Hysterectomy - Howell,MI

A radical hysterectomy is a huge decision. Anyone I've known that has had one has been comfortable with their decision, but they did try all other avenues first. One friend in particular is happy with having had an endometrial ablation, but she knows that it's likely that when she reaches 40 or so she'll need to have a radical hysterectomy. All of the women on both sides of her family have required a RH by the time they were in their early 30's and she'll be 39 soon, so she's managed to hold off on it for a long time.

I had a hysterectomy at 40 and it was the best thing I ever did.

I opted for everything to come out and to go on HRT. I've have NO bad side effects at all. Never had weight gain, never had swelly belly and my sex drive skyrocketed because I knew I would never have an oopsie!

My surgery was a complete abdominal, bikini line incision that is now barely visable and not visible when I wear a bikini. I wear the HRT patch which is not visible as well.

Youll get reviews pro and con regarding keeping or taking ovaries. According to my Dr and my research, ovarian cancer is much harder to detect and survive vs the chances of breast cancer which is easier to detect and survive.

I go a lot of info (and TMI) from www.hystersisters.com

The worst part for me was the wait until surgery day. I was not allowed to drive for 2 weeks, sucks... but other than that, my recovery was fantastic.

I went into surgery in good physical shape and a good attitude and I think that makes a world of difference with recovery. Some people love the extra attention and woe is me and will use all 6 weeks in bed recovering but I am not that type. I was at a track meet at 3 weeks and regular routine (just not as intense) within 3 weeks.

PM if you have any questions. I am SO glad I opted for my surgery. I've never, looked or felt better in my life!

L.:

Thirty-one is VERY young to have a hysterectomy. I was 45 when I had mine done. But mine was NOT due to Endometriosis.

I didn't have menopausal issues - and have never had to take any type of HRT, etc.

Talk it over with your OB and find out what options you have and what the prognosis would be...it's a tough decision at your young age. I'm sorry I can't help you out more.

I do know that for me - having the hysterectomy was the best decision I made for myself healthwise!

Good luck!

I had a hysterectomy at 42 -- because of endometriosis and fibroids -- and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. It sounds like you are having trouble with your ovaries, so if they remove both of those, then yes, menopause starts right away. I kept both my ovaries and just lost the uterus, so I haven't hit menopause yet.

My son's teacher is 32 and has had a hysterectomy because she hit early menopause and was bleeding constantly and she said it's the best thing she ever did and she does not feel any complications. That was done only a few months ago.

My coworker (I've known her since our school days) has had the same pains and problems you had but they won't let her have a hysterectomy because she's never had children but she's in so much pain constantly for over a decade. With what I know she went through and with the fact that you already have had kids I do wish you the best and if a hysterectomy is the best for you, I'm almost glad for you. I hate seeing her still in the pain she is.

Menopause goes with it? I had uterine cancer, hence a hysterectomy and still have hot flashes, among other things (in my fifties!) and still want my husband despite my lack of tools (get my drift?) If you don't HAVE to, why not try some other ways, cysts come and go. Had those years ago too and had one removed and a fallopian tube and ovary (still had baby number two) and then later the hysterectomy. This had to happen to me, no choice, but if it doesn't and is just one option perhaps explore a lot of alternatives on perhaps fighting with those cysts. Hysterectomy is not fun. Sometimes exercise, diet change, relaxation, spiritual differences, etc. keep your entire body healthy and cysts might not come back. check out all options first.

I had a hysterectomy at 40, kept the ovaries. No menopause yet and I am 52. I had endometriosis. Best thing I ever did!

I was 40 with fibroid tumors and yes, I had a lot of pain and unmanageable periods. I felt so much better after my hysterectomy! I felt like I had been re-born. I took hormones for 5 years, then got nervous and went off of them. On hormones everything was normal. I think having a hysterectomy is great, but learn about the hormonal issues so that you are prepared and are educated enough to ask the doctor questions. Decide whether you want to be on or off and for how long. Without hormones you will begin to have dryness, possibly hot flashes too... which can be a challenge. Those were the negatives for me and I went back on hormones for awhile, then off again. It's a balance.

Even with the hormone issues..... I would do it again because I feel great!

I was 34 when I had mine one, but for fibroids that we couldn't control. Once it was done, I never looked back. I'm now in my early 40's and have not had any issues with menopause and have not used HRT.

I also had bad cysts like you did, and i am so glad to be done with the pain.

I was able to decide fairly quickly because I wanted to be done with the pain.

My only word of caution is to not let the doctors talk you into something YOU are not ready for or don't understand. If you have a hysterctomy (which you may need regardless of age) please know that any side effects can be handled. Pleae feel free to PM to ask me questions if you would like.

Good luck.

Yes, I've had a hysterectomy because of endometriosis. By the time I agreed to surgery I also had uterine fibroids. I wish I'd had the hysterectomy earlier.

I had a laproscopy in my 30's after which I had abdominal surgery to remove as much endometrium as possible because I still wanted to have children. I still was unable to get pregnant. Wish I'd had the hysterectomy then instead of waiting until the pain became unbearable.

The surgeon left part of one ovary when I had the hysterectomy. Although I did take hormone replacement therapy for awhile, my ob took me off it when medical research showed that it was not only unneccesary but could be detrimental. I did not go into menopause until I was in my late 40's, which probably would've been the time it would've happened without the hysterectomy.

Do discuss the pros and cons of leaving in ovaries and hrt with your doctor.

Just incase, I'm sharing my experience. My pelvic pain ended up being an injured rib. It was caused by carrying my kids around, or the combo of kid and car seat. The pain was in my pelvic region, lower right side. I guess injured ribs (bone or muscle) give you pain in other areas because of the nerves. My Dr was familiar with the problem because he had the same problem. You or your doctor can tell by pushing lightly on your ribs and seeing if there is a tender spot. There's probably more too it, but that's all I know. Your family doctor could help you more. Sharing because, wouldn't it be nice if it was that simple. :) It took nearly a year for mine to heal, and it caused extreme pain when I laid on my right side.