Scared to death about upcoming hysterectomy

I have had endometriosis for 31 years. had 4 laparoscopies, 3 miscarriages. I have fibroids, adhesions heavy bleeding and long periods since I started my periods at age 11, I am 42 and have not been able to have any children. My surgery is this Friday September 5 and I am afraid of the pain afterwards and whether I will have any hormonal changes. The doctor is doing a vaginal hysterectomy and plans to leave my ovaries. I feel like running! Any advice is welcome.

I also had a total hysterectomy due to endometriosis. I'm also 42. One piece of advice I wish someone had told me, is to make sure you have plenty of comfortable clothing. I am 5 weeks post op and my underwear and shorts still don't fit me because of swelly belly. Everyone is different, but I would go buy some larger underwear and some larger shorts. I was caught off guard by this and had to go shopping 1 week post op so I had something to where other than my nightgowns. Good luck on your surgery.

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Originally Posted by swilcox I have had endometriosis for 31 years. had 4 laparoscopies, 3 miscarriages. I have fibroids, adhesions heavy bleeding and long periods since I started my periods at age 11, I am 42 and have not been able to have any children. My surgery is this Friday September 5 and I am afraid of the pain afterwards and whether I will have any hormonal changes. The doctor is doing a vaginal hysterectomy and plans to leave my ovaries. I feel like running! Any advice is welcome.

Swilcox, my heart is crying for you tonight. We are here for you and I am so glad you found us. You have endured so much pain, bringing you to your surgery on Friday. It is normal to be nervous about the unknowns of surgery and recovery. We all heal differently and some have more pain than others. The important thing is to keep ahead of the pain. My surgeon explained that they rate pain on a scale of 0-10 and they will ask you to what level yours is at. They didn't want mine above a 4. The recovery room nurses are well trained in keeping your pain under control. Your surgeon will give you a meds regimen to use at home. Mine included taking Advil in between oxy. I was only on the oxy 2 days post op.

I have read on several threads that your ovaries may be sluggish after surgery. It would be good to keep a journal handy and record any symptoms or issues you have after surgery so you can discuss them with your doctor.

You are on the border of the Land of Hyster. You have many sisters waiting for you on the other side and ready to help you along your journey of healing.

Betsy wishes on your surgery. We will be watching to see how you are doing.

Hi there,
I've had similar issues and am now 1 week out after surgery. Still sore but can honestly say, I already feel so much better than I did before surgery! Get plenty of rest after, drink lots of fluids!

I was both happy and scared to have my hysterectomy. I was so stressed that my muscles hurt afterwards from being so tensed up. It wasn't worth all the stress I put myself through. Be easy on yourself. Soon you will be on the healing side and recovering also.
I wish you all the best.