Vaginal hysterectomy, please help.

[AnastasiaBeaverhausenn]

I'm getting a vaginal hysterectomy on Sunday (keeping ovaries) and really nervous about it.

I've had C sections before and abdominal surgery so I know what to expect with abdominal surgery but vaginal is worrying me.

I've only had one vaginal birth and it was a disaster to recover from (forceps, failed ventouse and shoulder dystocia with episiotomy) it literally took me over 6 months to heal and I've never been the same down there since (21 years ago)

Can anyone reassure me or do you think I should ask for an abdominal procedure instead?

Thanks

It was much better than I anticipated. Recovery was pretty quick. Are you keeping your cervix also?

I had the whole lot out and it was fine. Honestly, abdominal would be such a long recovery in comparison. Physically I was ready to be back in work in probably 4 weeks but was actually off 6. It’s the tiredness that’s the longest bit to recover from. You will be in safe hands, I hope it all goes well for you.

I had a vaginal hysterectomy - it was very much better than having abdominal surgery . The best part is that the surgeon doesn't make any cuts into your muscles, so recovery is very quick .

I was in a room with three other women who had abdominal hysterectomies , so I could compare. On the day after surgery I slid out of bed on my own, and walked to the bathroom for a shower , feeling very comfortable. Meanwhile, my room mates were being helped to stagger out of their beds and sink into chairs beside their beds. I was ready to go home on the third day, while the others were still being assisted to walk a few steps.

My mother came to help after the surgery, but I really didn't need much to be done. I just took things easy, but I felt fine. I was back driving a week after the surgery, and went back to work after 4 weeks.

I'd highly recommend having it done that way - don't even think about having the abdominal option !

Thank you both of you, I'm a tiny bit more reassured!

I’ve not had one, but I had a laparoscopic ovary removal after two c sections and I can safely say, do not let them go near that C-section scar again, vaginal sounds way better! My recovery from the laparoscopy took bloody ages because of all the scar tissue from previous surgeries. This sounds by far the better way. Good luck.

I had one 2 years ago. Came back from theatre 6pm on the Thursday night and went home before lunch on the Friday. Recovery was easy. Was up and about and able to do most things for myself (apart from lifting). The worst part for me was the post op wind and constipation. Get some ginger ale, peppermint tea and some big knickers and you will be grand. Any questions just DM.

Thank you all, I'm trying to woman up and be brave, I'll update once it's done in case it's useful to anyone else.

@VeryLittleBrain they're taking my cervix too, is that worse? I'm such a wuss 😳

I had a vaginal hysterectomy, it was fantastic as far as having surgery goes. I had everything bar one ovary removed.
I remember feeling a bit wobbly after the GA for a day or two but i went home on day 3 and was absolutely fine. In fact it can't have been too bad a recovery because i can't really remember anything about it. A sort of important non event.
I hope your surgery goes well and your recovery is good.

Hi - I had a vaginal hysterectomy yesterday, was petrified - never had any sort of surgery before - but so far it has been great. I had my cervix & womb removed but they left tubes and ovaries.
I have been home for a couple of hours and I'm feeling fine. Best thing I've had for pain is a suppository, I think it's called Voltaril? - works like a dream, they have given me some to continue with at home.
Hope your surgery went well and you make a speedy recovery

Hi ladies,

I'm potentially facing hysterectomy due to prolapse. Can I ask about any symptoms or changes in mood, body, etc in the months and years after the surgery? Also what ages were you?

Misshappy123- hope you have a speedy recovery! 🤞🏼

OP- I hope all went ahead and you are recovering well 🤞🏼

@ShellOC Mine was due to prolapse - tried a couple of pessary rings but was too severe for them to be of any use, just fell out! I'm just 49

misshappy123 do you mind me asking how severe was your prolapse?

I had a complete hysterectomy just over a week ago.
I had cuts for laparoscopic instruments on my tummy but everything got pulled out of my vagina (womb, cervix, both ovaries and fallopian tubes)
TBH I didn't know that they were coming out that way until the morning meeting with the surgeon, (I had probably been told before but not understood it properly)
It is a bit uncomfortable sometimes depending what I am sitting on or my position but generally not any problems.
Hope yours goes as well as mine

@ShellOC To me it felt pretty bad - bulging out most of the time - but the gynaecologist never actually gave any grading on severity, I have read of people being told they have a Grade 1, 2 etc dependent on the severity but that wasn't my experience. I tried 2 different sizes of pessary ring but the prolapse just pushed them out almost straight away so I guess that would suggest it was quite bad.
I'm feeling great again today, so nice not to have that constant bulge, so would def recommend the procedure if that is an option for you!

Hi everyone
Just a quick update, procedure was done yesterday, everything was vaginally removed including my cervix.
The pain was pretty bad on waking up but once pain relief was sorted it was tolerable.

This morning I'm up, washed and dressed and all going well will be heading home after five 🤞🏻

It is painful and uncomfortable but sooooo much better than abdominal so far, so for anyone wondering, definitely go for vaginal if you can.

Thank you for all the advice, you were all a great help and reassurance x