I had my hysterectomy six months ago and I feel better than I have in years. Can I expect this good health to continue?
Doctors don’t know for certain all the possible ramifications from the removal of an organ from the human body. It’s impossible to predict the future, long-term consequences for any hysterectomy patient . The following sentiments shared through the years by members of Hystersisters.com are examples of the wide range of possibilities:
Positive Long-Term Results
The majority of hysterectomy patients report that their quality of life has improved. Some report significant improvement, while others describe a “mixed bag” of sorts. For example:
“Since having my hysterectomy I have been pain-free for the first time in a decade. I have been able to play with my children, socialize with friends, and fully enjoy life.”
“For the most part, I am happy I had my surgery three years ago. I still have a few problems
with my hormone replacement therapy, but overall I feel a lot better.”
“I had a few recovery problems early on, but five years later, I feel that having the surgery was the best decision for me.”
Health issues that begin subsequent to a hysterectomy may trigger suspicion among some patients that the hysterectomy “caused” the problem. For example, a patient who develops high blood pressure may think to herself, “I never had high blood pressure before my hysterectomy!” A woman with thinning hair may say, “Before I had my surgery, my hair was thick and luxurious!” However, every year millions of people worldwide develop hypertension, or experience thinning hair with aging -- even men, and women who still have a uterus. Consider the possibility that a certain medical condition may have occurred in your life regardless.
Negative Long-Term Results
Some hysterectomy patients discover that after the surgery their quality of life took a turn for the worse. Comments from these patients include:
It’s been three years since my surgery and I have tried every HRT available. Nothing works for me and I am miserable. If I had the choice to make again, I would have endured my gynecological problems until natural menopause.”
”I suffered a surgical complication that resulted in several additional operations to try to repair the problem. Because of these multiple hospitalizations, I lost my job and my life spiraled downhill and it hasn‘t stopped."
“Having my uterus removed emotionally traumatized me and I can’t move past it. I never expected this to happen from ridding my body of an organ that gave me so much trouble over the years.”
Negative repercussions from a hysterectomy may include surgical complications, hormonal upheaval, sexual dysfunction, and depression. Unfortunately, for some women these issues are permanent.
For women who have no other viable option to save their life, almost any long-term side-effects are preferable over the alternative. Data shows that for the majority of hysterectomy patients the long-terms results are favorable, even for women who encounter some “bumps along the road” to eventual good health. But for others, their decision to have a hysterectomy is one they permanently regret. Generally, patients are able to accept a less-than-satisfactory outcome more easily if they went into surgery well-informed. All patients owe it to themselves to do their own research to make sure that having a hysterectomy is the best decision for them with the information available.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
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