterone treatment after surgical menopause is growing and it is compelling—and thus far, there are no well-documented risks to its use. It’s important to note that while combined estrogen-progestin therapy has been associated with increased breast cancer risk, estrogen-progesterone combination therapy has not."
She Needs Progesterone, Uterus or Not!
A woman not needing progesterone, with or without a uterus, is simply not supported by physiology, biochemistry or science.
www.power2practice.com
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Limiting the use of progesterone to women who have a uterus ignores the science that progesterone has beneficial effects outside of the uterus.
Progesterone receptors have been identified in almost every cell in the body; therefore, progesterone has functions throughout the entire body. A quick look at the evidence shows many favorable effects of progesterone, whereas MPA (synthetic progestin) produces unwanted side effects or risks which are the exact opposite of the actions of progesterone."
"In opposition to the increased risk of synthetic progestins, bioidentical progesterone has been shown to possess anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties."
"In contrast, progesterone works synergistically with estrogen to increase lipid maintenance and cardiovascular health."
"Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen to provide better bone remodeling through stimulation of bone growth, while progestins do not. Progesterone provides neuroprotective benefits for the nervous system, while side effects of synthetic progestins are the opposite."
"A woman does not need a progestin if she does not have a uterus, but she requires progesterone when it becomes deficient in perimenopause, to continue to provide protection of her breasts, heart, blood vessels, bones, nervous system muscles, liver, skin, and perhaps much more yet to be discovered"
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I had one in 2000 they left 1 ovary and my cervix, mine was done surgical with a big old cut side to side way down low, it HURT...my recovery was brutal I had 2 previous c-sections so I was completely knocked off guard by the pain, I was still walking hunched over and on some pain killers when I went back to work 9 weeks later, however my scar got infected and opened back up after about 6 weeks into recovery so that didn't help anything. I was left with one ovary and goodness the hot flashes lasted forever, like YEARS in spite of still have the one ovary.....would I do it again? oh yeah, I had horrible periods to the point where I was anemic. I would assume things today are done alot differently then they were in 21 years ago so it might not be as bad with more modern techniques and medicine...Good luck in your decision.
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finerthings
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Wow! Great read and thank you Missy! I guess I feel like I've missed the boat on something that would have benefited me for all these years. Makes me very frustrated that our medical system is so patriarchal, with less research done and shared amongst doctors for the purpose of bettering the health of women!
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I completely agree. There is a huge bias in medicine and research.
And it’s not too late. That’s why I shared the info with you. You can start taking it now if you wanted to. It’s also necessary to balance estradiol.
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Had one in 2017 after suffering from endo for years. I had already lost an ovary the year before but ended up having a hysterectomy done vaginally removing everything except the remaining ovary.
I wanted to come home after 24hrs but my Gyno made me stay in Hospital for 2 nights. Recovery for me was a doddle - it was more annoying that my husband refused to let me drive for 4wks!
My only after effects were I needed a Nana nap (1hr) every afternoon for 2 weeks or so as I was more tired then anything. The other weird side effect was a fluttering in my stomach / lower chest. It happened every night around 1-2am for a week or so and was pretty disconcerting. Apparently it is just your organs rearranging and settling as you heal internally.
Having it done internally was brilliant as there were no external stitches which I think is so much easier (child 2 was a c-section so I have experienced that sort of surgery before and whilst again it was ok, it does limit you greatly). No more pap screening is another fantastic side effect as I no longer have a cervix.
I wanted to come home after 24hrs but my Gyno made me stay in Hospital for 2 nights. Recovery for me was a doddle - it was more annoying that my husband refused to let me drive for 4wks!
My only after effects were I needed a Nana nap (1hr) every afternoon for 2 weeks or so as I was more tired then anything. The other weird side effect was a fluttering in my stomach / lower chest. It happened every night around 1-2am for a week or so and was pretty disconcerting. Apparently it is just your organs rearranging and settling as you heal internally.
Having it done internally was brilliant as there were no external stitches which I think is so much easier (child 2 was a c-section so I have experienced that sort of surgery before and whilst again it was ok, it does limit you greatly). No more pap screening is another fantastic side effect as I no longer have a cervix.
DiaLuv
Shiny_Rock
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Missy,
Here is my hysterectomy experience. Everyone’s experience different, so, listen to you doctor, and do what is best for you.
I had a hysterectomy in 2004 for fibroid tumors. I was 44 so I left my ovaries because they were fine and I enter menopause a few years later.
I was off work for 4 weeks, discomfort was minimal. I never regretted having it done.
All the best to you.
Mary
Here is my hysterectomy experience. Everyone’s experience different, so, listen to you doctor, and do what is best for you.
I had a hysterectomy in 2004 for fibroid tumors. I was 44 so I left my ovaries because they were fine and I enter menopause a few years later.
I was off work for 4 weeks, discomfort was minimal. I never regretted having it done.
All the best to you.
Mary
mustangchi
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Elizabeth35
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I had vaginal laparoscopic assisted hysterectomy/oophorectomy in June 2020 due to multiple cases of post menopausal endometrial thickening and polyps, with multiple D&C's.
After discussing with my gynecologist, I decided to do hysterectomy as opposed to doing a D&C (with general anesthesia) every 2-3 years as this was a recurring issue.
I'm fine with my decision and glad I don't have to worry about another incidence, possibly occurring when I am out of US for extended period.
Plus---no chance of endometrial or ovarian cancer.
The surgery itself was nothing. No more discomfort than a D&C. I took no OTC or prescription painkillers. I was up walking 5 hours post surgery with no issues.
I took it easy on stairs for a couple days. No vacuuming for 4 weeks.
I was okayed to drive after 2 days, and gentle treadmill walking after 2 weeks.
Hardest part was remembering not to lift anything over 10# for 6 weeks.
Truly not a big deal physically.
After discussing with my gynecologist, I decided to do hysterectomy as opposed to doing a D&C (with general anesthesia) every 2-3 years as this was a recurring issue.
I'm fine with my decision and glad I don't have to worry about another incidence, possibly occurring when I am out of US for extended period.
Plus---no chance of endometrial or ovarian cancer.
The surgery itself was nothing. No more discomfort than a D&C. I took no OTC or prescription painkillers. I was up walking 5 hours post surgery with no issues.
I took it easy on stairs for a couple days. No vacuuming for 4 weeks.
I was okayed to drive after 2 days, and gentle treadmill walking after 2 weeks.
Hardest part was remembering not to lift anything over 10# for 6 weeks.
Truly not a big deal physically.
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A couple of friends had it done, and the main issue for them was not being able lift anything heavy or to drive for 8 weeks!
That was a good few years ago, and I do not know if surgical techniques have advanced sufficiently to reduce that period of no lifting and no driving.
DK
Unfortunately no. That’s the biggest challenge for me. I had eight months of no weight bearing due to my cycling accident in 2014. That was tough. With a hysterectomy there is no lifting or exercise for at least a few months as I’ve been researching it. Every individual is different but for me this is what it would entail. I’d be having my cervix out as well (to stop the bleeding fully) so that makes it a bit more complicated. You want to fully heal before lifting weight to minimize the chance for prolapse. Which happens often unfortunately.
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Elizabeth35
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Missy-I also had cervix removed. I was okayed to treadmill walk gently at 2 weeks and listen to my body.
You are in good shape and physically active---you will heal quicker than many.
Weight lifting would be up to your Dr. to approve.
Other than lifting anything over 10#--I was really back to normal after a couple days.
After 2-3 days I was back to cooking dinner, walking around, etc. Hard to ask for help getting milk out of fridge or groceries lifted but no big deal.
I know they say 6 week recovery---but my experience was that I felt fine from day 1. Just had to temper my activity and allow others to help. No pulling activity like vacuuming for 6 weeks.
My energy was normal after 2-3 days.
You are in good shape and physically active---you will heal quicker than many.
Weight lifting would be up to your Dr. to approve.
Other than lifting anything over 10#--I was really back to normal after a couple days.
After 2-3 days I was back to cooking dinner, walking around, etc. Hard to ask for help getting milk out of fridge or groceries lifted but no big deal.
I know they say 6 week recovery---but my experience was that I felt fine from day 1. Just had to temper my activity and allow others to help. No pulling activity like vacuuming for 6 weeks.
My energy was normal after 2-3 days.
finerthings
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Because it holds things in place and sometimes is attached to the bladder making it more complicated.
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Thank you Elizabeth. That’s good to hear and I’m glad recovery went smoothly for you
finerthings
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I do want to say, that after a hysterectomy, your orgasms may feel different too. This is never discussed, women's sexual health is ignored compared to men... Basically the uterus plays a part in the overall orgasm, that feeling of contraction adds to the experience, and once that is gone it doesn't feel as good. But in the end we have to balance the good and the bad in life, it is a personal decision akin to a man complaining about loss of sexual performance after a prostatectomy... we hear a lot about that, but nothing about how a women feels after a hysterectomy!
finerthings
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Yes, but a good surgeon knows how to handle that.
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