Considering Hysterectomy...how will I feel? - Hysterectomy Message Board

SRMom · 12-09-2005, 10:35 AM

I had a laparoscopy done on Nov. 16 to look for the source of pain I've been suffering from for a year. Yesterday, I saw my ob/gyn for my post op and we talked about the results and my options. She told me I have endometriosis and my uterus is boggy, which could mean internal endometriosis. She also told me I have scar tissue on my peritoneum that is probably from endometriosis that has come and gone.

My options were many. She said birth control pills, but we've tried two already and I felt worse on them (like PMS 24/7). She said I could try depo lupron (I think that's what she called it) to see if that helps. She also said I could see a pain management doctor for medication for chronic pain (anti-inflammatories or narcotics). She said I could try biofeedback. She also said I could do talk therapy to deal with daily pain. And finally, she said I could have a hysterectomy, and that I was a good candidate for it.

I am inclined to want to go forward with the hysterectomy. Aside from my pelvic pain that had bothered me daily for the past year, my periods have caused me great pain and distress for years (PMS/PMDD, migraines, severe cramps/bleeding, anxiety/panic associated too). It seems like I only have one week in the month where I feel somewhat okay.

I've been taking narcotic pain relievers for almost the whole year, averaging about 2-3 pills per day. I am not ready to accept that I should take narcotics for many more years until whenever I happen to get to menopause (I'm 46). I am really leaning toward a sooner and more permanent solution with hysterectomy.

I am wondering/worrying if I am making a good choice. I will have a total hysterectomy, through my c-section scar. I'm aware the recovery may take months...I remember my c-section. The thing I'm wondering about is how uncomfortable I may be with instant menopause as opposed to what I'm going through now? I've had hot flashes and know they are annoying, but they don't hurt. I'm concerned about mood swings. I'm already very moody when I have PMS...will this make me this way all month? For how long...months, years? If I am suffering and decide to take HRT, will that make me feel bloated and fat again, like I do when I have PMS?

Sorry for the long post...I appreciate any input. I think I'm ready to do this, just wondering what I'm getting into.

ktee_uk · 12-11-2005, 05:11 AM

Dear SR

So sorry to hear of your painful problems. I really do sympathise with you as your symptoms sound a lot like mine did.

Regarding surgical menopause...... this will only happen if your surgeon also takes out your ovaries. Many surgeons give women the choice to remove them or keep them (unless they see a problem with them during surgery) and so it is often personal choice. A total hysterectomy means taking out the whole of your uterus including the cervix. Some women have a sub-total which takes out the upper part of uterus but leaves cervix behind. There are also some women whose ovaries fail even when they are left in If you want your ovaries removed this is called oopherectomy.

IMO, I think it would a good idea to talk to your gyno or a specialist in hrt to give you advice regarding how to cope with menopause whether it is immediate or natural. There is also a forum on the healthboards for hormone problems so there might be somone there who can also give guidance and suggestions.

good luck
ktee

djl · 12-11-2005, 05:28 PM

Hi SR MOM
I am 39 and had my hyst 7 months ago with no regrtes. I know we have posted back to eachother on the womans health.
I would DEFFINATELY recomened the Hyst. I am on HRT. I am on the lowest dosege I use it 2-3x a week. It is a patch. I am now also on Xanax for Anxiet attacks when needed.
Even though I am dealing with hot flashes night sweats and mood swings, I would take this over th PAIN I was in preiously !!
To me it is worth it. As you know in previous posts I was a total mess. Now I feel great !! It has been 7 months and I was out dancing up a storm last night !!!!There was absolutly NO WAY I could of done that before the hyst due to all my pain.
If you have any qiestions about the recoop just ask !!

SRMom · 12-12-2005, 01:14 PM

ktee...thanks for your response. I didn't think about the hormone health board...I'll look into that. It will be a total hyst...we talked about the cervix and she recommended to take it out. I've been having pain with intercourse and she said taking the cervix would prevent any spotting and also it wouldn't be there to bump into during sex. She also will take the ovaries, because the estrogen they produce is what's causing all the endo trouble. That's my understanding anyway.

djl...great to have you here to help me, thanks. Would you say your moodiness is similar to PMS, or is it less or more bothersome? I would so love to go out dancing...I used to all the time (my husband used to be in a rock band), but there's no way I could go dancing like I am now. Also, did you have your hyst. abdominally, laparoscopally, or vaginally? I'm wondering if the recovery will be a little easier than my C-section was. I can't have it done vaginally because I've never had a vaginal birth and my doc isn't trained to do hyst. by laparoscope yet, so she'll be doing it through my old C-section scar.

Thanks again for all the help everyone.

djl · 12-12-2005, 01:38 PM

Hi SR Mom
I had my hyst done abdominaly. I couldnt vaginaly because my doc ssaid I didn;t have good enogh support for it. I couldnt do it Laparscopicaly because the doc that actualy does it is not on the insurance. I didnt care just couldnt wait to have it done so I could be pain free.
As for the mood swings, I would say it is worse than PMS, but yah get through it. Like I said it is better than the pain !!