Sub total hysterectomy in 8 and a half weeks <Eeeeeeeek>

[grinningbee]

So I got the letter about an hour ago and am feeling rather wibbly. Firstly because I'm a bit scared, secondly because there will be no more babies. Having said that I am more than happy with the two I have, and don't want any more, but I'm sure everyone going through this feels a bit sad as it's so final.

I'm going to have to rely on H to help, and there is no-one else to ask. I'm just going to have to trust him (he's not the most, erm, helpful sausage). My dc by then will be 3.5 and 1.10. And the little one has a current passion for using my tummy as a trampoline which will have to stop.

But, all that aside, what the heck do I need to organise. Meals for the freezer for certain, including the dc. What do I need to take with me to hospital do you think? How long are people normally in for?

The reason it's being done is down to a rather large fibroid we have called Freddie. Freddie is visible when I lay on my back, and is causing pain, heavy periods and playing havoc with my bladder. It has to be abdominal due to said fibroid, but I'm keeping the ovaries and cervix.

I need to shift some weight between now and then, so am going to have to resist the comfort of biscuits and chocolate and wine.

Please tell me it won't be as bad as I think!

I had a couple of side effects, one was slightly smelly discharge (sorry!) And it made me randy. Which was a fat lot of good seeing hows I can't have sex .

oooh now that would be ok, I haven't felt like sex for so long my poor OH has given up asking! not sure he'll appreciate the discharge but.....might be fun trying around the bump, bit like when pregnant.!

Hello, was whining about fibroids on another thread and was kindly pointed here I hope its ok if I post?

I have a huge fibroid (23cms, 26 week uterus) and have just had uterine artery embolism to cut off the blood supply and kill it (HURRAH!!!) was hoping to find someone else who has had this procedure, but it seems quite uncommon? Before they offered this I begged for a hysterectomy, so much sympathy to those suffering. Fibroids are bloody awful.

Hi Flashart I'm sure No one will mind you joining in, am only new here myself ! How did the embolism go, not a procedure I've heard of , what's the likely outcome? Will cutting off it's blood supply mean it shrinks or will it just not grow any more? Will you get it removed at a later date? Sorry lots of questions.. main one is how are you after op.

Hi I was on blatting about my fibroid on another thread and was kindly pointed in this direction too - I was recently diagnosed with Fibroids - heavy flooding & cramps. The specialist has told me she has put me on a six month course of Decapeptyl to shut my system down and Livial HRT to counteract any menopausal systems. (I was prescribed the Decapeptyl about 5 years ago for endometriosis but wasn't given the Livial HRT at the time). I had the first injection just over two weeks and in that time I've put on a stone, my legs and ankles were so swollen I felt like stabbing them with a fork to relieve the pressure. My core is swollen and tender and I'm getting banging headaches. I went to GP this morning who checked my blood pressure - it was perfect (about the only bl**dy thing) and suggested I come off the Livial for a couple of weeks to see if this makes an improvement. I'm a dog walker and do an exercise class once a week so reasonably active but like most people I can't afford to put on any weight let alone a stone. If anyone can offer any anecdotal guidance it would be much appreciated.

It was decapeptyl I had to shut down my ovaries, I only took it the one time because I felt awful on it. More rib pain, vomiting, dizziness( that lasted for weeks after), reflux, headaches. I dont have periods, because the blood goes into my womb lining , but I know someone who had it and she started to bleed on it as well.

I was blaming that more than the hrt. Your gp should try you on a different hrt.

Welcome welcome everyone

Yikes to the scary side effects Money. And the fibroid zapping sounds interesting Flash. I wasn't offered any alternative - it was a straightforward "it's surgery" for you. I did have the option to leave it, but looking at what everyone else has written I'm glad it's being whipped out.

I even dreamt about it last night, and was comparing stories with a group of ladies. Maybe it was all of you

So. Dense question time. If the ovaries do shut down after the op, why do you have to take hrt? What happens if you don't? I'm going to be 42 in November, so would it be worth it if it happens?

If your ovaries shut down you'll go straight into the menopause. I've been peri-menopausal since I was 35, the symptons come and go. Its more gradual to go through natural menopause.

I was under the impression that you are adviced to take HRT for at least 6 months to help your bone density. But not 100% on that!

I'm 43 but I'm going to give it a go. My hormones have given me so much grief over the years Id like to feel normal for once! I don't want to go into the menopause just yet, anyway, after being so run down for the past year. I think I need a rest .

Thanks Coco yes, it sounds like your body needs to give you a break. Any joy on getting things hurried up?

Hello, can I join too please? I'm waiting for my date of 3rd of Sep confirmed for a laparoscopic hysterectomy, including ovaries and cervix. Was thinking of starting a thread myself. I don't have fibroids though, I have adenomyosis

I was offered a hysterectomy at first, but they discovered I can't have surgery because my pelvis is full of adhesions. So also no myectomy for me.

I am VERY happy with the embolisation. It was quick (about an hour) and although I had some pain afterwards (because it is breaking down), that stopped within about 3-4hrs. I stayed in overnight & was out next day.

The procedure is fairly new- and I wasnt offered it at first- didnt want to take the menopause tablet to shrink it though, so my consultant suggested this would be good alternative.

Procedure is they block the blood vessels feeding the fibroid with tiny particles. About 90% of women are 'cured' (i.e. fibroid shrinks away to much smaller size/disappears, no more heavy periods, pain etc) within a year. Full recovery in 2 weeks. But you may not be able to get pg afterwards so that has to be something you are comfortable with.

Almost immediatly the fibroid felt softer and I could sleep on my front. If you want a less invasive procedure I would really recommend it. I'd have it again no problem if (god forbid- this is uncommon) it grew back!

That sounds like its worked well for you lord.

Hi parttime, I have adenomyosis too. Im losing my womb and ovaries, I do get flashes of panic its going to be worse when I go to surgery because its been 9 months since I had my mri and I have gotten a lot worse, but I think being ill has turned me into a hypochondriac

Im not pushing for an different date, DH had to apply in writing for his time off and it would be a hassle, hes waiting for surgery himself, so its easier if we know the dates. Of course if they phoned with a cancellation you wouldnt see me for dust!

Parttime are you in N.I. or am I mixing you up with another poster?

Hi coco - thanks for the welcome, but I'm not in N.I. Guess you must be mixing me up with another part-timer (or another domestic goddess)

Not having the best of times. I've stopped the HRT and have an appointment on Friday with the GP. So far I just feel really drained, banging headaches, upset tummy, water retention and swollen, tender areas of my body but the problem is I don't know what if any of them are symptoms of the withdrawn HRT or are down to this mental weather we are having. V frustrating.

How frustrating money . I hope you can get it sorted.

that sounds depressing moneypenny. It sounds hormonal. :( Hope you feel better soon

I'm hoping to get that done, Lord. I can't stay in hospital overnight though as there's no one to care for ds. A hysterectomy is out of the question as it's a longer stay. My fibroids are grapefruit sized (2 large ones and some tiny ones).

Sounds horrid, Moneypenny

Emanon, not long to wait now, when is your date?

Hi ladysybile, im not sure i could have managed at home that night to be honest, i was in a lot of pain and really dopey and sick from the morphine. Had mine done at guys, they insist you stay the night there for pain mangement. Is there no one who could help you overnight? I would! Apart from that it is a very easy operation, you should be ok once you are home. Oh and you will need someone to take you home after too.

Nope. I've just moved. The lady next door seems lovely, but I don't know them very well yet. Ds is 13 so fairly independent. I have MS so he does see me sick sometimes. I can get a cab home. They do the procedure at QMC and I'm waiting for a referral. I've been given some transomething acid by my GP but Aunty Flo hasn't turned up yet so I can't test them out.

Hi ladies I am going in on Thursday (9th). Not too nervous, yet, but I know I will be...

I hope it goes well for you, emanon.

Aunty Flo turned up last night. I took the drugs and there's practically nothing, 90% less. I'm not sure where it's all gone.

Well it's a week since I had the injection and 6 days I've been taking the Livia so far all OK have had a couple of hot flushes to the point of being dripping with sweat and t shirts being soaked! Fortunately been at home all times. Found the Livia makes me bit sleepy so have started taking it in the evening which seems to be working. No sign of any bleeding which I was told would start with 7 days of the injection...

Good luck, I'll be thinking of you on thursday