New, my story and questions...

Hi all,

I am 45 years old and just scheduled my hysterectomy (TAH including ovaries) next month, June 15th.

Ten years ago, I started having long & heavy periods, lasting 10-12 days, also pelvic pressure and pain, pain after intercourse, after a bowel movement, after exercise, even after cleaning the house. I also get an urgency to empty my bladder.
Eight years ago, I had a laparoscopy to remove a "complex cyst" from my left ovary and to check on the cause of my pelvic pains. After the surgery the doctor said my cyst was gone so he didn't do anything and he said that he couldn't find any cause for my pain (no endo found).
I continue having the above mentioned symptoms on and off with heavy periods. I also have a lot of gastro symptoms like constipation, belching, urgency to have a bowel movement, I pass a lot of gas. I went to the Gastro Dr. and after a colonoscopy and endoscopy, he diagnosed me with GERD and IBS. He insisted the reason for my pelvic pain was IBS.
Four years ago, I had some blood test that reveal that I was anemic (my hemoglobin was 8), I was passing blood clots and my periods had become very long. I continue to have pelvic pain and pressure, gasses, urgency, etc, etc more frequently. Dr suggested a total hysterectomy since he believed I had adenomyosis. I decided to have an ablation instead to stop the bleeding because my gastro doctor kept saying my pelvic pain was due to IBS. After my ablation, my bleeding stopped and my pelvic pain was better. Still have discomfort specially after exercise and sometimes after intercourse.
Since January 2010 I have noticed an increase in my pelvic pain, and a lot of pressure, like if something is comming out of my body, I had my annual exam in April and since then My pain is almost every day. I went to my GYN again and he ordered an ultrasound. The diagnostic is a 3.3cm cyst with a nodule within and it has irregular margins. My CA 125 is a 3. Dr. suggested a total hysterectomy since I have been suffering from this pain and pressure for years and to take the sick ovary and hopefully get rid of these 10 years of missery.
Did any of you got relief of the pelvic pain and pressure after a hysterectomy?
Sorry for the long story, I am hopeful but afraid of the consecuences of a total hysterectomy and if my pains are going to dissapear or If I am going to have to deal with a bunch of other problems afterwards, Hope it is worth it!!!

What a difficult journey you've had!
I don't have all the answers, wish I did, I'm only 6wks post-op.
But I can tell you that my constant bladder pain, had to go every 20 minutes, and the feeling of pressure after eating is better.
It isn't an instant fix, of course, but I can't believe the relief of not bleeding for the last 6 weeks and more than likely never again!
It is challenging and rewarding, but you have to expect to take it slow and be patient with your body to catch up to your post-op expectations.

Shih-Tzu Lover -

I am sorry to hear about your issues.

My surgery was for cancer so can't tell you about it relieving pelvic pain and pressure. I am hoping that other members will stop by and provide you with more information.

to you as you prepare for recovery.

G.

Hugs to you! Keep reading and asking questions here...the ladies are amazing. You have really been suffering....I hope that you find relief!

Hello...just wanted to stop by and leave my two cents. I am scheduled for surgery on 6/10 and have suffered with a few of the same symptoms as you. I have a very spastic bladder and I have some bowel issues as well. I am hoping and praying that this surgery at least helps relieve some of these issues.

I can't help but think that the removal of your ovaries is going to result in less pain for you. All I can tell you is that of all the ladies I've spoken with, including those who had their ovaries removed, was that it was the best decision they had ever made and only wish they had done it sooner. I pray that you will have an easy surgery and wonderful days ahead!

I am only 5 days post op and I can tell such a relief in pressure in the groin area. I had this pain also for years before i decided to finally "give in" and i am so glad i did. I also had to constantly run to the restroom as my bladder seemed to not hold anything. So far that has been much better and i am hoping it continues.


Best wishes for a smooth surgery

My surgery is on the 11th and hoping for the preasure to be gone as well, I have major adhesions on my bowels which caused 2 diviticulitis outbursts. I did have a surg in sept for adhesion removal and I felt so much better the preasure was gone from my stomache I could run up and down the stairs amazing. Unfortunatly the adhesions came back and my uterus is the size of well 4 months pregnant so Im sure you will have much relief as well after your surgery.It turned out that the cysts that kept coming back on my left ovary was also full of endometriosis, so my doc removed half of the ovary and again my pain regarding endo is gone. Good luck on your surgury much blessings!

Also wanted to point you to this link, since your MD suspects adenomyosis.

My doctor also suspects it, but I've never experienced the pain that some women suffer with it.

I had a lot of pelvic pressure in the past, very uncomfortable during sex, lots of gas, and was treated for low iron anemia. Was given the option of hysterectomy a year ago, but kept thinking things would be okay once I got through menopause. I found a new gyno...took my FSH (which no one had done before) and found out I was menopausal, I had a uterine cyst (had grown since last year), fibroids and a very large uterus. She asked me why I still had all this at age 53? I finally gave in to the TAH. I got a little anxious the week before surgery, wondering if I was doing the right thing....but I'm glad I did it. I'm starting my 5th week post op....have had a good recovery....feel very fortunate...have had help. I have noticed that I don't have as much of the gassiness I did before, but have been careful about what I eat. So many women, even a man or two, have said I will feel much better in the future.... I have started to believe it. I know I'm not completely healed...doing what I'm suppose to...sure don't want to over do....I have grandbabies due in June and July that I want to be able to take care of! I know we're all different, but I hope this has given you an optimistic view of the procedure....I am looking forward to the future!

I was recently new too on May 13th, and my TVH + repairs is scheduled for 6/8. I'm 51, and I also have has the issues with the spastic bowel and blatter issues, lower back pain, inconsistant periods and painful intercourse. I have a 3/4th degree prolapse from having very large babies (my boys were 9 lbs 3 oz and the other son 10 lbs. 1/2 oz. my daughter (3rd birth) was only 8 lbs 2 oz.
This is a wonderful site and I have been reading almost daily, and am confident through all of you wonderful sisters that I will do just fine. My husband is taking off as long as I need him (we'll probably drive each other crazy, but oh! LOL) I have my 5th grandchild (4th granddaughter!) being born July 19 and we are very excited!
I'm looking forward to being on the other side and chatting again! Love to all!