total hyst? 40 yrs old - Hysterectomy Message Board

wxKathy2 · 04-21-2005, 09:59 PM

Hello,
I am 40, married, never had children (and am not going to), had right ovary removed in 1992 (football size cystoademona-benign). Been on BCP for the last 14 years. I have adhesions from the 1992 surgery and moderate to severe abdominal pain. I have very painful periods but they are short (3-4 days) and I've been told I do not have endometriosis. The doc has recommended BCP all these years to suppress any other cysts from forming on my remaining ovary. (I do already have osteopenia as well) Now I have developed thyroid disease and high blood pressure. My doc no longer thinks BCPs are a good option for me. So we are talking about a tubal and endoscopic removal of adhesions. But my Grandmother had uterine cancer and there is a ton of cancer history in my family. So I am wondering, since I have to take calcium anyway, does it make sense to have a total hysterectomy? Apparently the one ovary hasn't done the full job for bone density anyway. (Would there be any "mechanical" problems with sexual activity if I had a total hyst?) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
Kathy

ktee_uk · 04-22-2005, 03:02 AM

Hi Kathy

Sorry to hear you have had such a lot of problems over the years. I also have reached 40 with no kids and am scheduled for surgery this Tuesday for a TAH. I think that, like you, having had problems getting worse since puberty, my body is ready to "hopefully" get rid of all this pain. It is a very drastic solution though so all other therapies need to be tried or discounted.

I guess you need to discuss with your docs the pros and cons and whether or not a hysterectomy is a worthwhile cancer preventative measure for you to take. Some cancers are slow growing and where there is a family history you can be monitored more regularly and then perhaps have the hysterectomy if you show early signs of the disease.

As to the mechanics afterwards for bedroom activities, I will let you know

but I understand that whilst most women feel liberated and enjoy it more , there are some women who find things different and sometimes worse. I think it will depend on how good your surgeon is, how much is taken away and how fit you are leading up to surgery. If the cervix is also taken (which is the bottom part of the uterus) they have to move the bladder and this increases the level of risk.

Hope this all helps
regards
ktee

LostMind · 06-11-2005, 06:17 AM

Hi,
I have my surgery last year. I was 39, last July. Almost 1 year now. And its AWESome
no having period & adhesion pain and a bonus of no bleeding.
I had it due to 20 years of ovarian cysts ,adhesions ,major bleeding and abnormal pap tests.
I had the cervix removed and the uterus. They left my ovaries, why I dont know I was diagnosed with another grapefruit sized cyst thats makes me look preggo and is painful.I have 1/2 of the left one and they removed a portion of my right one at my hysterectomy. My hormones are raging with this new cyst growth.
My uterus had grown to my bladder with all the adhesions. My GYN made sure my bladder was not injured during the operation and shot dye through it , no leaking.
It made my bladder feel really irritated for about 10 weeks but no more.
Sexually not a darn thing has changed for me. I still get orgasms like I did and actually they are MORE intense. Lubrication didnt change either.
I torn a stitch in my cervix or where it used to be so I had alot of bleeding afterwards which they let heal on its own.
My surgery was done through my abdomen because the cyst would no got through a laproscope or through my vagina. My healing time was 8 weeks and then I was back to work part time for about 2 weeks then on to full time
I wish you luck.

djl · 06-17-2005, 01:46 PM

Hi
I am 39 years old and I am 5 weeks post op total hyst. Everything was removed but my cervix due to : Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, my uterus was a mess !!, Adheasions, enlarged ovaries with cysts.
I have to say it was the best thing I have ever did !! No more pain, no more constant massive ovarian cysts rupturing...it is a wonderful feeling.

I do agree with the doc regarding you not taking the pill, especialy since you have high blood pressure. That is not good.

I would discuss the options with your gyno about a hyst ifd that is what you are looking to do.

As for sex??? It hasn't changed for me. I am on the estrogen patch, and it hasn't changed my urge for sex at all !! It is actualy better for me now because before it was so painful during and after sex. So, I am enjoying it more now !!

Talk to your doc and tell him your concerns...
good luck and keep us updated.