Hysterectomy FEAR... - Hysterectomy Message Board

shoostar · 05-31-2005, 05:05 PM

Hi All!! I just found out I have a pretty good chance of getting a hysterectomy. I admit I haven't heard a lot of positive things about it unless a woman has had many problems from her uterus. About a month ago I blew up like a balloon...very bloated and a lot of pressure in my abdomen. The doctor told me my uterus is about the size of a 4 month pregnancy, and BOY DO I FEEL IT! I am not having any bleeding other than normal periods. I also was told from my test results that I have fluid in the uterine cavity which isn't good. So the doctor did an endometrial biopsy of the uterine lining. I have to wait for another week or so for the final results. I've been an absolute MESS. I'm worried to death about the surgery, the after effects, the horomone replacement. I've just got too much on my mind and it's really scaring me. I would greatly appreciate anyone who has had a total hysterectomy (uterus and ovaries removed) to reply and tell me your experiences and what I should expect. I am 47 and no longer have any use for my uterus but I have heard about so many problems when the ovaries are removed too. I'm scared of dramatic weight gain, aging quicker than normal, severe moodiness, bladder disfunction, loss of sexual desire and many other concerns. I'm afraid I'll never be the same.
Please calm me down!

happyelf · 05-31-2005, 06:47 PM

Hi Shoostar..thought I'd give you a quick reply and relay my hyst experience. I am happy w/the outcome. I had mine at 35yrs old-3 1/2 mos after having twins. (nine days aft they were born I had my rt ovary and tube removed--found a tumor on it when I was 5 1/2 mos preg w/them) I bled for the enitre post partum time and had a history or ednomitriosis. They did a radical hyst--took it all--ovary, uterus, and cervix-to cut out any chance of cervical cancer in the future.

I went on HRT w/in a week of surgery and am so glad I did. I'm 40 1/2 so I've been on 5yrs. No sign of early aging, and I still have pap smears yearly. Straight up--I had some moodiness until the dosage was worked out-not too bad tho--but the night sweats were really bad--which I had until I got on HRT that week. I'd exchange them ANY DAY for a little moodiness(I think when I wasn't on HRT I was worse because of the night sweats!!!)

My hyst was a Vaginally Assisted Laparoscopy. In the hosp 2 days and the worst part for me was my lower back hurt when I woke up from surgery...but they took care of that w/the ol' morphine pump. Recovery at home was 6 weeks. I was told not to p/u anything heavier than 5lbs--and my babies only if I was sitting.
That's my experience...Hope it helped!! I know it's scary but it really isn't that bad. Try not to stress about it--and educate yourself as much as possible. It's the unknown that is frightening. You came to the right place for info!! Maybe others who have had good(or not so good) experiences can post for you too!! (how we love to tell our war stories!!

)
Gina/Happy Elf

shoostar · 05-31-2005, 07:22 PM

Gina,
I appreciate your reply. I can't begin to know how difficult having the surgery was for you, esp. right after having twins. you are a strong woman!

I guess I am making a mountain out of a mole hill. I truly think I am educating myself too much...

Too much info to take in at one time.
Thanks for sharing your experience!

Soulcatcher · 05-31-2005, 07:42 PM

I may not be much of a help but my sister had a hysterectomy. She was terrified also and she was 35. I had alot of question about it because I found out I had cervical cancer and I thought that one day I would have to take that route. She said she felt fine, she still felt sexual and things still worked normally down there. I agree with you "educating" yourself too much. I have done that with a lot of things. I also was pg with twins and purposely did NOT read up on C-sections because I knew I would be terrified. The surgery wasn't as bad as I even thought. I had one twin vaginal and one C-sec. I also didn't get in too much detail when I had cold knife conazation for my cervical cancer...I ended up getting the best sleep I ever had experienced and felt just fine. Quit reading everything and go with the flow ( no pun intended) Your body will adjust and your mood will go back. You will be your old self in no time. Good luck.

kerry1 · 05-31-2005, 07:49 PM

Shoostar - I'm in a similar situation - looking forward to getting rid of that bloated uterus. Did they say you had to get your ovaries out, and if so, whY?