hysterectomy

[Clairetree1]

please tell me bout your hysterectomies - everything I should know!

[ScreamingValenta]

Do you know what sort of hysterectomy you'd be thinking of? Abdominal/vaginal/keyhole etc? Would it be done privately or on the NHS? Apologies for the questions, but it's rather a wide subject to advise on without some direction - little point in my blathering on about my abdominal op, if you're planning something completely different.

[Costacoffeeplease]

Best thing I’ve had done, no question

[Clairetree1]

NHS, most likely vaginal or key hole, have not decided if ovaries are going too

[ScreamingValenta]

Mine was abdominal, so my experience probably wouldn't be much help. I had my ovaries taken out - mainly because there wasn't much left of them after they'd been dug out of my endometriosis - what would be the reasons for you having your ovaries taken out? It does mean you go straight into menopause (if you're not already in it).

[Costacoffeeplease]

Mine was abdominal too due to fibroids. They left one ovary in

[Clairetree1]

screamingvalenta how did you cope with going straight into the menopause? Did you take hormones?

[ScreamingValenta]

No, I'm not on HRT. I have been offered it, but I'm concerned that it would re-stimulate any remaining endometriosis to grow again. My menopausal symptoms haven't been too bad (I am 18 months down the line now). I take supplements including calcium. I suffer occasional hot flushes and minor joint stiffness, but nothing unmanageable. Strangely, my skin has improved greatly, and my hair has stopped falling out excessively since my operation.

[cakedup]

Mine was abdominal and after a lot of thought I decided to leave the ovaries in. Had it done due to fibroids and extremely heavy periods.

Mine was through NHS but ended up in a private hospital which was lucky! I was in hospital for about 4 nights I think. Definitely was a more comfortable stay due to having my own room with TV and en suite bathroom and a chef who catered to my dietary needs.

Never looked back! I found recovery wasn't all that bad, there was progress every day. So glad I had it done. I am a single parent so my sister came and stayed with me for a week to help out.

One thing I wasn't prepared for was that the doctor, literally minutes before my surgery asked me if I wanted my cervix removed or not! I had no idea really. Luckily my mum was there and just told me to get it removed and I was happy to go along with that rather than make the decision myself.

[Hellbentwellwent]

Can I piggy back on the thread clairetree will be going in for mine in a month or so.
screaming what age are you if you don’t mind? I’ll be 38 and they’re taking my ovaries. I have exactly the same concerns about the endo returning if I take hrt but worried I’m too young to go into full surgical menopause. I’ve heard it’s a much tougher ride than a natural menopause.

[AJPTaylor]

i had abdominal. kept ovaries.

[lynmilne65]

Yeah all out at aged 40, not fun ☹️

[Clairetree1]

you're very welcome Hellbent

[ScreamingValenta]

@Hellbentwellwent I was 42 when I had the hysterectomy, two years ago. My menopause symptoms began straight away. They haven't been horrendous in my case - but of course I will never know whether a natural menopause would have been much easier.

I've been told I could have HRT if I wanted and I haven't ruled it out for the future but I don't want to risk it unless I have to. My general health, skin and hair condition seems much better than before the op - I have wondered if I was suffering from an excess of oestrogen or testosterone, which the removal of my ovaries has balanced better.