Had a full hysterectomy? Come hither

[GissASquizz]

I have fibroids and endometriosis. My consultant is recommending a hysterectomy plus ovary removal at this point (have had several surgeries in the past). I'm 40, not wanting any more kids. I would have to have a abdominal surgery due to the fibroid. I'm dithering. Yes, it would be amazing to be pain free and not have the horrendous pmt. But.

Hrt. How will it affect my libido? The pmt also heightens anxiety for me so presumably id feel more stable? The words 'vaginal dryness' keep cropping up when I Google and that doesn't sound like a fun sex life, though.

Also, and I realise this sounds shit but I'm being honest, I'm worried I'll feel less attractive somehow? Stupid maybe but I don't want to be older than I am iyswim. I suppose I'm wondering how other women cope emotionally.

I had a hysterectomy and ovaries removed due to fibroids 18 years ago when I was 45. After the pre-med, on my way down to theatre, I was in tears and the nurse said 'Do you think you're going to come out of this a withered old crone?' because that was obviously how a lot of women feel. Once I had recovered from the operation I felt better than ever no periods, no pain, no hormonal headaches and no loss of libido or dryness whatsoever.

They put me straight on HRT because my ovaries had been removed and increased the dose at my six weeks check-up because I said I had been a bit weepy. I stayed on this until I was 55 when I decreased the dosage slowly down to nothing over a year or so.

I did the recommended physio religiously and started back at the gym after a couple of months. Honestly, I felt great!

That's encouraging, thanks

Anyone else?

I had one about 5 years ago. Best thing I ever did. I have HRT patches for my bones.

Have you found any negative effects?

Well I have a massive vertical scar down my belly and don't like wearing a bikini but it's a small price to pay. The scar is a bit wonky because I was quite thin then and it was, apparently, hard to stitch.

I had an abdominal hysterectomy 7 years ago. My ovaries were removed at the same time. Had to wait 3 weeks before I could take hrt, I believe this is standard procedure.
Apart from night sweats, which lasted a month, everything was fine. I refused oral hrt and went with the gel instead. Within 4 months I'd stopped with the gel, kept forgetting to use it.
Having the hysterectomy was the best thing I ever did.
My confidence improved and I had loads of extra energy.
I'm in my 60's now and still looking and feeling good.

The scar doesn't really bother me. I'm more concerned about the hormone loss. My pmt is vicious, but mid cycle I feel on top of the world. Worried I might end up 'flat' iyswim?

You will be able to sort out the hormone levels with hrt. I can't remember details but the hrt you have when you don't have a uterus is not the one with the risk of breast cancer.

HRT will sort you out.

My hysterectomy was the best thing I ever did, I didn't realise just how miserable my life had got before it. I'm a different woman now.

I'm just coming off HRT now which is a bit of a struggle, but it's getting better.

And it didn't murder your personal life?

It certainly didn't!

Vaginal dryness is a side effect, but there is always lube.

Thanks. That's reassuring

I had a total abdo hysterectomy with ovaries out in the Summer to have a massive cyst removed. Cut from two inches above navel all the way down. Recovered within 3 weeks, barely had any pain. I went on Evorel HRT patches in Oct, and I'm feeling really well on them. No problems with libido or dryness at all.

It's good to hear some positive stories! Mentally it feels like a huge decision.

I actually asked for a hysterectomy. Originally they were only going to take the cyst out. But it had grown to 17lbs without me even noticing so I didn't want to risk one growing on other tube/ovary. I love not having PMT, periods and needing smears :D

I don’t have any side effects. Maybe the odd hot flush every few weeks or so but it feels no different to when we had that heat wave for a few minutes.

Had a total abdominal hysterectomy and one ovary removed last year. Had complications so further surgery was required shortly after. I had my remaining ovary removed 2 months ago due to it being rather naughty, and I feel amazing now.

I use oestrogen gel HRT which suits me perfectly. I have had no issues with unwanted side effects, or problems of a personal nature.

Good luck, whatever you decide

I don't know what to do for the best tbh. I have cramping/burning pain most days, pressure on my bladder and bowel issues. But major surgery and a loooong time to recover

I had a sub total laparoscopic hysterectomy 7 years ago, I'd had one ovary & my tubes removed from an ovarian cyst & they found large patches of endometriosis, I was in a lot of pain, suffering heavy bleeding & felt like I was carrying a bowling ball at the top of my legs. I went in to hospital at teatime, to theatre at 6.00PM & was back in bed watching soaps by 8.00PM with a catheter & drain that were removed at 5.30AM next morning, I had to prove that I could empty my bladder & was on my way home before 9.00AM, I had zero pain & just 4 cuts, one in my belly button, one on each side of my lower stomach & a slightly bigger on on my bikini line, none of them was more than 2cm except for the bikini line one that was about 4cm. I was tired & a bit sore for about a week, the bleeding stopped after 4 days, I was driving 3 days after the op, had it done through NHS choose & book at my local private hospital on a Friday night, was well enough to go out for a meal & drinks on the Monday & was discharged by consultant the following Friday with a prescription for HRT patches.