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sunnydaze1
09-17-2005, 11:36 AM
I hope I've finally found the right place to put this. :rolleyes: Anyway, I would like to read some positive outcomes to the surgery. I have adenomyosis; am 50 years old; and tired of giving up a week of my life every month to pain and isolation in the house.

Thanks in advance! BTW, I will need an abdominal hyst.

Sponsor
 



sunnydaze1
09-17-2005, 09:45 PM
I guess it would be nice if someone who has had the abdominal hysterectomy could tell me that it's the best thing they ever did for themselves. I'm no stranger to surgery...have had so many since I turned 40...gee I just turned 50, wonder what the next ten years will bring?;)

My last baby was born c-section and seeing as I have this huge; irregular shaped uterus, my doctor thinks it's best to have the abdominal surgery. I will see him on Friday to set the date and see if there are any options left. At this point, not likely. Ablation couldn't be done; adeno suspected; but I'll check with him to make sure I've exhausted all options.

I know it's longer recovery with the abdominal hyst. I do know how important it is to get walking and practice my coughing and holding the pillow etc. Been almost 19 years since my section, but I remember it so vividly and I think I can handle it one more time which is my last.

Any advice from anyone post op is appreciated!:)

Lil'Pea
09-18-2005, 02:25 PM
Hello Sunnydaze...

I am post op 5 days...I feel pretty good considering what I've just been through! I had the abdominal hyst to relieve severe cramping and other symptoms related to the cramping. Turns out, once they sent everything off to pathology, they found out I have Adenomyosis as well. So while we did the surgery to relieve discomfort, it turns out I really needed it in other ways too.

I was VERY scared before my surgery and recieved lots of support here. Although, it has only been 5 days since my surgery and I am still in quite a bit of pain, I am so glad I did it. I had everything out: uterus, ovaries, tubes, and cervix. I am on Estradiol patch and so far, i have had two hotflashes but nothing severe. Overall, I feel pretty good-considering.

The only thing I can suggest, as others suggested to me, is get your questions asnwered first so that you are sure this is the best option for you, then if you have the surgery, remember to walk.

I don't know how much this helped you, but i can continue to keep you posted on my recovery. You can view my thread also titled 'I've survived! Day 3 and counting...'

Good luck to you!

sunnydaze1
09-18-2005, 05:50 PM
Thanks so much for your reply, Lil'Pea! I hope your recovery continues to improve and I'll be sure to check out your other post.

When I see my doctor on Friday, I'm bringing a list of questions with me. I hope he's not in a rush, I think these will take some time to answer.

Thanks again and feel better soon!:)

ksay9555
09-24-2005, 12:24 PM
I am also 50, and need an ad, Hyst. I have had fibriods for about 14 yeas, so bad in the past 5, bleeding so heavy, for three weeks out of 4, now, just after I start menopause, I have been resined to having the operation! Everone tells me it is the best thing , they did, but wilth me, I just don't know :rolleyes:

sunnydaze1
09-24-2005, 11:05 PM
So, Ksay, you haven't had your hysterectomy yet? Are you having menopausal symptoms now?

I wasn't able to set my date for surgery the other day because the doctor had to leave for an emergency. I see him on Tuesday now....gives me a few more days to ponder some questions, but I'm very sure I'm going through with it.

I want to keep my ovaries and cervix; even my regular doctor advises me to have it done so I'm going to trust that both doctors know it's in my best interest.

Lil'Pea
09-24-2005, 11:24 PM
Hi sunnydaze...

If you decide to keep your ovaries, just please be sure to do some research on the possibilities that your ovaries may stop working anyway. The uterus's blood supply is the main blood supply to the ovaries so some woman lose all or partial function of them after hysterectomy. Some women are fine initially but then go through menopause early, or a few years later. These are all things I discovered after reading alot of articles and a couple books regarding hormone therapy. I would reccommend 'From Hormone Hell to Hormone Well"...great book, and extremely easy to read!

I am certainly not trying to suggest to you that you have your ovaries removed, or that you keep them. I am just a huge advocate of doing some self research before going through with it. Remember that doctors are educated yes, but they are also 'trained' to a certain way of thinking, and they are human and its only natural for them to have one preference or another (which MAY not end up being what YOUR preference would be if you had all the information you need to make an educated decision)....and after doing some research, i discovered that there is much info out there to tell you of the facts.

Gosh, I hope I am not coming across as 'all knowing' or anything like that! I only want to be sure that you know what ALL your options are, AND that you understand the HONEST outcome or possibility of that choice. :)

Good luck!

:angel:
Lil'Pea

sunnydaze1
09-24-2005, 11:35 PM
Hey LilPea!

Oh yes, I'm fully aware that the ovaries may shut down, but I'm 50 anyway, so if they do, they do. I've read quite a lot on hysterectomy, pros and cons. I'm keeping a positive outlook and attitude that it's the best thing for me.

I am of the belief that if it's not broke why fix it? I just want this uterine obstacle out of my life for good!;)

Lil'Pea
09-24-2005, 11:45 PM
So good to hear!!! :D I feel too that if you are suffering, it is the best decision. I didn't realize you were almost 50, and the dear old ovaries will shut down within a few years anyhow! Might as well let them do it naturally. I get so worked up over the ovary thing because my best friend (she's 32) just had a vaginal hyst in march and they left her ovaries and no one told her they may stop working. Now she is having all these crazy symptoms, and until I read this book and did all this research, it didn't occur to her at all that it could be her hormones! AND they didn't do a baseline hormone check before, and haven't checked her levels since either....it just doesn't make sense. I am 30, and because of other health issues that were directly affected by my pms symptoms/bloating, I chose to have my ovaries removed which my doc fully reccommended too. But oh boy was I scared. I was more than scared, i was petrified. But after doing so much research, i realized that for MY situation, it would be better for me to just get rid of all those symptoms and get my hormones leveled out with natural hormone therapies...better that way than have my ovaries freaking out and making my life worse...not to mention my husbands!! :eek:

anyhow, i am glad that you were aware of that fact before. I wish more women were. When do you think you will try to plan your surgery for? Pre-holiday or post? lol

Wishing you great health!

sunnydaze1
09-25-2005, 11:29 AM
Hey Lil'Pea,

I'm planning on the week of Dec. 26. My husband is off work for that week and my youngest will be on winter break from college until January 17, so he can help me out quite a bit once I get home from the hospital.

If the doctor is already booked or on vacation or something, I could still try for the following week, and if not, I'll just put it off until July when hubby will be home again for vacation.

I don't bleed all month, but do suffer from crampiness on and off throughout the weeks I don't have a period so I assume the quicker I get this taken care of the better I'll feel.

ksay9555
09-25-2005, 12:08 PM
I saw my dr on 9/22, and I am set on 10/17! I am 50, fibroids have made my uterus the size of a 16-18 week pregnancy. I have fighting off a Hyster for 5 years, fibriods, I guess for 14, did not know

sunnydaze1
09-25-2005, 12:16 PM
You sound like you're in pretty much the same predicament as I am. I've discussed this on and off with my doctor for well over five years. I'm so tired of it all and I trust I'm making the right decision.

Try not to worry and let us all know how your surgery goes when you feel up to it.:)

same boat
09-25-2005, 07:10 PM
I had my uterus removed only one week ago and have recovered to the point I am up and moving, but find I am dizzy and tired a fair bit. I am 45 and had fibroids that were making my life hellish and causing heavy bleeding. I was not told my ovaries could quit functioning. Interesting what dr's think women don't need to know.

off kilter
09-26-2005, 06:53 AM
I had to have a hysterectomy because a IUD ( one of the new ones) embedded itself in my uterus next to the cervix. I didn't have any issues with having more children because I was 44 at the time and my boys were 25 ,21 and 3 so i was done. I had both the uterus and cervix removed. We talked about the ovaries and decided to leave them in so the change would occur on it's own. It's been 4 years and I love not having my period i do still cycle and can tell because after surgery every month my breast would get tender and I would crave chips and cocolate for a few days. maybe in the last year or so I noticed it hapening once a month for 3 months and then PMS would skip a couple of months so I guess the change has started? On the plus side after my recovery from surgery my body felt like it did when I was a kid no cramps,no bloating,no backache, YEAH. On the neg. side Recovery took a few months not weeks and I did feel alot of sadness realizing there would be no more children- I know kind of weird I had snuck in a caboose after 40 so more children should not have been a concern but I did feel sadness it was no longer a option. If you keep your ovaries it is super important to follow through on OB-GYN checkups to watch for ovarian cancer. While the risk is not higher after a hysterectomy it is more likly we could miss some of the symptoms of a problem because of the lack of bleeding or more important abnormal bleeding.

kselibrary
09-26-2005, 02:21 PM
I am one week post total hysterectomy, ovary removal and burch procedure for bladder suspension.

So far I can say, it was a very good decision for me. I have photos of my uterus after it was removed and you can see WHY it had to go! {removed} {Read posting rules,no off board contact,no pictures and no websites.~Modinatrix21}

I had 4 fibroids. One about the size of a 4 month pregnancy that resided within my uterus. It has it stretched out of shape and necessitated an abdominal removal. I also had 3 others that were more on the outside of the uterus. My 2 hour surgery ended up being 5 hours due to adhesions and scar tissue. I am on the vivelle dot patch for HRT, which I may or may not have myself weaned off after 6 months of time to truly heal.

My surgery went well...my incision site is healing nicely. I did, however, and am still having issue with the bladder suspension. Apparently my bladder did not like being messed with. Woke up with a foley cath, took it out on the day they let me go from the hospital. I voided before leaving. Got home. 4 days post op was miserable. So very sore and sick. Called and they met me at the hospital again [urology surgeon]. I was retaining urine, and so the foley went back in. That was Saturday, today is Monday and I still have it. It goes on Wednesday and I am truly praying that God will let me empty my bladder on my own then so it does not go back in.

If it weren't for that bladder thing...I'd be up too much, I feel too good! The bladder thing is a bummer...but just a temporary thing, I am hoping.

I get fatigued quickly and easily, but that is just the body's need for rest and repair.

Good luck to you all.

~Karen

{removed} {Please make a new thread foryour question.}
Mine [ovaries] had to go anyway, but if they had not, I would seriously think over the issue of no test for ovarian cancer after hysterectomy. There are both good and bad reasons to leavng them in, or taking them out. Each individual must come to that decision after careful thought, study and reflection.

off kilter
09-26-2005, 02:41 PM
Your right it can be hard to detect ovarian cancer but with out a uterus one sign that might alert us to the fact there is something wrong -mainly abnormal bleeding is gone . It is super important to get reguler check ups with your OB- GYN. About 25% of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage. Early detection improves the chances that ovarian cancer can be treated successfully. When ovarian cancer is found early at a localized stage, about 90% of patients live longer than 5 years after diagnosis.

djl
09-26-2005, 06:51 PM
I would deffinately have the hyst !!
I am 39 and had everything removed but my cervix abdominaly 4 months ago and NO REGRETS !! I was in CONSTANT pain due to Adenomyosis, and Poly Cystic Ovaries...it was never ending, and FINALY I AM NOT IN PAIN !!! I would do it 10 times over just to feel this good.
I was in constant pain almost evry week for 10 months, before that I was in pain starting 2 weeks before my period and would last until my period would end. I was like that for at least 20 years.
It was a god send to me.

sunnydaze1
09-26-2005, 10:39 PM
Thanks for everyone's replies!:) I see my doctor at 2:15 tomorrow or today (Tuesday) depending on when you all read this!;)

I'll try to post and let you know how my appointment went and if I have a date set.

Lil'Pea
09-27-2005, 03:26 AM
Good luck! Good luck! Good luck!!

:angel:

ktee_uk
09-27-2005, 01:43 PM
Hi

Good luck for your docs appointment.

I kept my ovaries cos they looked ok to the surgeon. I had my uterus and cervix removed. Cervix was optional but i decided i did not want to run the risk of mini-periods. A lot of surgeons also advocate keeping the cervix as it helps to support other organs like the colon and they dont have to mess with the bladder so much. I can sympathise with previous posters comments about bladder probs. Whilst i did not have a prob using the bladder, it was really painful for a week or so (is pressume cos they had moved it around and bruised it)

I am really glad i had my TAH. Everyone says I am so much happier and look healthier. I have a lot more energy too, no pain and no periods. yippeeee. Downside is recovery took me about 10 weeks to get back to full time work and i am still careful not to lift anything too heavy.

anyhow
good luck
ktee

djl
09-27-2005, 02:34 PM
good luck and keep us informed !!

ksay9555
09-30-2005, 08:37 PM
Thank you sunny, 17 days and counting. I am calm right now, but each day closer, ugh! {removed} I will you posted, since I am going to be home!!

sunnydaze1
09-30-2005, 10:09 PM
Sorry took so long for me to update...been one of those "rains it pours" type weeks where anxiety and emotions and family have somehow overtaken my brain! :p

Anyway, saw my doctor and I presented him with a two-page journal/questionaire regarding having a hysterectomy.

One of my questions was the topic of trying a coil, or an IUD. We are going to give that a go and see if that works.

Believe me, I've had three abdominal surgeries already and really don't look forward to having a fourth. So if I can try this method of alleviating my problems, I will.

Plus, I've got a lot going on with my mom right now that I don't think I can handle a surgery for myself anyway.

Blessing in disguise? Perhaps, but I'm willing to find out!

off kilter
10-01-2005, 08:29 AM
I had a IUD placed 6 years ago, one of the new ones. It embedded itself in my uterus near the cervix, causing constant pain,cramps and bleeding. I went to the Dr. and she decided to do a cervix biopsy and said she had to remove the IUD. not knowing the problem was the IUD she feared I had cervical cancer due to the bleeding. The IUD string broke off when she tried to remove it in her office and she sent me to the hospital where she dialated my cervix and tried to find the IUD and remove it that way. felt like labor. Once my cervix was open and she put a scoop in to look for the IUD she found the problem. Before IUD placement I had a very healthy uterus and easy periods. like clock work every 28 days lasting 3 to 5 days. My IUD cost me my uterus and cervix. Yes a rare problem with the new IUDS but it happens.

ktee_uk
10-01-2005, 12:44 PM
I had a mirena iud fitted. It was done under general anaesthetic as they also took the opportunity to do a hysteroscopy, d&c, and laser away any endometriosis deposits that they found. My gyno also wanted me to have a general anaes anyway as I have not had children which can sometimes make it difficult to fit.

The mirena worked ok for me for a few months but then my probs started coming back and got worse. The doc asked me to persevere with it for a year which I did but it just did not work for me. It is definitely worth a try though as many women find it benefits them.

regards
ktee

sweetsallysue
10-02-2005, 09:53 PM
I had one two years ago, I am 36. I had a fibroid tumor and cysts on my ovaries. Anyway, I have had three C sections, so the doctor felt that due to scar tissue, that I really needed to have my hysterectomy via my abdomen.

Now at first, I was miserable, and probably the angriest person, my poor husband, LOL I ended up with pneumonia after the surgery, and the whole nausea mess...but once that all cleared up, I was and still am SOO GLAD that I had it done!!!!!!!!

Good Luck!!!

same boat
10-08-2005, 09:53 PM
I am now 3 weeks post surgery for hysterectomy and can say I am recovering well and back to my work. Not everyone is this lucky I have heard and I am feeling pretty good about the whole thing. Swelling around the horizontal incision is still noticable and gas is still a bit of a nuisance, but overall I say, YEAH! No more giant maxi pads giving me rashes!!! Definately a success story. Not pushing myself, but allowing myself extra rest, balanced with getting mobile as much as possible. One thing I know we are all different and listening to your own body is the best.

sunnydaze1
10-08-2005, 10:06 PM
Thanks so much for all replies. I'm just getting over another period, and it wasn't half bad for some reason. Could the D&C have kicked? I'm sure I'll pay dearly next month with a period from h**l.

Anyway, gonna try the coil for now and see how that goes, if not; hysterectomy more than likely next July...as that will be more convenient while hubby is off for a couple weeks on vacation and can take care of me. I think.;)

friendly_one
10-11-2005, 04:13 PM
Hi Sunny,

I had my right ovary removed at age 14 (polycystic ovary) and then had the left ovary and uterus removed at age 18 (polycystic again and severe endometriosis). My doc and myself made a radical desicison to leave me sterile at age 18 (now 34 and married) but, it was for the best. I was in horrendous pain all the time and when he opened me up the second time (abdominal hyst.) he had to cut through 2 inches of scar tissue. He said I would have never been able to get pregnant. I took HRT for the first 2 months and then went off of it. I haven't taken it since and I have no symptoms. Anyway, I hope all goes well for you. I know a lot of people have bad outcomes and regret their surgery, but for me, it was well worth it.

Take care :angel:

ksay9555
10-25-2005, 09:48 AM
Hi- it is ksay9555- I have survived. I had my hysterectomy on 10/17 and came home om 10/20. Except for where the staples were- they were removed yesterday, and the "tired" feeling, like I told my Dr- he is such a sweetheart, great bedside manner, understanding, etc- I would not realize that I had had the peration. I had psyched myself SO MUCH, but I am now at peace!

AmyW
01-20-2006, 03:00 PM
Good for you, ksay!! I'm very glad that you're feeling so much better! Hope you continue to thrive and are as happy as you can be. :)

Sunnydaze, wishing you the best of luck with that coil and the hyst. if you have to have it. I'm 4 days post op now, had a total abdominal hyst on monday. I'm feeling rather poor, but am hopeful and hanging in there.

Keep us posted!

Amy

nichole1974
01-29-2006, 05:52 PM
Hi I am 31 years old and I had my Hysterectomy a year ago on December 27th 04. This was the best thing I could have ever done for myself due to the fact I had endometriosis. It was attached to my ovaries and I had issues during sex as it would hurt. So I found a great dr. who did the surgery and it was the best thing I ever done. I had both ovaries taken out and am on a patch for Hormones. No more hot flashes, night sweats, and I am actually happy now. I feel great and no pain whatso ever. I did have the complete hysterectomy, I did take 8 weeks off of work as it was done abdomonally. I went in on a Monday and came home that WEdnesday adn even walked through my work on that wednesday when I came home. It really was the best decision of my life, I wish I could have done it earlier but my other dr who is my drs. partner wouldn't do it as I was too young. Drs who dont' listen to us shame on them. Anyways I have had a successful hysterctomy and am very happy with doing it!!! I change my patch twice a week and just feel so good. If you have quesitons for me I can try and answer them if you want. But this is a success story. Nichole :wave:

TomsGirl2you
02-07-2006, 12:06 PM
I had my uterus and ovaries out 5 years ago and have never looked back!! :p It is like Christmas every day. I used to have adenomyosis and large uterine fibroids and bled heavily every month. My lifestyle was sorely restricted. The surgery was not as bad as imagined and my recovery time was far less painful and inconvienent as my "monthlies" had been. :eek: Hope this encourages you!

lizabug
02-20-2006, 10:27 PM
Hi all,

I am new to this board but I have posted on others. Out of curiosity what is adenomyosis? I had a hysterectomy in my late 20's ( I am now 47) due, according to the doctor, severe scar tissue which had wrapped around an artery going into the womb. Blood could go in but couldn't go out. It was an emergency surgery so I didn't have time to research or weigh my options. When I was told I might need a hysterectomy I couldn't recall much else of the conversation. My uterus enlarged to the size of a three month pregnancy and I was in the worst pain. I was able to keep my right ovary which didn't help with the symptoms at the time. I actually thought I was going crazy. I had really wild mood swings. I was normally calm and rarely ruffled. A few weeks out of surgery I cried with little or no provacation, became angry for no good reason etc.. etc... I found out later that I should have been put on a low dose of birth control pill to control my hormones. Everything did eventually settle down but it was a wild ride for a while. The thing that gets me the most is the weight gain I experienced. I was always very small until I had the operation and then I gained 60 pounds in the course of a couple of years. I know you are looking for success stories but I want you to know that there is another side. The positive thing about it is that it is likely my life was saved because I could have experienced a life threatening loss of blood if things had progressed further and the pain I had experienced for quite a while was eliminated. But I do wish now that I had sought another alternative. As far as the surgery itself I had very little problems. I was up and about, doing fairly hard work about three weeks post-op. I was also very young and could bounce back a lot faster as well. I hope I haven't discouraged you or anything and I apologize if I have.

Liz

SRMom
02-23-2006, 05:10 PM
Lizabug: Adenomyosis is endometrial tissue (inner lining of uterus) that is abnormally growing inside the muscle wall (myometrium) of the uterus. It is benign, but can be very invasive and cause tremendous pain and bleeding.

ketlet
03-17-2006, 03:36 PM
I had a good experience so far. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy. I was out of the hospital in 2 days. My pain is relieved by the meds, and I'm up and around doing probably more than I should be (I get yelled at!). I am very happy I had this surgery. I had a large abnormal solid mass on my ovary, 3 fibroids, another small ovarian cyst. Luckily, there was no cancer. I feel better in recovery than most days of my pre-op suffering! :)
I know everyone is different, but positive attitude and really trying to get better makes for better healing. I am now day 5 and am doing light housework, eating well, sleeping well, and catching up with all my friends and relaxing. Hope all goes well for others!

Stefanie48
03-22-2006, 08:20 AM
Hi all, I will be going back for my 4 week check on monday. I'm feeling good, accually to good I think, I know what u mean Ketlet, everybody is yelling at me to, lol. I get yelled at for putting a dish in the dishwasher.
I had the abdominal hyst. an I kept my ovaries. I had cervical cancer. I was back part time to work last week (2 weeks post-op). I guess it all depends on the person, Ive heard some say that they were down the whole 4 to 6 weeks.
My sisters are jealous because I wont be getting my period anymore, I'm excited about that. Just for the fun of it I'm getting my sisters each an easter basket filled with tampons, lol, I thought they might get a kick outta that.
I was worried at first about my hysterectomy because of how long they said I would be down, but I'm glad I did it now an didnt wait. Till summer Ill be back to normal, an ready for my bikini, lol.
Take care everyone. :D

ginamackey
03-26-2006, 07:32 PM
Hello! I'm 51, had a complete hysto (including ovaries) when I was 44 due to chronic bleeding from fibroids, and a multitude of other problems. I had a vaginally assisted laprascopic procedure. It was a picnic compared to getting my tonsils out 12 days ago. I'd rather go through childbirth, and have a hysto rather than get my tonsils out again. You'll be fine, don't worry about it!! Good luck!!

djl
03-29-2006, 03:29 PM
I agree about that gina !!
I have 2 kids by the age of about 21. Had a tonsilectomy at 22 MY GOD IT WAS MURDER !! Had a hyst everything removed except my cervix 11 months ago at the age of 39. The hyst was a piece of cake !! And my hyst was done abdominaly





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