Hysterectomy experiences

[Elizabeth35]

Don't listen to worst case scenarios or negative people. You are healthy and should bounce back quickly.
I will say---especially if you need painkillers, make sure you hydrate and increase fiber intake. Talk to your doc about stool softeners and such indelicate matters.
You are post surgery, after fasting, less active, etc. It is easily managed if you plan for it.

 

[Missy]

Yes, but a good surgeon knows how to handle that.

I have read horror stories. My heart goes out to these women who have had terrible setbacks. It happens. Even with great surgeons. I have been through a lot and humans are fallible. I tend to be cautiously optimistic but always need to know all the possibilities. It's my quirk what can I say. But I feel being prepared for all options is the way I deal with stressful situations.

Thank you for your encouragement @finerthings

 

[Missy]

Don't listen to worst case scenarios or negative people. You are healthy and should bounce back quickly.
I will say---especially if you need painkillers, make sure you hydrate and increase fiber intake. Talk to your doc about stool softeners and such indelicate matters.
You are post surgery, after fasting, less active, etc. It is easily managed if you plan for it.

Thanks Elizabeth. I appreciate your optimistic view.

 

[Missy]

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!

Yes I have read about that. Taking the cervix can affect orgasms if one has cervical orgasms. I know some women are very unhappy now and that their orgasms are less intense. I am not worried too much about that but if it happens I wouldn't be thrilled. it's just that I think right now I am more in survival mode and the rest I can work on later. I just want the bleeding to stop to make sure I don't get endometrial cancer. That comes first. But yeah not a great potential side effect.

And you are so right. As women our sex life is deemed less critical than men. Ridiculous. It affects our healthcare too in big ways. Men don't have to beg for testosterone replacement if they need it whereas many doctors are reluctant to give women a decent dose of HRT. It's insane that in this century we are still dealing with this. But then again what do we expect given that states are repealing Roe V Wade. We are still treated like second class citizens. Makes me so mad.

 

[Elizabeth35]

I called my surgeon's office to find out what to expect, restricted activities, etc.
Basically post-surgical expectations.
The surgical nurse told me that basically I would be back to normal at 2 weeks with restrictions.
Her words---'you've got this'.

 

[Dandi]

In the OR I work in, we easily do a dozen hysterectomies a week. Most are robotic, but some are vaginal, which is a viable option if you haven't had abdominal surgery and no scar tissue or adhesions. They upside to vaginal hysters is no scarring, but a lot of the robotic ones we do are single site, so all instruments go through a single umbilical port. The vast majority recover quickly without incident, so don't be too concerned about any negative experiences you hear or read about.

 

[HGar]

In my experience 6was after my op, I was back training for a 10km run and I’m an overweight woman, at that stage only doing sporadic exercise prior to the operation. As we have 3 kids aged back then 13, 11 and 8 plus run our own business, I was back to usual activities within 1-1.5wks including back at work. Everything other then driving.

 

[Phoenix]

@missy, I don't have anything useful to contribute. But just want to send you boatloads of HUGS!!

 

[Missy]

Thank you to everyone who has contributed. I have a lot to think about.
Reading your experiences (for better or worse) is helpful.
I truly appreciate your generosity and kindness in sharing such a personal experience.

And thank you for your good wishes and hugs. Right back at ya.

 

[donnabrsd]

I had mine in 2015 (uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes) by abdominal incision. Mine was due to large fibroids, too large for laparoscopic. I was in good shape and healthy-ish weight before the surgery; spent 2 nights in the hospital; only took Advil for pain; back to driving after 2 weeks; back to bootcamp after 6 weeks. I had 3 prior c-sections, so the surgery and recovery felt very similar to me. I may have been in pre-menopause before the surgery, but only had sporadic symptoms. Tried about 6 months with no hormones by my choice, then started Climara patch for hot flashes and dryness. Started at a higher dosage then dropped to a lower does a few years ago. The plan is to be on the patch for about 10 years total.

Near the same time, I had two friends that did laparoscopic with no complications.

I know it's different for everyone, so if it is something you must do, I send good wishes and hugs for an easy procedure and quick recovery.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

I'm sorry you are having to research this @missy . Big hugs to you.

What a wonderful community PS is.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Good luck with this Missy/ You are healthy and careful . Choose the best surgeon you can find. Hugs to you.

Annette

 

[mrs-b]

I had a full hysterectomy 2 years ago due to endo cancer. Very little pain, quick recovery - took it easy for 2 weeks, then basically back to normal. No pain killers necessary. Walked out of the hospital the next day. No sex for 6 weeks, then took it slowly, then back to normal. No change to sexual experience.

The last word in no big deal - and huge benefits. And it was very nice to no longer be anemic.

I had a wonderful surgeon who was also a man who respected women. Made all the difference.

 

[yanaazul]

I had a vaginal laparoscopic hysterectomy including removal of the cervix in 2018, due to cervical cancer. I did keep my ovaries though. Recovery was uneventful, thankfully. As mentioned no lifting or reaching, but my surgeon encouraged me to get out and walk. But couldn’t walk the dog, which she said was because if the dog yanked, it could cause the same kind of hernia/prolapse the ”no lifting“ was intended to avoid.

A hot water bottle was my best friend. The incision pain was short-lived - three days or so - due to the laparoscopic method, but the settling of internal organs was uncomfortable for a couple of weeks. There’s a lot of manipulation to make enough room to maneuver around in there. My surgeon had warned me about that - she explained that the operating table inclines back so they can slide all the other organs up into my chest, and use air to inflate my chest/abdominal cavity as well. So yeah, bloating like I’ve never had, I’m sure you can imagine. Also, because of the disruption to the area, it was difficult to urinate for a couple of weeks. Like everything was clenched up. I came up with this routine of deep breathing and visualizing releasing my muscles on the exhale - essentially the opposite of doing kegel exercises.

I found a great support community: https://www.hystersisters.com/. A lot of reference articles, certainly, but given how much research you always do Missy, I’m sure you’ve already got that covered. The forum is the truly fantastic part. Much like Pricescope, there are people always generously giving their time and experience. Very well organized - sub-forums for pre-op, post-op, menopause, endometriosis, cancer, kept/didn’t keep ovaries, managing without hormone therapy, just everything. This sub-forum https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/forumdisplay.php?f=242 is just threads for weekly groupings of hysterectomy dates - once you know your procedure date, that thread becomes your cohort of women going through the same stages of recovery at the same time. Also, each of the cohort threads has a volunteer from the community that sponsors the thread - the big sister, if you will. It really was a wonderful comfort to me.

Big hugs for you, Missy!

 

[Missy]

I had a vaginal laparoscopic hysterectomy including removal of the cervix in 2018, due to cervical cancer. I did keep my ovaries though. Recovery was uneventful, thankfully. As mentioned no lifting or reaching, but my surgeon encouraged me to get out and walk. But couldn’t walk the dog, which she said was because if the dog yanked, it could cause the same kind of hernia/prolapse the ”no lifting“ was intended to avoid.

A hot water bottle was my best friend. The incision pain was short-lived - three days or so - due to the laparoscopic method, but the settling of internal organs was uncomfortable for a couple of weeks. There’s a lot of manipulation to make enough room to maneuver around in there. My surgeon had warned me about that - she explained that the operating table inclines back so they can slide all the other organs up into my chest, and use air to inflate my chest/abdominal cavity as well. So yeah, bloating like I’ve never had, I’m sure you can imagine. Also, because of the disruption to the area, it was difficult to urinate for a couple of weeks. Like everything was clenched up. I came up with this routine of deep breathing and visualizing releasing my muscles on the exhale - essentially the opposite of doing kegel exercises.

I found a great support community: https://www.hystersisters.com/. A lot of reference articles, certainly, but given how much research you always do Missy, I’m sure you’ve already got that covered. The forum is the truly fantastic part. Much like Pricescope, there are people always generously giving their time and experience. Very well organized - sub-forums for pre-op, post-op, menopause, endometriosis, cancer, kept/didn’t keep ovaries, managing without hormone therapy, just everything. This sub-forum https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/forumdisplay.php?f=242 is just threads for weekly groupings of hysterectomy dates - once you know your procedure date, that thread becomes your cohort of women going through the same stages of recovery at the same time. Also, each of the cohort threads has a volunteer from the community that sponsors the thread - the big sister, if you will. It really was a wonderful comfort to me.

Big hugs for you, Missy!

Thank you @yanaazul! This is exactly what I am looking for, thanks so much. I do belong to a few hysterectomy groups but not this one and it looks excellent. What you are describing is what I had been reading about and concerned about but I know it is a part of the process. Moving all our organs around is not something I look forward to having done. Glad you are past this difficult time and cancer free. Thank you also for the hugs and big hugs to you too!

 

[ZestfullyBling]

Hi, so I am asking for those who have had a hysterectomy to share their experience with me if possible.
I am reluctantly considering this major surgery and would appreciate hearing from those of you who have gone through it.
The good, the bad and the ugly.

Thanks.

I had one in my late 30s which is not to common I believe. The reason:. Fibroids are hereditary in my family. After I had my son over years Mine was so big I looked like I was in my 1st trimester of pregnancy, it was so painful I would need 800 mg IB, 2-3 times daily for duration of a 7 day heavy menstrual cycle. it took over my uterus. When I saw the photos doc provided after I had surgery...OMG looked like an Alien in there!!! Scary sight.

I was 22 when I had my Son. DH and I wanted a kid. So ten years ago when Doct told me my options. DH and I decided it was the way to go.

For me it has provided so much relief. OMG ...so much relief!!!! I do not regret it.

I will say it was a partial though. Because I was so young , doc did not remove my health cervix or ovaries so that I would not go into early menopause which was a great choice for my situation.

No regrets.

 

[redwood66]

Hi @missy I had a partial leaving both ovaries in 2015. My excellent surgeon used the Davinci robot and recovery was very quick. Back to work after 2 weeks and did not take the hydrocodone after leaving the hospital. The recliner chair was my best friend because that position provided the best relief. I was scheduled to go home same day but ended up staying overnight as they couldn't stop the vomiting no matter what they gave me. This is just what I have to deal with after some anesthesia. Afterwards I kicked myself for not doing it years earlier because of all the pain from what turned out to be very large cysts. I was very afraid going in though and understand what you are going through.

The surgeon makes all the difference and the one I used is the one all the nurses recommended. They are always the ones I listen to for surgeries, no matter what kind.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[AprilBaby]

I’m 62. I had a vaginal hysterectomy at 47 but kept my ovaries. Was a piece of cake. No pain, no hard recovery. Getting a tooth out was worse. At 52 my ovaries twisted and fell. I needed emergency c-section to remove them. Never had a c-section with any of my kids. If I had I would have had an only child.

 

[sarahb]

Missy, I had one in my late 30's due to heavy periods, it was a partial, laparoscopically, and a very easy recovery as I recall. I think I was in the hospital 2 nights.

I'd anticipate your recovery would be a cinch compared to other surgeries you've been through, thinking your leg.

Hang in there, as someone said above, you got this. . Good idea to post this thread!

 

[lambskin]

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.

Missy, if both the cervix and uterus are removed what can prolapse? Is it the bladder? My post menopausal mother had a huge cervical/uterine prolapse and had Everything removed. The surgeon used mesh to support her bladder. She had no complications. I have heard bad things about mesh. What do the surgeons use to support the surrounding organs -I guess including the rectum as support May be an issue too. I have a minor prolapse ( I am post menopausal) and got evaluated for surgery. Hated the doc so never returned to hear what his total recommendations would be. He seemed mad my bladder was in good shape. You are such a good researcher I know you will explore all options and procedures. I am sorry you have to consider this option.Prayers to you.

 

[Missy]

Missy, if both the cervix and uterus are removed what can prolapse? Is it the bladder? My post menopausal mother had a huge cervical/uterine prolapse and had Everything removed. The surgeon used mesh to support her bladder. She had no complications. I have heard bad things about mesh. What do the surgeons use to support the surrounding organs -I guess including the rectum as support May be an issue too. I have a minor prolapse ( I am post menopausal) and got evaluated for surgery. Hated the doc so never returned to hear what his total recommendations would be. He seemed mad my bladder was in good shape. You are such a good researcher I know you will explore all options and procedures. I am sorry you have to consider this option.Prayers to you.

I am sorry your mom experienced prolapse.

I have been researching but it is a lot to absorb so I am taking it one day at a time.

There are many risks associated with a hysterectomy. Especially a total one and one that cannot be done vaginally. An abdominal hysterectomy for example is the most invasive with the longest recovery time. Given the fact that there are many different types of hysterectomies and different reasons (ie if one has cancer the hysterectomy might be more invasive to get the surrounding tissue depending on the stage) the chance for prolapse and recovery time is very different for each individual.

In fact I have been (pleasantly) surprised to read here that most PSer seemed to bounce back quickly after their hysterectomy. In the other groups I joined it seems that one cannot begin working out til week 12 and very light workouts at that time. One woman, who is a fitness instructor thought she would be able to start working out after week 6 but here she is at week 12 and still not given clearance to workout nor does she feel up to it. Recovery of course depends on the type of surgery (vaginal, abdominal, laparoscopic, combo, etc) and the reason for surgery and is it just a partial (uterine) hysterectomy, a total hysterectomy, a hysterectomy plus oophorectomy, etc.

@lambskin Here is a summary of the different types of prolapse one can experience. I hope your mom is doing better now and I hope you are doing well too and that your minor prolapse is fixed or not bothering you.

Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a disorder in which one or more of the pelvic organs drop from their normal position. Watch illustrated videos showing the different types of prolapse that can occur.

www.acog.org

 

[Missy]

Hi @missy I had a partial leaving both ovaries in 2015. My excellent surgeon used the Davinci robot and recovery was very quick. Back to work after 2 weeks and did not take the hydrocodone after leaving the hospital. The recliner chair was my best friend because that position provided the best relief. I was scheduled to go home same day but ended up staying overnight as they couldn't stop the vomiting no matter what they gave me. This is just what I have to deal with after some anesthesia. Afterwards I kicked myself for not doing it years earlier because of all the pain from what turned out to be very large cysts. I was very afraid going in though and understand what you are going through.

The surgeon makes all the difference and the one I used is the one all the nurses recommended. They are always the ones I listen to for surgeries, no matter what kind.

Good luck in your decision.

I am glad you did so well @redwood66 and thank you for sharing your experience. I completely agree the surgeon's skill is what makes all the difference. I am in the process of getting recommendations from my friends in the medical field. I wish I had some nurses I knew who I could ask. I agree nurses are the best resource. Thanks for your good wishes.

 

[Missy]

Missy, I had one in my late 30's due to heavy periods, it was a partial, laparoscopically, and a very easy recovery as I recall. I think I was in the hospital 2 nights.

I'd anticipate your recovery would be a cinch compared to other surgeries you've been through, thinking your leg.

Hang in there, as someone said above, you got this. . Good idea to post this thread!

@sarahb thank you and I am so glad you had a relatively easy hysterectomy. I think when we get it at a younger age we are at an advantage for being stronger. Though I do know no one wants to have a hysterectomy period especially at a young age. Just looking at it purely from a recovery standpoint. Thanks for sharing sweet friend. I value hearing everyone's experiences.

 

[Missy]

I’m 62. I had a vaginal hysterectomy at 47 but kept my ovaries. Was a piece of cake. No pain, no hard recovery. Getting a tooth out was worse. At 52 my ovaries twisted and fell. I needed emergency c-section to remove them. Never had a c-section with any of my kids. If I had I would have had an only child.

Glad you had an easy surgery. From my research it seems vaginal is the least invasive and has the best recovery time.

I had one in my late 30s which is not to common I believe. The reason:. Fibroids are hereditary in my family. After I had my son over years Mine was so big I looked like I was in my 1st trimester of pregnancy, it was so painful I would need 800 mg IB, 2-3 times daily for duration of a 7 day heavy menstrual cycle. it took over my uterus. When I saw the photos doc provided after I had surgery...OMG looked like an Alien in there!!! Scary sight.

I was 22 when I had my Son. DH and I wanted a kid. So ten years ago when Doct told me my options. DH and I decided it was the way to go.

For me it has provided so much relief. OMG ...so much relief!!!! I do not regret it.

I will say it was a partial though. Because I was so young , doc did not remove my health cervix or ovaries so that I would not go into early menopause which was a great choice for my situation.

No regrets.

Glad it went so well for you @ZestfullyBling and thank you for sharing. Relief is sweet.

I had a full hysterectomy 2 years ago due to endo cancer. Very little pain, quick recovery - took it easy for 2 weeks, then basically back to normal. No pain killers necessary. Walked out of the hospital the next day. No sex for 6 weeks, then took it slowly, then back to normal. No change to sexual experience.

The last word in no big deal - and huge benefits. And it was very nice to no longer be anemic.

I had a wonderful surgeon who was also a man who respected women. Made all the difference.

Glad you had an excellent surgeon and experience. And yay for being cancer free dear friend. That is everything.

Hi,

Good luck with this Missy/ You are healthy and careful . Choose the best surgeon you can find. Hugs to you.

Annette

Thank you Annette. Much appreciated. And hugs to you too.

I'm sorry you are having to research this @missy . Big hugs to you.

What a wonderful community PS is.

Thanks @kipari and I agree. PS and PSers ROCK.

I had mine in 2015 (uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes) by abdominal incision. Mine was due to large fibroids, too large for laparoscopic. I was in good shape and healthy-ish weight before the surgery; spent 2 nights in the hospital; only took Advil for pain; back to driving after 2 weeks; back to bootcamp after 6 weeks. I had 3 prior c-sections, so the surgery and recovery felt very similar to me. I may have been in pre-menopause before the surgery, but only had sporadic symptoms. Tried about 6 months with no hormones by my choice, then started Climara patch for hot flashes and dryness. Started at a higher dosage then dropped to a lower does a few years ago. The plan is to be on the patch for about 10 years total.

Near the same time, I had two friends that did laparoscopic with no complications.

I know it's different for everyone, so if it is something you must do, I send good wishes and hugs for an easy procedure and quick recovery.

That is awesome and thank you for your encouragement. You are amazing. Back at bootcamp in 6 weeks. Woohoo. And thank you for the hugs. I need them and appreciate them.

In the OR I work in, we easily do a dozen hysterectomies a week. Most are robotic, but some are vaginal, which is a viable option if you haven't had abdominal surgery and no scar tissue or adhesions. They upside to vaginal hysters is no scarring, but a lot of the robotic ones we do are single site, so all instruments go through a single umbilical port. The vast majority recover quickly without incident, so don't be too concerned about any negative experiences you hear or read about.

Thank you for the info. Reading the horror stories is scaring the you know what out of me. OMG. I just want a realistic overview of what could happen but it is really upsetting reading some of the terrible experiences these poor women have suffered. Appreciate your balanced view, thanks @Dandi

In my experience 6was after my op, I was back training for a 10km run and I’m an overweight woman, at that stage only doing sporadic exercise prior to the operation. As we have 3 kids aged back then 13, 11 and 8 plus run our own business, I was back to usual activities within 1-1.5wks including back at work. Everything other then driving.

Thank you and glad it went well for you. That is pretty great your recovery was so quick.

@missy, I don't have anything useful to contribute. But just want to send you boatloads of HUGS!!

Thank you sweet @Phoenix and hugs to you too. XO.

 

[Missy]

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

Thank you Mary for sharing your experience. I am very glad it went well. Four weeks isn't bad at all. When I broke my leg I was out of work for 8 months and I don't relish going through a long recovery period again. Of course it is what it is and what will be will be but I am hoping to choose the best surgeon for me if it comes down to needing a hysterectomy. I have been bleeding for 8 months and we don't know why. A biopsy only takes a small area for sampling so now I am going to contact the gyn next month (after the holidays) and ask her for a D&C to biopsy a greater tissue sample. Not sure she will be onboard but I am bleeding for a reason and I have to figure out why. Thanks again and all the best to you too.

I have nothing to add but a hug @missy..

Thank you Joanne. ((((Hugs)))) to you.

I had the robotic assisted in 2011 and had no issues, walked out of the hospital the next morning with no Rx for pain, was back at work a week later. Guess everyone's experiences are different. Best of luck to you whatever you decide!

Thank you for sharing with me. There are many options and I guess it comes down to what the surgeon feels is best and what he or she is most skilled at doing and the specifics of the individual's case. Glad yours went smoothly.

I have a friend who recently did it because of severe endometriosis. It was bad enough she had to have several blood transfusions, so she opted for the surgery. She's never been happier.

Glad she did so well and thank you for sharing.

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.

Glad you had such a good experience and I appreciate you taking the time to share it with me.

We are doing laparoscopic hysterectomies as day cases now- if you find yourself a decent, experienced surgeon in a good hospital with a proper enhanced recovery programme it will likely be easier than you think.

Thank you @Snowdrop13. I would feel so much better if I knew I had an excellent surgeon. I am still searching. This area is out of my comfort zone. So I asked a few friends (none in the field however) and they are helping me search. One is a nurse anesthetist and while he doesn't know any surgeons who are excellent in this field he is asking his colleagues so hopefully I can find a highly skilled surgeon if I need one.

@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.

Yup, the full deal. Cervix and uterus out at least. Otherwise the bleeding can continue with the cervix left behind. I really want to keep my cervix but if it turns out I need the Hysterectomy the cervix must come out. Glad your sister had an easy time of it. I am 56 so close to the age she was when she had it done. I am glad you are cancer free now. @Arcadian.

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.

Ugh I am so sorry you went through that ordeal. Glad you are past that and doing well now. Thank you for sharing.

HI:

My sister had a laparoscopic hyster + tubes, ovary sparing. She was in her mid 50's. Healed well and had few complaints other than the usual post op pain and some bloating.

Hope you come to a decision that is right for you.

kind regards--Sharon

Thank you Sharon and glad your sister is doing A OK.

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.

Glad yours went well. And same. I dont care about scars. I have plenty of them already. Greg says it shows we have lived interesting lives lol. That is a good way to look at it. Less areas for cancer lol. Yeah I may not be able to do vaginal or laparoscopic but we shall see. Glad that is over for you and you are cancer free.

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!

Thank you for sharing. I have read so many mixed reviews about the Davinci but after reading PSers experiences (@mom2dolls and your family member) I want to avoid the Davinci.

Sending hugs x

Thank you dear @Ally T and hugs to you.

 

[Missy]

Don't listen to worst case scenarios or negative people. You are healthy and should bounce back quickly.
I will say---especially if you need painkillers, make sure you hydrate and increase fiber intake. Talk to your doc about stool softeners and such indelicate matters.
You are post surgery, after fasting, less active, etc. It is easily managed if you plan for it.

Thanks @Elizabeth35 yeah I have done post surgery and it isn't pleasant but it has to be what it has to be. I dont do well with opioid painkillers but if I need them hopefully I can get them. Things seem tougher these days regarding getting sufficient pain meds. When I broke my leg my surgeon gave me a hundred oxycodone and Percocet and I took maybe 10 or so. They really do a number on me but it is good to have them just in case. I agree planning for the post surgical period is critical. I am fortunate that I have a wonderful caretaker should I need it.

 

[luvmysparklies]

Thanks @Elizabeth35 yeah I have done post surgery and it isn't pleasant but it has to be what it has to be. I dont do well with opioid painkillers but if I need them hopefully I can get them. Things seem tougher these days regarding getting sufficient pain meds. When I broke my leg my surgeon gave me a hundred oxycodone and Percocet and I took maybe 10 or so. They really do a number on me but it is good to have them just in case. I agree planning for the post surgical period is critical. I am fortunate that I have a wonderful caretaker should I need it.

Missy-
I hope that the combo of a good caretaker and some kind of tolerance for the opioid painkillers will work out for you. One thing about trying to heal from a major surgery is that high levels of pain makes the healing process itself even more difficult. Pain and anxiety is literally corrosive to your nerves. There is a whole constellation of effects that unmanaged pain can produce. Things like anxiety, which can constrict normal breathing, which in turn impairs correct levels of oxygenation, which the blood needs to send the all the building blocks(collagen, etc.) necessary to heal the actual wound. One thing we did for my cousin (the one I referenced) was to "prime" her body for this surgery. Loading up on all the organic good-for-you foods. Hydration. Long hot steamed showers for sweating out toxins. Really, these are things we should be doing anyway for optimal health, but in particular, to prepare for this kind of insult to the body--it is necessary, and should be better emphasized. Of course we worry about the overall outcomes, but this "getting ready for battle" at the outset impacts the outcome.

 

[Demon]

Thank you Mary for sharing your experience. I am very glad it went well. Four weeks isn't bad at all. When I broke my leg I was out of work for 8 months and I don't relish going through a long recovery period again. Of course it is what it is and what will be will be but I am hoping to choose the best surgeon for me if it comes down to needing a hysterectomy. I have been bleeding for 8 months and we don't know why. A biopsy only takes a small area for sampling so now I am going to contact the gyn next month (after the holidays) and ask her for a D&C to biopsy a greater tissue sample. Not sure she will be onboard but I am bleeding for a reason and I have to figure out why. Thanks again and all the best to you too.





Thank you Joanne. ((((Hugs)))) to you.



Thank you for sharing with me. There are many options and I guess it comes down to what the surgeon feels is best and what he or she is most skilled at doing and the specifics of the individual's case. Glad yours went smoothly.




Glad she did so well and thank you for sharing.



Glad you had such a good experience and I appreciate you taking the time to share it with me.




Thank you @Snowdrop13. I would feel so much better if I knew I had an excellent surgeon. I am still searching. This area is out of my comfort zone. So I asked a few friends (none in the field however) and they are helping me search. One is a nurse anesthetist and while he doesn't know any surgeons who are excellent in this field he is asking his colleagues so hopefully I can find a highly skilled surgeon if I need one.




Yup, the full deal. Cervix and uterus out at least. Otherwise the bleeding can continue with the cervix left behind. I really want to keep my cervix but if it turns out I need the Hysterectomy the cervix must come out. Glad your sister had an easy time of it. I am 56 so close to the age she was when she had it done. I am glad you are cancer free now. @Arcadian.




Ugh I am so sorry you went through that ordeal. Glad you are past that and doing well now. Thank you for sharing.




Thank you Sharon and glad your sister is doing A OK.




Glad yours went well. And same. I dont care about scars. I have plenty of them already. Greg says it shows we have lived interesting lives lol. That is a good way to look at it. Less areas for cancer lol. Yeah I may not be able to do vaginal or laparoscopic but we shall see. Glad that is over for you and you are cancer free.



Thank you for sharing. I have read so many mixed reviews about the Davinci but after reading PSers experiences (@mom2dolls and your family member) I want to avoid the Davinci.




Thank you dear @Ally T and hugs to you.

Just to be clear, there was an ovarian tumor, but it was benign. It was producing testosterone however, and causing me skin and hair problems.

Everyone is different of course, but regarding pain pills - for me, percocet worked, where vicodin makes me sick for some reason. I was off work for only a couple of weeks and I took very few pain pills at home. It was much easier than having my tubes tied, and I think that had a lot to do with improvements in anesthesia. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Missy]

Just to be clear, there was an ovarian tumor, but it was benign. It was producing testosterone however, and causing me skin and hair problems.

Everyone is different of course, but regarding pain pills - for me, percocet worked, where vicodin makes me sick for some reason. I was off work for only a couple of weeks and I took very few pain pills at home. It was much easier than having my tubes tied, and I think that had a lot to do with improvements in anesthesia. Let us know how it goes!

I think for me, at the moment, what is causing me the most anxiety is the not knowing. I thought I was in the clear with a benign biopsy but I am still bleeding daily. I am on high doses of Progesterone. So the bleeding should have stopped. The fact that it hasn't concerns me that perhaps the biopsy missed something which is quite possible as the endometrial biopsy is only a small area. Unfortunately with the holidays upon us my gynecologist is not in the office. So I have to wait til next month. Eight months bleeding and cramping and I am ready for answers and for a solution. I am glad you are doing well and that your surgery went well.

 

[Missy]

Missy-
I hope that the combo of a good caretaker and some kind of tolerance for the opioid painkillers will work out for you. One thing about trying to heal from a major surgery is that high levels of pain makes the healing process itself even more difficult. Pain and anxiety is literally corrosive to your nerves. There is a whole constellation of effects that unmanaged pain can produce. Things like anxiety, which can constrict normal breathing, which in turn impairs correct levels of oxygenation, which the blood needs to send the all the building blocks(collagen, etc.) necessary to heal the actual wound. One thing we did for my cousin (the one I referenced) was to "prime" her body for this surgery. Loading up on all the organic good-for-you foods. Hydration. Long hot steamed showers for sweating out toxins. Really, these are things we should be doing anyway for optimal health, but in particular, to prepare for this kind of insult to the body--it is necessary, and should be better emphasized. Of course we worry about the overall outcomes, but this "getting ready for battle" at the outset impacts the outcome.

Thank you @luvmysparklies. Excellent advice and much appreciated.