partial hysterectomy in the NEAR future - Hysterectomy Message Board

antsymomma · 02-22-2009, 09:00 AM

What should I expect? Can anyone tell me what to expect afterwards? Should I be concerned about my sexual experiences post-hysterecomy (partial)? I'm concerned about doing this. I can always back out of it. I have irregular bleeding (very frustrating and is really cutting into my sex life). I currently have an IUC and on birth control pills to try to regulate my bleeding. I hate having to take birth control pills and having my hormones out of whack!! It's causing acne and I'm on pills and cream to try to control it. I'm hoping that having a partial hysterectomy will not only get rid of the annoying bleeding, but will also control the acne. Anyone out there that can understand what I'm going through?

Pickle Eyes · 02-22-2009, 09:32 AM

Hi, I'm sorry you are having to deal with so much with your periods.

By partial hyst are you just having your uterus removed? everything else will be left (cervix, ovaries, tubes)? How will your doctor be doing your hyst?

I had a total LAVH for cervical cancer (stage Ia1). The doctor took my cervix and uterus. So far, you and I have different diagnosis and different organ(s) removed. That means my answers may or may not be helpful.

While removing your uterus will end the bleeding, if your ovaries are left it is possible you'll have some of the same hormone related problems. If the ovaries are left, they still cycle, there just isn't a period. I still have my ovaries and about every 4 weeks my breasts get tender and I get a little bloated in my lower abdomen. And on the "lucky" (cough-cough) month I get REALLY grouchy and moody. I'm still glad I kept my ovaries. I want to have natural hormones as long as I can before hitting menopause (probably in the next 10 years or so - I'm 45).

Hubby and I had to refrain from intercourse for about 5 weeks (post hyst). I wasn't healing as fast as the doctor wanted me to, so we had to wait a week or two longer than "normal" (which I've since learned isn't quite a norm). We weren't having intercourse problems (because of my period issues) prior to my hyst, so I can't really tell you things are better or worse. I can say they are different. We do things a little differently now (than we did before) but that is basically keeping some lubrication close by and various positions. Otherwise, everything works just fine and hubby and I are very pleased!

antsymomma · 02-24-2009, 05:30 PM

I believe it's only the uterus that they will be removing. Because it's because I'm bleeding that I'm having this done; there are no other complications. It will be a vaginal partial hysterectomy.
I understand that I'll still have the hormone issues, but right now I'm adding to those hormones with the IUC (which has testosterone) and the birth control pill! So, I don't know, I feel like my problems are not the worst, only a nuissance; and I have the option not to do it. The question is, what am I willing to live with!!! I don't know.

Thanks for your response. It has helped me in my decision on whether or not to go through with it.

Pickle Eyes · 02-24-2009, 06:06 PM

So what are you thinking?

antsymomma · 02-25-2009, 06:19 PM

I'm still leaning toward the surgery. Like my husband says, there could be future complications from taking so many medications to regulate my periods. I am hoping that I could live a more comfortable life by having this surgery. I'm just thinking I need to which would be "the lesser of two evils". You know what I mean?

Hey, what should I expect right after the surgery? I read one post that said something about a catheter? Will I get one after the surgery? I'm sooo scared of getting one. When I had my first baby a nurse tried to put one in, she said I would feel anything, but I did. I refused to get one. The nurse told me I need to pee really soon or I will have to get one. Believe me when I say, I sat on that toilet of the delivery room until I peed!!! Needless to say, no catheter!! So, will I have one right after the surgery? If so, do you realize that will be like my GREATEST concern!!!!! LOL!