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Original poster

Is there a hysterectomy support thread?

983 replies

ALemonyPea · 23/02/2017 21:15

I had a laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy, retained ovaries but everything else removed.

Day 6 for me, and I have some questions and would like some support as freacking out about the thought of vault prolapse.

I am managing pain wise now. Some slight pulling on one side, but manageable. Belly button keeps bleeding, but not enough to run out, so just cleaning it twice a day.

I feel quite heavy down there, is that normal?

I thought I had read everything there was about hysterectomies before I had the op, but the surgeon mentioned vaginal vault prolapse just before the surgery and explained it briefly. I then googled, and the first page brought up an awful image and I can't get it out my mind. I'm terrified that it'll happen to me.

Can anyone offer any help and support.

OP posts:

armsandtheman · 24/03/2017 20:16

My bmi is about 31 so fingers crossed ok. I'm hoping to lose weight after op. The endo misery doesn't help a diet!

No discussions about how they'll operate yet. Ive had 2 keyhole surgeries so lost the button Ffion my belly button already! I don't think my bowel is scarred (no obvious symptoms) so maybe they'll be able to remove it all that way. I'm right at the start so have a referral but nothing else yet. The plan for dates etc is mine as I like a good plan but I'm sure I'll have to compromise depending on what they can do!

armsandtheman · 24/03/2017 20:17

I'll have to lie to my mum about the baths sweary.

ArchNotImpudent · 24/03/2017 20:20

If you have to do a bowel prep the day before the op you'll lose half a stone in an afternoon.

BG2015 · 24/03/2017 20:24

There's no way I can afford to go private. If I could, believe me I would.

I do feel like my life is in limbo and I'm aware they can call me anytime from now up until the middle of June. As much as I love my job and my class I don't want to spend my holiday in hospital or recovering. I tend to spend 2 weeks of the 6 week break in school anyway sorting out my classroom.

I won't ever have a 'last' period because I just bleed constantly.

Healing vibes to all of you ladies who are recovering. Welcome Arms - hope you get your date soon.

User543212345 · 24/03/2017 20:27

You are on the list, BG so you will get a date soon. I know it's shite waiting but take some solace that there will be an end to this by the summer, and whilst the wait is horrid and the timing might be less than ideal this will be sorted out.

ArchNotImpudent · 24/03/2017 20:38

BG I hope you get called in sooner rather than later .

Your consultant should sign you off for as long as you need to recover, especially as I imagine in your job you're on your feet most of the day.

If it does happen in June and then you find you've spent most of the six weeks holiday in hospital or laid up, it will probably mean you need a bit longer before you're ready to go back - it shouldn't be the case that you go from being in a state of 'confined' recovery to being back at work - there needs to be a stage where you're pottering around and doing normal things between that.

BG2015 · 24/03/2017 20:40

I'm sick of going on about. My OH must be sick of me moaning.

It will soon be done and I'll look back and laugh at how inpatient I was.

So I shan't mention my looming date again, I shall be positive and supportive to you lovely ladies and continue to pick up lots of tips about big knickers and the expected farting I shall expect.

Original poster

ALemonyPea · 24/03/2017 20:40

My bmi was over 40 this time last year, it's now 27. It was below 30 when I went to the consultants to get the go ahead for the operation.

OP posts:

User543212345 · 24/03/2017 20:43

By all means go on and whinge, BG! We're here to listen as well as impart experience.

I do find that having a moan helps pass the time when you're waiting

Hysterectomyhysteria · 24/03/2017 20:46

Isn't it funny how different we are all treated - my BMI is 40 and the consultant isn't worried about it at all. I should be having my operation in April.

ArchNotImpudent · 24/03/2017 20:46

Lemony congratulations!

Original poster

ALemonyPea · 24/03/2017 20:50

Arch, I had a laparoscopic/vaginal hysterectomy, but they had said I might have to have abdominal if scaring from my c sections was bad. Luckily it wasn't. Recovery is longer with abdominal, so do take it easy.

BG, don't feel you need to stop moaning, I don't think you are, you're just discussing it. It must be very frustrating for you having to wait all this time.

OP posts:

Original poster

ALemonyPea · 24/03/2017 20:52

That is strange Hyster. I was told definitely no operation until I lost weight. All to do with recovery and doing keyhole.

OP posts:

Hysterectomyhysteria · 24/03/2017 20:58

Well done on the weight loss Lemony!
It is strange how we are all getting different treatment, from waiting times right through to whether we are offered the operation in the first place!

ArchNotImpudent · 24/03/2017 21:00

Yes, it's been over three months and I still have some tenderness/aches and pains - I think it's where my nerves are healing up. It's lucky that I have a fairly sedentary job! I wish I could have had the laparoscopic op, but at least my bowel was undamaged, which was the consultant's main concern.

Original poster

ALemonyPea · 24/03/2017 21:05

Yeah, if it's like a c section, it could take years for your lower stomach to feel good (sorry). I still can't feel much from my belly button to my c section scar and my last section was 8 years ago, I've had three though, so optimal nerve damage.

OP posts:

ArchNotImpudent · 24/03/2017 21:16

Three - that must have been harder each time! Since my op, I've wondered how on earth women manage after a c-section given that they have a newborn baby to cope with as well as the abdominal wound.

Original poster

ALemonyPea · 24/03/2017 22:05

I found my sections easier to recover from than my hysterectomy tbh.

OP posts:

Hysterectomyhysteria · 24/03/2017 22:21

Ah Lemony, I was hoping to hear that can sections were worse than the Hysterectomy.

Original poster

ALemonyPea · 24/03/2017 22:54

Ha sorry, I was hoping they were similar as well, they're not. Recovery is longer.

OP posts:

Hysterectomyhysteria · 25/03/2017 20:57

So I got my date today, 22nd April. Now it really seems real and scary.

BG2015 · 26/03/2017 09:34

Hyster that's great - now you can start planning, buying your big knickers, peppermint capsules etc etc

RobotsinDisguise · 26/03/2017 12:36

That's really good Hyster :) lots to sort out to keep your mind off stuff.

I still don't know whether to keep my ovaries or not. The surgeon suggested taking them out because they think it will help with my other health conditions which are definitely made worse by hormone swings each month. My gps reaction was why on earth would you want them out when it may not help, can't you keep putting up with your other health issues - ermmm, I'd rather not given I feel so unwell for a week every three weeks. But she is right, it may not help and what if it makes them worse?

BG2015 · 26/03/2017 13:23

Robots I had that dilemma too - but have now decided to keep mine. If you go over to the menopause thread tons of ladies struggle to find the right combination of HRT.

It just scares me going into immediate menopause. But I don't really suffers with PMT much. Who knows, HRT might be the right thing for you once they find the right balance.

It's so hard isn't it to decide!

RobotsinDisguise · 26/03/2017 13:25

It is hard! I feel like suggesting we compromise and she leaves one in

I'll have a look at that thread, thanks for the suggestion.

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