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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:
user1480459555 · 21/04/2017 16:12

Meant to say in my previous post that because I kept 1 ovary I didn't have to have HRT. I had no obvious menopause symptoms apart from a couple of hot flushes when I was late 50's.

Gighasmokedhalibutisawesome · 21/04/2017 16:26

BG laughing in recognition at your post. I swear to god my fibroids knew their time was up, they played up something awful the week before. And even when they didnt, the silence seemed ominous.
Of course it may have been my overactive imagination 😀

hysteria thanks, grateful at my smooth recovery so far. Clear pattern of one day perky, one day flat as a pancake, energy wise. I can take that.

ArchNotImpudent · 21/04/2017 16:45

Robots Sorry you haven't been able to go home yet - fingers crossed for tomorrow, and hope your hospital neighbour either quietens down about her cowboy boots or rides off home Grin

Hyster I had to arrange a separate appointment with my GP to discuss HRT but my consultant did write to him to say what type she would recommend (oestrogen only patches like Robots) so if they don't arrange anything while you're there, check that your consultant will be contacting your GP. All the very best for tomorrow; will think of you.

Gig I had the up day/down day pattern for quite a while, but it gradually got to two up days/one down day and so on as my recovery progressed. I think it's a natural way of your body telling you its limits so you get the rest you need. It sounds like you're doing great but do take it nice and easy.

Healing vibes to all!

RobotsinDisguise · 21/04/2017 20:44

Cue dramatic drum roll.....

Catheter is finally out and I should be able to go home tomorrow. Thank goodness. Cowboy girl has gone.

Thinking of you Hyster. I hope you get a good night's sleep tonight.

ArchNotImpudent · 21/04/2017 20:58

Yay, Robots! Hope you get a good night's sleep now your noisy neighbour has left. It's such a relief when the catheter comes out, it made me feel much better not being tied to it.

BG2015 · 21/04/2017 21:22

I thought about taking ear plugs and an eye mask when I go in. I don't sleep well with noise, light and distractions, plus I'm really nosy and like seeing what's going on.

I shan't sleep very much in hospital.

RobotsinDisguise · 21/04/2017 21:33

Earplugs and eye mask are definitely needed. As is soothing music with good headphones. And I suggest doing arm strengthening exercises so you don't feel like a stranded turtle in bed.

BG2015 · 22/04/2017 14:12

Forgot to say, I had acknowledgement of my complaint. Apparently an Investigating Officer will be in touch with me in due course.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 22/04/2017 20:02

Just checking in, not read all your updates as absolutely knackered! I'm not ignoring you, will catch up tomorrow.
Op went well, I'm not in any pain but feel very sick and light headed - I won't be out of bed until tomorrow.
Thanks for the thoughts and kind words.

ArchNotImpudent · 22/04/2017 20:07

Really glad to hear it went well, Hyster and especially that you're not in pain. I hope you get a good night's sleep and the sickness wears off soon.

RobotsinDisguise · 22/04/2017 20:20

Well done Hyster, ask for anti sickness stuff, they can give you more than one kind.

BG2015 · 22/04/2017 20:20

Sleep well Hyster I'm sure you'll feel better tomorrow

MyBeloved · 22/04/2017 21:20

Sending healing thoughts your way hyster

MyBeloved · 22/04/2017 21:22

BG, im glad you've had some sort of acknowledgement. I really hope this is the start of everything coming right for you.

MyBeloved · 22/04/2017 21:25

I have been in total agony today. Has made me very grateful that the light is at the end of the tunnel.

I do need to contact him and ask why a total hysterectomy ratger than a subtotal leaving behind the cervix though, as I think I was so shell shocked at my appointment I didn't get a chance to collect my thoughts properly.

Hoping everyone is feeling well tonight.

ArchNotImpudent · 22/04/2017 21:42

Sorry you have had a bad day, Beloved. Yes, definitely make sure you understand the rationale behind the type of operation that's being planned (and whether it's an option to leave your cervix). I wrote a list of questions after my initial appointment when I had had time to process what was happening and spoke to my consultant a week or so later - it made me feel much more confident that I wasn't losing anything unnecessarily, particularly my ovaries.

MyBeloved · 22/04/2017 21:49

arch, Yes, that's exactly what I would like to do. I will call his secretary on Monday.

Received my admission letter today! Seems so real suddenly. A good day for it to happen though as I have been cursing my uterus most of today. Naproxen and cocodamol and hot water bottles just aren't cutting the mustard at all...its a bad flare up.

BG2015 · 22/04/2017 21:53

Are you home now Robots?

Original poster
ALemonyPea · 22/04/2017 22:01

Sorry I've neglected my little support thread. Hope everyone is doing well. Especially those who've had their ops this week.

I've been doing really well, apart from constipation which is doing my head in now. More so the wind than anything. Could fly a kite!

I attempted exercise a few days ago and felt dizzy the rest of the day. Very annoyed at myself. So going to give it another week and try again.

I still have pains on the left hand site, usually when I'm rolling over in bed. It's definitely similar to the c section pains.

Regarding talking yourselves out of needing it, I almost didn't have the op done as I'd said to DH at hospital that I'd be ok and would go home with him. I'm so glad I went ahead with it.

OP posts:
RobotsinDisguise · 23/04/2017 08:48

Morning all,
Hyster - I hope you had a good night.

BG - It's moving slowly isn't it :(

mybeloved - I hope today is more comfy for you.

Got home yesterday. Been trying to manage just on ibuprofen and paracetamol to try and sort out the constipation, along with lots of movicol. I wasn't expecting so much upper gi pain and I've hardly eaten anything. a couple of bites here and there. Might need to see my gp as my last actual meal was tuesday. Is it normal to not be able to eat?

super panic about having had my ovaries out in the middle of the night. Convinced myself it was a massive mistake. More rational about it this morning. I think either way I'd have regretted the decision at this point. Hormone wise I feel fine, slightly warm a couple of times, that's been it.

BG2015 · 23/04/2017 09:17

Lemony how many weeks post op are you now? I do quite a bit of excercise so I know that's going to be tough.

Robots do you feel sick or just no appetite? Maybe ring your doctor tomorrow just to ask. I suppose as long as you're drinking your appetite will come back.

Hyster hope you're feeling more yourself today.

I'm still so undecided about my ovaries. I've read loads around it but it's still unclear. I'm 48 so my ovaries are coming to an end of life anyway (according to my doctor) but then I've read lots of things that say the opposite to that.

Original poster
ALemonyPea · 23/04/2017 09:25

9 weeks now BG. I'm otherwise fine, sex life almost back to normal, no problems there 😉

Robots, I had no appetite for nearly a week post op, but do try eat small amounts.

OP posts:
RobotsinDisguise · 23/04/2017 10:09

That's reassuring Lemony. It's a combination of feeling a bit sick, it hurting to eat after a couple of mouthfuls and no appetite. I expect all the tablets have upset my gi system.

I am washed and dressed and suitably placed in front of the tv now :) cats think it's amazing so I've built a cushion fortress around my tummy. Doesn't stop them trying though!

in the rational light of day on the ovaries side, I think I've come to the conclusion that because the decision is so difficult there is no real right or wrong answer. My biggest difficulty will be explaining to anyone who asks who was so adamant about them staying. I don't want to have to explain my decision as it was so complex.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 23/04/2017 17:17

Afternoon ladies. I had an OK night but felt woozy as blood pressure was low for a while. Pain is under control, I just feel quite tender. Might be able to go home tomorrow and I would like to as nothing beats being in your own bed does it? ☺️
I am having trouble knowing if I need a wee though. My bladder feels full but I don't get the urge to go. No trouble actually weeing though and the bladder scans are showing that I am emptying the bladder OK.
Glad to hear from you Lemony, good to know that you are doing so well. Are you really still suffering from wind and constipation?! That is my fear!!
Robots I think that a quick call to the Dr about the pain you are getting after eating is in order.
Hope everyone else is OK?

Original poster
ALemonyPea · 23/04/2017 17:41

Sadly, yes still suffering. Not as bad, and haven't taken any laxatives the past week.

OP posts: