Hysterectomy Experiences

[Hornymama]

I was wondering if any ladies out there have gone thru a hysterectomy and if they would care to share the pros and cons of it with me. Also if any of you guys have experienced one with someone pleaase feel free to share your feelings also. I have heard almost nothing but negative feedback and i really need help here. Thanks for listening

 

[cheekygirl]

Well, I am just 2 weeks post hysterectomy but I can tell you that I already feel better and have no regrets. Depending on the reason why a hysterectomy is needed, it can be a wonderful thing. I have several coworkers who have had one, and they all
relate that it was a good thing. All of them have told me that their sex lives greatly improved - reasons being no more pain, no more bleeding, no more risk of pregnancy. I am a nurse also, and I spoke to many many women before I had my surgery and I have yet to meet one who said that she regretted having it done.
So far, there have been no problems for me. If you are used to being in pain like I was, then the surgery itself was a breeze.
I am still amazed that it was so easy! I had my vaginally, spent the night in the hospital and went home the next afternoon. The pain was never worse than menstrual cramps to me.

 

[MysCynthia]

It all depends on how YOUR body reacts. There is no telling before the operation. The only thing you can do is investigate your family history to see how the other women have reacted after a hysterectomy or after going through menopause.

A hysterectomy causes almost the same effects as being post menopausal; meaning your body no longer produces the same hormones because you've removed the organs that produce those chemicals. How your body will react can't be judged with precision.

If you are told you NEED a hysterectomy, get a second opinion. If you are considering it for any other reason please do a massive amount of research and consider that you are removing parts of your body that are meant to be there.

Your reproductive system can be a royal pain in the ass but it is there for more than just reproduction.

That being said, my mom had one three years ago with no complications and she says her sex life hasn't changed a bit. It was the exact opposite with her sister.

It is your body and only you and your doctor can decide what might be right for you.

 

[Hornymama]

Thanks you two for your replies. I have heard so much negative stuff that's it's really a scary thing. Mine will be a total hysterectomy and i will have to go on hormone replacements. I'm worried about depression, weight gain and sex drive.

 

[MysCynthia]

Be VERY careful with the hormone replacement. The gov't has recently stopped a big study of HRT. I don't know any of the details but I know that three friends were taken off HRT within the last few weeks.

If you have ANY doubt question everything your doctor tells you, get 2nd or even a 3rd opinion.

 

[CelticFrog]

Thanks you two for your replies. I have heard so much negative stuff that's it's really a scary thing. Mine will be a total hysterectomy and i will have to go on hormone replacements. I'm worried about depression, weight gain and sex drive.

I don't remember a whole lot, as this experience happened when I was 11, but I'll give you as much as I can recall.

My mother. WOW. She was E-VILLE when I was a kid. Seriously horrendous. After tons of doctors, a move, and then more doctors, a hysterectomy was deemed absolutely necessary.

So it got done. I remember that it took my mom several weeks to be able to lift her legs up to the coffee table while sitting on the couch without using her arms. Does that make any sense?

Mom, however, made a drastic change. She was still an evil woman, and for another ten years did her best to make my life a pure, unadulterated hell. But she no longer went through AS MANY mood swings, she was healthier, and she occasionally loosened her iron grip on my life. Unheard of before that.

Today, she has gotten on the right medications for her OTHER problems, and we have talked more about that part of our lives. I now understand that she is no longer losing blood at the rate of more than a pint a month (didn't stop bleeding for nine years STRAIGHT -- not one day off) and she is no longer crippled by constant PMS-like symptoms.

Sure, it took her a good deal of time to recover from the surgery.

But it was worth it to change her life for the better even in the smallest way.

Had she not had the surgery done, I might never have become friends with my mother. She wouldn't have been around to get on better meds.

So I'm all for medically necessary hysterectomies. My mom's quite feasibly saved her life.

My three.
Ang

 

[Hornymama]

I don't remember a whole lot, as this experience happened when I was 11, but I'll give you as much as I can recall.

My mother. WOW. She was E-VILLE when I was a kid. Seriously horrendous. After tons of doctors, a move, and then more doctors, a hysterectomy was deemed absolutely necessary.

So it got done. I remember that it took my mom several weeks to be able to lift her legs up to the coffee table while sitting on the couch without using her arms. Does that make any sense?

Mom, however, made a drastic change. She was still an evil woman, and for another ten years did her best to make my life a pure, unadulterated hell. But she no longer went through AS MANY mood swings, she was healthier, and she occasionally loosened her iron grip on my life. Unheard of before that.

Today, she has gotten on the right medications for her OTHER problems, and we have talked more about that part of our lives. I now understand that she is no longer losing blood at the rate of more than a pint a month (didn't stop bleeding for nine years STRAIGHT -- not one day off) and she is no longer crippled by constant PMS-like symptoms.

Sure, it took her a good deal of time to recover from the surgery.

But it was worth it to change her life for the better even in the smallest way.

Had she not had the surgery done, I might never have become friends with my mother. She wouldn't have been around to get on better meds.

So I'm all for medically necessary hysterectomies. My mom's quite feasibly saved her life.

My three.
Ang

i can relate to the bleeding. I'm anemic and so tired some days all i want to do is sleep. Not a very fun way to spend your time when you have a family.

Thanks for sharing this with me. I'm very glad you and your mother got the chance to become friends.

 

[cheekygirl]

I would like to add that I don't think anyone should go into this type of procedure lightly. I do totally agree with getting a second
opinion and trying alternative therapies as indicated. I have been struggling with endometriosis for 11 years and have done many different treatments including lupron injections (which put you in a menopausal state). My hysterectomy was uterus and cervix only, keeping the ovaries so I don't have to worry as much about premature menopause. I would ask about keeping the ovaries, I don't know your age but that may be an option for you. If you are anemic and you do have this procedure I feel very optimistic that it would help you. Good luck and I hope you can get to feeling like yourself again!

 

[cheekygirl]

I would like to add that I don't think anyone should go into this type of procedure lightly. I do totally agree with getting a second
opinion and trying alternative therapies as indicated. I have been struggling with endometriosis for 11 years and have done many different treatments including lupron injections (which put you in a menopausal state). My hysterectomy was uterus and cervix only, keeping the ovaries so I don't have to worry as much about premature menopause. I would ask about keeping the ovaries, I don't know your age but that may be an option for you. If you are anemic and you do have this procedure I feel very optimistic that it would help you. Good luck and I hope you can get to feeling like yourself again!

 

[warrior queen]

i have a problem with dysmenorrhea [sp] - where i bleed way too much, and have the most awful cramps, etc, to go with it.
i have been advised to have a hysterectomy, but after doing an extensive amount of research, have decided against it.

my reasons - my periods can be controlled by the mini-pill, and i have a schedule where i miss the sugar pills for 3 months and then only have a period once every 4 months. that controls the bleeding and most of the cramps.
other reason is, that once i began researching the info on sex after hys., i found an obscure study that shows that the uterus itself is very involved in the regulation of the hormones that allow women to orgasm, and that once you take this away, the depth and intensity of your orgasm can be lessened.
it wasn't a complete study, but they were working on doing more research to find the facts, and i figured if there was even a possibility that this might be true, then i owed it to myself to wait.

that being said, i agree that there are some conditions that make hysterectomy a necessity - it's just that mine isn't one of them.
so if you have done all the research, spoken to a doc you trust, gotten a 2nd opinion, and feel comfortable with the decision - then i say go for it.
i have many friends who have had this done, both a radical and a modified, and apart from bitching about the hormone tabs, everyone is happy with the choice they've made.

 

[petite one]

post hysterectomy

If your doc and 2nd opinion think you need it, do it. I am a VERY petite woman who had VERY big babies. I could not have carried another one. My problem was prolapse, from those babies. I had horrible cramping all my life, migraines and bad pms. Now, I feel good. No pain. Sex doesn't hurt anymore and I actually relax and enjoy it more because I don't fear the pain. I also had an abdominal reconstruction with mine so there was alot of pain initially, but I would do it again tomorrow. I was only about 32 when I had it so they left one ovary, but I started hrt a few years later. I am glad I did. My doctor talked with me about which ones were safer for me and the options I had. I chose the hrt. I am also very glad I spent the bucks for the big tummy tuck. It made me feel more attractive and womanly again, instead of fat and stretched marked. If you want it done, do them together and get it over with. Good luck.

 

[ullr]

Sceptics and experience...

Be VERY careful with the hormone replacement. The gov't has recently stopped a big study of HRT. I don't know any of the details but I know that three friends were taken off HRT within the last few weeks.

If you have ANY doubt question everything your doctor tells you, get 2nd or even a 3rd opinion.

My understanding is that these much hyped "risks" are in fact overhyped.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,58769,00.html
If one doesn't smoke, risks are quite small.

As for a hysterectomy, I used to date a 31 year old woman - one child - who had hers because of cancer. Although it was a few years before we dated, it did make a difference in lovemaking. SHE felt much freer to have sex!

For me, however, as a man used to G-spot orgasming women, and lots of digital sex-play, something was missing. I missed the heaves of a turned-on orgasming woman's bliss involving her uterine muscles!

Was this a cause of our break up? No. She was quite a beauty - but our interests, outside of mutual animal attraction, were too too few.

Besides - I was still getting over loss of over with whom I had lived - a broken heart. She, meanwhile, had never orgasmed before - from penile sex either - so she proved extremely hot to keep "us" going! Thus - this should not be a reason not to have your operation....

--Orson

 

[MrsTrooper]

.....

 

[ReadyOne]

Hospitals are like combat zones: You don't go in unless you absolutely have to, you get out as quick as you can, and you always take a buddy with you.

 

[LovinTongue]

they should do it to you all so you can't make more of you losers!

 

[~*sunkyssed_kym*~]

my $.02 worth........

I had my hysterectomy in January 2003 and have not regretted it in any shape or form. I had cysts on both ovaries and a uterine fibroid that was growing toward my large intestine. Had it achieved its growth, I would have had more troubles than what I was experiencing. I chose the hysterectomy after talking it over with both of my doctors and those who had the operation. It was not a quick decision and I recommend thorough research before commiting oneself to it.
Now, for the good news!
I no longer have the anemia, pain, uncertainty of when I might begin a cycle, drastic mood swings which included deep depression and anger, did I say pain? That was a big portion of it. I was taking up to 4 doses of percocet just to make it thru my 8 hour work shift.
The day after surgery, I asked my doc to put me on HRT's which he did. By August, I noticed that my body needed less of the HRT and when I went to see my Gyn, I asked for a lower dosage.
By December, I decided that again the HRT was too strong and took myself off of them totally. The only resulting problem was that I began to have night sweats. In February, I bought Estroven, which is a natural HRT and found that my night sweats were greatly reduced. WHEW! That in itself was a huge relief, but the Estoven also has other ingredients that boost my system. Giving me a feeling of total well being.
Now to address Warrior Queens findings: (please forgive the snips)

<snip>
other reason is, that once i began researching the info on sex after hys., i found an obscure study that shows that the uterus itself is very involved in the regulation of the hormones that allow women to orgasm, and that once you take this away, the depth and intensity of your orgasm can be lessened.
it wasn't a complete study, but they were working on doing more research to find the facts, and i figured if there was even a possibility that this might be true, then i owed it to myself to wait.
/<snip>

I respect your thoughts W.Q., but this couldn't be further from the truth. I don't know who the researchers were, but allow me to say what they've come up with is pure bollocks! My sexuality and orgasms have intensified since having my operation. I no longer have the pain nor the worry of bleeding during or after intercourse.
As for my orgasms,..........Sir Dave can attest to the explosion of those! I am liberated from all concerns I formally had and am free to allow for the sensations to take control and flow thru my body. WOW! What a rush!
In conclusion I'd like to say that this is a serious surgery that no one should take lightly. Its a difficult road to walk and at times it can make you wonder if you've made the right choice. Any woman who is faced with it should by all means research all of the options and only make the choice once she's done so. It also helps to have a support network there, such as family and friends, and of coarse Lit helped me as well during my recovery. I too had a thread here on the very same subject.
Best wishes and ((hugs)) go out to every woman who is faced with this decision.

-kym- had the crib removed, but still have the playpen

 

[Hornymama]

Re: my $.02 worth........

I had my hysterectomy in January 2003 and have not regretted it in any shape or form. I had cysts on both ovaries and a uterine fibroid that was growing toward my large intestine. Had it achieved its growth, I would have had more troubles than what I was experiencing. I chose the hysterectomy after talking it over with both of my doctors and those who had the operation. It was not a quick decision and I recommend thorough research before commiting oneself to it.
Now, for the good news!
I no longer have the anemia, pain, uncertainty of when I might begin a cycle, drastic mood swings which included deep depression and anger, did I say pain? That was a big portion of it. I was taking up to 4 doses of percocet just to make it thru my 8 hour work shift.
The day after surgery, I asked my doc to put me on HRT's which he did. By August, I noticed that my body needed less of the HRT and when I went to see my Gyn, I asked for a lower dosage.
By December, I decided that again the HRT was too strong and took myself off of them totally. The only resulting problem was that I began to have night sweats. In February, I bought Estroven, which is a natural HRT and found that my night sweats were greatly reduced. WHEW! That in itself was a huge relief, but the Estoven also has other ingredients that boost my system. Giving me a feeling of total well being.
Now to address Warrior Queens findings: (please forgive the snips)



I respect your thoughts W.Q., but this couldn't be further from the truth. I don't know who the researchers were, but allow me to say what they've come up with is pure bollocks! My sexuality and orgasms have intensified since having my operation. I no longer have the pain nor the worry of bleeding during or after intercourse.
As for my orgasms,..........Sir Dave can attest to the explosion of those! I am liberated from all concerns I formally had and am free to allow for the sensations to take control and flow thru my body. WOW! What a rush!
In conclusion I'd like to say that this is a serious surgery that no one should take lightly. Its a difficult road to walk and at times it can make you wonder if you've made the right choice. Any woman who is faced with it should by all means research all of the options and only make the choice once she's done so. It also helps to have a support network there, such as family and friends, and of coarse Lit helped me as well during my recovery. I too had a thread here on the very same subject.
Best wishes and ((hugs)) go out to every woman who is faced with this decision.

-kym- had the crib removed, but still have the playpen

thank you so much for the positive post. I know everyone is different so it's nice to know there's people outthere who are actually happy with their decision. Mine is scheduled for the 31st so hopefully i'll be asa happy with my decision as you are ...thanks again

 

[cheekygirl]

Hey Hornymama,
I just wanted to update you about my experience. I am now
31/2 weeks post op and I can honestly say I have never felt better. I still am not able to have intercourse but otherwise I feel great. I have had minimal pain, just no problems. Good luck with your surgery!!

 

[Hornymama]

Hey Hornymama,
I just wanted to update you about my experience. I am now
31/2 weeks post op and I can honestly say I have never felt better. I still am not able to have intercourse but otherwise I feel great. I have had minimal pain, just no problems. Good luck with your surgery!!

i'm so glad you're happy with you decision and feeling good. I think the waiting is the worst. Did you have a general or an epidural? The Dr. gave me my choice and i think i want an epidural but i don't want to be wide awake either

 

[~*sunkyssed_kym*~]

Hornymama, I agree that the waiting is worst than the actual operation. The apprehension builds because you don't know what to expect. But be heartened my dear, its going to be fine.
It sounds by your posting to Cheekygirl asking about a general or an epidural; that your surgery will be vaginal. Much easier than the operation that cuts into your abdomen! Your healing time will be quicker and you shouldn't have as much pain as with an incision. (pssst.. I agree completely with the general choice btw, knock my asre out cuz I don't wanna know! )
Best wishes H.M. and I'll be keeping you in my prayers next Wednesday for a successful surgery with quick healing!

-kym- a general knockout

 

[Hornymama]

Hornymama, I agree that the waiting is worst than the actual operation. The apprehension builds because you don't know what to expect. But be heartened my dear, its going to be fine.
It sounds by your posting to Cheekygirl asking about a general or an epidural; that your surgery will be vaginal. Much easier than the operation that cuts into your abdomen! Your healing time will be quicker and you shouldn't have as much pain as with an incision. (pssst.. I agree completely with the general choice btw, knock my asre out cuz I don't wanna know! )
Best wishes H.M. and I'll be keeping you in my prayers next Wednesday for a successful surgery with quick healing!

-kym- a general knockout

well unfortunately mine will be abdominal but they still gave me the choice. Said i would be pretty much asleep though just easier to recover from than general. They will be cutting where my c-section scar is....from my bellybutton down thanks so much for the good wish and prayers....it means a lot to know people you've never met care

 

[cheekygirl]

Hornymama,
I say if they give you the choice of an epidural I would take it.
You will not be awake to know what's going on if you don't want to (I would not) then the epidural will aid in your post op pain control. I think you should do okay with an abdominal hyst due to c-sections in the past. Mine was vag and I went to sleep. I
wanted to go to sleep and just had a pain pump in my IV post op.
Good luck!!!I'm sending good hysterectomy vibes your way!

 

[jfb4548]

well unfortunately mine will be abdominal but they still gave me the choice. Said i would be pretty much asleep though just easier to recover from than general. They will be cutting where my c-section scar is....from my bellybutton down thanks so much for the good wish and prayers....it means a lot to know people you've never met care

Oh HM sorry to hear about this....I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers...

 

[poundemin]

Oh HM sorry to hear about this....I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers...

 

[tn_8tiv]

HM,

I'm sorry to hear about this. I wish I had checked the thread earlier. You have my deepest love and wishes for a speedy recovery.

Xinfinity