Hysterectomy for Fibroids

[BogusHocusPocus]

Has anyone had a hysterectomy and regretted it?

I'm thinking of having one for fibroids that cause quite intense pain, protruding abdomen, and incontinence. I don't have flooding or excessive bleeding at all.

I had a uterine embolisation six-and-a-half years ago. The aftermath of the procedure was agony. Back then I had several fibroids- the largest of which was 6x8cm. (Yes, I know they can grow much bigger.) Now, I have four fibroids, the biggest of which is 5x5cm and it's making me incontinent and causing lots of pain from ovulation to menstruation - up to ten days a month.

I don't have confidence that menopause and the decline of estrogen will magically cause them to subside and dwindle. That clearly hasn't been the case this last six years. They are back with a vengeance. Adopting this strategy could take many years.

I'm 51 now and still having periods very regularly. A recent blood test (for hormones) prompted my GP to say 'I'm not particularly menopausal'.

I don't need my uterus. It has caused nothing but problems. But will I regret a hysterectomy? I gather that retaining it protects against various nasties - bone thinning, dementia, etc.

Any advice would be really welcome.

I had a hysterectomy early 40’s due to large fibroids and Adenomyosis. Also severely anaemic. It was life changing for me.

I had one age 42 and I haven’t regretted it. Would you have open or laporascopic? And as I understand it is oestrogen that protects against the diseases that you mentioned, not the uterus itself .

Im not sure that a uterus protects against dementia ( does it?) but it sounds like a hysterectomy would be a good option, with the way things are fibroid wise?

I had a full hysterectomy last year, due to a sarcoma. My recovery was great, a small scar and no real complications.

If you don't need a uterus, I would get rid, particularly as fibroids are a real pain as they get bigger.

I had a hysterectomy when I was 42 because of a fibroid which was so big I was borderline anaemic, even though my periods weren't particularly heavy. That thing was feasting on my blood supply! The surgeon got rid of it and my uterus, but left my ovaries, which meant I still had the benefit of the hormones. If you decide on a hysterectomy, ask if this is an option for you.

Thank you everyone. The biggest one sits right on top of my uterus according to the scan. It's obviously thriving. I think I would like to get rid of the whole thing.

I had a partial hysterectomy at 42, retaining my ovaries. This was offered to me for one large fibroid, I hadn't had other procedures. Good surgeon. Keeping ovaries means that you don't go into immediate meno, but should be aware that it almost always follows within a few years. HRT can help with bone health.
As 51 is average age for meno anyway, I would have thought this would be a good option for you at this time. It is a very major op though, so be prepared for the recovery time needed.

I had a hysterectomy at 50 because of fibroids and all the bleeding. I will be 70 in two months and it has been such a boon. I can sleep all night without getting up--my uterus was adhered to my bladder and I couldn't go more than 3-4 hours without going to the loo. I had my ovaries removed and fallopian tubes, but kept my cervix. I did go straight into menopause but took HRT and it was no problem. Feel free to PM me, if you like.

I had a hysterectomy at 42 for fibroids. Best thing I’ve ever done.

I had one at 40.
Best decision I ever made!

Only issue I have is a slight bladder prolapse

Oh I kept my ovaries but lost my cervix

I had a total hysterectomy at 52 for fibroids (and attendant flooding, anaemia, pelvic pain, etc). It’s been completely transformative and I don’t regret it for a second. The op was laparoscopic, so I had minimal scarring and a very straightforward recovery with no ongoing problems whatsoever. I was on HRT beforehand and have stayed on the oestrogen. I had everything out because the surgeon advised taking everything out post-50, and I was fine with that.

Good luck with it all!

Thank you, everyone. I had sort of decided anyway (I think?!) and these responses chime with what I've been sensing.

Does anyone know what the situations are when a large incision becomes necessary? In other words, when it can't be done laparoscopically?

I do. I also had complications after. I then developed sepsis and have been very poorly .
Yep. Regret having it.

I had to have a large vertical incision because the fibroid was so big. The gynaecologist said it was about the size of a melon; when pressed, he said "somewhere between a honeydew and a watermelon." I don't regret the surgery or the scar; neither of them were as bad as the thing that made them necessary. That said, I was only 42 and quite fit and active, and I bounced back quite quickly.

Mine was not laparoscopic. It was like a big c-section scar--in fact, they probably went over the scar that was there. It took about two weeks for me to get up without wincing. By four weeks, I don't think I even thought about it and haven't since. It was a massive relief to not feel that heaviness and constant discomfort and so much bleeding. I waited a longer time than I should have because everyone said it would calm down with menopause but it did not. At all. For me the surgical path was the right one.

I think it depends on the size. Mine was massive about 18cm and I had vertical incision, took me about 8months to get over .

I had one at 44 just over a year ago. Still smile to think I no longer have the stress of san pro, flooding, constant bleeding and pain. I feel amazing and as a bonus my hair started growing better (I was borderline anaemic before it) I had tried all the different ways to shrink my fibroids over the previous 2 years but small ones kept popping up and I don't think would have stopped appearing. Good riddance to it, my uterus was useless.

That's how I feel. I have small ones all over the place and one significant one. It's the incontinence - and pain - that get me down. Also, I have no faith in declining oestrogen solving anything. Not after an embolisation that didn't do a lot.

That's absolutely enormous! Poor you, it must be such a relief to be rid.

I'm on the waiting list. It's 76 weeks here ( 72 when I started)

Oh thanks. It was only when it was out I realised how bad I had felt !

I'm sorry to hear this. Was sepsis in the wound, and did you have an open surgery or laparoscopic incision/(s)?

Hell, that's a long wait. Which NHS Trust is this / where are you?

West Sussex Princess Royal Hospital

Could you try stopping your periods with the mini pill first or while you wait for surgery?