Hysterectomy and Menopause...on Tuesday

[Jodijo]

Well, I had surgery to remove an ovary on Friday. After they got in, they notices that I have a severe case of endometriosis. So bad in fact, that they stopped the surgery so that they could reschedule a complete hysterectomy. That surgery is going to be on Tuesday. I found out today that they are going to take out everything ~ uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Although I am ok with that (it will relieve the tremendous pain), I am nervous about menopause. I just turned 40 and have not even thought about menopause. I was told that they will start hormone replacement therapy in the operating room but don't know anything about it.

So, if there is anyone out there that could give me more information, I would appreciate it. What symptoms should I expect from the immediate onset of menopause? What works best for you?

Also, If you have any tips for recovering from the hysterectomy that would be helpful too.

 

[quasar4legs]

Hi Jodi,
Can't help with information but just wanted to send a BIG Koala cuddle from 'down under' and best wishes for the surgery. Hope you will soon be pain free.

Take care, I am sure someone will be able to help with some useful information soon.

Quasar

 

[WDWLVR]

I had a total hysterectomy at 33 due to Ovarian cancer. The best advice I can give as to what to expect is to talk to the women in your family. You Mother, Grandmother, older Sisters who have been through it. Each person handles menopause differently but how we handle it usually does run in families. I remember asking my Mom and she said if I was lucky like she and my Grandma that I wouldn't have any hot flashes, etc. She was right I didn't.

I did gain weight (which 20 years later I'm still trying to get off and it isn't easy) and had some mood swings and other things.

I never had hormone replacement so can't help there.

As for recovery. Don't try to do too much too soon, but be as active as you can slowly.

Good luck!

 

[Jodijo]

Thank you for your support and nice words. Every little bit helps.

I wish that I could ask my mother and grandmother for help, but they unfortunately passed away a few years ago. (I never thought to ask them when I was in my early 30's. It seemed like I had a long time until I faced menopause.) I do have an older sister but she has not gone through menopause yet. So, I have no family history to help me out.

I will take the advice and try not do too much too soon. However, being the mom of 2 kids (DS 15 and DD 12), that is not always possible. I have asked them to help and hope they will. They are great kids and I am sure they will step up to the plate.

Thanks again for all of the advice. It helps to know I have support out there.

 

[MiniGirl]

Please visit this site www.hystersisters.com

It is a great source of information. It is short notice but you may want to try to see if there is someone who specialized in endo in your area. If it has spread to your other organs, a hyst won't be the "cure" for it.

Good luck to you though. You'll find many great success stories on that site, too.

 

[Jodijo]

Please visit this site www.hystersisters.com

It is a great source of information. It is short notice but you may want to try to see if there is someone who specialized in endo in your area. If it has spread to your other organs, a hyst won't be the "cure" for it.

Good luck to you though. You'll find many great success stories on that site, too.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking your time to post the website for me. I will spend time today looking at it. I tried to search on my own but did not come up with anything I found helpful.
Thanks Again

 

[Kit'smommy]

No advice but ...

Sometimes being a girl sucks.

I hope you have a fast recovery.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

No advice here, but I do hope you are feeling well real soon.. hugs

 

[Jodijo]

Thanks to everyone for the hugs I have needed them.

I am getting very emotional going into this surgery. I have not been able to have children for over 12 years but a hysterectomy seems so final. I know that sounds weird but it is how I feel. I am also very nervous about menopause. I am the kind of person that needs time to accept and get ready for change. I have only had a few days to get as much information as possible and to get ready.

I know that I will get through this but it is harder than I expected. It is times like these when I wish my mom were here to help me.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

Hi OP: A friend of mine was set to have a hysterectomy, and the day before she called her doctor and said she needed more time. She took her time and gathered a lot of info. When she was ready, she set up the surgery. If you are not ready, I think it is fine to call and hold off. I wish you the best for a quick recovery.

 

[Jodijo]

Hi OP: A friend of mine was set to have a hysterectomy, and the day before she called her doctor and said she needed more time. She took her time and gathered a lot of info. When she was ready, she set up the surgery. If you are not ready, I think it is fine to call and hold off. I wish you the best for a quick recovery.

Thank you for the advice and best wishes. It has taken me 7 years to find a great doctor and find out what was wrong. And 10 days ago I finally got a diagnosis. The problem, however, is that my insurance changes on July 1st. So, I need to have the surgery now or start the process all over again. No Thanks!

With the love and support of family and DIS friends, I think I am ready. I appreciate all of the advice and hugs! I will let everyone know how things went next week.

 

[Jodijo]

Hi everyone! Surgery was a success. Although it was very painful, I am glad it was done. A biopsy showed I had endometriosis and adenomyosis (sp?). So, it was a good thing my uterus is out. Also, menopause has been easy so far. I have not had many symptoms, yea!

Thanks to everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and support. I really appreciate it.

 

[quasar4legs]

So glad things went well with the surgery and I hope you continue to have a good recovery.
Look after yourself and thanks for the update.

 

[es45]

Jodijo, I'm happy to read that your surgery was a success. I hope you are feeling better every day.