Freaking out about hysterectomy

[Aprilchocolate]

I'm due to have a hysterectomy next week and I'm freaking out. I've started looking online and all I can see are stories about complications, issues, recovery taking 6 months, things never being the same again. If you've had a hysterectomy, is this your experience? If not, what was yours like? I'm having the hysterectomy for fibroids that are causing issues but now I'm scared the after effects of a hysterectomy are worse than the effects of the fibroid 😫

I had mine about 2 years ago and was as scared as you sound but it was honestly the best thing I have done. I had a very good recovery and didn't have the pain a lot of women said they did, even the shoulder pain. I have had some issues afterwards that were unexpected, mainly itching and soreness down there due to atrophy but it is nothing compared to the wiped out exhaustion I was experiencing before hand. I had fibroids and polyps and at its lowest my ferritin was 3. I'd had iron infusions and one blood transfusion over 3 years I think which helped in the short term.
Recovery does take time, but it's the internal muscles etc that take the longest, but I was able to do things quite quickly.

I am five weeks post hysterectomy. Had it laparoscopically. Womb. Ovaries. Tube. Cervix. I was in a lot of pain for 48 hours afterwards. It then tapered. It’s taken me five weeks to get back to sleeping. I have had an infection in my belly button and that has slowed my recovery down but I’m turning a corner now.

I too had fibroids and adenymosis. I am already grateful to not have that issue any more. No more pain. No more flooding. I am still hormonal but that’s to be expected. I was already on estrogen and am continuing that but ditching the progesterone.

Can you tell us about anything that you are specifically worried about? Pain? Getting back to normal life? Do you have support?

Big non MN hugs. It’s a big thing. Bless you. I was scared too.

Firstly I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t Google, you’ll always get the worse case scenarios.
I had a radical hysterectomy complete with lymph nodes removed. Please listen to your body. Whichever way it’s done it’s major surgery. I was off work for 3 months. I’d say it took me a year to fully recover. I couldn’t take HRT. If you’re concerned about sex afterwards it makes no difference (my husband assures me).
Hope it all goes well for you

I had a hysterectomy 11 yes ago for fibroids. Keyhole surgery. I was back at work 4 weeks later on light duties. No pain afterwards.
My friend had one due to cancer 2 years ago. She was the same.

Don't worry. Good luck.

My mum had a vaginal hysterectomy and repair and the repair was definitely worse for her than the hysterectomy!

Thank you all so much, I can't tell you how reassuring it has been to read your replies.

@Minime22 you're right, I need to step away from Google, it's really not doing me any favours 🫣. @longtompot it's interesting you say about the exhaustion/low iron as I've had low iron for ages and terrible exhaustion - that kind of exhaustion where I could lie down just about anywhere and sleep - so it would be wonderful if that will go. @ChristmasLightsLover thank you for the non MN hugs ❤️ I think I'm mostly scared that there will be some kind of complication that leaves me in a worst position than I am now? And that recovery takes a long time - I do have support (family and DH) but I know my DC will want me to be around and I hate the thought of not being able to do stuff with them. Wishing you a smooth recovery from your hysterectomy now that your infection has cleared💖

@Aprilchocolate, how are you recovering following your surgery? I’m booked for a hysterectomy at the end of the month and hoping for a quick recovery.

I had a partial hysterectomy about 10 years ago.

No issues or complications.

It gave me my life back!

I had mine last year and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

I would say make sure you’re over prepared for after care. It can be pretty scarce from professionals. Research and ask about HRT even if they leave your ovaries and expect to not be back to work for at least 12 weeks. You need to look after yourself physically and emotionally.

Good luck 🍀