Having it all removed tomorrow

Hi Tanya,

I had my hysterectomy in 2015 and all went well. I had it by laparotomy and it took about 4 weeks to start doing light housework. I didn’t go back to work until 12 weeks after as I am a preschool teacher. 10 weeks ago I had my ovaries removed by laparotomy again(laparoscopic was tried but needed to open). I found that with the laparoscopic procedure I had pain in my shoulders and back. I was told it was due to the gas they use when performing surgery. Recovering is not too bad once you get past first couple of weeks ( faster with laparoscopic!)  you will however need to take time to recover. It is major surgery and your body will need time to heal and get used to it’s new position inside. I am 49 and was put into full menopause. My main problem is the heat flashes and being irritated easily where I used to be the most patient person before. I follow a naturopath and she is helping me tremendously. My hot flashes are almost all gone. I get maybe 1 or 2 but at night and sometimes none at all. I love having no more periods and the freedom to make plans and not have to worry about it anymore. The surgery itself goes very well. If I can help, please let me know. Good luck! Don’t worry, it will be fine! 

I agree with Lyne46216. This is a major surgery and will take time. I tried to push it after six weeks and set myself back. Listen to your body. I had a total hysterectomy two years ago in June at the age of 40. I initially used an estrogen patch & had zero menopausal symptoms. However, after six months, I began experiencing pain again. My doctor took me off estrogen & the pain resolved itself. I choose not to go on a different HRT and went into menopause. The hot flashes, irritability, and vaginal dryness are the most difficult. However, these symptoms pale in comparison to the constant pain I was in before my surgery. I had barely functioned for two years prior to surgery. I was just thinking today how grateful I am for the surgery and how thankful I am to be healthy again. After 18 months, most symptoms have resolved themselves. The hot flashes get better, the emotions even out. I hope this doesn’t add to your nerves. I joined this group because I wasn’t prepared for the length of recovery or the emotional upheaval I was experiencing. It helped immensely to have other women honestly share their experiences. You are not alone and it does get better. It just takes time. 

I had a total hysterectomy on May 2 and was feeling great about 2weeks later. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow!!! You will be fine. 

Good luck my friend!! You will need to rest for first 6 weeks due to any damage to surrounding tissues etc.. You can prolapse if you do to much too soon.

If take at least 8 weeks off for a sedentary job and 12 for a physical one. Believe me you will be so glad you did.x

Hi Tanya

I'm 47 and had a total on March 29th, I was the same wanted to get back to work asap, but not being able to drive made me make it 6 weeks off, which I'm so glad I did as for 4 weeks I was very tired and slept most of the time. I tried lots of natural methods for the hot flushes and sickness but nothing worked so I'm now on HRT patches which so far are working really well. Hope all goes well tomorrow, but please remember to do what your body tells you, sleep when you need to and don't do anything you don't feel up to. Take Care xx

Hi Tanyia87125

On 6/6/18 20 days ago) I had a LAVH (laparoscopically assistanted vaginal hysterectomy) with my tubes removed, kept my my ovaries.  Recovery has been good, fairly easy but you have to watch not over doing it. Rest frequently and don’t think you can get back to all your normal activity just because you’re ‘feeling better’ because more then likely your body will indicate that you over did it and you may complicate your recovery. I was cleared for 6 weeks off work. I see my surgeon after4 weeks (next week). I may ask him about going back early but I also need to listen to your body.  I am 47 years old. 

N