To ask about Hysterectomy experiences

[Nats1984]

So I’ve just booked a private consultation after losing patience with the NHS. It’s Friday. After then I’m told just 4 weeks until the rotten things comes out. I have 4 separate conditions of the uterus , have been blue lighted to hospital with haemorrhage and needed transfusion and still I’m suffering and handed packets of tablets that don’t really work. Mirena was a disaster and all hormone Based treatments have failed. 36 year old, chunky but not big. Reasonably fit. What shall I expect post op? I was home 24 hrs after EMCS and doing a Tesco shop on day 4 ( well dosed up on painkillers) I suspect this might be a bit more severe though. Will book help for 2 weeks as youngest is only 4. Will that be enough? And am I strange to be absolutely buzzing that the week each month of agony and flooding and passing out might be over before august

Took me ages to recover from a bit cut. Keyhole a lot quicker.
Other thing to consider is ovary loss. If yours are being taken you will go into instant menopause and need hrt sorted quickly.
If you keep your ovaries (and no one tells you this) ovaries generally fail within two years of op.

But it's wonderful not to BLEED and you sound so I'll so much luck and love and welll done for making this bold move. NHS appallingly slow.

Best decision I ever made. Like you I suffered dreadfully for years. I had keyhole surgery and it was brilliant, recovery very like a section. I was 3 weeks off work and jogging by 7 weeks. I love my life now… it’s just wonderful. I kept my ovaries too so no early menopause.

I had a laparoscopic sub total hysterectomy at 37. They took the uterus out but left ovaries and cervix. It was done privately via my work bupa but the same surgeon as I would have had on the nhs. The difference was zero waiting time (and nice hospital room).

I was very apprehensive about the surgery but the pain had got so bad that it seemed like the lesser of two evils. I tried every possible alternative approach. Coil, hormones, injections, you name it. Nothing touched it and I was in such constant pain. I just ballooned in weight, was anaemic and had really poor quality of life for someone in their early -mid 30s. Looking back I really was very ill.

The surgery itself was fine and I only needed paracetamol and ibuprofen pain relief afterwards. I did have a catheter which was a bit messy and invasive, but only in for about 24 hours. I had a bad response to the anaesthesia which was the worst bit (I did puke on the consultants shoes which seemed a bit ungrateful). I went home after 36 hours and had my mum to stay for about 10 days. She was mostly there to help with DS but able to keep an eye on me too.

By week 2 I felt pretty great. I tried to drive at week 3 which was a bit early and not a great success. By week 4-5 I felt pretty chipper and went back to work in week 6.

In terms of long term recovery, I probably did too much too soon. I was determined to prove to myself that everything was behind me so I absolutely threw myself back into work. My second day back was an 18 hour day trip to Paris for a legal meeting! It was my way of dealing with the loss and very good for my mental health, if less for my physical recovery. My consultant gave me a bit of a bollocking when I told him and he was right that it slowed down some of the internal healing. I was still getting twinges from the nerves a year later (nothing compared to previous!). However I would do it again because the balance between the physical and emotional was important to me.

And 14 years on? It was the best thing I ever did. It gave me my life back and I wish I had done it 5 years earlier.

I had a hysterectomy in 2014 (I had similar issues to you by the sound of it - was absolutely at the end of my tether). It was done via robot-assisted laparoscopy, and it was honestly the best thing I could have done. I was in hospital 2 nights, was completely off pain relief after 4 days, and was up and about and pretty much back to normal within the week. I just had a bit of tiredness for about a fortnight (needed to have an extra hour’s sleep during the day) but I think that’s quite normal. No issues since.
One thing to watch out for of course is menopause symptoms, as they can hit quite hard after the op (as opposed to natural menopause which is quite bad enough but tends to come on much more gradually).
FYI I went private too as I had insurance through work. My consultant/surgeon was amazing and I’d recommend him to anyone.

@Quailfortune that's interesting about ovaries! None of the medical professionals told me that at the time. I had mine removed anyway (long story) but interesting to know they can fail.

Best of luck! Unbelievable so many women are left to suffer.

When they say ‘heavy’ objects the physio told me nothing heavier than a kettle with 1 cup of water in it.

I have lifted heavier, using my judgment but nothing heavier than 2kg really (laundry etc)

I think it’s good to be optimistic about recovery but you haven’t even had your consult yet let alone thinking of post op recovery, you need to see what consultant says about your condition. Laparoscopic is the easiest/best for a fast recovery but for large or misshapen wombs it isn’t always suitable surgically.

As for plans at home you need to check your car insurance policy, do lots of laundry before hand and get someone to help with kids and housework and cooking. Book some shopping deliveries. I put all the clothes I would want to wear into a bag in my room so that DD could find them easily. You will want to make sure you have plenty of loose fitting (high waisted) stretchy trousers or dresses to wear afterwards as you have a lot of swelling. 2 or 3 sets of surgical stockings in the right size (wash one wear one), books to read and snacks for hospital bag. I was in 3 days/2 nights it was boring. I took a few night dresses as easy to wear and get around in (esp in the heat). I did not bleed vaginally at all but some women do, so some big pads and pants. Lots of ibuprofen and paracetamol, you prob won’t need stronger after a few days but I was on them every 4 hours. Prep your child not to jump on your tummy. Do all the jobs now that might drive you crazy like weeding and laundry/clearing cupboards. I bought myself some puzzles and activities to do as I can’t drive

You will also need to self isolate before and after and have a Covid test. Unlikely any visitors

I had mine done in 2009 honestly best thing. Abdominal one sore for a fortnight ish. Had ten weeks off work.
Never looked back.

Ovaries left will fail within 5 years after hysterectomy usually I think

2 years post op here.
I was in hospital from Friday morning op til Sunday afternoon. First night I was as sick as a dog but they gave me meds to help and the trapped wind was horrific. Gone the next day though

I was back to work with 6 weeks on slightly reduced duties and back completely by 8, and at the time I was a pub landlady.
The vacuum dressing was amazing.
The recovery and healing were a piece of cake. Prior to my op a friend said it would be life changing - it absolutely has been.
Mine was full blown abdominal surgery.

Also just seen the comment about ovaries. I’m 14 years post op and mine are still ok (few signs of menopause are starting but at 50 to be expected). They certainly haven’t packed up due to the op and it wasn’t mentioned to me at the time. I guess it may vary depending on cause, mine was adenomynosis (sp?).

One thing if you keep your cervix. It can be a sod to convince the NHS that you still need a smear. I had a bit of a ding dong with my GPS surgery to get back on the list as I was automatically removed after my op.

I had an abdominal hysterectomy when I was 35 which was 32 years ago. I had everything removed except 1 ovary

I had a fibroid the size of a football so not possible to do it vaginally.

My surgeon was very much of the opinion that the younger you are the quicker you get over the op and that, on the whole, woman are given the wrong advice.

He said you should not go home and take it really easy. You should go for a walk every day, you should do small tasks like some cooking, a bit of housework as long as you don't lift anything heavy. Woman are told not to lift a kettle and he said that was rubbish. A full kettle maybe but otherwise it is perfectly ok.

I was in hospital 2 nights. The morning after the op (I didn't have it until the afternoon) I got up and had a shower. They got me to walk up and down the corridor as much as possible.

I never needed any pain relief. I do have a very high pain threshold though. I had no problems going to the loo.

DH took a week off. He wanted to take longer but I didn't need him home. I went for a walk every day.

Two weeks after the op we camped at the British Grand Prix. We did loads of walking around the track.

I went back to work (in an office) after 5 weeks.

A couple of women I worked with had hysterectomies the same year as me but in different hospitals. One was 36 and the other 45. They were both kept in hospital for a week, not allowed out of bed and told to take it very very easy. It took them both months to get over it.

It have ever had any problems and didn't go through an early menopause or have to take hrt.

I definitely think a positive attitude helps

@lynsey91
I agree but not everything always goes to plan the way you hope it does and it’s best to be realistic about it

The kettle thing is not really correct in my experience (you can comfortably hold heavier things) and I think staying active is by far the best thing to do but also it’s not a race, no one wins a prize for bouncing back faster than everyone else

[quote Menora]@lynsey91
I agree but not everything always goes to plan the way you hope it does and it’s best to be realistic about it

The kettle thing is not really correct in my experience (you can comfortably hold heavier things) and I think staying active is by far the best thing to do but also it’s not a race, no one wins a prize for bouncing back faster than everyone else[/quote]
No of course it's not a race but I feel far too many woman think (or are told) that they will feel pretty bad afterwards, not be able to do hardly anything, should sit around doing nothing the majority of the time etc.

Maybe I was just lucky but I had a brilliant surgeon who was pretty forward thinking for the time and I always had a positive attitude to having the op.

Considering how long ago mine was things should have changed for the better surely? I understand that older women may well take longer to get over it, have to take it easier etc but someone the age of the OP shouldn't really have any problems

I'm on the NHS waiting list, hopefully for laparoscopy. For those who had it done abdominally, is the incision the same area as that of c/s or is it higher up?

@Menora

Ovaries left will fail within 5 years after hysterectomy usually I think

I was 35 when I had my hysterectomy and left with 1 ovary. I went through the menopause (with no problems at all) when I was 57

I had mine removed 2 years ago

NHS but in a private hospital

Keyhole - ovaries remain

Not too much pain and I was worried about trapped gas but didn't have any. Worst bit was when they removed the drain - that made my squeal but was seconds.

Recovery
I have the full 6 weeks sick leave(why wouldn't you if you can)
I was tired for a week - really tired.
Quite bloated so wore floaty dresses etc
Didn't have any real bleeding
Took everything really slowly

My stomach muscles are terrible- really weak so that cause me some back issues a year later.

Best thing I ever did though - no more pain, excessive bleeding, moods are so much more stable.

Good luck

I had hysterectomy 7 years ago. Best day of my life including having kids and wedding.
I was back at work, office job at 7 weeks. I spent a solid week in bed (older kids did school run with younger ones). Then gradually added more stuff in. If you have had a csection you will be ok. It's the same but you are not sleep deprived.

@jasminoide

I'm on the NHS waiting list, hopefully for laparoscopy. For those who had it done abdominally, is the incision the same area as that of c/s or is it higher up?

Not had a c/s (no children) but my scar is very low. It can't be seen if I wear a bikini

Oh these replies are really interesting. Applies if the 6 months recovery isn’t correct I am
Possibly listing to incorrect information from family.

Can anyone touch more on the menopause? I was told (again possibly incorrectly) that I’ll automatically go through menopause. I work in a very active job doing at least 30,000 steps a day with heavy lifting so any real reflections are appreciated.

My scar is very very low down but it’s about 20cm long?

I had 2 vaginal births with no pain relief, hysterectomy is not a pain competition it is just pretty draining, the swelling and constipation and tiredness get me more than pain itself

I was already in an induced menopause (zoladex) so no idea what my real menopausal state is at. Waiting for my follow up. Left ovaries in but they prefer to take Fallopian tubes now too. I was happy to have cervix out, don’t need it.

Nowadays no they don’t tell women you are incapacitated, I was in 3 weeks ago. I had operation on a Friday PM and they get you out of bed Saturday lunchtime and take out your catheter and leg compression machines. Get you on the loo and in shower, naps in bed and physio comes to see you to give you advice on how to safely move around. My biggest issue was a burning/pulling pain in my left groin which was horrendous when I moved or twisted even slightly. I still have it now. Next day they get you up, shower, dressed and consultant sent me home Sunday. Told me to walk around every hour or so, wear stockings 4 weeks, no driving bath or sex for 6 weeks.

The vacuum dressings are great - my wound looks brilliant apart from a large swelling on the left side (where the pain is) so not sure if an adhesion or scar tissue type thing

I can do most things now after 3 weeks but I’m tired, I can walk for like 20-30 mins then need to sit down

@Mixitupalot
Mostly this is the flushes. Not just at night, they are like a burning hot flush that lasts for 30 seconds or so. They will discuss HRT with you. It takes a while to get HRT right, I did not like tablets and wish to try the gel next. I will get bloods done and see what’s going on then ask to change. I think this adds to tiredness. My hair is SO DRY too, it’s horrible!

I had my hysterectomy 4 months ago.
Was done privately, cost £6100 for the Pp who asked about cost.

I am a lone mother and only had someone with me for 6 days. After that straight back to school runs etc. All doable but don't underestimate the fatigue, I felt tired for around three months.

The recovery was fine, I tried to stick to rules but with kids to look after not lifting kettles or doing washing was impossible. All manageable, just be careful.

I was nervous about the op but on the day loved going to theatre and thoroughly enjoyed the morphine etc.

To the poster that mentioned ovaries failing, the statistic I was told was 20% will fail within five years.

Good luck OP, I had similiar issues to you.
I cannot express the difference in quality of life when you are living it instead of recovering from the last awful period and waiting for the next one.

Years ago I think it was definitely a huge deal, six months off, slow recovery etc. My HR person in work assumed I'd be off for 6 months... couldn't believe it when I was back in 4 weeks! I didn't push myself but honestly I found the section worse AND you don't have to look after a newborn. I just took it really easy, rested on the sofa, watched tv, let the family look after themselves and it was fine. The benefits are unreal... I still think about it all the time. Like I was on the beach with my kids at the weekend and I was thinking, wow a couple of years ago I'd have been checking the calendar and worrying and hiding under massive black trousers etc etc. It's utter bliss. Mine was adenomyosis as well, and the condition was only confirmed after the operation. I spent 20 years being fobbed off by doctors and told what I was experiencing was normal... no way.

Oh and I'm nearly 3 years in and not menopausal - I've had that confirmed by blood tests etc.