Feeling sad about having a hysterectomy

[summerains]

Inspired by another thread.

I've been referred for a hysterectomy due to terrible endometriosis. It's a 18 month wait so I have some time to mentally prepare myself.

I'm 38 and have one DC. I was always on the fence about having a second as I had an awful time with my DC in their baby years and parenting is just not my forte if I'm honest.

Initially I was quite relieved to have been told that I needed a hysterectomy as the decision had been made for me, however as it becomes more and more real, it's weighing heavily on my heart.

It's just the finality of it all, there's no going back.

I know it sounds strange but I feel like I'm losing my second DC.

I think if you no longer suffer the pain of endometriosis after a hysterectomy, you will be glad, op. I know somebody in her early thirties with endometriosis who is severely debilitated by the condition; she and her husband have one child and she has begged for a hysterectomy but told she is still too young.

Having one child is a blessing, two would be nice but if you can't, you can't. Not being ill would be wonderful! You'd be able to really enjoy life.

I think it's entirely understandable that you feel conflicted. I had mixed feelings around my hysterectomy and I certainly didn't even want more children!. What I will say is that the instant relief from my symptoms was incredible. I'm still not 100% over that novelty and it's been 4 years now.
I'm confident that once you feel so much better you'll come to see that it was a brilliant choice. You will enjoy life so much more and have a wonderful time with your DC not struggling with dreadful pain. Maybe look into counselling if you're really having a hard time with acceptance as the surgery date gets closer.

That's a very encouraging post, Weatherwax. I'm glad someone with endometriosis has come on to this thread to reassure the op. It is helpful when a poster has had the same experience and come out the other side, well at last.