Been offered a hysterectomy…

[makemineadecaf]

Wwyd?

I’ll be 37 in a couple of weeks, three kids, husband has had a vasectomy. Horrendous periods since having third child three years ago. I can’t take oestrogen based contraceptives and mirena was a car crash. I have adenomyosis.

I paid privately to see a gynae consultant and he said hed happily perform a hysterectomy (keyhole) but preserve the ovaries despite my age. Before people say “course, he wants the cash”, I would be referred to him on the nhs. I just wanted an initial consultation to see what my options are:

Try (again) the mini pill. Last time I just bled continuously.
Try dienogest. Can only be prescribed by consultants. Side effects sound grim.
Hysterectomy

wwyd?

Hysterectomy without a doubt. I asked for one at 50 after 3 months solid bleeding and was denied. Instead I was overdosed on progesterone and developed breast cancer. I’m angry about it. I would absolutely take it.

Have it. Adenomyosis is incurable and will only get worse.

I had one last year for the same reason and it’s changed my life. No more bleeding. The mental relief is huge.

Oh my goodness I’m so sorry to hear this.

Did you keep your ovaries? That’s my biggest worry. I don’t want to be plunged into medical menopause yet. My understanding is keeping the ovaries prevents that but can make you start earlier anyway?

It was a bit shit. I had bleeding so bad I could barely leave the house and stood in the surgery while flooding through my clothes. They still refused to refer me and gave me a Mirena, two lots of the mini pill a day and Norethestrone on top. A hysterectomy would have been far cheaper than 18 months of cancer treatment.

Do it! It is the only cure.

Yes I did. Keyhole too - they took uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes. No menopause symptoms yet either!

I am on waiting list for full hysterectomy for adenomyosis and endo, having ovaries removed as well due to cysts. Some very helpful fb groups on hysterectomy and adenomyosis that might be useful for you to post on too. Hysterectomy does seem to be favoured treatment for adenomyosis, this is what I have been offered on NHS straightaway without trying any medication/hormone treatments first, I have been put on Ryeqo whilst waiting but not enjoying side effects!

I've never regretted mine, which included removal of ovaries, aged 42.

I best thing I ever did! Kept my ovaries and I don’t think my menopause was earlier than it would have been. The relief of no more periods, flooding etc was immmense.

I'd go for the hysterectomy. Have both endometriosis and adenomyosis been asking for years for one

I had keyhole hysterectomy at 45. I came round from the anaesthetic and honestly thought they hadn't done it. No pain at all until 5 days post op when I foolishly decided I was fine and went into town, on the train, shopping and overdid it.

Not having periods post op was BLISS. I honestly wished I'd had it done 10 years earlier.

I had a hysterectomy last year for adenomyosis- I put it off for 2 years and kick myself for not doing it sooner.
Keyhole, kept my ovaries. Had 8weeks off work, could have gone back sooner - had a text book recovery. It’s absolutely worth it.

Hysterectomy.

I had dreadful bleeding, fibroids and endometriosis. I had everything out except ovaries earlier this year, and so far so good. The freedom of no bleeding and no pain is amazing. I went private as well, and it was great.

My op was NHS and it was fine. I was back at work (teacher) after a month. No lifting or moving between classrooms for lessons, but otherwise back to normal.

Did you all have a lot of post op bleeding? Did it last several weeks?

I had mine in March. I’d do it again, if I had to. Ovaries and tubes intact , so im not in menopause just yet. 45 this year. Go for it, OP.

No post op bleeding for me at all.

No post op bleeding.

This is really helpful. I have a horrible uterine prolapse (cannot use mooncup/tampons anymore, tried ring pessary, women's physio says pelvic floor muscles are 5/5) but it is really uncomfortable and forgive me, TMI, cervix actually comes out past my vagina. Saw gynae consultant on NHS and he offered me a hysterectomy without blinking. Really want expecting that after everything I've heard about them being so reluctant and I'm only mid 40s. Now just dithering about keeping my ovaries.

That sounds really uncomfortable and I’m glad they’ve taken you seriously and acted quickly. My concern is my age really. Although I’ve had three children and don’t want more, I’m only 37.

Interesting they kept tubes. He only mentioned keeping ovaries. Not sure why they’d take cervix if it’s only uterus effected for me. I have lots of questions!

Do it! - get rid of the darned thing! It has done its job and is now nothing but a nuisance!

I had a hysterectomy with retained ovaries aged 42 - many years ago when keyhole was not an option. It was the best thing I ever did!

I had a total hysterectomy via nhs at 40 and it's the best thing I ever did. Absolute sheer relief from constant bleeding. I was obviously put straight onto hrt and at 51 I've never had any menopause symptoms and no issues with the hrt. The recovery took a while because mine was a total abdominal hysterectomy, so 6 weeks off work, but no bleeding or pain because of the lovely medication! I have got a wonky scarred tummy, but I was never a bikini wearer anyway!

I had one for the same reasons at 38, also kept my ovaries. Best decision I ever made.
improved health, good recovery and no more bleeding EVER!