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.

I've not even had the op yet and I'm getting pressurised.

That's not on. I would just say you'll be following your consultant's guidance and won't be back till s/he gives the all-clear. I hope you're not in a position where you'll be forced to keep in contact with your clients when you're supposed to be resting.

Re. bleeding - I don't know if this is so for all forms of the operation, but I have a 'vaginal cuff' where my cervix used to be - I don't think it's 100% impenetrable by fluids - I assume it's so called because it's pulled together like a cuff rather than sewn with a seam.

That's a good way to put it Arch. Unfortunately I work independently, so I will probably have the odd message to deal with. Im already feeling stressed by the thought.

I just read the whole thread and learnt so much. I'm post menopausal and probably heading for hysterectomy as I have a vaginal and uterine prolapse as well as a bladder one. Have had urology tests and it seems if they just repair the bladder the uterus will fall out more so probably having a bladder repair and hysterectomy of some sort. I have insurance through DH's work but have been offered an appt with the surgeon/ gynaecologist which I can't make so am waiting to hear back. Then I'll know more. Thanks again for all the info and I hope those who've had their ops are doing well.

I hope you get an appointment soon, lazy - it sounds like you're going through a lot . I had my op through work insurance, and would certainly recommend this if it's an option - you know when everything's going to happen and can plan your life accordingly, rather than the uncertainty of being on a waiting list. There's loads of experience on MN to draw on if you need it!

The waiting is the worst. I'm constantly waiting for a letter when I get in from work, it's certainly adding to my stress levels.

I have little interest in my house or my job - I don't know if that's because of the operation and worry/stress or looming menopause.

Lazy - I hope you get your appointment soon

Can I join please. I am about to turn 49 and I have fibroids, heavy bleeding, swollen belly (not too bad by I'm a size 8 and it shows). I can choose to wait till menopause, I can have a myectomy which won't last, or I can have a hysterectomy and solve the problem. Those of you who had a hysterectomy some time ago, may I ask you two personal things I have concerns about:

• I have read about the anatomical changes. They say hips widen and you loose your waist line because the rib cage drops. Is it true? Has the shape of your body changed? Has anyone managed to regain a flat belly?
• Another scary thing I have read is orgasms going from a Tsunami to a mere ripple after op because of lack of uterus contractions.

Any truth in this? Thanks...

Hi I had a total abdominal hysterectomy in 2013 but to abnormal bleeding from fibroids and a variety of other things. I was 40.
I have had no increase in weight, weight distribution, loss of curves or otherwise. I found sex and orgasms better and easier, firstly because there were not about 3 weeks everyomonth where I was either about start, having or finishing a period so more 'available' time for sex and if anything I would say orgasms are better absolutely no worse than before. I think if you are otherwise in good health and Hysterectomy for the reasons you give would be highly beneficial! Happy to answer any other questions.

yeslam I havent had the op yet so will leave others to respond to your questions, but just wanted to flag that I have serious fibroids and endo, and have elected for a hysterectomy to resolve rather than myomectomy (i think you meant myomectomy).

thekingfisher Thanks for sharing your positive experience. I really recognise the pre-mid-post menstrual monthly wasteland. In the one other week, I was usually battling with constipation .

Certainly looking forward to a life that doesnt revolve around obsessive bowel,menstrual cycle and pain management. Your post is hugely encouraging.

BG2015 the waiting and not knowing where you are is awful, that's why they added me to a list for other hospitals that might come up sooner than they were anticipating - is that an option for you? Maybe speak with your GP about your stress levels? I was signed off before my op, but I was without a job in any case so I appreciate very different circumstances.

YesIam that sounds a difficult decision, I'm not sure what I'd do either but that's quite an encouraging post from thekingfisher. I'm only 3 months in so a bit difficult to say as I'm only just regaining fitness, but I haven't noticed any changes as you describe. I didn't have a totally flat belly in any case but again it's not any worse and I'm ok with that. I understand that "swelly belly" can be a thing after a hysterectomy but disappears in time.

Re: orgasms - there carries a small risk of less feeling, but I believe it's more common for things to go the other way!

Gigi I second kingfisher. Re. uterine contractions, I had assumed I would no longer get contractions, but found I get exactly the same contractions as I had before the op - so they must always have been vaginal in my case, not uterine.

Thanks kingfisher and archnot you've been very generous with your answers. I am so conflicted now. I was veering towards soldiering on but your stories are so positive.

And happy thank you too for your recovery

Gigha yes sorry that's what I meant, a Myemoctomy. But in my case they will only remove the two fibroids that cause the bleeding, hence, I would be left the same re the other fibroids which may keep on growing. May I as why did you elect a hysterectomy rather than myomectomy?

yeslam Basically because I have multiple fibroids, cysts, and endo. I have had two emergency admissions and ops for internal bleeding and peritonitis. They could just remove what they could fibroid wise but I am perimenopausal anyway (53) and I am mindful that I start reducing other risks of course if I have the more extensive surgery.

I am probably less sentimental about keeping my bits than some may be as I got to know them pretty intimately after years of issues (and did the full IVF thing but unsuccessfully) so I feel I have given them my best shot and support over the years but it is just not working out .

Will probably keep my ovaries this time round, as priority is fibroid removal. Depends what the surgeon encounters I think at this point.

Thanks Gigha You've had tough times! I see your reasoning. It makes total sense. Best of luck

Aw, I really dont feel things have been tough at all really, I have just learned to manage my periods and bowel to avoid catastrophe! Am sure most of my acute pelvic pain was just constipation
I am really looking forward to enjoying my food without competing with a big fibroid for space tbh! Thats one major upside for me. And I am really shallow and hoping for some weight loss (purely from losing the mahoosive fibroids). If sex is enjoyable that will be remarkable but I fear thats like the old "doctor, will I be able to play the piano" joke

Good luck with your decision making.

@YesIam I heard so many scare stories about hysterectomies with even my friends saying I would be like an old woman and turn middle aged overnight. However they weren't the ones with the flooding and anaemia and feeling shit and having a period and just about every lovely event and certainly weren't the ones who had to have emergency surgery in Paris when I needed a transfusion and 5 hours of surgery to stop me bleeding to death....

So I figured I neede to do what was best for me and my life. I think a lot of the boards hyster sisters and the like are full of much older women with multiple health issues. I wasn't prepared to be like that if I was going to have it done.

ALemonyPea mustbemad Happy Sweary

(Lol, a few more and we will be the Hyster Dwarfs)

Hope all is well and that today is a step forward in your recovery for you all. X

Yes, exactly kingfisher - people who don't have gynae problems often overlook the fact that, before surgery, many sufferers are feeling like 'old women' anyway - in fact, I was in far worse health than my 73 year old mum! If your life is constrained by constant pain and exhaustion, erratic and excessive bleeding, surgery is almost certain to bring about an improvement. If surgery is inevitable, the longer you delay, the more complicated it's likely eventually to be; and then your recovery will be slower too.

Hyster dwarfs haha 😁

I phoned the GP this morning, and triage nurse agreed I should see a GP so have an appointment on Friday. Ive perhaps been overdoing it and that with constipation has led to the bleeding, so need to take it easy. Annoying the hell out of me, I make such a bad patient.

Au contraire ALemonyPea it sounds like you are beginning to listen to your body and just may have to rein back a bit. That makes for a sensible patient. I think post GA one feels a need to be seen to bounce back quickly, but patience is the smart long game.
She says, niavely, having it all still to come

Oops spelling Naively. (english grammar pedantry and menopause head are poor bed fellows)

Hyster Dwarfs is fantastic!

I have looked at the Hyster Sisters forum - there's some really useful information there, but I didn't join because the posting rules seemed so draconian.

Hyster sisters seem to be predominantly American and although good I prefer our own little discussions on here!

I've always had a bit of a tummy but it's much larger now. I'm constantly aware of my tummy, its just 'there' and I too suffer from constipation when my period is due, it's as though everything slows down.