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?

Hi @Dreamsfallapartattheseams No luckily i dont get any side effects from the venlafaxine. It stops the wanting to kill people mood i get if i dont take it but its not meant to be taken as an antidepressant for me its supposed to be a replacement for hrt. Ive been on it for nearly 2 years now and it is starting to make a difference to me. But if you are struggling with your mental health (as i do ) then i would speak to your doctor and ask about what you can take that might have little to no side effects. Sending you hugs ((()))

Thank you. I have been prescribed Fluoxetine but I am so apprehensive to try it in case it upsets my already super angry digestive system (which has gone crazy in peri) but I suppose that I won't know until I try it.

I must have been fortunate (or unlucky depending on your viewpoint!)

I had mine for fibroids. Well fibroid singular but it was the size of a 7 month pregnancy. I'm a fat cow so it didn't 'show' like it might on a slim woman. It was discovered by accident. I didn't have difficulty with my periods (well until I got the diagnosis when they suddenly became heavy and painful). I had been referred to gastros because I had difficulties in that area (use your imagination). I had scans which revealed the fibroid and I was referred to gynae. To this day I think the fibroid was causing my symptoms by pressing on something though this has not been clarified.

Anyway I was only seen once or twice by gynae when a hysterectomy was recommended-I wasn't expecting it at all. I only waited about 6 months for the surgery.