PMDD post hysterectomy

[TinyTinks74]

Hoping anyone is able to advise. I had a total hysterectomy on Wednesday 28/6 following severe PMDD via laparoscopic & vaginal removal. Felt really good, emotionally lighter but since last night have become tearful, crying for almost no reason and feeling very down. I'm 49 next week, no idea how close to full menopause I was prior to op & am using oestrogel 2x pumps daily.

Is this just normal post-op tearfulness? The last major op I had was my appendix in 2001 so can't remember how I felt afterwards. Wondering if anyone has any experiences or advice they can share, thank you

Hi @TinyTinks74 I don’t have any experience of this but as a sufferer of PMDD considering a hysterectomy ( I’m a bit younger) I’m sorry to hear this 😞 could it be to do with the enormity of what you’ve gone through? I know I’m struggling very much with the thought of a hysterectomy and imagine I would be feeling really done and tearful probably before or after. Sorry if I’ve worded that badly but sending you love and really hope you see massive improvement soon. Maybe your HRT needs adjusting? X

That's half what I'm wondering - the op went so well, and I honestly felt like a mountain weight had been removed off my shoulders, my jaw unclenched for the first time in years and I actually smiled at myself in the mirror! It's just since last night I keep crying & feeling sorry for myself and I don't want to feel this way. I know it's early days, and wonder if I'm just expecting too much of myself too fast?

@TinyTinks74 sounds like you need a lot of rest have you got someone looking after you? It’s a big deal that you’ve gone through (PMDD) aside, surgery is major and the mental and emotional effects aren’t to be underestimated. I’m rooting for you to be feeling brilliant very soon!!!

Just thought would message & let you know, I actually slept for more than 2 hours on Saturday night and woke up yesterday feeling sooooo much better! Same again today. I feel lighter (except VERY swollen tummy), more even emotionally - pretty happy to be honest. The pain is nonexistent, it only hurts when get wind or when walked about too much. Lifting is going to be a no for some weeks as I can feel the strain just lifting my large mug of tea. Definitely just post-op overload - I haven't felt this relaxed, this stable or this genuinely happy since I was last pregnant! If you find your PMDD gets too much, don't wait until you're contemplating the unthinkable on a regular occurrence like I was, to the point I felt I needed sectioning for my own safety. Speak to a good gynaecologist & push for this. Although it's early days, the rocks & fog & paranoia & rage & self hatred thoughts in my brain aren't here anymore xXx

I'm having my hysterectomy in a few weeks - but they put me on hrt everol patches .. first week ok then it was like world crashed down and was emotional mess. I pull off the patch - next day was normal! I dont think I can tolerate hrt - maybe ur same x

Hi TinyTinks74, I hope you're feeling well. I hear it can Continue to be a roller-coaster for a while.
Can I ask, did you have your overies removed? Is that a full hysterectomy? I am waiting to have hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy later in the year for PMDD.
And I'm so incredibly nervous about life after surgery.

I'm now 6 weeks post op! The tears only lasted for a day or two so think was just op rather than hormones. Had a small infection in the bellybutton incision but everything has healed now. Yes I had to full hysterectomy- ovaries, fallopian, womb & cervix removed via laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy.

I feel magnificent - I cannot tell you just how much of a difference it's made, I wish I'd done it years ago but then diagnosis didn't happen until 8 years ago! No longer have the rage, the depression, the suicidal thoughts. It's like my brain has finally shut up & if little thoughts come through I can ignore them. Within an hour of coming through the op it was like a boulder I hadn't realised I was carrying had vanished. Now I'm not saying I'm Julie Andrews in the sound of music, I still get pigged off or upset, it's just normal emotions now that pass. I don't spend days dwelling on every small comment or hiding in my bed because I've worried I said or did something wrong.

Depending on the type of op you'll come round & if same as mine you will have severe wind pains lol. Once the catheter was removed & I could walk better & get into position to pass wind, the pain went! They inflate your tummy to see better, and not all of it comes out when they deflate you. I'd also recommend a memory foam triangle pillow to help you sit upright comfortably & lay slightly raised at home afterwards. I didn't need any laxatives & everything back to normal by the next day both ends thankfully!

Good luck, let me know if want to know anything else xXx

Thank you so much for that TinyTinks74. Long may it last!

You deserve it after all you've described❤