Consequences of a Hysterectomy?

[wiery]

I'm a 42 year old woman and have just been diagnosed with stage 3/4 Endometriosis from 2 ultra-sounds.  I've got several ovarian cysts and the latest ultrasound identified the largest one on my left ovary being 6.6 x 7.2 and the largest one on my right ovary being 5.6 x 2.1.  From this, my Gynecologist is stating I need a hysterectomy .  My Gynecologist understands that I want as much of my ovarian functioning left after the surgery so that I am not catapulted into menopause but I find myself worried about several other possible life-long consequences.  Specifically, I am worried about a loss of sexual desire and being incontinent.  I've shared my worries with my Gynecologist but she, in her hurried state, dismissed my worries with no explanations.

I'm wondering if any of you who have had a hysterectomy due to endometriosis, who are around my age (and were not already in menopause prior to your hysterectomy) might be able to share your experience including if you have are experiencing any life-long repercussions from this surgery and if you have any suggestions of what I might think about or ask about prior to having to have this surgery.

Thank you so much Ladies!

Signed off as Wiery

[kimko182]

I had a hysterectomy when I was around 40 and my life has been a living hell. I had fybroids and Endometriosis ansd it was pretty bad so I had a full hysterectomy. I'm 51 now and have been very depressed for years, mood swings everyday, gained about 50 lbs, which they say has nothing to do with the hysterectomy, but i know it does. I can't sleep EVER. My life at this moment is a living hell, so make sure you know what your doing if you have a full hysterectomy. Do alot of research !!!
Good Luck,
Kim

[Cherie762]

Hi first let me relieve one of your fears, the only worry of incontince is if bladder is comprimised and 90% of the timet
they put it in a sling and that dont happen Ive been cl here for 2 years and I cant recall once dealing with incontince issue...you may get what I call the dribbles when you laugh, sneeze etc..you may have just a few small drops of urine.

Your cysts are quite large I hope they can save one ovary or a portion of one. Your in peri menopause ( or so I would guess correct age for it) menopause is comming soon one way or the other..there are good hormones for replacement if you need it go for BIO IDENTICAL no premarine ...
Loss of sexual desire is common, not for all for some. its more common for first few months after surgery you will be very sore . They do have meds for this now to a female version of viagra...advice when you are 6 weeks post op and go for check up and dr approves sexual activity use k y jel it helps the vagina drys out some after a hyster.

there are many know side effects..I had a complete hyster..I have low sex drive ( im divorced so dont care right now) but do know I have helped thousands and there is not one side effect that cannot be helped

Please read on the DaVinci Robotic hysterectomy method . if dr wont do that ask for a laproscopic hysterectomy..its sooooo much better than pelvic cut.

C