Having a hysterectomy next week

[jenq1973]

Hi I am having a TAH and BSO next tuesday due to heavy painful periods and multiple cysts on Ovarys for years I am really nervous does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this Op and how they dealt with the Menopause I am terrified. Many Thanks

[Cherie762]

I read some of your posts to others you gave some really good kind advice. It seems certain that you have been through a very lot with poor health, life is not fair, is it? One thing that you can know that may help a bit is that although your mum suffered w menopausal symptoms, there was not much help avaible then. There is now, even herbals, Black Kosch sometimes spelled Black Cosch is a herbal that helps alot w hot flashes, if that ends up being your main or only menopausal symptom ask your dr or pharmicist what they think of that.
I see your from the UK I dont know a whole lot about your health care system, are the persons who dispense medications called pharmacists or chemisits in your country? they can advice alot on herbal therapy.
I see you have good humor !  the monthly on top of all this, Honestly thats one thing I dont miss a bit..it is so nice to never have cramps, no bleeding, no tampoons or pads, thats one good thing I can say about a hysterectomy ! In all seriousness it sounds that you are intelligent and have done your homework, tried all alternatives.
You will be fine, the pain medications can and will control your pain.Follow my advice about not getting constipated on them, how to do that is on my journal page.
the nerves are gonna come and go,,keep doing as you are its good of you to help others on here, have you visited the social forum we have? it is a nice way to meet memebers

[jenq1973]

Thankyou both for your input I am very much appreciated. I have been through a lot the past 2 years I have had lots of tests and have tried the Zoladex injections so no what an induced menapause my doctor thought I had endometriosis but doesn't anymore I have many cysts on my Ovarys but no idea why untill they get into have a look. I was sick had very bad night and day sweats backache, so can imagine the real thing won't be much fun and I know what you mean when you say it depends on your family members with the outcome but my mother suffered terrible I used to watch her hot flashes arrive on her face just used to go very red. So have a feeling mine will be the same. I have had alot of surgery due to a disability and 7 years ago I had my bladder removed so the only option for me is to have an abdominal hysterectomy as they are scared of doing more damage I am having 2 surgeons there just in case.

The nerves aren't to bad today think things are starting to sink in and i'm just dealing with it now. It helps that my monthlly's started today too so not so emotional lol!! Pleased that ones out the way once and for all.

Thanks again and I will keep you posted on how things went hope you are both ok

All the best Jen

[Cherie762]

Is there a chance your dr could do the DaVinci Robotic assisted? its a remarkable state of the art very very best method for a hyster/BSO. the incisions are smaller, the ability to do very small work is better, there is less bleeding, less scaring. Its the type I had.I have not had one person say anthing negative about it since I have been CL here.

Remar gave you some great advice. I do understand fear of pain, and I have had many women say it was the worst pain they ever had and I have had some say they were almost pain free,

Week one for most is the worst, after that it gets better each and every day.
Please try to take things one step at a time, prepare yourself for the operation. Go to my home page I have a long list of pre op and post op advice that is very detailed. It is under my journals, I only have two journal pages you will see it.

As for the menopause you for certain will be in a instant surgical induced menopause,. It is so very different for everyone. Alot depends on family history, women tend to be like moms, aunts etc...
I had hot flashes and oh night sweats at first my pjs would be so very soaked with sweat,.I decided to try bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. I firmly believe if your going to replace hormones to go bio-identical, its the nearest to what your own body produces as possible. Do not use premarine, its a very old med, I have read much on it it may have been the only choice years ago,Not so now,,bioidentical is the best.
I used a patch called Vivelle, its an estrogen patch, very easy to use. I used it for a year then as an experiment went off it, I do not have night sweats any more my only post op menopausal symptom is occasional hot flashes,

hrt is very contaversial, you will hear/read different from people..it is said hormone replacement is bad for heart good for bones. You will find data to back up all theorys. You have to make the right decision for you. Wait till after the op and see how you feel.

I hope all goes well, do please read my journal page, if you have any more questions please feel very welcomed to ask, if you would like you are also welcomed to send me a private message.

all the best, Cherie

[remar]

Anytime you have surgery your going to be nervous, this is completely normal.
Have you and your Dr tried and discussed all the other options before deciding on surgery?
I won't lie to you, there will be pain but it will be kept under control with meds. You'll also be sent home with pain meds.
Listen to your body and don't try to do too much when you get home.
At around 6 weeks you'll get your checkup to see how things have healed.
You can talk to your Dr right now about hormone replacement. Some women do fine without it and others need it. It's a personal choice that only you and your Dr can decide on. This is a time to listen to your body again to see if you need them or not.
We're here to listen and answer any more questions you have. Take care. Remar