Is there a hysterectomy support thread?

[ALemonyPea]

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.

Thanks for replying. I remember those 'shocks from when I had my c-sections! It is the nerves knitting back together.

That's very reassuring about how you have recovered physically and how your sex life has taken an upturn! I also have endometriosis and understand about the endless pain. It's not exactly a turn on!

Are you taking HRT? Sorry to bombard you with questions

Happy to answer questions if it helps .

I'm not on HRT at the moment, mainly because I'm terrified it will re-stimulate any remaining endometriosis. I went straight into menopause and started having hot flushes within a couple of days of the operation. They haven't been too bad so far - not debilitating in any way, just a bit annoying. My mood seems to be on more of an even keel if anything, because I no longer have PMS, but I have suffered anxiety and depression for years and that's neither better nor worse. Surprisingly, my skin is in much better condition (I previously suffered lots of break outs) and my hair is looking better too (not shedding anything like as much). By far the worst symptom has been joint pain and feeling stiff when I sit for long periods at work, but that's started to ease up a bit in the last month.

I fully intend to go on HRT at some point, because I think it will be better for my long-term health - my GP has just said to ask when I want it. I'm thinking if I can ride the menopause symptoms out for at 6 - 12 months and then go on a very low dose, that will give the best chance of protecting me without risking regrowing the endo.

My mum had a very easy menopause (hers was natural) so I'm hoping I take after her, but it could be a case of the worst being yet to come so I feel reassured by having the option to go onto HRT at any point if things suddenly go downhill.

Gosh, it's a real balancing act isn't it? I only hope I have as successful a recovery as you and that you continue along such a positive path!

Thank you

Hello!
I'm due to have a hysterectomy next Thursday. I have my pre op assessment Tuesday.
I've been trying to read up on how mine will be performed as I haven't discussed that part with the consultant yet!
I have two large fibroids both measuring approx 9cms. I'm thinking I'll have to have an open incision, perhaps through my caesarean scar.
Just wondered if anyone could share their experience please?

Welcome Greyboot, I'm still waiting for my appointment but that's exactly what my consultant has told me today, anything too large will have to be removed via an abdominal incision.

Maybe you will be able to discuss this next Tuesday.

Thanks for your reply BG, I'm hoping to discuss it on Tuesday, but I was also trying to work out how long I'll be in hospital for.
I'm thinking several days, but not sure!

Hi greyboot

I've been told I will be in hospital for 3 days for a total abdominal hysterectomy, if that helps.

I'm hoping to go home tomorrow, 2 nights after Lavh as long as I'm less fainty. Very noisy tonight as I'm next to the admitting cubicle.

Ah robots I am kicking myself as I saw your post in the wee small hours and thought I had replied in solidarity, damned phone. I was sent to bed yesterday for overdoing it so wasnt around much and slept a lot but was thinking of you a lot and hoping you had a better day 🙁

Am thrilled you still have the prospect of an early return home and keep my fingers crossed. You have obviously been unlucky with a noisy ward so you will be especially glad to get home when you are ready.

Progress continues here.....was dressed and out and about yesterday but got exhausted. Have discomfort rather than pain now and am off all meds apart from very occasional ibuprofen.

Hope today is a good one.

BG thrilled you have got somewhere at last.
greyboot hi!

Both - to save you trawling through thread I am 53 with presenting endo, fibroids, history of pelvic pain and cyst removal, perimenopausal.
Elected for total abdominal hysterectomy with ovary removal rather than just fibroid removal to avoid a second operation. The fibroid/s were a wee surprise size wise and much bigger than the 9cm from a previous scan. I have a pic if anyone curious and robust and wants an idea of what they look like. Glad they are out.

So I have been "plunged" into surgical menopause and will happily share what is next. I was not offered hrt at this point, I do think 50 is the upper limit for that geing protocol in some areas. Had a brief spell of hot flushes, being hot at night and joint pain a few months ago so have an idea what to expect. I feel my normal non menopausal self so far by the way. Anyway happy to share for those in the same boat.

Everyone have a good day.

hysterectomyhysteria cannot believe you are nearly there! Try and have a relaxing day today and all best wishes!

I can't go home today. Doctor says hopefully tomorrow.

I am really sorry robots, but equally glad you are not being booted out for your bed if you are not ready. Hope you have a more restful day, you might even be able to enjoy the catering! How is the pain management going? Sending you and

You are so lovely Gig! Not very comfy, but managing. Have my hrt patch on now. It's so funny that a little plastic square can somehow get hormones in!

The lady in the next bed is definitely ready to go home. Apparently her new cowboy boots have arrived and she's thudding around in them and shouting at how excited she is and demanding photos ffrom her boyfriend. I am tempted to barf all over them.

robots 😀
Where roughly in the UK are you? Just wondering where cowboy boots are a thing again? Or perhaps your neighbour ruptured a cyst with over enthusiastic line dancing? 😉Each to their own, of course, but more quietly please, yes I mean you, that lady in the next cubicle.

I had a new neighbour arrive at 2am on my second night, in huge distress and clearly in intolerable pain, she was whispering "help me" over and over again. It was just awful but she was whipped down to theatre pdq. Will never know what it was but I mention it because I have been there with endo/adhesions and it was a huge reminder why this will all be worthwhile for us in the end.
Have a better day robots

Sorry on my other phone, this is Gig on social. Really do have to sort that out.

Aargh damn autocorrect. This is Gig, obviously

Don't worry Gig, it's easy to follow your name changes.
Poor lady who came in next to you. How awful :(

Glad to hear that you are all on the mend.
Gig, how long ago did you have your op?
Robots, did you have to sort your HRT before you went in to hospital or did they sort it while you were in there?

hysteria I had my op a week ago, last Thursday. Out Saturday.

Gig, sounds like you are making a great recovery then! 😀

Is it tomorrow for you Hyst? Consultant at my appt said she would sort out oestrogen only hrt. When I was in recovery she asked if I wanted patches or tablets. I asked for a patch as it's continuous delivery. On 75mg of something that's locked away! Had one mild hot flush, accompanied with inexplicable leaky eyes earlier and that's been it so far hormonally.

Don't know if it's psychological but I've had quite a bit of cramping pain since my appointment yesterday. Things feel different and I wonder if my fibroids have grown or changed.

Hyster - good luck for tomorrow. I'm hoping I'm mentally ready when my time comes.

Healing vibes to all you lovely ladies 💐

Don't know BG, but since my appointment and subsequent date confirmation my pain has reduced! Maybe it is psychological!

And Yes, healing vibes all round xx