Aa
Hysterectomy question for those that have had one
Hello everyone,
I am scheduled to have a vaginal hysterectomy done on April 3, 2013. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this done and if you are willing to share your experience. Did it go well or was it horrible. Things that you had problems with. Problems in the future. Etc. I just really don't know what to expect. Also please let me know how long the recovery period was. My dr said she wants me off work for 4-6 weeks. That's a LONG time for the job that I do. Is that realistic or is my dr. just being overly cautious? By the way, I have a desk job. No lifting or moving around is involved. Thanks for any feedback you can provide. Have a great day!
I am scheduled to have a vaginal hysterectomy done on April 3, 2013. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this done and if you are willing to share your experience. Did it go well or was it horrible. Things that you had problems with. Problems in the future. Etc. I just really don't know what to expect. Also please let me know how long the recovery period was. My dr said she wants me off work for 4-6 weeks. That's a LONG time for the job that I do. Is that realistic or is my dr. just being overly cautious? By the way, I have a desk job. No lifting or moving around is involved. Thanks for any feedback you can provide. Have a great day!
I accidently erased my original comment (but not the PS). So, a rerun.
I had a total trans-vaginal hysterectomy last Friday for a very prolapsed uterus. (I was sitting on it, rather gingerly. How do men do it?) I am 70, post menopause, active, retired, and in good health.
This is how the procedure went. First, because I had the remains of a head cold, the anesthesiologist recommended a spinal block rather than general anesthesia. The spinal was a pin prick. I was awake when wheeled into the operating room. The place was bustling with activity. The surgical assistants elevated my feet and proceeded to clean the perineal area with something that felt like a blow dryer. Very pleasant. At that point, my surgeon said hi and I went into a light sleep.
Surgery involved removal of the uterus, ovaries and cervix. The surgeon checked the position and functioning of the bladder and rectum and would have performed additional work (e.g. bladder suspension) if needed. My surgery took longer than usual because a ureter (connects kidney and bladder) disappeared. She called in a specialist who found it pushed way out of place, possibly due to the prolapse?
I had no pain and a clear head upon awakening. I did have some groin stretch discomfort that cleared up within 48 hours. I stayed in the hospital overnight. Liquid ibuprofen and morphine were used to reduce discomfort that consisted of menstrual type cramps. Your doctor may prescribe oxycontin or similar.
Sunday was not a good day, so I rested and took ibuprofen. Monday was much better. I drove to bridge and took a round dance class in the evening. A headache developed on Tuesday, possibly due to the spinal. Took ibuprofen and started taxes.
Here it is Wednesday and I've rearranged some bedroom furniture and am wondering when I can get back to the gym.
Undesirable side effects: frequent, plentiful urination. Irregular BM's, without constipation. Desire to eat chocolate. Poor sleep at night (had that before the surgery, oh well.)
I hope to get back to the estrogen patch and finally learn how to do Kegels.
I'm glad I had the surgery.
Good luck to you.
I had a total trans-vaginal hysterectomy last Friday for a very prolapsed uterus. (I was sitting on it, rather gingerly. How do men do it?) I am 70, post menopause, active, retired, and in good health.
This is how the procedure went. First, because I had the remains of a head cold, the anesthesiologist recommended a spinal block rather than general anesthesia. The spinal was a pin prick. I was awake when wheeled into the operating room. The place was bustling with activity. The surgical assistants elevated my feet and proceeded to clean the perineal area with something that felt like a blow dryer. Very pleasant. At that point, my surgeon said hi and I went into a light sleep.
Surgery involved removal of the uterus, ovaries and cervix. The surgeon checked the position and functioning of the bladder and rectum and would have performed additional work (e.g. bladder suspension) if needed. My surgery took longer than usual because a ureter (connects kidney and bladder) disappeared. She called in a specialist who found it pushed way out of place, possibly due to the prolapse?
I had no pain and a clear head upon awakening. I did have some groin stretch discomfort that cleared up within 48 hours. I stayed in the hospital overnight. Liquid ibuprofen and morphine were used to reduce discomfort that consisted of menstrual type cramps. Your doctor may prescribe oxycontin or similar.
Sunday was not a good day, so I rested and took ibuprofen. Monday was much better. I drove to bridge and took a round dance class in the evening. A headache developed on Tuesday, possibly due to the spinal. Took ibuprofen and started taxes.
Here it is Wednesday and I've rearranged some bedroom furniture and am wondering when I can get back to the gym.
Undesirable side effects: frequent, plentiful urination. Irregular BM's, without constipation. Desire to eat chocolate. Poor sleep at night (had that before the surgery, oh well.)
I hope to get back to the estrogen patch and finally learn how to do Kegels.
I'm glad I had the surgery.
Good luck to you.
PS: The docs like you to wait six weeks before resuming normal activities. Nevertheless, I am driving, walking, doing housework. If you have a general anesthesia, it will take longer to recover. You will feel tired for a few days. There should be little post surgery bleeding.
WOW, recovery time was THAT fast? That is amazing! Everyone tells me that I will feel ok, but will be incredibly tired. Did you experience that? Thanks for voicing your experience. That is great news!
I had one done about 7 weeks ago. Mine was done vaginally & lapascoprically (sp?) .
I was only out 2 weeks from work, would have gone after 1 week, but personal issues came up so I took another week off.
I have no issues as of now. I am o HRT patches. I am glad I had it done.
I was only out 2 weeks from work, would have gone after 1 week, but personal issues came up so I took another week off.
I have no issues as of now. I am o HRT patches. I am glad I had it done.
Hi,
Thank you for the GREAT email! I love the way you ended it! 168 lbs sure isn't very overweight, unless you are 4 feet tall or something. I am actually trying to gain weight. I've been in the 90's until about a week ago when I finally got up to 105 lbs. Have kept the weight on for a week so I'm pleased with that! I'm 5'2.
Everyone that I 've talked to has told me that the recovery time was longer than they thought. I will definitely take your advice and not rush back into life. I'm 50 years old and had my tubes tied at 30 so the kid issue won't be a problem for me.
I'm glad to hear that you are doing well now! I will post after the surgery to let you know how I'm doing. Thanks again for the email. What a blessing!
Andi
Thank you for the GREAT email! I love the way you ended it! 168 lbs sure isn't very overweight, unless you are 4 feet tall or something. I am actually trying to gain weight. I've been in the 90's until about a week ago when I finally got up to 105 lbs. Have kept the weight on for a week so I'm pleased with that! I'm 5'2.
Everyone that I 've talked to has told me that the recovery time was longer than they thought. I will definitely take your advice and not rush back into life. I'm 50 years old and had my tubes tied at 30 so the kid issue won't be a problem for me.
I'm glad to hear that you are doing well now! I will post after the surgery to let you know how I'm doing. Thanks again for the email. What a blessing!
Andi
Hi, I had an hysterectomy 18 months ago, was unable to have vaginal surgery because of my weight, (i was 168lbs) First of all, let me tell you that while it was a very traumatic time for me, getting my head around having no more kids, etc, it is the best thing i have done. I have gotten my life back. Secondly, the recovery time was way longer for me, physically. I found my weight definitely went against me. So hopefully that wont be an issue for you. But you definitely need the 6 weeks. Even if you feel better after 3 weeks, please take your time.
My ovaries were left and touch wood, i haven't started the menopause.
I just want to wish you the very best of luck, take care of yourself, and please don't be a martyr. Live the loreal life....... because you are worth it!!!!
My ovaries were left and touch wood, i haven't started the menopause.
I just want to wish you the very best of luck, take care of yourself, and please don't be a martyr. Live the loreal life....... because you are worth it!!!!
Good Morning and thank you so much for the reply! My situation is a little different than yours. First of all, let me say that I am SO sorry that you had cancer at such a young age. How very scary for you!! I'm sorry you are having those kinds of problems now with the sexual aspect of it!
I am 50 years old and have had terrible problems with iron deficiency anemia for over 25 years. It's funny that NONE of the doctors EVER tried to figure out why and it's even more strange that I didn't ever ask WHY am I anemic. They always just told me to make sure I was taking a prenatal vitamin, since they are higher potency, and an iron supplement daily. I've been doing that this whole time and have always remained anemic. Over the last year I have lost 70 lbs without trying. I have had every kind of test you can imagine, all which came back negative, except for my vaginal ultra sound which showed a mass in my uterus. They did a biopsy and it came back negative, Thank God, but they said that was most likely the cause of my anemia and if it has grown it could explain the dramatic weight loss. I have weighed 92 lbs for over a year and I struggle to maintain that. I have NEVER been a skinny person, and have never wanted to be. I look terrible. Who wouldn't at 92 lbs. So I did exactly what you said and got 3 second opinions and they all agreed that the hysterectomy was the way to go. They will leave my ovaries so I shouldn't have the instant menopause like you did. I have been married for almost 27 years and we've been a couple for 30 years so I don't see any new guy in my future. I'm happy with the one that I've got. Luckily he is supportive and understanding. After 30 years sex is still fun, but not the priority it was for both of us when our relationship was just beginning. Ah, those were the days. Lol. The surgery is scheduled for April 3. I will keep you updated on how it comes out. Thank you again for your input. I really thought I would get a ton of replies. I'm thankful that I got yours!!
I am 50 years old and have had terrible problems with iron deficiency anemia for over 25 years. It's funny that NONE of the doctors EVER tried to figure out why and it's even more strange that I didn't ever ask WHY am I anemic. They always just told me to make sure I was taking a prenatal vitamin, since they are higher potency, and an iron supplement daily. I've been doing that this whole time and have always remained anemic. Over the last year I have lost 70 lbs without trying. I have had every kind of test you can imagine, all which came back negative, except for my vaginal ultra sound which showed a mass in my uterus. They did a biopsy and it came back negative, Thank God, but they said that was most likely the cause of my anemia and if it has grown it could explain the dramatic weight loss. I have weighed 92 lbs for over a year and I struggle to maintain that. I have NEVER been a skinny person, and have never wanted to be. I look terrible. Who wouldn't at 92 lbs. So I did exactly what you said and got 3 second opinions and they all agreed that the hysterectomy was the way to go. They will leave my ovaries so I shouldn't have the instant menopause like you did. I have been married for almost 27 years and we've been a couple for 30 years so I don't see any new guy in my future. I'm happy with the one that I've got. Luckily he is supportive and understanding. After 30 years sex is still fun, but not the priority it was for both of us when our relationship was just beginning. Ah, those were the days. Lol. The surgery is scheduled for April 3. I will keep you updated on how it comes out. Thank you again for your input. I really thought I would get a ton of replies. I'm thankful that I got yours!!
Hi there, I'm so sorry that you are going to have a hysterectomy. Is it absolutely necessary and have you gone for a second and 3rd opinion? How old are you and do you have children?
I had a total abdominal hysterectomy in 1981 when I was in my early 20's due to cancer. I went through radical menopause right after my surgery and it was extreme. I was placed on estrogen and estrogen vaginal cream which I've used off and on for over 20 years. I had no problems with sex, pain, bleeding, for 30 years. I have taken care of myself, watch what I eat and maintain a healthy lifestyle with fitness, healthy eating, water, rest.
The problems for me started when i was around 49. I went off estrogen and was without a partner for 5 years. I found a wonderful man a year ago and when we had sex, I bleed heavily for over 14 hours and was bleeding through a pad every 3 minutes. I have just been diagnosed with vagina atrophy and am back on premarin and vagifem vaginal tablets. My vagina has shortened by 1" and deep penetration during sex is a no go. You must think about the future and if you are without a partner you should use a dialator 2xs a week as well as some form of HRT.
If I had to do it all over again, I would have waited and researched more. I was young and afraid and my doctor strongly urged me to proceed with the surgery as I would be lucky to live past one year. I would strongly suggest that you exhaust all possible options before going ahead with a hyserectomy.
I had a total abdominal hysterectomy in 1981 when I was in my early 20's due to cancer. I went through radical menopause right after my surgery and it was extreme. I was placed on estrogen and estrogen vaginal cream which I've used off and on for over 20 years. I had no problems with sex, pain, bleeding, for 30 years. I have taken care of myself, watch what I eat and maintain a healthy lifestyle with fitness, healthy eating, water, rest.
The problems for me started when i was around 49. I went off estrogen and was without a partner for 5 years. I found a wonderful man a year ago and when we had sex, I bleed heavily for over 14 hours and was bleeding through a pad every 3 minutes. I have just been diagnosed with vagina atrophy and am back on premarin and vagifem vaginal tablets. My vagina has shortened by 1" and deep penetration during sex is a no go. You must think about the future and if you are without a partner you should use a dialator 2xs a week as well as some form of HRT.
If I had to do it all over again, I would have waited and researched more. I was young and afraid and my doctor strongly urged me to proceed with the surgery as I would be lucky to live past one year. I would strongly suggest that you exhaust all possible options before going ahead with a hyserectomy.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hysterectomy Community
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.
