Hysterectomy - Any experience ?

[Amaretto]

Just come back to see the gynecologist who said that the pains that I have can be due either to a fibroid or to endometriosis. (I have both)
I already had endometrioisis and it seems to have reappeared within 6 months after reducing bf - and the return of my period. So even if I can clear it this time, it is likely to reappear again
If the problem is the fibroid, then the only way out is an hysterectomy.
In both cases, at a shorter or longer time, I will probably have to have one
Now is there anyboddy here who have had an hysterectomy? Did you feel as if your life as a woman had just ended (I meant as a woman who is still a possible mum) or that it was jsut the right thing to do?
BTW I am 35yo so I should have a few days in front on me before menopause.

bump

Amaretto, has the gynaecologist not discussed an alternative, less radical procedure, called endometrial ablation. It is a quick operation done under a general anaesthetic, as a day case. The lining of the womb is thinned so that less blood accumulates. My periods are much lighter and less heavy - and I still have my womb.
It is only suitable for people who are definitely not having any more children.

She talked about removing some of the endometriosis with an electric current (not sure of the name of the op) but even if I can get ride of the endometriosis that way (or with hormonal treatment)it is likely to be a recurrent issue.
Also because, the symptoms that I have are showing that there is probably some endometriosis in other areas than around the uterus, I wouldn't be able to get rid of it completely.
I don't usually react well to hormonal treatment so in the long term, if it does reappear, I am thinking about something more radical.

And that's if the problem is the endometriosis not the fibroid!

Yes, that sounds like endometrial ablation for the problem within the womb.
I have a good friend who had a hysterectomy for this sort of problem (don't know the details) and although it took her a while to recover from this major op, it did improve her life no end. She was 10 years older than you.

Hi Amaretto - I am having a hysterectomy also at the age of 35. I get severe anaemia with my periods which goes very low each month even with iron tablets. Have tried the tranexemic acid route, had investigations etc. Mirena coil fell out after 5 weeks due to bleeding.
Luckily I have had all my children and have been going through all this for over a year now so this seems like the best option for me.
They are leaving my one remaining ovary in as then I will not go through a sudden menopause.

WizzleWoo, how do you feel about it?
ATM, that seems to be the one of the best option for me too (on a medical point of view) but I am really stryggling with the idea that somehow I will not be 'a woman' anymore.
I know it is strange, it's just removing the possibilty of being a mum again that doesn't feels right even if I don't plan to have another one...

yes ameretto i have had a hysterectomy,and it was due to fibroids,i had a large one which they said was the size of a grapefruit and also when i had had the op they told me had removed several smaller ones too .At first they thought it was a tumour because fibroids are normally soft and squashy,and smooth,mine was hard and had spikey edges .i have to admit i was terrified of going in as i had never had a op before ,but it was fine i didnt need a single pain killer in the five days i was there.Once i had my premed i was away with the fairies !!! good luck and dont worry.You will feel so much better after it has been done.

hanks you all your answers, it's nice to know that perhaps it's so bad after all...
Really need to have a think about it and take some sort of decison.

Amaretto I feel that this is the best option for me. The option of having children will be taken away but I know that I dont want any more. It does seem strange that it is all going but I am looking forward to being healthy and full of energy again.