Hysterectomy- if you’ve had one talk to me!

[Brightandbreezey]

I’ve been told I may need a hysterectomy as I have stage 4 endometriosis, also fibroids and adenomyosis. I’m just waiting for another MRI scan to confirm how bad it is and will take it from there (last MRI was a few years ago but due to pregnancy etc they couldn’t do anything at the time). The endometriosis is attaching to my bowel, which I think is the major cause for concern.
For context, I’m 40. I have 3 children and do feel done with having children so that’s not a major concern. It’s more how it affects you - emotions wise, menopause, your general health, how you look and feel etc.
Also how the recovery is? I have 3 very young children who I don’t want to be apart from and I don’t want to not be able to look after them.
Any advice welcome!

Do you know yet if you're likely to have a laparoscopic, vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy?

Thanks for replying!
No not yet but I’ve been reading up on them. Is there reasons why they’d chose one over the other do you know?
thank you!

I don't really know, but I imagine that anything slightly more complex may require abdominal. Attachments to the bowel may need more room to work, as the last thing you need is a nicked bowel.
Sounds like a chat with the gynaecologist would be helpful.

I had laparoscopic surgery, which included removal of everything without apparent bother. I am post menopause though, so didn't undergo the early menopause bit that removal of ovaries entail, if done on a younger woman.
You may have the choice of retaining your ovaries, if your endometriosis isn't all over them as well?

I had a total laparospic hysterectomy at 55. Best thing ever. I was pain free in a day or two, made a good recovery (wind and constipation were a bit of an issue) and I honestly never looked back.
Instant menopause caused very few issues in comparison to the flooding and pain of the heavy periods and the crashing PMT that had been part of my life for years.
All the best for your surgery and recovery.

I had an abdominal hysterectomy in my early 40’s due to endo, fibroids and polyps. Laproscopic or vaginal wasn’t an option due to the mess in my uterus.

No downside except for the quality of orgasms.

Following as I'm 34 and have an appt on Thursday about this.

Have you had an surgeries to remove the endo ? I have the same as you, along with Ashermans syndrome . I've had 3 lap surgeries in the space of a year to try and clear it . I'm definitely not having anymore, I have 2 DC . My last pregnancy was a miracle but my DS arrived 9 weeks early and we both nearly died due to sepsis which they think was due to ashermans so I'm done ! I'm sick 3 weeks ago month .

I had one at 38. Best thing I ever ever did! Recovery was great, no major issues and emotions were no different. In the years since I’ve felt healthier and better

Thanks everyone for your responses! Really appreciate it!
@Giggorata - thanks, yeah I guess if it’s attached to the bowel they may need to go through abdomen but I don’t know so will definitely ask at next appointment. I think one of my ovaries has endometriosis so I’m sure that will have to go. Thanks for sharing your experience and I’m glad it didn’t bother you too much.
@geordio - thanks for sharing your experience and I’m glad it was a good option for you! Interesting that the menopause wasn’t too much of an issue as well. In the last 3 years I’ve been pregnant twice and breastfeeding so not had many periods - it’s hard to remember how bad they were!
@Lostsadandconfused - thank you for telling my about your experience. Good to know about orgasms in advance and be aware! I’m glad it was an ok experience for you.
@Thotnbg - I am so sorry to hear your experience - sounds really tough! No I’ve not had any other surgeries but would be interested in it if it’s an option (not sure if it is yet!). I hope you get an outcome that works for you soon!
@socks1107 - that’s interesting that it was the best thing you ever did… I’m really glad and thanks for replying! If you don’t mind me asking… what specifically felt better health wise?

I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy in February and have pretty much recovered. Recovery was easier than I expected. I had no bleeding and very little pain. The tiredness was the most difficult part for me, as well as the mental side (guilt and frustration over not being able to what I wanted to.) I went back to work after 7 weeks. I had Adenomyosis, fibroids and endometriosis on my ovaries. I kept my ovaries and really wish I hadn’t. I was talked into it by the doctors but I am already starting to get pain in my ovaries again and am pretty sure the endo has come back already. I have had zero follow up - this seems to be a complete postcode lottery.

I no longer have adenomyosis which means exercising is easier, no more pain and no more bleeding. It all together means overall I feel better.
Im now 7 years post op and don’t regret a thing

I’ve had a lap recently and have stage 4 endo and adenomyosis with bowel involvement
they did it all keyhole, the bowel surgeon operated for a few hours and gynae did 8hrs on me. No hysterectomy but fitted a mirena for the adenomyosis
they should be able to do it keyhole

I had open surgery at 49. I had a vertical incision due to a very large fibroid. I also had a cyst that was twisted and the consultant was worried the circulation would be cut off. I decided on a hysterectomy rather than more conservative surgery.
I was in hospital for 4 days, I had very little pain and no complications. I felt really well. I went straight on to oestrogen HRT which was halved after a year.
I felt tired for a couple of weeks and didn't do much in the house. I had 3 months off work and to be honest I made the most of it. I thought if the doctor was happy to sign me off I'd make the most of it! I could have gone back to work after my 6 week check, when I was discharged.
Kids were 16 and 14 so didn't need looking after really and they were very helpful.

I had to have a full incision due to size of fibroid as they wanted out intact due to not knowing its nature. I have a very long horizontal scar as a result which doesn't look that great but what can you do 🤷‍♀️ As a result I had a longish recovery but was much older than yourself. It really will depend on the type of surgery. On HRT gel and no problems with orgasms 😉

I had 6 years ago at 42
30 years of being dismissed by GPs and consultants that it was totally normal to have only 1 week pain fee every month. Endo, adenomyosis, fibroids (not actually diagnosed until last consultant). until 1 GP listened to me, referred, and 1 consultant listened to me.
they weren’t sure if they could get it out vaginal/laparoscopic but they did.
I had a couple of days of excellent drugs and 6 weeks off work (over Christmas). A week of being a bit slow and sleepy.
i am absolutely amazed at the difference. like how normal people live I think with not one second of regret.
2 years later menopause symptoms kicked in and I’m on HRT which is also marvellous.
I still get a thrill when swishing past the menstrual products in the supermarket

I had a robotic hysterectomy and the recovery time is much quicker. I would insist on antibiotics on discharge though as I got a nasty UTI which is not uncommon.