Surgical menopause and trauma

[Fridayso]

Does anyone know of any organisations or counsellors that could help me? I had a hysterectomy ten years ago and as well as removing my uterus and cervix the surgeon also removed my ovaries. This wasn’t planned and I went into menopause immediately (in my early forties). I was put on HRT but the loss of my natural hormones so unexpectedly had a devastating effect on my mental and, I believe, physical health. I was offered no counselling at the time or subsequently. I’ve stuffed it all down for years but now I keep having flashbacks to waking up in the hospital and struggling to take in what was going on. It was treated so casually by the medical team. I have tried to move on (and goodness knows I’ve had plenty to keep me busy in the last ten years!) but I would really like to be able to talk to someone about what felt like (and still feels like) trauma. It was a huge shock for me to effectively age ten years within a few hours and I don’t think I’ve ever processed it properly. Sorry I know so many of you are dealing with far worse things so thank you for reading.

I didn't want to read and run. I thought it may help you if I told you my story. I had a full hysterectomy just before lockdown. I am a lot older than you but it hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt empty physically and mentally. I watched endless podcasts about hysterectomies and read blogs about it. My turning point was talking to my lovely GP who went over my concerns and answered all my questions. I found after talking to her I understood why it was done and the benefits of it. Please try and have a debrief on it as this may help

Definitely see your G.P. I had a medical problem myself, not a hysterectomy but a very difficult birth, caesarean, post operation infection and difficulty recovering. It was like PTSD, I was having flashbacks, after 5 months I broke down at my Drs who were lovely and reassuring and arranged some counselling. I only had one session because she was bloody brilliant and I didn’t feel like a failure anymore. Don’t suffer alone, make an appointment to see your Dr.

Nurse practitioner might be a good option too as they tend to be practical, matter of fact but also reassuring and validating if that makes sense.

It was a shock to you, medical consequences even if for good reason still have effects.

I know how devastating it can be as a friend went through this at 26, in her case she was hoping to avoid a full hysterectomy but what they found meant they had to remove everything to give her the best chance of reaching 30! (They did call her husband to explain and he said go ahead without waking her)

Thank you for replying it does help to know I’m not the only one who feels like this. Sounds ridiculous to feel so upset at something that happened so long ago but I think that now I’m at the age where I should be going through the menopause naturally it has brought it all back up again.