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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:
mustbemad71 · 09/03/2017 19:51

Hysteria that sounds horrendous. I had an abdominal incision so can't help with your query from personal experience but the lady in the bed opposite me had 3 tiny incisions in her lower tummy. I bet they will fade away to nothing with a bit of Bio Oil.

BG2015 · 09/03/2017 19:53

Must be mad, I actually rang his secretary 2 weeks ago and she told me he likes to have people in by 6 weeks after initial appointment- been waiting 4 now so don't know what that means.

My OH booked Harry Potter play tickets 18 months ago which I'm desperate to see, it's the May bank holiday weekend 27th I think. I just know I'm going to miss it. I reckon if I had it done before the 14th April I'd be ok? Stupid I know to think about a play but we're on the front row and the 2 tickets were over £200!

mustbemad71 · 09/03/2017 19:56

BG wow that sounds promising - only 6 week wait. I'd say that you should be fine for the play although you may want to take a soft cushion to sit on and keep the pain killers topped up! I'm only at the end of week one and I've sat at my desk for a good 3 hours on a pillow (I work from home).

mustbemad71 · 09/03/2017 20:06

Has anyone post-op got the rather attractive tummy overhang?! It's as though I have a piece of string pulled tightly around my lower tum with flesh hanging over the top. I hope it isn't a permanent feature!

RaskolnikovsGarret · 09/03/2017 20:14

I went to a show at the end of week 2 and it was fine, so I think you'll be ok. Hope it works out.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 09/03/2017 20:22

BG2015, if I remember correctly you are in Staffs? Will you be having your op at the royal Stoke? I have just seen a lovely consultant there.

BG2015 · 09/03/2017 20:43

Yes will be going to Royal Stoke.

Original poster
ALemonyPea · 09/03/2017 20:46

BG I think you'd be fine going to see a show at early as 2 weeks post op, as long as you sat mostly. Jealous! We had amazing seat for Cirque Du Soleil, and I missed it as was the same day as my op. DH took our eldest instead.

I am managing a small walk outside, but DH says I'm walking slightly hunched. I feel like my insides are dropping when I walk, possibly just internal tugging.

My scars are tiny, three weeks in, you can't really see them. They're around 1.5cm on either side of my belly button, you can't see the belly button in ne and the one under is 1cm. Bruising is stil coming out. Had yellow bruising a few days after, and since then, purple bruising appears and disappears.

Mustbemad, I've been wanting sex since week 2, so taking that as a sign my libido has left the building. Is it just PIV sex we are not allowed? I'm asking purely for the thread, not for myself she lied

OP posts:
Original poster
ALemonyPea · 09/03/2017 20:46

I waited 6 weeks for my operation, I had been told 16 weeks. NE.

OP posts:
Wearingmybiggirlpants · 09/03/2017 20:55

I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago. Two tIny scars in my belly button and that's it - amazing! My advice is to take as much time off as you can. Even if you had laparoscopy you've still had major surgery so need time to heal inside and recover from the op.

I went back to work after two weeks, it was way too soon and I ended up developing severe depression. Part of the reason was that I had fibroids and was not expecting to have ovaries removed. They took ovaries out during the op after discovering extensive endometriosis and so I had to have HRT patches (which I will have for about 10 years) I am very grateful not to have to deal with horrendous periods any more but feel ten years older physically and mentally than I did before the op.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 09/03/2017 21:03

This is such a fantastic thread, thank you all for sharing your experiences. I am feeling much more positive now!
BG2015, the lovely consultant I saw at royal Stoke is called Mr El G......... I think that if he is your consultant you are lucky 😀

mustbemad71 · 09/03/2017 21:19

Lemony I'm not taking any chances and will wait until 6 week check although it's going to drive me nuts! I've got a lot of stitches down there with the repair and the vaginal vault suspension.

BG2015 · 09/03/2017 21:45

It is a great thread - very supportive and informative. That's not my consultants name, HH!

What practical things did you need in hospital? Big pants, san pro?

Fauxgina · 09/03/2017 22:43

Thank you BG I'd like to know what I should be packing too.

Hysterectomyhysteria · 09/03/2017 23:02

I guess nighties rather than pyjamas, because of the catheter?

mustbemad71 · 10/03/2017 00:35

YY to nighties a loose one - mine was too tight immediately after due to swells belly. San pro. Lip balm - lips very dry after op. Peppermint tea bags to ease gas. Wet wipes. Cash for TV/internet. Ear plugs and eye mask if you want any chance of sleep. I must admit I didn't get much as initially you have obs done every 2 hours plus there were emergency admissions through the night then the lights go on and curtains thrown back at 6am! Big primark cotton knicks - £2 for pack of 4. Headphones for TV. No shampoo, conditioner or shower gel provided so take own. Someone said take make up - to keep your morale up, but I couldn't have given a damn, last of my worries! Loose clothes to come home in, the leggings I had were too tight and cut into me - they are ok now a week on.

mustbemad71 · 10/03/2017 00:36

How long did everyone wear their TED stockings for after the op? Mine are driving me nuts! I think I was told 6 weeks, they sent me home with 3 pairs.

mustbemad71 · 10/03/2017 00:37

Also flip flops for the shower!

ArchNotImpudent · 10/03/2017 00:47

I discarded the vile stockings as soon as I got home - I tried to keep active instead. I am still here three months later.

mustbemad71 · 10/03/2017 00:52

Thanks Arch think I will ditch now I'm active.

Original poster
ALemonyPea · 10/03/2017 08:03

I took nighties, but wasn't catheterised. Nighties would be easier though as you'll be bloated and sore. I just got a couple of long ones from Matalan.

I took some pads, and big knickers as was told I'd bleed, but there was very little bleeding at all, didn't have to wear a pad after two days.

I've been living in leggings as I'm still sore internally, although haven't took any pain killers for a few days and feeling great.

OP posts:
RobotsinDisguise · 12/03/2017 21:12

Hello, can I join in please? Ive name changed because I'm bound to out myself on the thread.

I saw my consultant on Friday, was diagnosed with adenomyosis and was talked through the options. My gp had already strongly suggested a hysterectomy and my consultant agreed. I've been struggling for years with awful symptoms, but hadn't realised that there was anything actually wrong with me, I thought it was my age and that it was all on the horrid side of normal.

I was rather startled when my consultant said it would probably be in May. I thought it would be months and months! It's not a great time both from the point of view of work - I'm self employed and it's a critical time of year, and from the point of view of my dc who has their AS exams in May/June.

Now I'm feeling rather guilty for going for this option because of the timing

I've been given the choice of keeping my ovaries or not keeping them. I have no idea. Confused If I keep them I can go into menopause naturally, but I'll still get the hormone cycle that upsets my other health conditions.

If they are removed, then the consultant will put me on oestrogen only hrt. I don't really understand the downsides enough to make an informed decision and I really wasn't expecting their removal to be suggested.

Going to watch Call The Midwife now.

BG2015 · 13/03/2017 08:00

Robots, I had the same dilemma about my ovaries. I have fibroids so I'm going to keep them, maybe if your condition would improve with removal of your ovaries it could be something you consider.

I just don't fancy going into sudden menopause and would rather take my chances.

I think with regards to timing, no time is ever good. I'm ready for mine now, I just need a date. It's 4 weeks since I had my initial appointment

RobotsinDisguise · 13/03/2017 08:17

Thanks BG. Surgical menopause isnt something I fancy at all! I hope you get your date soon, you must be checking the post every day. It is very hard to plan when you don't know when you are going in.

I'm finding my symptoms much more noticeable this weekend now I'm really focused on them. I'm also wondering whether other abdo symptoms I get are endo rather than IBS as the gastro consultant said.

This thread is really helpful. Lots of handy tips. I went over to Hystersisters and was rather bemused to find one of the tips was to redecorate the space you are going to be hanging out in most before your op. I barely have the energy to wave the duster around at the moment.

User543212345 · 13/03/2017 13:18

Another one signing in. I'm due to have a total laparoscopic hysterectomy on Wednesday (keeping my ovaries) and threads like this are a godsend. I've stocked up on fybogel and peppermint tea and will pick up some peppermint capsules this afternoon.

Did anyone use a support band afterwards? Or is it sensible to not and allow the muscles time to repair and support themselves naturally.

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