Hysterectomy

[pookie1968uk]

just found out i need a hysterectomy. i am quite nervous about this and wondered if anyone has had one? i havent had a date yet but i hope its quite soon so i can get it over with!

[Trinity]

Hi Pookie, I had a hysterectomy two years ago now. I had fibroids. I found a great forum on hysterectomies at the time:

http://www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk/forums/


I also had quite a few chats with JustJodi from this forum and she was a great help and comfort to me.

If you want to chat, feel free to PM me.

I was 41 when I had the operation and I have two children so there were no real issue for me about losing my fertility.

I have been 100% healthier since it and have found it to be wonderful - because I was always tired and sluggish before, but I know that different people have different reasons for the op. and this affects how they feel but for me personally it was the best thing.

It takes a few months to recover, I was off work for 12 weeks, and I wasn't allowed to drive for 6 weeks (that was the hardest thing!) But by the time I went back to work I was 1 stone lighter and so much fitter than I had been before I stopped. I walked loads (although it took a while to build up my stamina.)

Best Wishes

Trinity

[kayuqtuq]

I had my hysterectomy at 33 because of a huge fibroid. I was working at the time and had to have 3 months off while I recovered. For me, having the hysterectomy was the best thing that ever happened, I suffered from heavy and prolonged periods, and all the other things that go with PMS like excrutiating headaches, painful breasts, backache, constipation and legs like lead! I was more than delighted to lose the lot, especially as I wasn't at all interested in having children. I only had to wait for 6 weeks between seeing the consultant and having the op.

If your family is complete and you suffer with your periods, I say go for the op but be aware that having a hysterectomy may bring the menopause forward by up to seven years. Although the change can be a pain, I'd rather have hot flushes than the tyranny of periods!

Good luck!

Carol

[Perdita]

I had this op when I was 36 and have never regretted it once. I was in hospital for 2 weeks and at home another 2 weeks, then I went back to work, the first 3 days I left after lunch because I was so tired but on day 4 I was right as rain again. It is a blessing not to have to worry about taking tampons/towels to work or on holiday, no more pain, I am glad I had it done. Good luck and all the best.

[senorita]

Hi Pookie,

I had a hysterectomy at 30, was scary at the time, but there is 2 bits of advice I would like to give you. One join a support group - think its already been mentioned www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk. Its a fantastic place to get advice and support from people that really do understand how you are feeling. Im still on there and my op was nearly 2 years ago.

The 2nd peice of advice, get what information you can but then be as positive about your situation as you can. Positive thinking is what will really help you.

If you want any other advice please feel free to get in touch.

All teh best
Danni x

[pookie1968uk]

i am still waiting for the hospital booking clerk to ring with a date so until then i havent got a clue how long i have to wait. just want to get it over and done with. i looked at the recommended site yesterday and found it very helpful. it has every bit of information you could possibly need especially as the hospital have told me next to nothing! thanks to the four of you, im sure i will ask if i need to know anything else!

[senorita]

Pookie, join the site now if you can, its great for support, for those doctors visits, where you forget to ask certain questions etc. Its great because you then have support for what month your op is in, etc and its just a fun place to hang out too. The chat room parties were great fun, lots of cyber drinking going on and no hangover in the morning lol. Look out for Snapigator thats me

Take care, any questions, ask away!
D x

[pookie1968uk]

thanks! i got my date today. pre op 26th november and operation the 2nd december! gulp, its made it seem more real now! i need the op because i have a prolapse so no actual problems with periods etc but it will be nice not to have them any more! they are removing my cervix and uterus but keeping my ovaries.

[Trinity]

thanks! i got my date today. pre op 26th november and operation the 2nd december! gulp, its made it seem more real now! i need the op because i have a prolapse so no actual problems with periods etc but it will be nice not to have them any more! they are removing my cervix and uterus but keeping my ovaries.

That was the same op I had - I also still have my ovaries and to date I have not gone through the menopause (age nearly 44.)

You are going to be tired and unable to drive over Christmas so I would really recommend that you get the pressies and everything sorted out in advance, and if you generally cook Christmas dinner I would ask another family member to do it this year.

Senorita's point about positive thinking is very valid, and I personally think that planning things in advance can help with that. There is nothing worse than being tired and having loads of things outstanding and no way that you can do them.

Another thing that I wasn't allowed to do for a few weeks was vacuum.

Get the family in training now!

Best wishes

Trinity

[pookie1968uk]

well its operation day tomorrow! i am so nervous i feel sick! got everything sorted, lets just hope it goes ok!