Cookies After Hysterectomy

[graceanne]

Hey, everyone. I know, it's been awhile. I'm working now, taking care of children with developmental disabilities, so I don't really have as much spare time as I did. lol That said, I have a question I'm not really comfortable asking on facebook, so ...

It's likely - although not for sure - that I'm going to be getting a hysterectomy this summer. For those who are interested, I have multiple fibroids. About 8 years ago I was given an IUD to help with them. It was a 7 year IUD, so I had it replaced a year ago, and that one got lost (don't worry, they found it and took it out) and then put in another one. Then, about ten weeks ago I started what I'm gonna call the never ending period (not the period from hell, that's the one that go me put on an IUD). I've been bleeding for ... ten weeks? I think. I'm losing track, but it's been over two months. Plus, my freaken IUD FELL OUT in the bath last month. Talk about the LAST THING you expect to see floating in the bath water. So ... most likely, I'm gonna end up with a hysterectomy. We're trying oral progesterone first, to see if that'll do the job.

Also, for anyone interested, I'm okay with getting a hysterectomy. My freaken uterus has not worked right in years, and I'd love to have unstained sheets and panties.What's stressing me out the most is fitting this in, the uncertainty, and worrying about orgasms.

I've done some research and it's all pretty vague. Because heaven forbid that you can have questions answered about orgasms. *rolleyes* I asked my doctor, and she said it shouldn't be an issue as I'm keeping my ovaries and my cervix, but I don't trust doctors to tell you the truth.

Anyone here had a partial hysterectomy? Any problems with orgasms afterwards?

 

[AloneTooLong]

OK - not speaking from experience with a hysterectomy, not even a partial; however, I doubt that having had one would have much to do with having an orgasm. Why, do you ask? Well, lets face it - I went menopausal about 30 years ago (yes, I am really old - 80 in fact!) And yes, I still orgasm! Although nowadays, it is only on my own.

Now it is possible that you might find you are a bit 'dry', and need some lube in order to have things be comfortable. I suspect having the right mental attitude is more important in order to orgasm, along with a partner that knows what turns you on.

 

[seela]

Gracie!!!!! It's been forever since you last posted!

I don't have anything to helpful to add to your thread, but it was nice to see you drop by.

 

[graceanne]

Gracie!!!!! It's been forever since you last posted!

I don't have anything to helpful to add to your thread, but it was nice to see you drop by.

Thank you! *hugs* I drop in occasionally and lurk, but there's so many people I don't recognize, and so I can never think of anything to say. How are you?

 

[graceanne]

OK - not speaking from experience with a hysterectomy, not even a partial; however, I doubt that having had one would have much to do with having an orgasm. Why, do you ask? Well, lets face it - I went menopausal about 30 years ago (yes, I am really old - 80 in fact!) And yes, I still orgasm! Although nowadays, it is only on my own.

Now it is possible that you might find you are a bit 'dry', and need some lube in order to have things be comfortable. I suspect having the right mental attitude is more important in order to orgasm, along with a partner that knows what turns you on.

Good orgasms originate in the uterus. There are two types of orgasm, uterine and clitoral. I'll still have my clitoris, but I'm worried that my favorite kind (uterine) will be gone. My doctor says that they actually originate in the cervix, so I'm good, but again - I don't believe doctors. I could write a book about lies I've been told.

 

[seela]

Thank you! *hugs* I drop in occasionally and lurk, but there's so many people I don't recognize, and so I can never think of anything to say. How are you?

I'm doing okay thanks! Just started a new job in June, too, so I'm still adjusting a little.

I know what you mean about not coming up with anything to say. I feel like I've already parted all the perceived wisdom I have and I'm just repeating myself at this point. I'm not exactly a chummy friendly, social type of person, so posting here is mostly a soliloquy for me, and sometimes it gets a little boring.

 

[graceanne]

I'm doing okay thanks! Just started a new job in June, too, so I'm still adjusting a little.

I know what you mean about not coming up with anything to say. I feel like I've already parted all the perceived wisdom I have and I'm just repeating myself at this point. I'm not exactly a chummy friendly, social type of person, so posting here is mostly a soliloquy for me, and sometimes it gets a little boring.

Well, you've always seemed pretty chummy to me! But, yeah, I hear you. I always swore I wouldn't be that person who complains because this conversation has been had, so sometimes I follow my advice and remind myself 'if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all'.

That said, I'm a bit more sympathetic to the old timers when I got here. lol

 

[seela]

Well, you've always seemed pretty chummy to me! But, yeah, I hear you. I always swore I wouldn't be that person who complains because this conversation has been had, so sometimes I follow my advice and remind myself 'if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all'.

That said, I'm a bit more sympathetic to the old timers when I got here. lol

I swore up and down that the moment I no longer had anything to contribute in Talk, I'd just leave and definitely not become one of the people who only post fluff in Cafe threads. Well look at my past 7 years or so...

It's so nice to hear from you! Keroin dropped by a while ago, too. I wonder who's going to be the next old face to show up! Hearing from Homburg, Viv and Mis would be nice, I often wonder how things turned out for them. Or OSG. Or Netz. Or shy. There are lots and lots of people I'd like to hear from.

 

[ultramarineblue]

graceanne!!! I'm so happy to see you pop in but wish you had a happier reason to come by. I don't have anything to add from personal experience but I have listened to a lady speak that specializes in post hysterectomy or post menopausal women's health. She did mention dryness being a problem and that vaginal lining thins. The other thing I remember her saying was our health care system needs to do better with hormone replacement therapy because estrogen doesn't work for every woman.

I hope everything goes well with it. I think about you and think good thoughts for you from time to time. Take care!

 

[PlNKbits]

*****

 

[Jada59]

I can't really speak for the hysterectomy except for what happened to women I know. I have been going through bleeding issues *Knock wood* and was put on Progesterone. The first kind I tried was horrible. I didn't know it as it was the generic but it was Depo Provera. It gave me so many side effects that I just wanted to die! I'm on a different kind now and so far, so good and I think I've had about a month or more with no bleeding.

One of my Drs. told me to have my uterus removed. I freaked when he said this! Reason being, most of the women I know who had this done had problems afterwards with fecal and urine incontinence. When this was mentioned to their Dr., they were told something like... Of course! What did you expect? Remove one thing and everything slides around.

When I mentioned this to my Ob/Gyn, he said, "That depends..."

I replied, "No! They need Depends!"

He laughed and told me that it would not happen to me because I had good muscles down there. He said the shifting usually occurs when the woman has not had much recent sex and does not keep up with her Kegels. But for me... He said removing the uterus would not be an option because I have a bleeding disorder and I could bleed to death during the operation or recovery.

One of my friends did mention dryness. That could just be an age thing though.

My issues for the bleeding are different than yours though. As I said... I have a bleeding disorder which is most likely ITP. I have one cyst on my left ovary and I had too much build up of endometrial tissue, most likely caused by diabetes. I need another ultrasound to see if that has resolved.

I hope your issue can be resolved without having surgery. *Hug*

 

[AlwaysFara]

I have to say this thread title scared the crap out of me.

 

[seela]

I have to say this thread title scared the crap out of me.

People used to refer to orgasms as cookies here.

 

[AlwaysFara]

People used to refer to orgasms as cookies here.

Really?
Whoa.

I wonder if cookie knows that?

 

[cascadiabound]

I have to say this thread title scared the crap out of me.

I had the same reaction Fara. I thought...what?

But cookies= orgasm does explain a lot.


Hormones are a magical and mysterious thing. Our whole lives as women are shaped by our hormones. Puberty, adolescence, pregnancy, peri menopause, menopause.
Bleeding when we don't want. Not bleeding when we desperately hope for our period.

Hormone replacement is a complex topic, medical thinking on this has evolved a lot on my lifetime from universal recommendation to do HRT for menopausal women with dozens of benefits extolled, to a great deal of caution about its long term use and clearer pros and cons. Most medical professionals now lean to non systemic hormone and/or shorter term use to manage specific issues. There is no panacea in across the board HRT.

The common wisdom that women lose interest in sexual activity as they age and undergo menopause is way too broad a brush...but I regularly have medical professionals express surprise when they encounter patients who don't fit this mold. Makes me wonder the degree to which women under report their sexual desires as they age.

The current practice of partial hysterectomy when there is no indication for ovary removal is incredibly important for female hormone production. A complete hysterectomy at any age plunges a woman into immediate menopause. With all the symptoms and attendent effects. Something I have seen women in their 30's be taken completely off guard by...I can only suppose their OB/GYN did a poor job of explaining the post surgery sequelae or the patient was so eager to be rid of her parts she wasn't listening.

I too had more than 6 months of nearly continuous bleeding in my pre menopause period. To the degree that I became seriously clinically anemic. We tried a series of oral hormones and a series of various tests, endometrial biopsy and ultrasounds and even a D&C to address it. Ultimately, over 2 years in, my insurance approved a uterine ablation which was a great solution for me. Stopped the bleeding for good, but I got to keep my parts.

Good luck gracie... I have every confidence you will still orgasm after your hysterectomy...but it may well not be exactly the same as your pre hysterectomy orgasms.

 

[graceanne]

graceanne!!! I'm so happy to see you pop in but wish you had a happier reason to come by. I don't have anything to add from personal experience but I have listened to a lady speak that specializes in post hysterectomy or post menopausal women's health. She did mention dryness being a problem and that vaginal lining thins. The other thing I remember her saying was our health care system needs to do better with hormone replacement therapy because estrogen doesn't work for every woman.

I hope everything goes well with it. I think about you and think good thoughts for you from time to time. Take care!

It's good to see you, too. How are you? I'm in contact with keroin and homburg, and they're doing well. So is yakashi-kaze/thisismyredshirt. lol

I can't really speak for the hysterectomy except for what happened to women I know. I have been going through bleeding issues *Knock wood* and was put on Progesterone. The first kind I tried was horrible. I didn't know it as it was the generic but it was Depo Provera. It gave me so many side effects that I just wanted to die! I'm on a different kind now and so far, so good and I think I've had about a month or more with no bleeding.

I'm not allowed depo because of my history with depression - I attempted suicide a few times as a teen. I'm going to be taking my meds orally.

One of my Drs. told me to have my uterus removed. I freaked when he said this! Reason being, most of the women I know who had this done had problems afterwards with fecal and urine incontinence. When this was mentioned to their Dr., they were told something like... Of course! What did you expect? Remove one thing and everything slides around.

When I mentioned this to my Ob/Gyn, he said, "That depends..."

I replied, "No! They need Depends!"

He laughed and told me that it would not happen to me because I had good muscles down there. He said the shifting usually occurs when the woman has not had much recent sex and does not keep up with her Kegels.

Yeah, I've read about that. It's due to poor muscle tone in the pelvic floor - I also have pretty good muscle tone in my pelvic floor, but I was doing kegals before I knew what I was doing. I used to stop in the middle of peeing when I was a little girl to see how long I could hold it. lol

That said, I already have fecal incontinance, and have for 17? years? Around there - I have severe crohn's disease.

But for me... He said removing the uterus would not be an option because I have a bleeding disorder and I could bleed to death during the operation or recovery.

I don't have a bleeding disorder, but they're still concerned about that sort of thing with me because when I bleed, I bleed heavy. My period from hell, I was going through one of the BIG tampons every five minutes. During my exam, about 5 minutes, blood had dripped down table and was puddling on the floor. My doctor was SURE I have some sort of bleeding disorder then, but all the tests said I don't, so...

One of my friends did mention dryness. That could just be an age thing though.

Eh. I'm not too worried about that. If it happens, it happens. Luckily, we live in an age where I can get lubricant pretty dang easily. lol

My issues for the bleeding are different than yours though. As I said... I have a bleeding disorder which is most likely ITP. I have one cyst on my left ovary and I had too much build up of endometrial tissue, most likely caused by diabetes. I need another ultrasound to see if that has resolved.

I hope your issue can be resolved without having surgery. *Hug*

Yeah, I'm diabetic, too. No cysts, though. That said, what are the chances you have PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome)? I ask because PCOS and diabetes go together like peanut butter and jelly.

I have to say this thread title scared the crap out of me.

People used to refer to orgasms as cookies here.

Yeah, that's my fault. It's why there's all the cookie quotes and cookie monster stuff. When I was new at lit, I mentioned that my sister and I often have to talk in code around our kids, and we called orgasms 'cookie's'. It took off from there, with constant kidding and all that. Then we realized how funny it was when newbies just thought we were cookie obsessed. lol

I'm a bit rotten.

Really?
Whoa.

I wonder if cookie knows that?

They're very proud - but you know chocolate and orgasms ... well, it's not a huge stretch.

I had the same reaction Fara. I thought...what?

But cookies= orgasm does explain a lot.


Hormones are a magical and mysterious thing. Our whole lives as women are shaped by our hormones. Puberty, adolescence, pregnancy, peri menopause, menopause.
Bleeding when we don't want. Not bleeding when we desperately hope for our period.

Hormone replacement is a complex topic, medical thinking on this has evolved a lot on my lifetime from universal recommendation to do HRT for menopausal women with dozens of benefits extolled, to a great deal of caution about its long term use and clearer pros and cons. Most medical professionals now lean to non systemic hormone and/or shorter term use to manage specific issues. There is no panacea in across the board HRT.

Yeah, we have to be pretty careful with me, as I'm already at very high risk of breast cancer, I've been getting regular mammograms since I was 30.

The common wisdom that women lose interest in sexual activity as they age and undergo menopause is way too broad a brush...but I regularly have medical professionals express surprise when they encounter patients who don't fit this mold. Makes me wonder the degree to which women under report their sexual desires as they age.

The current practice of partial hysterectomy when there is no indication for ovary removal is incredibly important for female hormone production. A complete hysterectomy at any age plunges a woman into immediate menopause. With all the symptoms and attendent effects. Something I have seen women in their 30's be taken completely off guard by...I can only suppose their OB/GYN did a poor job of explaining the post surgery sequelae or the patient was so eager to be rid of her parts she wasn't listening.

I too had more than 6 months of nearly continuous bleeding in my pre menopause period. To the degree that I became seriously clinically anemic. We tried a series of oral hormones and a series of various tests, endometrial biopsy and ultrasounds and even a D&C to address it. Ultimately, over 2 years in, my insurance approved a uterine ablation which was a great solution for me. Stopped the bleeding for good, but I got to keep my parts.

Good luck gracie... I have every confidence you will still orgasm after your hysterectomy...but it may well not be exactly the same as your pre hysterectomy orgasms.

And honestly, if that's how it works, that's how it works. But I like to be prepared. One of the things that's annoying me about all this is the lack of prep. lol They tell me that they SHOULD be able to remove my uterus laparoscopically, but they might not be able to because of the scar tissue on my uterus and the massive amount of scar tissue in my colon. So my recover could be between two and six weeks. Because of all that, I might have to be cath'd for a week or two after. Etc. I wish they could just tell me for sure what they're doing so I could mentally prepare. Fucking crohn's disease makes everything complicated.

 

[TheWhiteBull]

Unfortunately I cannot give you any advice related to hysterectomies, but I had a vasectomy almost 3 years ago and I definitely empathize with not having a wealth of post-surgical information out there. The problem for me was that all the vasectomy related literature you can find just says it’ll be alright, 99.99999% of men have no complications. Well I don’t know about serious complications but it definitely affected me. Mainly by making everything down there much more sensitive, to the point that I would actually shut down and lose erections for almost a year afterwards, and then had wrecked stamina that I’ve had to work to regain but thankfully have for the most part. Long story short, just try to mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that it might change things, but there’s almost always a work-around.

 

[ultramarineblue]

It's good to see you, too. How are you? I'm in contact with keroin and homburg, and they're doing well. So is yakashi-kaze/thisismyredshirt. lol
.

I'm doing pretty well. It's always awesome to see different people I loved talking to here in the past pop in from time to time. I don't come here a lot myself but try to check in from time to time. This board was very influential in my development because of the discussions. I really enjoyed reading the conversations and different ideas and experiences of people. It was amazing to see all the different paths and everything. I've always loved learning about different ideas and whatnot because it broadened my ideas of possibility.

Also every time I see anything about cookies, I think of orgasms and you! I love thinking of a cookie as an orgasm.

eta: I don't want anyone to think that I think the boards aren't as good now from my post. That is not the case at all. I think they're fantastic. I just don't have the time to post as often and therefore don't know as many people. Even when I posted more regularly I wasn't a popular poster because I didn't contribute to the conversions a lot. I would want to contribute but often couldn't think of anything to say. That part hasn't really changed. I still often can't think of anything to say.

 

[HeartlessBastard]

Hey, everyone. I know, it's been awhile. I'm working now, taking care of children with developmental disabilities, so I don't really have as much spare time as I did. lol That said, I have a question I'm not really comfortable asking on facebook, so ...

It's likely - although not for sure - that I'm going to be getting a hysterectomy this summer. For those who are interested, I have multiple fibroids. About 8 years ago I was given an IUD to help with them. It was a 7 year IUD, so I had it replaced a year ago, and that one got lost (don't worry, they found it and took it out) and then put in another one. Then, about ten weeks ago I started what I'm gonna call the never ending period (not the period from hell, that's the one that go me put on an IUD). I've been bleeding for ... ten weeks? I think. I'm losing track, but it's been over two months. Plus, my freaken IUD FELL OUT in the bath last month. Talk about the LAST THING you expect to see floating in the bath water. So ... most likely, I'm gonna end up with a hysterectomy. We're trying oral progesterone first, to see if that'll do the job.

Also, for anyone interested, I'm okay with getting a hysterectomy. My freaken uterus has not worked right in years, and I'd love to have unstained sheets and panties.What's stressing me out the most is fitting this in, the uncertainty, and worrying about orgasms.

I've done some research and it's all pretty vague. Because heaven forbid that you can have questions answered about orgasms. *rolleyes* I asked my doctor, and she said it shouldn't be an issue as I'm keeping my ovaries and my cervix, but I don't trust doctors to tell you the truth.

Anyone here had a partial hysterectomy? Any problems with orgasms afterwards?

i did not know you ... but be assured I was around a long time ago. I do remember the name.

A few years ago I dated a lady who has a hysterectomy before we met. she used to have all kinds of bad things happen to her before she did.
After... she used to have the best organsms.....she swore by it and said it was the best thing she had ever done.

I hope yours goes much the same and you enjoy afterwards as much as she did.

 

[graceanne]

Unfortunately I cannot give you any advice related to hysterectomies, but I had a vasectomy almost 3 years ago and I definitely empathize with not having a wealth of post-surgical information out there. The problem for me was that all the vasectomy related literature you can find just says it’ll be alright, 99.99999% of men have no complications. Well I don’t know about serious complications but it definitely affected me. Mainly by making everything down there much more sensitive, to the point that I would actually shut down and lose erections for almost a year afterwards, and then had wrecked stamina that I’ve had to work to regain but thankfully have for the most part. Long story short, just try to mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that it might change things, but there’s almost always a work-around.

Yikes! I've never heard of that, but to be honest, I've never really bothered researching vasectomy's as I had my tubes tied (my insurance would cover it for me, but not for him). But I guess it makes sense that there’s a chance of it causing problems, too. I'm glad you worked around it!

I'm doing pretty well. It's always awesome to see different people I loved talking to here in the past pop in from time to time. I don't come here a lot myself but try to check in from time to time. This board was very influential in my development because of the discussions. I really enjoyed reading the conversations and different ideas and experiences of people. It was amazing to see all the different paths and everything. I've always loved learning about different ideas and whatnot because it broadened my ideas of possibility.

Also every time I see anything about cookies, I think of orgasms and you! I love thinking of a cookie as an orgasm.

That is so awesome.

eta: I don't want anyone to think that I think the boards aren't as good now from my post. That is not the case at all. I think they're fantastic. I just don't have the time to post as often and therefore don't know as many people. Even when I posted more regularly I wasn't a popular poster because I didn't contribute to the conversions a lot. I would want to contribute but often couldn't think of anything to say. That part hasn't really changed. I still often can't think of anything to say.

That's a lot of my problem anytime I visit - I just don't know what to say. lol That doesn't happen to me often, so I'm always discomfited. Usually, I can talk the ear off an elephant.

i did not know you ... but be assured I was around a long time ago. I do remember the name.

A few years ago I dated a lady who has a hysterectomy before we met. she used to have all kinds of bad things happen to her before she did.
After... she used to have the best organsms.....she swore by it and said it was the best thing she had ever done.

I hope yours goes much the same and you enjoy afterwards as much as she did.

Me, too. Honestly, as much as the never ending period is screwing with my sex life, after hysterectomy will still be better than what we're getting right now. lol

 

[ToPleaseHim]

Gracie!!! I can’t help with your situation, but wanted to say how good it is to see you here! Hope this resolved quickly and you get to have all the cookies, maybe even yummier cookies!

 

[soltiera]

Hi Gracie,
If you haven't explored it yet, perhaps ablation might be an alternative. I chose that instead of hysterectomy a few years ago for the same symptoms you have described. It has worked well for me. I'd be happy to share more if you like .
Tiera

 

[Dreamliner]

"cookies", there was a saying some decades back here for guys of "tossing your cookies", i.e. having a wank. Seems to be an old saying now.

Grace, re hysterectomy, a previous partner had a partial hysterectomy, leaving her ovaries, for better management of menopause (in the future), as I understood it. Once recovered, she had no problems with clitoral or gspot orgasms.

More: Vixandra is spot on re recovery and getting back into a groove. Laparoscopy surgery should be the norm, also, while the partner was under the surgeon kindly did some additional surgery, as he was there (in his words), with a bit of sculpting.

 

[Vixandra]

I had a partial hysterectomy a little under two years ago. Kept my ovaries. It took a while to get my groove back, but that was partly a depth issue. Things get reshaped, pulled around, etc and it took about six months before I was ready for a full out fucking. We had sex before that, but it had to be gentler, still orgasmed though.

Communication and lube were key for me. If something twinged a bit, I’d pipe up and we’d shift positions.

I adore not having to worry about the gore days and the cramps that could throw me to the floor in spasms. I damn near needed an affidavit saying I didn’t want any more kids, but I do not regret the surgery one bit. Recovery wasn’t too bad either, aside from learning I’m allergic to amoxicillin now

ETA: I don’t have any incontinence issues or anything like that. Mine was done laparoscopic and they took the cervix with it because of family Hx of cervical cancer. I still have shake the bed orgasms, hell, have to tap out of the O Train sometimes because I’ve had too many. It takes work to get those big cascading orgasms and it took 6-9 months to get ripple control back. But that could be because I have fibromyalgia and that makes things like recovery more difficult.

 

[AlwaysFara]

While I do have sympathy for the vasectomy stories, they aren’t in the same vein.
(See what I did there?)