Please tell me about your hysterectomy!

[AlbertBridge]

After 5 years of fibroids, I've been given the option to have a hysterectomy. I assumed it'd take years but I've just been sent a pre-op assessment appointment so I'm guessing it won't be long? 😬

I'm now crapping myself!

How was your hysterectomy?

How much support do you need at home afterwards? For how long?

When can you drive.fly/work again? (I have a work thing abroad in early May...)

Vain question - did you gain weight?

I'm really scared. It'll plunge me into menopause and I'm a massive hypochondriac so I'm absolutely bricking it!

Thank you 😊

Hi OP, I had a hysterectomy a year ago for ovarian cancer. I was in hospital for 4 nights, they wanted me to go home after 3. I wasn't allowed to lift anything heavier than half a kettle for 6 weeks which is really restricting. I think you can drive after 6 weeks, you need to be able to do an emergency stop safely, it's best to check with your insurance provider as well as the hospital. Yes, I've gained a podge on my front and I was close to menopause anyway but I had loads of hot flushes for a few months and now nothing. I was terrified but it wasn't nearly as bad as I'd expected. I was on paracetamol only after 48 hours and I have a very low pain threshold. Happy to answer any other questions you may have!

I have been convinced that this is what I want after years of extremely heavy periods due to fibroids and polyps. But, after reading more about it, and actually looking at the problems that a can happen, I too am unsure. It's not even in the pipeline, but I need to speak to gynae again tomorrow so it could be an option.
So, not really any help for you, but a handhold with having the same feelings.

I had one for prolapse aged 36. It wasn’t nice but the recovery wasn’t too bad, I was working in bed from about day 5. My marriage was ending so that didn’t help as my DH reluctantly had to support me.
I flew to Hong Kong on a business trip exactly 6 weeks after and it was fine, I just had to have help with my luggage.
I didn’t get fat but I did keep my ovaries.
I’m 39 and have been peri menopausal for at least a year. They say it’s not linked to early menopause if you keep your ovaries but I’m not convinced!
Good luck you’ll be fine.
Oh and not having any more periods is liberating and I do not regret it one bit!

I had a total keyhole hysterectomy in August, was discharged the next day and in work 2 weeks later. Started HRT a week after the op which I will be on until I'm 50 (2 more years). If anything, I've lost weight (the smallest amount) as am much less tired and bloated than before.
Pain wasn't too bad, my CS was far more painful. My emotions were all over the place and the trapped wind was a total fucker. Incredibly tired for the first 10 days or so. Slow moving around and not able to do much around the house but just kept stuff slow, lowered my standards and ate a lot of microwavable ready meals.

I had key hole surgery with my fallopian tubes and womb removed. I was discharged the same day. Full recovery took about 6 weeks. Did not put any weight on and it was great to have no periods!

Nearly 3 years ago I had a full hysterectomy at 41 years. It was for a massive fibroid that grew with my 2nd baby. ( he was 16 months and my daughter was 6.
It was a full 6 weeks recovery ( getting worse before better) but thankfully my partner was able to work from home, do the school runs and be the main parent. ( that hurt me the most not being able to get on the floor and play/ carry my baby. But steady and after the advised 6 week recovery. I was back to pushing a double pushchair up the hills where I live with 2 toddlers in. I felt wonderful and it was the best thing I ever did. Pain and heavy period free.