Hi, I have had severe endometriosis for several years. My ob-gyn (who is well respected in his profession as well as being rated a top-notch surgeon in the state) has exhausted all other treatment options and has recommended a vaginal hysterectomy for me. My surgery is scheduled for July 30th and to be really honest, I'm scared. I have had other surgeries; gallbladder, kidney stones, c-sections, etc., but this one seems like a very big deal. It's not so much the surgery that I'm worried about, but what the post-op effects will be. I've read a lot online, but a lot of the info out there is geared toward people who have had abdominal hysterctomies vs. vaginal ones. I know the recovery time is supposed to be much better for vaginal surgeries, but I hear the after-effects of the two surgeries are much the same. I've asked my doc lots of questions but still feel like I have a million more. I'm trying to get some advice/details about recovery and how this will affect my life after. I've read lots about this surgery causing major fatigue for several weeks as well as changes in mood and libido for some women, which makes me pretty nervous as well. I also have some additional chronic health problems that I have to worry about being affected by this surgery as well. My other specialists have cleared me for surgery but I'm still just feeling chicken! :-) Has anyone been through this surgery? If someone would be willing to share their experiences and/or answer any questions I would be really grateful. Thanks!
Hi everyone! I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind contributions and suggestions. You really helped me to feel more at ease about my decision. I did decide to go ahead with the hysterectomy and had it on July 30th. It went really well. The doctor did not end up removing my ovaries so I'm not having to deal with hormone replacement quite yet, hurray! As far as how I felt after surgery, TIRED is really the biggest setback. The pain was the worse during the first 4 days, but after that subsided to more of an occasional cramping after that. The fatigue is what got me. Today is two weeks since I've had my surgery and I'm still feeling very tired. A shower and a 1/2 day of working on the computer from my home office is enough to send me to bed for an hour during lunchtime. I would compare it to the fatigue I felt during the 1st trimester of my first pregnancy, even more so sometimes. I go for my first follow-up check-up tomorrow so I'll probably have more news then. Other than that I am on the mend and so grateful for all the support you Moms gave to me! God Bless.
J.~
I have had a vaginal hysterectomy a year and half ago. Yes, it was a difficult recovery. I too had other surgeries so I was use to the pain factor. I only had spent a day in the hospital but was told I would be in for 2-3 days. I have never regretted the surgery, in fact I am so very happy that I did have it.
I can answer any questions you may be having.
Hi J..
I have been diagnosed with stage 4 endo over 4 years ago and treated with numerous drugs and surgeries through several infertility doctors/gyns. I am 38 and have never had any children because of the damn disease.
Anyway I started a few years ago with a doctor and he does not believe that a hysterectomy is the right plan for me. He stated seeing women with severe endo that a regiment of Augestin 10mg and femara 2.5 mg daily through studies have done better and they would have the benefit of still having there hormones needed from the ovaries. I always thought I would end up with a hysterectomy but since being on these drugs I feel like a new woman!! :)) No more periods, yaaa hooo and still have an active life style after suffering with pms, endometriosis and then lossing a fallopian tube from endometriosis clean out surgeries. I would never have the surgery since I know how well meds work for shutting down your female repo system.
If you ever need any more information your welcome to contact me. I am from the Enon area.
K.
38 yo SAHM with a beautiful 17 yo step-daughter and a hansome 5 yo young man. Happily married for 12 years to the love of my life Army man. Foster family awaiting a new child placement.
J.,
I just got back from Girl Scout camp and I meet a mOm there who had had a vaginal hysterectomy. She absolutely raved about how much better she felt since having the surgery. She said the hardest part of her recovery was not doing to much because she felt so good. She had a huge fibroid tumor that was also removed.It took a little while longer because of the size of the tumor but they did not have to cut.
I recently had major surgery and there is no getting around it, it is scary. But it sounds like you have done your research with your Dr's. Plan on haing help around the house afterwards.
Best Wishes,
J.
Hi J. :)
I'm having a total abdominal hysterectomy on 9/12/07 and I am also afraid of the post op effects. I just turned 37 last month, and have 2 boys, ages 3 & 5. That scares me too....having the surgery then coming home to them (my hubby of 18 years will take off for 2 maybe 3 weeks but still...he's not Mommy).
Are you going to have your ovaries removed also? I'm so undecided about hormone therapy...what about you?
((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))
Please lets keep in touch.
I have had a complete hysto. I had fear as well and that is a normal feeling and to be expected. I had cervical cancer and then endo and the doctor suggested the hysto. Recovery time was not so fun, but all those things pass. The only thing that bothered me for awhile was the hot flashes and night sweats. I do not take premarin or any of those other perscribed meds. I take an all natural suppliment. 4 years later and all is well. Just be sure that is the best thing for you at this time.
Hi J.,
I would encourage you to learn if you can heal your numerous issues rather than have more surgery. Regardless of how esteemed your doctor, there are lots and lots of people who learn how to avoid these kinds of options and allow their bodies to heal instead. I good friend of mine had a hysterectomy whereas I did not and she says she has regretted it every day. Every circumstance is different and I am not saying surgery is not the best option for you. I am encouraging you to explore absolutely every avenue since you have misgivings already. I'd be happy to search my sources to find how others have dealt successfully with endometriosis (and even CF) if you'd like.
Best of luck to you in these very difficult decisions.
S.
