preopquestions

Hi, I'm Doreen and I will have a hysterectomy on may 20. I have been having a lot of back pain and bloating and heavy bleeding with my period. I am 45 years old and had 3 children by C-section. I am also very heavy. Do I have to gain weight? I understand that I will have a lot of gas but why would I have a lot of bloating after the surgery, because of the gas? The big question for me is whether or not to take the ovaries? I am on HRT now because of problems with my periods, I don't have any problems with them. But I thought that the problem with mood swings, crying jags, tiredness, bloating are hormone induced and that if I keep the ovaries I will still have those problems just not the bleeding? I am also on Zoloff, which was perscribed because of depression thought to be brought on by perimenapause. I would really appreciate some help from someone, please.

Thank you,

Doreen

Doreen,

I am not doctor,but I will tell you what I have heard to be the best. You do not have to gain weight. I was told that a lot of women get to feeling better and their appetite goes up and therefore they gain weight. I was told it will be a choice for you to make and noone else. So remember not to overeat and when you can-- exercise. Just wait until you are a-ok with the DOC. About the HRT. My mother in law is having a tvh only 10 days after my pvh and she was able to keep hers,but decided against it. She was already going through the change and decided that with her luck they would end up with problems so she is "gettin' em' out" her words. I think that if you want them removed you should talk to your Doc he will know what is best. But in my opinion if you are already on HRT then it you might as well ?????

Hi Doreen,

Have you spoken with the doctor about your concerns? I'm younger than you and my mom was almost 60 when she started menopause, so I chose to keep my ovaries unless they were diseased or not looking healthy when the doctors looked at them.

As far as the weight gain, all I have had is a swelly-belly, you will see that word around here a lot! It comes from having the surgery. I think my doc said 6 months to a year before I notice a difference!

I was on both Premarin and Prempro last year with my ovaries functioning, mood swings and depression though. Turns out I just needed to get my hormones moving again, I think!

Please, talk to your doctor about your concerns with the weight. Between you and he the best decisions can be made.



Sara

Dear Doreen,
I can tell you the bloating will be from the gas. They pump air in so they can do their thing and your body had to expell that air or absorb it. Believe me you would rather expell it! I found that by walking around a little each time I got up to either go to the bathroom or just go to bed that helped a lot. I didn't have much bloating but I walked areound for a few minutes each time I was up. Also it was suggested to me to drink lots of fluids and not to lie down. My recliner became my best friend! I chose to drink soda mostly ginger ale so that I could burp a lot. It is not uncommon to get pain in you chest and shoulders because of the gas. I has some mild discomfort in my shoulder the second evening but that was it. The only thing is everytime I got up I would burb but that was a good thing!
As far as gaining weight I'm not sure why you would each person is different. I lost 7 lbs. following my surgery. As far as the hormones go and keeping or losing the ovaries. I believe your symptoms you mentioned will be the same either way. I know that hrt helps with that but I have no experience there. I am 30 and I am currently being put into a menopause state myself before I have the other ovary and uterus removed and I have been experiencing some of your same symptoms and to my understanding I still will after surgery. Currently hrt is not an option for me so I'm hanging on to my hat and we will see what happens. Hope I have been of some use. I will be here to sympathize if you need me. You can email me anytime. My thoughts and prayers oare with you.

I had my TAH/BSO one week ago today. My ovaries were healthy, but after talking with my family doc and the ob/gyn we all agreed that removing everything was the best option for me. I was already starting menopause and my hormones were flying all over the place. There is also a family history of ovarian cancer and a change that I may have to go back and have them removed. I opted to get it overwith once and for all.

I didn't start the premarin on Friday and it has made a difference. I'm glad I made the decision, but it is something you need to come to terms with yourself. Gather all the information and make your decision. Unless it is a medical issue don't let anyone influence you one way or another.

As far as weight gain - I lost about 8 pounds after the surgery. My swelly belly goes up and down and gas is definitely an issue. GasX has become my friend. I truly sympathize with those little babies that get gas really bad !!!! Walking does make a difference and watch what you eat - stay away from those gassy foods !!

I am overweight and when talking to the doc he told me a can start a reasonable diet right away. No exercising (except for walking) for anther 8-10 weeks. Nothing strenuous on the abdomen, but he suggested some leg and arm exercises to get me going and to releive my back pain. I'm not use to sitting and laying and my back tightens up pretty quick. When this is all over I'm heading to the spa for a great massage!!!

Best of luck to you and many

Dorren.

I'm having my surgery in June 2002. I to am overweight. I have had no energy to do anything about it. I'm hoping that after the surgery with my periods gone maybe my energy level will return and I can try to lose weight. Hang in . It tough to lose weight I have tried for years. But I have slao been told that hormones mess with your metabolism and thats what cn make it hard.

Lisa (fixithen)

I was 44 when I had my hysterectomy (in Oct.) and I had them take my one good ovary. (As it turns out, it was atrophied and I was about to have my last period anyway.) Like you, I was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms AND I was also on Zoloft AND at least 25 lb overweight. I'm now 6 months post-op, on HRT and OFF Zoloft. I feel wonderful! I feel better than my best days before. I have absolutely no menopausal symptoms and I've been able to stick to a diet and exercise program (now that I don't have PMS and monthly fluctuations in appetite) and haved lost 20 pounds since my surgery!

If you are perimenopausal, consider this; the symptoms aren't going to get better and you are probably only a couple of years or less away from menopause. My mom went through it at 54. One of my sisters went through it at 42, I would have been 44 or 45 and my 43 yo sister is currently going through it. Only one sister, at 50 is just now starting to have symptoms. So your mother's age may be a guide, but is certainly no guarantee.

Good luck with your decision!