Hysterectamy

Hi Tracey,

I can identify with your fear and the indecisiveness.

I had this op done in Feb 2014. I was afraid and fearful when making this decision but I had no choice as the pain I had was severe and eventually there was infection. The night before the op, I was very nervous. But I had to tell myself this had to be done in order to live well again. Before the op, the doctor told me what was to take place during the op. I had the total hyst, My ovaries are still intact which is a good thing as I hate to be on HRT.

I was sedated for 2 whole days right after the op. The drips I was on had painkillers and it made me drift into sleep off and on and I could not open my eyes for 2 days as when I did I got dizzy and started to puke. The painkillers was necessary as I had a C section op. It is major as u know.

There was no pain while I was on drips. I requested the doc to remove the painkillers from me as I wanted to feel alive and not sedated all the time. I wanted to feel the 'pain'. Once the drips was removed, I threw up as I was able to boldly open my eyes LOL. I had to hold on to the wounded area and puke which of cos nothing came out as I didnt have food intake the last 2 days. Yup it was painful but a natural thing the body had to do.

So I was given nauseous jab to control my puking. Yup not easy. After half a day, I was better.. I was able to sit up and eat normally. Doc then instructed me to start walking. Oh for that 2 days I was on that urinal tube. Once it's removed I had to walk to the loo with the help of nurses as getting off bed was not easy with such wound.

To get off from bed, place yr legs down first and push yrself up, sideways, Never get up like doing crunches.

Getting into bed, place yr right elbow and half yr body on bed then slowly bring legs up.

My first steps after the op were uncomfortable, light headed and tiring.

So here comes the main side effects which doc wont tell u (i am not sure why he didnt tell me this, maybe didnt want to scare me lol) The first 2 weeks after the op, I had nightmares, mainly unusual dreams, out of this world LOL. I also experienced insomnia and when I could sleep, I dreamt of nonsense. I was told our brain is trying to get used to the organ that's been removed. I forgot that psychologically it does have an impact. I googled to find what causes this and it's proven.

Into my 3rd week, backache crept in. Not to mention chronic constipation and always going to the loo to pee. I have never pee so much before the op lol.

I also experience blood watery discharge. It's normal as doc told me to expect this, Doc mentioned to avoid sex for the first 6 weeks. I have not had it since my op so I cannot tell you how it is

Once the womb is removed, no child bearing is possible.

My experience may not necessary be the same as yours. Each of us has different way in bolstering this operation I guess.

Sleep and rest more for recovery. Avoid shell seafood and peanuts in order for wound to heal (this will make you itch at the wounded area). Take a lot of fish and fruits/veggies and water of cos.

I was afraid at first. Now that it is over, it is a different lifestyle and without the time-bomb womb, I feel better and from here on it can only get better.

Give yrself time to recover. Dont rush. If ovaries are removed, then it is a different thing as the main female hormones not present and it does have a tremendous impact on us thus hormone replacement therapy is necessary.

I wish you well and if u have to remove it, dont be afraid. You have 3 beautiful kids so you are good! I have none!

Hi Tracey. My name is Tracey too... I am 38 . My boys are 15 and 10. Last year I found out that I had a tumour in my uterus . I had the worst pains in my stomach that I have ever had. I spoke to my partner about the alternative treatments but we both decided that a hysterectomy was the best option. They took out the uterus and the tubes and cervix . I still have the ovaries. I had the op in September last year. It will take some time for you to be able to do tour normal household duties . Like. No bending or stretching. No picking up the kids.. After a little bit you will feel so much better. No sex for 6 weeks..... Now 6 months later I have no pains at all. All my girls problems are gone. I was lucky that my op was done with keyhole surgery and assisted through theVagina.. So no major cuts for me.. I had a good gynaecologist ..not everyone is the same, but I hope that this gives you some relief ..It is something that you and your partner need to discuss together .. If you have kids think that you are great full for what you have. And it may be time to think about your health. Could you really enjoy another pregnancy in your condition? I hope that I have helped.. Lots of love... Tracey...

I have just realised that it's 30 years since I had my hysterectomy, I was 33. I can't say I missed periods!. Although I kept my ovaries, by the time I was 40 I needed hrt. Wonderful stuff! I got my memory back, my hair was thicker and I lost weight without trying. To be honest I felt so I'll I was glad to be rid of my uterus. You will feel as though the stuffing has been knocked out of you, but I have never regretted having it done.

Why not discuss it with your GP.