Has anyone had a hysterectomy? How did the op and recovery go?

[Dreamsfallapartattheseams]

I have had so many issues with my uterus and am trying to persuade my gynae to allow me to have a hysterectomy.

I am 51 and have suffered with gynae issues since my periods started at the age of 12. Very heavy periods which resulted in ferritin levels of 2 and needing iron infusions. In 2022 I opted for a uterine ablation. Huge mistake as the ablation failed and although I no longer bleed I end up in agony each month. Gynae concluded I have post ablation failure.

I requested a pelvinc mri which has detected endometriosis and adenomyosis. My endo gynae was trying to put me off having a hysterectomy and although I don't particularly want to have a major operation I have had enough of being in so much pain each month. I also now worry that if I were to develop any rouge cells in my uterus the scar tissue would prevent any post-menopause bleeding and I would not know if something had turned malignant until it was too late. I do very much regret my decision to have opted for such a procedure.

I saw a private gynae last week and she recommended that I have a hysterectomy as the adenomyosis will not get better even post-menopause.

So now I need to find out if the NHS will allow me to have the procedure as I do not have the £15k for a private hysterectomy.

If you have had this op, how did it go? Did you recover well?

I think it will depend on how the op is done.
I had mine done via keyhole (using a surgical robot). It was private as I had insurance through work.
In my case, I had the surgery on the Thursday morning, went home on Saturday. I was surprised how easy it all was. I was quite stiff in the torso for a couple of days, so getting in and out of bed was a bit of an effort, but the pain was pretty minimal and I didn't even need any pain relief after the first weekend. I was told no baths (shower only), bending down or heavy lifting for a week, but to take gentle exercise (walking). I did sleep a lot during that first week. But I was pretty much back to normal after a week.
Obviously there is then the issue of surgical menopause to bear in mind (that hits about 2 weeks after the surgery), but they will tell you what to expect.

Lurking

I've got endo and adenomyosis and they're planning to excise the endo and fit a mirena for the adenomyosis, but she's said it may be a hysterectomy if that doesn't work

I had open surgery for an ovarian tumour a complete hysterectomy and removal of omentum at age 59.

I made sure I was out of bed and walking around the ward the next day. I drank loads of water, to get my bladder working and to keep me hydrated and I took Laxido, prescribed by my GP to get my bowels moving.

They give you exercises to do, which I did. Then you need to get walking. Several short walks to start with and then build up to longer ones.

I was fully recovered in no time.

On week 2 of recovery after a full hysterectomy. They tried keyhole but had to do it open in the end which does increase the recovery time.

Feeling a lot better this week but still got some bruises and swelling.

Will be starting HRT in a few weeks as have to wait for pathology results first as mine was partially due to suspicious ovarian cysts

Abdominal hysterectomy here (kept my ovaries as I was only 36)
Very uncomfortable for about 10 days then healed rapidly. I went back to work after 6 weeks though (physical job) which was a bad idea in retrospect!
I was very very tired at first (also had 4 young children!) so be prepared for that.

Absolutely no regrets though.. I'd had issues for a long time and was glad to see it go!

I had to have mine due to suspected cancer. The first (NHS) op was cancelled on the day so I went private a week later for a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. I was home the same day and took it easy recovering. I didn't need to stay in bed and I did slowly build back up to 10K steps per day. My recovery was pretty text book and I was doing a little work on my laptop from day two. Good luck OP.

I had robotic laparoscopic surgery for adenomyosis.

Was in and out the same day. Up and about fairly well after 5 days.

Back at work after 3 weeks.

Best thing I ever did.

I had a laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy privately 6 weeks ago for severe adenomyosis. Unfortunately I had complications and ended up being transferred to our NHS hospital who were amazing, and I was discharged two weeks ago. I’m still in a bit of discomfort but I feel so much better than I did before the operation. I wish I’d done it years ago, though with hindsight I’d have held out to have it done under the NHS. The care was ten times better, and it would have saved me a load of problems and a load of money!

I had one almost 10 years ago due to a large fibroid. I was 49. I had an open hysterectomy and had my uterus and cervix removed but my ovaries and fallopian tubes remain in situ. BTW surgical menopause only happens if your ovaries are removed as they continue to produce oestrogen. They only remove them if it is clinically indicated eg they are cancerous, especially if you are pre menopausal. Having said that menopause tends to be earlier but I'm not sure whether I'm through if I've been through it as I've only had some symptoms and the major one ie lack of periods obviously stopped straight away.

I won't lie, it was tough. I was discharged 2 days after. I think that wasn't a bit soon but I'm a (mental health) nurse and live with my husband so not alone. I think they figured I'd be able to access help if needed.

I was at the out of hours GP within about 2 days, with a UTI, this is common due to the catheter you have for the first 24 hours.

You can't lift anything heavier than a light kettle or do much bending or stretching about 6 weeks post surgery, so you will need help with shopping, meal preparation etc for a while. I found bed making particularly hard. Someone else can change the beds for you!

You're encouraged to start moving asap, they want you to at least move round the ward before discharge. After a few days try to get out and about. I used to go to the corner shop, literally yards away, and would just buy beans or something. Then I worked up to a walk in the park then short social trips eg the cinema or something.

It took me 3 months to return to work and then had a phased return.

Long term the only issue I've had is what I think are adhesions. Adhesions are common in abdominal surgery. Basically it's when areas with internal stitches kind of rub past each other. With me I get a minor pain lasting seconds. Rarely they can cause blockages but that is very rare. It's nice not having periods and I don’t need any cervical smears (doesn't stop NHS England from sending me post asking me to have one lol.)

Full open hysterectomy at 56, ovaries removed - endo and adeno - insurance, private hospital, discharge day 3 - recovery simple, just follow the instructions. IT CHANGED MY LIFE!!! Hate the NHS for refusing so many suffering women the obvious and surprisingly simple solution

100% agree with JustintheBath. Completely changed my life for the better!

Do it! I had ovaries removed via keyhole and the rest went vaginally. Thought my bits would be painful but not. The worst bit are these sodding injections you have to give yourself for blood clot prevention. Just lots and lots of rest afterwards. I drove about four weeks later. Back to work seven weeks later but was knackering. Up and about the next day. Just get it done. Its been life changing for me but I am post menopause.

I had a hysterectomy via abdominal surgery at age 48 for fibroids and constant bleeding. It was absolutely life changing even though i was off work for 8 weeks

Thank you everyone. I really want it over and done with now. I have been in so much pan today. Due to my post ablation failure and the adenomyosis each monthly period, I am in agony even though I no longer bleed but it hurts so bad. I had both my dc without pain relief so can handle pain but this is bloody awful. I just want it out.

The main hurdle now will be to try and persuade my gynae to agree to it.

Check out Hystersisters forum - they made me laugh all through recovery- and really reassuring when you worry in the early hours of the day - good luck with gyne ❤

Thank you, I'll definitely take a look.

I had none this year for stage 1 cancer. I'm in my 50's. Keyhole surgery.

Aside from the fucking awful gas pain and tiredness , it was really not that bad.

But it wasn't a linear recovery, which was hard. One day I could wake up and feel great- do longer walk, make a cake etc. but the next day be laid up exhausted! I felt like a 'failure' on those days and miserable.
It was also BORING to not be very active for a while. I don't mean not going river rafting (🤣) but just not being able to go shopping, lifting things etc.

But the worst of it was over in 4-6 weeks.
We went on holiday abroad (an active holiday!) 8 weeks later.

Hopefully you can persuade them but I have never managed that. I'm also 51 and also got given an ablation when I wanted the hysterectomy in my 40s. I also have adenomyosis/endometriosis and pain that is worse than childbirth.

They tried me on desogestrel for a few months but I hated it and I've just stopped. I think the next thing is zoladex but I have to say I've almost given up on the health system in this country.

Apparently even if they refer me for a hysterectomy, there's a very long waiting list. I find it abysmal that we can be in such crippling pain that we can't speak or move and there's nothing much that anyone will do about it!

I had a full hysterectomy at 50 due to cancer. It was done on the nhs within 2 weeks of diagnosis. I was in hospital for a week and wasnt allowed to do anything when i got home (which did my head in) and i went through surgical menopause. As the cancer was hormonal i wasnt allowed hrt so am on venlafaxine which kind of helps. (it stops me wanting to kill people :)) But this was nearly 2 years ago now and although the recovery was long and i ended up with an infection in the scar, im fine now and cancer free for which im grateful. I would say keep pushing for your hysterectomy op as believe me it will be worth it.

Had one aged 41 and have not regretted it. My health and quality of life have improved so much.
I had open and it is quite a long recovery, I would say 8 weeks minimum, if you can take 3 months off. Definitely don’t push yourself to get better. Walking is important but nothing strenuous.
Good luck

I had uterine cancer and they offered me a radical hysterectomy where they took everything including ovaries. I was already post-menopause. Mine was keyhole, had a catheter for about 8 hours. I went home the day after the surgery as it was during covid and they were short-staffed. I was thrilled at going home so early as I hated being on a ward.

I was tired for about a month and careful with lifting for a few weeks. I have had follow up appts with the gynae clinic as I had cancer in my lymph nodes but appear to be cancer free 3 years later.

My friend was the same. Said one day she felt almost fully recovered but completely wiped out the next.

Glad to hear you have made a good recovery.

Almost identical stories. I do the lottery each week in the desperate hope that I can win and pay for the op myself. The waiting list for a hysterectomy in my area is at least two years ffs.

No one understands the pain, I would happily go through my two labours again than have to keep going through this.

I truly feel your pain.

Glad you have made a full recovery.

Can I ask? Did you get any side effects from the venlafaxine? I am going crazy with my mental health and need something but I have awful gut issues and worry antidepressants may make them worse.

Thank you gaz98

Tradersinsnow So pleased to hear you are cancer free.