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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:
mylittlepeanut · 06/05/2017 06:04

Thank you for the top tips ladies, I've just bought myself a new kindle and will be popping out to the shops later for some comfy trousers and large pants! I just really want to get the op done with now as I've had issues with my periods since I started them age 12 and they are definitely getting worst as I get older.

BG2015 · 06/05/2017 10:27

Good luck - hope all goes well!

lasttimeround · 07/05/2017 08:31

Hi folks. From a brief scan of posts it looks like most of you are in the recovery bit. I'm scheduled for surgery 20th July. Started esmya recently to shrink fibroids. I'm going to try to get z bit fitter and healthier if possible pre op but the size of my belly makes that hard.

Anyway wish you all good recoveries.

BG2015 · 07/05/2017 08:54

Hi last, I'm not recovering....I'm still waiting for mine. Haven't even got a date yet.

Good luck with yours

ArchNotImpudent · 07/05/2017 09:24

Hi lasttime

You're right to get as fit as you can before surgery. I wished I'd had more strength in my arms and upper body, as it would have been much easier to move myself about in the early stages of recovery - so if your belly is making lower body exercise difficult, it's well worth focusing on your arm, chest and shoulder muscles. Do you know what type of op you're having yet?

lasttimeround · 07/05/2017 12:41

Hi BG2015 - hope you get surgery scheduled as suita you soon.
Arch - that's a really good point. Thanks. I'm often a bit meh about exercise as I find it hard to do any given I have an enormous uterus. Or it kicks off back and knee problems partly related to my posture - again enormous uterus. Stomach has been big for a while.
I'm possibly going to have a vertical abdominal incision (unless things really shrink) and hopefully keeping ovaries znd cervix. I'm relatively young so I really hope ovaries can stay. No idea where u am really menopause as I've had a mirena for ages.
To be honest I can't wait to get this done now. I'm struggling more and more. Hopefully things will get better after that.
What kind of op did you have arch?

ArchNotImpudent · 07/05/2017 13:28

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy & oophorectomy with horizontal incision - I'm 42 so wasn't in menopause, but obviously went into surgical meno with the removal of my ovaries - didn't have a choice as they were too damaged by endo to keep. I had fibroids and the post-op pathology revealed adenomyosis as well. So far it's cured the continuous pain I was in and not having periods anymore is wonderful! I only wish I'd had it done sooner.

MyBeloved · 07/05/2017 13:36

BG, I can't believe you're still awaiting a date - ridiculous! Fingers crossed it will be soon.

Arch, would you say Pilates is a good pre op exercise regimen? I'm booked for October.

Hope everyone is feeling well today Flowers

ArchNotImpudent · 07/05/2017 13:42

I'm not an expert but I should think Pilates would be fine, as it will build stamina and help ease of movement once you are in the recovery phase.

lasttimeround · 07/05/2017 14:45

Arch - im 42 as well. Had the fibroids since late 20s. Been putting off this op for various reasons but this year it feels like this should have happened years ago. No periods but I'm just huge snd it's uncomfortable and tiring
How is the surgical menopause going?

ArchNotImpudent · 07/05/2017 16:08

It's not too bad at all - I'm not on HRT yet as I don't want to retrigger my endo. I'm having a few hot flushes, but nothing unmanageable - the main symptom is stiff joints if I've been sitting for long periods. There's nothing so far to make me think it's any worse than a natural menopause would have been. I will take HRT eventually as I don't want my bones to thin, and I will certainly take it if I start having unmanageable flushes, but I'm reluctant to rock the boat while my symptoms are pretty minor.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 07/05/2017 18:01

Evening all and hello to last and peanut.
BG2015, still no date? They are stringing this along aren't they?
Robots, how are you after work? I understand completely about needing to work when self employed.
I have a question, how long after the operation until we can have a bath? I had a total Hysterectomy including overies laprascopically (so?). I am fed up of just showers.
Also I have a bowel question - how long till the bowels settle? TMI ALERT......... I am currently suffering very very lose watery movements which are bright yellow!!!

ArchNotImpudent · 07/05/2017 18:08

I waited about three weeks before having a bath. It was fine (and bloomin' lovely after chilly showers in December), just had to be careful drying the wound.

I didn't experience loose bowels - I took about two weeks to settle but that was from being constipated rather than loose. Could it be related to any medication, Hyster?

Hysterectomyhysteria · 07/05/2017 18:12

Hi Arch, I'm not taking any medication but have my HRT patch- could that be it do you think.
I miss having a bath ☺️

ArchNotImpudent · 07/05/2017 19:43

It's possible - I've seen indigestion listed as a HRT side effect. It would be worth checking with your doctor in case you need to tweak the dose.

I missed baths like crazy, especially as my op was in December, which is just the time I like long, hot soaks to warm myself up. The first one you have will be lovely!

Hysterectomyhysteria · 07/05/2017 20:06

I need to make a Dr's appointment anyway for more HRT so will add it to my list of questions.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 07/05/2017 20:06

I need to make a Dr's appointment anyway for more HRT so will add it to my list of questions.

RobotsinDisguise · 07/05/2017 21:48

First day back tomorrow Hyster. Bit nervous.

Bright yellow stools doesn't sound right. My bowels are still grumpy but the biggest issue with them is pain before I go and during. I'd get checked out.

I had a bath two and a half weeks after. Was lovely :)

Increased bleeding yesterday. I think it was stitches starting to dissolve. Headaches too. I think I'm at the moaning minny stage Grin

Hysterectomyhysteria · 07/05/2017 22:02

Bleeding Robots?

RobotsinDisguise · 08/05/2017 08:03

I think bleeding is ok? on the level of a light period.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 08/05/2017 11:00

Ohhhhh, I don't know....... I hadn't even thought of the possibility of bleeding (nieve here!). I haven't bled, in fact everything 'down below' is quite dry...... Another reason to think my HRT needs to be tweaked a little.
Are you feeling otherwise OK Robots?

RobotsinDisguise · 08/05/2017 11:06

I'm not quite sure iyswim. A bit out of sorts and teary and headachy this morning. Some old blood clots a bit earlier. Seeing a gp on Thursday, so if it stays at this level I'll ask then. If I get a temp or if it gets heavier I'll get a today appointment.

Your hrt is lower than mine I think. I'm on a 75mg patch.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 08/05/2017 11:34

Sounds like a plan Robots, it's hard to know what to expect or what is 'normal' as all normal recoveries are so different aren't they?
Yes my HRT is a 50mg patch and I am still getting menopause symptoms so have made appointment with GP to discuss. Couldn't get one until a week on Friday though so if the watery stools continue I will try and get there sooner.
Hope your working day goes well for you Robots.

Gighasmokedhalibutisawesome · 08/05/2017 12:56

Hi everyone.

Hyster to echo, I would check out your poo situation asap if only for reassurance. Poo colour usually an indicator of GI issues which you will want to rule out. Hope its just the meds.

Robots good luck with work, small steps etc. I am with you and I am definitely at the moaning/grumpy minnie stage. I remain grateful I dont appear to have had any complications, but I am tender again and there is a serious absence of vavavoom. Assume the internal wounds are now healing and knitting and I have a lot of them. And still waiting for my path report so a bit anxious.

I still have the occasional very light bleed, forums say this is normal but you will be grateful for your appt on Thursday for reassurance.

Arch like you I am not taking HRT yet due to endo etc. Sounds similar, I can manage the hot flushes, which pass, but the joint pain on waking is (literally) a big pain in the butt.

Peanut best wishes, thinking of you today and hope to hear from you when you are through the surgery and feeling able.

mylittlepeanut · 09/05/2017 04:04

Well that was an interesting day... arrived at hospital and the new surgeon said that he would try to do the operation laparoscopically. I ended up being in surgery for 4 and a half hours after he had to open me up fully, Nor sure why yet as the surgeon will tell me this morning when he does morning rounds. Awake at the moment as I've just leaked lots of blood through my dressing so overall not a great start to recover and feeling sorry for myself😪