Hysterectomy, any one had one?

[AtSea1979]

Found out I need one, it's booked for end of June. Removal of womb and ovaries. Will need HRT for next 15+ years. They are going to do it lapascopically (?sp) so 3 cuts. They will cut along my c section scar if they need to open me up.
Scared and sad. Don't want more DC but its so very final.

[KurriKurri]

I had one when I was 38 (16 years ago) and I felt much as you do, there's a difference between deciding you don't want more DC, and having that decision forced on you IYSWIM. And I did feel sad about it. I was possibly in a slightly easier position than you in that mine was an emergency and I was very ill, and it was relief to start feeling physically better again afterwards.

Obviously you have been having problems of some kind for a hysterectomy to be necessary - and you will feel so much better in that respect afterwards, but feeling sad is normal - its a big thing, and you need to allow yourself time to acknowledge your sadness and your feelings.

As regards the operation itself - mine was done through abdominal surgery on top of another scar, I was in hospital about five days and it was about another three weeks before I felt reasonably human again. I ended up taking three months off work - but my job at the time involved heavy lifting, if you have a sedentary job you'll be able to go back quicker than that.If you are a SAHM to little ones, you'll need to be very careful not to lift children if you can help it, and be careful pushing a buggy. You won't be able to drive for a while either. Even though hopefully yours will be done laparoscopally, it is a big op however they do it so a longish recovery time.

I don't have any experience of HRT - they left one of my ovaries in so I didn't need it - but someone else will probably be able to tell you about that.

I hope it all goes well for you, - I'm happy to answer any specific questions you have if I can, take care

[AtSea1979]

Thank you for that insight. My job is hard work so I envisage a couple of months off.
Was there any unexpected side effects?

[KurriKurri]

Nothing too unexpected,- I did put on a bit of weight afterwards,- but I don't think that happens to everyone, and if you know its a possibility you can keep it under control more easily.

[AtSea1979]

Oh no! I'm already trying to lose a bit before the op, not hugely over weight but my size usual size 10 has crept up to 14 so must try hard to get it back.