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Anyone happy w/ hysterectomy?
I'm 42 and have been suffering daily with pain from endometriosis for years. I have no energy and no sex drive. I'm seriously thinking about getting a hysterectomy. I came hear and have been reading horror story after horror story. I'm wondering is anyone happy with their decision to get a hysterectomy? Need adice.
I had my hysterectomy around 10 years ago (age 37) due to endo.
No horror story from me. I found great relief from the surgery and my quality of life was improved 10-fold.
Arriving at the decision to have surgery (LAVH c BSO) was not taken lightly and I did tons of research prior. Women with endometriosis generally have fewer negative feelings about their surgery than is typical when compared to other hysterectomy patients.
My gyn/surgeon was a reproductive endocrinologist and he was great to deal with after surgery. He was open and agreeable to all the hormone replacement therapies available. We went through a few options until we found one that worked for me. This included both estrogen and injections of testosterone.
But, now for the down-side. There is always a down-side isn't there?
After over five years of HRT and moving away from my wonderful doctor, I kept hearing from my new doctors, "We have to get you off those hormones." I listened. And, in the three years since I've been hormone free, I feel like a wrinkled up prune. I gained weight, lost muscle mass, have atrophic vaginitis, dry skin, achy joints...
I don't think mid-40s was a good time of my life to get off the estrogen but what is done is done, I suppose.
If you google "hystersisters" you will find a site filled with all kinds of resources. There are areas just for women who are considering a hysterectomy or had one suggested. The information includes alternatives/treatment that don't include hysterectomy. The site was very helpful to me when I was making decisions a decade ago.
No horror story from me. I found great relief from the surgery and my quality of life was improved 10-fold.
Arriving at the decision to have surgery (LAVH c BSO) was not taken lightly and I did tons of research prior. Women with endometriosis generally have fewer negative feelings about their surgery than is typical when compared to other hysterectomy patients.
My gyn/surgeon was a reproductive endocrinologist and he was great to deal with after surgery. He was open and agreeable to all the hormone replacement therapies available. We went through a few options until we found one that worked for me. This included both estrogen and injections of testosterone.
But, now for the down-side. There is always a down-side isn't there?
After over five years of HRT and moving away from my wonderful doctor, I kept hearing from my new doctors, "We have to get you off those hormones." I listened. And, in the three years since I've been hormone free, I feel like a wrinkled up prune. I gained weight, lost muscle mass, have atrophic vaginitis, dry skin, achy joints...
I don't think mid-40s was a good time of my life to get off the estrogen but what is done is done, I suppose.
If you google "hystersisters" you will find a site filled with all kinds of resources. There are areas just for women who are considering a hysterectomy or had one suggested. The information includes alternatives/treatment that don't include hysterectomy. The site was very helpful to me when I was making decisions a decade ago.
Unfortunately, most women are not forthcoming especially about sex. Coworkers of mine did not offer any information prior to my surgery. Afterwards, one revealed that her husband may as well be "tapping his finger on my forehead" when prior to her hysterectomy she had "mind-blowing" orgasms. Another coworker revealed that she and her husband only have sex once a month only because she feels obligated. She has no desire and it doesn't "do anything for her." The first one does not have ovaries and was on HRT at the time, the second one does have ovaries and they did not fail after her surgery.
A lot of sensation can be lost when all those blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments (4 sets) are cut to remove the uterus and the vagina is sewn shut. Men may be able to tell the difference because the tip of the cervix grabs the penis. Our bodies are a wondrous thing and our parts are meant to "fit together."
And these are just the sexual effects...there are many more. If you know women who had hysterectomies and you knew them prior, some of the effects may have been fairly obvious. I lost so much hair and skin collagen (which gives us our plump, youthful skin) that I was / am a walking testament to how quickly this surgery can age you. I hate to fathom how much I have aged on the inside (heart, bones, brain). So yes do your research since there is no going back and the trade-offs may not be worth the pain relief you may or may not get.
The question is not whether or not you trust your doctor (I had trusted mine for 20 years) but whether you trust a system that profits handsomely from the unnecessary removal of women's sex organs.
A lot of sensation can be lost when all those blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments (4 sets) are cut to remove the uterus and the vagina is sewn shut. Men may be able to tell the difference because the tip of the cervix grabs the penis. Our bodies are a wondrous thing and our parts are meant to "fit together."
And these are just the sexual effects...there are many more. If you know women who had hysterectomies and you knew them prior, some of the effects may have been fairly obvious. I lost so much hair and skin collagen (which gives us our plump, youthful skin) that I was / am a walking testament to how quickly this surgery can age you. I hate to fathom how much I have aged on the inside (heart, bones, brain). So yes do your research since there is no going back and the trade-offs may not be worth the pain relief you may or may not get.
The question is not whether or not you trust your doctor (I had trusted mine for 20 years) but whether you trust a system that profits handsomely from the unnecessary removal of women's sex organs.
I work with 5 other women (range from 45-60) who have had hysterectomy as far back as 20 yrs ago. These women still all work full time.
They said it was the best thing they ever did. Some use HRT others don't. Not one has every told me about any sex issues, some may use cream for dryness but that is about it.
Again, ask all the questions and make sure you trust your doctor/surgeon.
I was put on HRT immediately and have not had any issues...
Everyone reacts different both mentally/physically....But make sure you are sure about your decision, once its done, no going back...
My gyno did not lie to me in any way on the outcomes. there is not guarantee you won't have any issues, but the same can be said about all the other surgeries I have had and have had my share (11) of surgeries.
Lucky for me the surgeons/hospital they knew what they were doing....
They said it was the best thing they ever did. Some use HRT others don't. Not one has every told me about any sex issues, some may use cream for dryness but that is about it.
Again, ask all the questions and make sure you trust your doctor/surgeon.
I was put on HRT immediately and have not had any issues...
Everyone reacts different both mentally/physically....But make sure you are sure about your decision, once its done, no going back...
My gyno did not lie to me in any way on the outcomes. there is not guarantee you won't have any issues, but the same can be said about all the other surgeries I have had and have had my share (11) of surgeries.
Lucky for me the surgeons/hospital they knew what they were doing....
As far as the surgical recovery - It was a breeze for me too. I think I took 1 pain pill after I was discharged. It is the long-term and progressive negative effects that you should especially consider. The back, hip, and rib cage pain from the anatomical and skeletal changes did not even start until about 5 years post-op. And the changes to my figure have also been devastating even though I am still considered "thin." My sex life is pretty much nil since I have lost all desire and orgasms are disappointing (when I am able to have them). Bowel function has also been affected.
As far as hormonal effects from ovary removal or post-hysterectomy ovarian failure - Studies show many increased health risks such as heart disease, osteoporosis, hip fracture, Parkinsonism, dementia, cognition and memory loss, poor sleep quality, vision changes, skin changes, depression, anxiety, irritability, hot flushes, urogenital atrophy, decline in sexual function. An intact woman's ovaries produce hormones into her 80's. Hormone "replacement" cannot adequately replace the endocrine functions of the ovaries and uterus. And there is obviously no "replacement" for the anatomical and skeletal functions of the uterus and the uterine ligaments. PubMed is a good source to research "hysterectomy" and "oophorectomy." Also, forums dedicated to hysterectomy with lots of user activity are good sources for understanding what women face short- and long-term.
Best of luck to you in getting the information you need to make an informed decision!
As far as hormonal effects from ovary removal or post-hysterectomy ovarian failure - Studies show many increased health risks such as heart disease, osteoporosis, hip fracture, Parkinsonism, dementia, cognition and memory loss, poor sleep quality, vision changes, skin changes, depression, anxiety, irritability, hot flushes, urogenital atrophy, decline in sexual function. An intact woman's ovaries produce hormones into her 80's. Hormone "replacement" cannot adequately replace the endocrine functions of the ovaries and uterus. And there is obviously no "replacement" for the anatomical and skeletal functions of the uterus and the uterine ligaments. PubMed is a good source to research "hysterectomy" and "oophorectomy." Also, forums dedicated to hysterectomy with lots of user activity are good sources for understanding what women face short- and long-term.
Best of luck to you in getting the information you need to make an informed decision!
Thanks for the replies. I guess the outcomes can be drastically different for everyone. I'll have to keep researching and make a decision.
I don't regret mine at all. However, mine was not due to endo...
I had it almost 3 yrs ago at the age of 42. I was put on the HRT patch immediately since I had a full hysterectomy. I do not have any emotional/hormonal issues...
My sex life is great....For me I don't regret it one bit....Just make sure you trust your gyno/surgeon and ask ALOT of questions ...
Not everyone has the same outcome, remember everyone heals differently.. I had mine done as day surgery, went in at 7:30am and was home by 12pm. I was up by dinner time...
I had it almost 3 yrs ago at the age of 42. I was put on the HRT patch immediately since I had a full hysterectomy. I do not have any emotional/hormonal issues...
My sex life is great....For me I don't regret it one bit....Just make sure you trust your gyno/surgeon and ask ALOT of questions ...
Not everyone has the same outcome, remember everyone heals differently.. I had mine done as day surgery, went in at 7:30am and was home by 12pm. I was up by dinner time...
Sorry to hear you have endo. I know there are no good treatments and certainly no cures.
It has been 8 years since my hysterectomy and not a moment goes by that I don't regret it. I aged horribly fast and it has affected every aspect of my life and being. I did not have a chronic pain condition but ironically the anatomical and skeletal changes caused by having the uterus removed have left me with back and pelvic pain. The hormonal aspects are another nightmare.
Since endo implants are usually found throughout the pelvis, hysterectomy and/or ovary removal is not a cure for endo. Many women do not get pain relief or only get temporary relief. And then on top of it, they are left with the permanent after effects of female sex organ removal.
Best of luck in getting some relief from this horrible disease! Maybe you will luck out and go through menopause early and get some relief then.
It has been 8 years since my hysterectomy and not a moment goes by that I don't regret it. I aged horribly fast and it has affected every aspect of my life and being. I did not have a chronic pain condition but ironically the anatomical and skeletal changes caused by having the uterus removed have left me with back and pelvic pain. The hormonal aspects are another nightmare.
Since endo implants are usually found throughout the pelvis, hysterectomy and/or ovary removal is not a cure for endo. Many women do not get pain relief or only get temporary relief. And then on top of it, they are left with the permanent after effects of female sex organ removal.
Best of luck in getting some relief from this horrible disease! Maybe you will luck out and go through menopause early and get some relief then.
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