LAVH: Feeling a bit sad

I am a 35 year old who will be having a LAVH on Feb 8th. I have been struggling with cervical dysplasia for the last three years since I was pregnant with my youngest child. After many trips to the colposcopy clinic and several painful biopsies, I was told I should have a hysterectomy, as I am in the grey area between severe cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. I was told that my chances of developing full blown cancer were about 30% if I did not have the surgery. I was in total shock at first, and very reluctant to have the surgery. I felt like I was too young, and despite having finished my childbearing (I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old) and being told I would keep my ovaries, it was still devastating news. I have found a lack of empathy in the medical community in regard to this surgery; several doctors told me, well, if you are done having kids, you don't need it (your uterus) anymore! I feel like it will be removing part of my womanhood. I sought the second opinions of two different doctors, and they all recommended I have the surgery, and so I am booked to go next month. I should also mention that I am an oncology nurse, and I have seen first hand the devastating effects of cervical cancer. That is really what solidified my decision in the end - I couldn't put my family through a painful cancer diagnosis. I still have some reservations about the surgery though, mostly just sadness about not getting my period anymore, and maybe that sounds crazy, as it does suck, but I feel like it is what makes me female, and I have never suffered with heavy bleeding or severe pain.

I do have a few questions, if anyone is able to help me out.
Firstly, I was told that I won't be able to drive for 6 weeks. Is this true? How strict do I have to be with this? I wouldn't have thought that driving could compromise my healing. I am used to ferrying my kids all over, getting groceries, etc. and I worry I am going to go crazy not being able to get out! I am looking forward to lots of walking however.

Also, I am wondering about what people's experiences have been with not menstruating but still having ovaries and being premenopausal? Can you tell when you would have been bleeding after the surgery? Do you still notice mood swings and bloating?

I am happy to have found this group, as I imagine I will go through a grieving process post-op. Thanks for reading my story.

**Hugs**
Welcome! The driving question will depend on a few things... type of surgery, how well you are healing, if you are off pain medications, etc. It will depend on your doctor also. My doctor's guidelines were no driving until you are off of narcotics, if it hurts don't do it.

If you could give yourself 2-3 weeks for LAVH, it seems that's around the time other ladies who have LAVH take until they start driving again.

Can't answer your other questions yet as surgery for me is just around the corner. It'll get better... I'm freaking out right now as surgery is just a few days away but, ultimately I know it will get better. Eventually.

I had an LAVH almost 11 weeks ago. I was told no driving for 2 weeks and that seemed to be about right. The issue with driving is of course, the narcotics and the anesthesia need to be out of your system -if you were to have an accident, your insurance could be void. The other issue is responding to something that could make you slam on your brakes or react in other ways. You could seriously damage your internal surgical sutures. This doesn't mean someone else can't drive you.

So far I haven't experienced a lot of pms (kept my ovaries)- the worst thing has been some pimples, which at 49 are NOT welcome! No bloating or anything like that.

Even though I was almost 49 at the time of my surgery, I did feel some sadness. My uterus and i have history! Four babies were conceived and three babies were born- yeah, I was sad to lose it. But, I feel SO SO much better now. I also had uterine biopsies (PAINFUL!) and abnormal cell in my cervix requiring a colposcopy. So much cancer in my family, it was the right decision for me.

The women here are wonderful- lots of support and info. Best wishes!

My doc said I could drive in 4-5 days. I'm on day 10 and haven't felt up to it yet. I'm also still taking narcotics around the clock. The hardest part for you will be not picking up the kids! No lifting over 10lbs! Good luck next month!