Second thoughts about hysterectomy

[SiriusTheCatStar]

I've been given a date for an abdominal hysterectomy due to adenomyosis and large subserosal fibroids. However, I'm having second thoughts because I think I might be perimenopausal and am feeling good after not having had a period since March. It was a terrible period though and I realise the menopause takes a long time, the adenomyosis will progress and the fibroids will grow. I'm worried about being incapacitated after the op and, in the long term, feeling much worse. But it would be great to no longer feel the pressure of the fibroids and stop looking 5 months pregnant eventually. I'm 47 and have no children. Can anyone relate to thinking 'better the devil you know' and letting the menopause play out? The gynaecologist wouldn't have recommended the op for no good reason, I wish I didn't feel so worried about it.

I’m sure it will be ok but some of us having to suffer disgusting males who will never know what it is like to suffer.

I’m hoping for menopause without the big suffering. I haven’t had a penis in my vagina or anything else so I’m interested how local staff handle this.

I was told my fibroids would shrink with menopause. They've not been giving me any bother so I'm inclined to think it's true. I've decided to let it play out before going under the knife.

I've also been advised to have my ovaries removed as my mother had a borderline ovarian tumour diagnosed and removed when she was in her seventies. Am I being unreasonable to be more afraid of surgical menopause now than the risk of a borderline tumour in several decades' time? The genetic risk doesn't seem as large as with cancers caused by BRCA genes (but what do I know). My mum recovered from the surgery and didn't require chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

If things have changed since you last saw your gynaecologist why not just get back in contact with them to discuss it? Could probably just be a phone conversation and their secretary might be able to organise it.

Don't not have the hysterectomy because you're scared of it. I had one in my mid-forties (huge fibroids) and I felt soooo much better afterwards. No more huge stomach, no more pressing down on my bladder, no more terrible periods. The recovery was smooth - I was given good advice which was to walk a little bit each day afterwards, to push through any uncomfortableness but not to push through pain. I was extremely apprehensive about the operatioin but honestly, it was fine

Hi op

I had a total hysterectomy 6 years ago.

It is major abdominal surgery, I was off work for x3 months. I have been on HRT since 3 months after the operation.

It changed my life for the better. If you put plans in place for your recovery you will be fine.

Thanks, that is a good idea. I have asked if he is available before the operation. I had to wait 9 months to speak to him in the first place (aware that is a 'good' waiting time these days).

Thank you, that is really good to hear. Hope that I will feel relief afterwards as well. Think I'm more uncomfortable than I realise. Glad you recovered smoothly.

After I cancelled the operation I went on to have some of the worst periods of my life. Fortunately I was still on the cancellation list and was able to have the hysterectomy three months ago. There were complications but they were short-lived. Energy levels are back to normal. Surgical menopause not too bad so far, hoping HRT will kick the hot flushes into touch though. Love waking up every day fibroid free. No regrets so far! 😀

This
I haven’t looked back! I kept my ovaries so all I felt were positive changes after. You could keep yours OP
But not having a womb is amazing. I wish all women could have it taken out after they are sure they don’t need it anymore.

Oops didn’t see update, glad you had it! Are you on hrt yet?

Thanks! Yes I only started ten days ago so it's early days.