Gals- Hysterectomy questions

[kandeebunny]

I am 24 and considdering finally having it done this summer while I am up in New Hampshire. It has been suggested since I turned 14, but first I didn't want to, then the Dr's didn't want to, now I think I am ready. This is not mandatory, but I cannot have kids, and have very heavy bleeding and debilitating periods (first 3 days in bed with heating pad NOT moving.)

So I want to know the good the bad and the ugly. How was it, how was the healing time, suggestions? They will be leaving my ovaries in (I think I want them to.)

 

[bumbershoot]

My mom didn't much like her hysterectomy, though she asked for it at the time.

But later, when she found "alternative" and traditional healing methods, she realized that it's possible her symptoms (she had a heavy period for over a year, for no known reason) could have been eased or stopped if she had used them. Chiropractic and acupuncture especially have been known to help the body's systems that regulate the cycles, and make them more, well, cyclical.

My mom kept her ovaries, so she cycled, just nothing came of it, and she hated that. She also went through menopause (though without the most obvious part of it) very early, and she hated that, too. If she were still here, she would recommend against it right now, and she would recommend that you look into the other things that you can do to boost your body's health, rather than just taking out things that right now aren't behaving in an healthy manner. She would urge that b/c it's worth trying, a good, solid try, to heal your body first, rather than to just go to the medical route first.

And since she died years later of a non-related series of medical errors while being treated for something else, I'm very sure she would urge that even more, to try to heal your body first, before taking things out of your body.


Just remembered (just found out in Sept) that my stepmom had a hysterectomy, too, and she reported it to be quite painful and a long painful recovery. She, on the other hand, didn't have emotional issues with it (she had a tumor the size of a softball on an ovary, and it didn't require that her "works" be taken out, but she opted for it), mainly, she confessed, because she absolutely positively did not want to have more children with her husband/my father (and I do not blame her, the way their relationship is). So for her it was a "HURRAH" b/c she was done, whereas with my mother it was out of desperation, though she did want more kids but couldn't take the symptoms anymore.


Good luck in your decision, and if you haven't already, I do hope you consider giving alternative and traditional methods a solid chance to help your body's systems and organs work out their problems.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

First of all, the place to go for any and all answers regarding hysterectomies is http://www.hystersisters.com. There is a message board full of wonderful and supportive people and believe you me, every single question you could imagine has been posted there!

Second, I have had a hysterectomy. I had mine three years ago last month! I found the surgery to be easy, the discomfort to be minimal, and the benefits to be massive! I love not having a period anymore and I love not having the pain and mess each month. If this is what you want, then by all means, don't put it off. It is best if you can keep your ovaries. I kept mine, but it is looking like I may lose them after all. Still, the longer you can keep them, the better.

Good luck to you! And please, go visit that website!

 

[cherylp3]

I have been going through these same issues for a year. Look into Mirena.

 

[dimimi]

I had one and the surgery/recovery is fine. You'll fee bad for a few weeks if you have abdominal surgery and less if you have lap surgery.

Have you gone for second opinions? Are you sure you cannot have kids? You are pretty young, I would probably try everything else before I would do something so permanent. Good luck to you!

 

[Darcy03231]

I have two close friends who had them due to issues with fibroid cysts. Both of them put it off as long as they could. Once they finally had it done, they couldn't believe how much better they felt. Pain free for the first time in years. Both have said they wish they hadn't waited so long. Neither one complained of any pain and they both seem to have recovered fairly quickly.

I also want to add that both were in their 30's and had children when they had it done. I would definitely seek a 2nd opinion before having it done, just given your age. With the advances in technology there may be another option for you.

 

[doxdogy]

I had it done about 14 years ago. I was not a candidate for the lap surgery. Recovery wasn't to bad. I did need sit with a pillow in my lap for a couple of weeks. Also, rolling over in bed was a little difficult. I found that I had to literally flip myself over. Also don't forget to buy some pants with a stretch waist if you don't have the lap surgery.

 

[karynnix]

I had a hysterectomy about 2 years ago when I was 30. I had a hip-to-hip incision and my recovery was about 2 weeks. I don't know what the recovery is for the other type of hysterectomy. I feel like a new person now. I kept 1 ovary that functions halfway, so I still have some of the PMS symptoms, but they are really mild. If you keep your ovaries, you wil still have the once a month cramping and irritability, but you won't have the other mess that comes with it!!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[KikiFan]

Best thing I ever did quite frankly. I had a partial hysterectomy in Aug of 2001 after years of horrific debilitating periods, capped off with 4 months of uncontrolled bleeding. ( I almost bled to death at Disney ) I felt like I finally had my life back.

As for the recovery it all depends on the method. If they can do it ******lly the recovery is pretty easy (That's what my mother had and I think it took a couple of weeks and she was in her late 60's)

If they have to cut your abdomen then the recovery is pretty much identical to a C-section. I had a tumor the size of a small cantaloupe so that was the only option available to me. The big key to recovery there is to get up and walk as soon as possible. It makes all the difference in the world to the speed of recovery. But you're usually looking around a month. Also make sure to start doing sit ups as soon as the Dr. says it's okay. You won't really feel like it - but strengthening your abs after they've been sliced open will prevent low back problems.

I tend to prefer natural or alternative medicine. For me, none of those options really worked more then a few months. (Although they've been very successful in staving off peri-menopause) But they may be something you should look into just so you can be satisfied that you've explored all possible options. I think that it's really important that you feel really comfortable with your decision. If you feel pressured at all by your dr - go find another one. My Dr. was great. I'm sure he knew the first time I needed a blood transfusion that it was going to end in a hysterectomy, but he gave me the time to explore all my options traditional and non-traditional. When I finally decided to go ahead with the hysterectomy - it was mydecision.

You are going to run across some people who think that hysterectomy is a crime against femininity - they are really militant. One of my friends got in my face the night before my surgery begging me not to give up my womanhood, telling me I was making a horrible mistake. I will never speak to her again. Just be sure you are comfortable with your decision and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. I will tell you I have never felt like less of a woman or less feminine.

I will say this, I was 36 when I had mine and I already had a child. Taking care of the child I already had was far more important to me then the possibility that I might want to have another one. Because you're so young be really sure that it's right for you and if you have any doubts at all - wait. I would also talk to your Dr. about the possibility of banking your eggs so that at least you've got the option to use a surrogate later on.

 

[Jpgirl]

As above poster said it depends on the person as far as recovery. If you have it abdominally you'll have more restrictions, not driving for 2-6 weeks-no lifting anything over 5# for 6 weeks-depends on the you and the doc. I had mine in Mar.-I'm a fitness professional-so I had less restrictions-was back on an indoor trainer at 2 weeks back on outdoor bike at 6 weeks -teaching cycling at 8 weeks. My recovery was very good-but I've had some setbacks along the way I wasn't prepared for. I had some weight gain-and swelled every time I pushed it too hard. My performances last summer and fall cycling seasons really sucked. Before surgery I was averaging 125 miles a week with no problem-7 months after I was still well under 70 miles a week. Sometimes I was completely wiped after teaching a 45 minute class. So bottum line is listen to your doc and your body. It really does take a year to heal and be back in peak shape. Yes Hystersisters CAN be a good site-but beware-there CAN be a lot of whining and misinformation. I took a moderator to task over there for posting untrue information about exercise. Take that information with a grain of salt and get information from your doctor and reliable medical sites. It is a great site for emotional support. Good luck

 

[clutter]

If you have endo, have you tried alternatives? I was also told that I would likely not be able to have children and had horrific periods. I'd used some of the hormone drugs available at the time (now they use lupron), and I still ended up in the hospital in pain. My doctor, becasue I could take bcps, suggested that I start taking them all the time, no week off. I was 25, and I went for 9 years without having a period. At age 37, after two additional surgeries for endo pain and a couple of rounds on lupron (nasty stuff, that, but well worth it) I was able to get pregnant on my first try. Today, my gyn has mused that I may be able to get through menopause without a hysto. After being told 20+ years ago that it was my only option.

If you've been through all this and it doesn't work, sorry, I just wanted to give let you know in case you hadn't tried.

 

[HunnyPots]

I am a bit older than you and already had two kids so that was not an issue for me but if you know for sure that having kids is out and you're suffering like you say you are, I say do it! I finally had it done last March and it was the best thing I ever did for myself.
The surgery itself was no big deal. Four days in the hospital and really good pain meds =
Recovery time was easy and went by fast. I felt better than I had in many years. For you, you'll probably feel better than you ever have!

 

[JESW]

Have you tried the endometrial ablation? That can help with heavy bleeding. I had that done June 2006 to try to stop the pain/discomfort I was having but it didn't help much. (I am 48 and close to menopause and heavy bleeding wasn't an issue, pain is) I have uterine fibroids that bother me A LOT every month and I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on 2/28. My dr. is doing it laproscopically/******lly and I hope my recovery time is quick as I have 2 kids - 9 & 13.

I hope that you can find something that works for you. When our parts work the way they are supposed to then all is well, but when they are out of whack we suffer.

Jill

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I finally had a hysterectomy at age 44 (last spring.) I had suffered from painful cramping and heavy flow since the very first period (33 years!), though the years I was on the pill were easier.

The reason for the hysterectomy then was that one was recommended when I was 32, but I hadn't had children yet and desperately wanted to. By age 41 I'd had my 2nd and last child, and was eager to be done with the whole monthly cycle thing.

I still have my ovaries, so I do get the bloating and cramping, but not debilitating cramps, and no mess!

It's still a bit strange to be "up and about" the whole month. And how sad that it's strange... I wish you all the best in whatever you decide.

 

[Mandy_in_NC]

I am 31 and I had one last May. I had it done ******lly and I was out of the hospital the next day. I did keep my ovaries since I was 30 when I had it done. It is the greatest thing I have ever done. I had heavy bleeding and horrible cramps with my period and I could not take BC pills due to migraines. Let me tell you I did have a taste of menopuase until my ovaries kicked back in working and it was bad. I am so not looking foreward to menopause. But it is great that I don't have to worry when Aunt Flo is going to visit. The worst part for me was finding out that they were not going to knock me out to do it. They did a spinal block instead. I mean they gave me drugs so that I was not really awake but I was not unconcious and intubated. I do remeber twice during surgery trying to scratch my nose but they had my arms strapped down. I hope this has helped you make a decsion.

 

[DeterminedOne]

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy in 2005. It was the best decision for ME, which is what it's all about. Pray.
You will make the right decision.

 

[kandeebunny]

Thanks ladies! I cannot take any birth control, I have odd reactions to the hormones. (They cause panic attacks, which I do not normally have, among other problems.) My Dr has said an ablation is probably not the best option for me. I am due in for my annual in June, and will be discussing all of this with them again. I haven't had an ultrasound done in a few years, and am pondering asking for one to check about the size (if its swollen to a pregnant size it's coming out I don't care!!!) and fibroids. If neither of those are an issue I may continue to put it off. I have a couple genetic disorders and fibromyalgia, so I am concerned with recovery greatly, as well as pain management post surgery as I have a bad history with pain medications and reactions, the same goes for anestesia. I keep hoping they will come up with something new and less invasive, or it will just fix itself.