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Hysterectomies - it's gotta be done but over here for hand holding

993 replies

Oddsocksrus · 30/09/2013 00:13

LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance
I guess I start..
My cervix is on the outside, it can't all hang where it should and no manner of pelvic floor exercises or devises will get it back there.
I'm 41, one fab dd and wanted more but there you are, can't now can I?

This thread, hopefully, will be for those waiting, recovering or supporting

OP posts:
fledtoscotland · 23/10/2013 19:46

Rhonda - they haven't given me a time limit for hrt. I've only got one ovary which they are hoping to save but if not will go straight onto hrt. Have been told will prob go through menopause within nxt 5yrs anyway due to surgery but never mentioned that there is a time limit on the hrt. Will ask when I'm in.

The depo stops the bleeding totally enabling them to control the pain - norhistorone made my bleeding worse. I take tramadol & diclofenac for pain relief but that zonks me too much to function so I have to be in pain that to be able to work and take the strong ones on my days off

cocoleBOO · 23/10/2013 20:01

I was told to take it until I was 51, I was 44 when I started it. I was told that this amount of time will protect my bones but I don't have to come if it then if I chose not too. Since the beginning of September I've been taking the Vagifem (what a name, its awful) and wasn't told that I ever have to stop that.

fledtoscotland · 23/10/2013 20:03

Thanks coco - I know it increases your risk v slightly of breast cancer and cardio vascular disease in the over 60s but not found anything with a specific time limit

RhondaJean · 23/10/2013 20:06

They told her she would definitely get osteoporosis. I don't understand the Hrt things either, I think that's what has got me most worried.

She's not had any time off work with it although she's having two or three week periods. She did have one flood a few months back.

I've never heard of adenomyosis that sounds awful.

How can I help her?

I'm concerned they seem to have gone from nought to 70 in the space of a few months. She has asked about ablation but they said she wasn't suitable as if any of the endo isn't in the womb it wouldn't be affected.

RhondaJean · 23/10/2013 20:07

Is it very wrong I sniggered at vagifem?

fledtoscotland · 23/10/2013 20:13

No one can say you will definitely get Osteoporosis but she may be at increased risk if she has a strong family history

RhondaJean · 23/10/2013 20:16

Fled - I'm reporting exactly as she has told me, I was very surprised if they did say that, that's what she's taken in though?

Cremolafoam · 23/10/2013 20:17

Rhonda, your poor friend is so young. I'm very sorry for her. Sorry I don't know anything about endo related hysterectomy as mine was pmdd and fibroid related .
Re giving support Offer to bring her to the hospital for check in. This leaves dh/ dp to organise dc's or do school run, particularly if it is at dawn.
Visit in the evening last half hour if session at hospital if you can, ready to listen to her moans about hospital. My sister did that and I felt much better before sleep.
Bring small bottles of nice drinks and nibbly things like berries and mini cookies. Help her to arrange the bedside table so she can't reach everything( so frustrating when you can't get at your stuff) and help her shift the pillows for comfort . Get her nice and settled.
My friend came with hand cream and gently massaged my hands which was so relaxing.
If you have any questions for nurse or doctors act as her advocate . Go and get a nurse to her bed. My sister was brilliant at this when u was worried about my cannula.

Coming home:
If you cook make a few pies or quiches for the freezer.
Keep in touch by text. It is nice to know someone is thinking about you and a phone call can be too much effort if you're in bed.

Nice things to receive:/ borrow
Shower gel
New pjs
Books
Trashy mags
DVD box sets
Offer of lift to gps surgery
Bag of goodies from m&s to tempt appetite.
GrinGrinGrin

RhondaJean · 23/10/2013 20:42

Thank you thank you.

I feel better when I have some practically things I can do!

All of you, your input has been great. Lots of happiness and good health to everyone.

Cremolafoam · 23/10/2013 21:36

Thanks Rhonda. Best of luck to your friendThanks

shewhowines · 23/10/2013 22:04

I've just lost a massive great post which took me half an hour to write, mentioning you all by name and welcoming the newbies.

A shortened version then.

lets face thanks for the concern. Was busy at the weekend with a visiting friend. Have spent the last few days worrying about something I read on that bloody hystersisters website in the cancer section. Even resorted to using my left over sleeping pills.

Saw my oncologist today for my 6 week check. He put my mind at rest. I knew I was probably worrying unnecessarily but you know how it is Sad He examined me and said I am healing well, but reminded me, I am still healing and not to do too much. So am celebrating with a large glass of wine tonight.

Was getting dragging sensations in different places, at different times last week, but they seem to have eased this week. So am actually thinking I am beginning to feel something like normal again. Would be nowhere near ready to go back to work though.

It is interesting to hear about your driving experiences feetup. I hadn't thought about the different muscles, especially because my groin is very tender from the removal of my lymph nodes. Will perhaps try in the next few days and will report back.

I haven't really noticed the swelly belly although would love it to shrink, but sadly I feel that this is wishful thinking

Breaking news - my need for the lactulose and senna seems to be decreasing!!!!!!

Hope your friend is ok rhonda - I had lots of concerned friends, but one friend in particular, shone. She popped in everyday and was in constant text contact. I felt I could moan to her because she was always there for me.

crem has the hrt kicked in yet?

Hopefully we will all soon be looking back to this thread and it will just be a bad distant memory - rather like coco . fled it will soon be over for you too.

waiting take it easy.

Thanks for everyone.

Cremolafoam · 23/10/2013 22:53

Hi she , I'm so glad the oncologist put your mind at rest and I'm sorry that you've had a weekend if anxiety - how miserable Sad!
Keep on keeping on.have been reading through this thread again and surprised myself by reading my own posts and really not remembering writing them. If anything this will be a good record of my recoverySmile

Well the HRT is doing something . Flushes are warm as opposed to volcanic.
Mood seems ok - no weeping to report , just a little moody sadness. Not feeling overwhelmed which is great.
Of course the real test with be going out in the world and dealing with RL.
Time will tell I suppose.
Thanks for askingThanks

LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 24/10/2013 07:44

Hi She good to hear from you and that your mind's been put at rest - it's awful when there's something gnawing away. Thanks

You sound like a lovely friend Rhonda but Sad for your mate. She's very young to have to do without her own hormones.

Glad your hrt is starting to work for you Crem

I had friends round last night so Shock this morning about the AF situation.

Cremolafoam · 24/10/2013 20:11

Coming up on BBC2 Michael Mosely is about to discuss HRT Wink
Am bracing meself....

Waitingaround · 25/10/2013 07:18

I didn't see the programme
What was the outcome?
Or is it best no to know...

shewhowines · 25/10/2013 08:50

Yes, how do you feel about it now crem ?

Cremolafoam · 25/10/2013 12:27

Completely confused. Two boffins categorically disagree about HRT .
I think I'm ok if not on it for too long.
Anecdotally my patch fell off yesterday without me noticing and I spent the day feeling a bit discombobulated and weepy.
Wink
Not sure if any conclusions can be drawn but now it's back in I feel a lot more settled and in control .Wink

shewhowines · 25/10/2013 13:37

It's making you feel better, so you haven't really got much choice, have you? Sometimes I think it is better to be uninformed. I've learnt to my cost to avoid researching things too much. You worry about things you don't need to worry about Sad

I'm sure the benefits outweigh the negatives, otherwise it wouldn't be so common.

Glad you're feeling a bit better anyway.

fledtoscotland · 25/10/2013 14:21

Cremo- sounds like its making a difference so the benefits outweigh any potential side effects. Although I'm a nurse I'm definitely sticking my head in the sand atm due to fear/anxiety/stress so haven't read up on any of the side effects.

Waitingaround · 25/10/2013 15:04

I had my overies removed also, and have stated HRT patches- The consultant told me I should take it for at least 10 years. I gunk it's benefits outweigh the negatives especially when you consider bone health. But I'm not intending to read about side effects'

LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 25/10/2013 16:03

Hmm

I might have to watch the programme on iplayer. I fully intend to be on HRT when my ovaries pack up - and stay on it for as long as possible. It's still a 'who do you believe'? thing though imo.

For example, my consultant said there's no evidence that I will have an earlier menopause that I would have done if I hadn't had the hysterectomy but it seems to be a fairly commonplace side effect of the op when you have a look on the internet.

It's like eggs and bananaa all over againSmile

fledtoscotland · 25/10/2013 16:05

Letsface- my consultant said that women who have hysterectomies but still have an ovary go through menopause 5-6yrs sooner than if the hadn't had the surgery. Seems no one is singing from the same hymn sheet Angry

shewhowines · 25/10/2013 17:10

Eggs and banana?

I've not been told anything about menopause, but if it was 5-6 years sooner, it wouldn't have been worth keeping my ovaries. I am 47 and they said they try to keep them if you are below 50. Given that the average age for menopause is supposed to be 51, I'd be a lost cause. They just dont know, do they?

Wonder where oddsocks is. It's only her and fled that are waiting for their ops now, isn't it. Or have I forgotten anyone?

Anybody else putting on weight due to sitting around and stuffing your face with chocolate? We may need a weight loss thread after this Grin .

Cremolafoam · 25/10/2013 17:55

Hi all. Yes I'm sure I'm getting porky not whizzing around in my usual style so I'm in she.
It'll be months yet thoWink

Cremolafoam · 26/10/2013 15:10

How are we today?
Any news of odd socks?