So many questions ...

I'm new to the site as well as using a Forum, so please bear with me! I am 46 and have my consult to discuss LVTH options next week. After years of very painful periods, no pregancies, a 'small' fibroid and a history of clear cell uterine cancer (my Mom - its on her liver and lungs now ...) its time to have it out. Considering leaving ovaries in ... wondering about your experiences post surgery - how many still experience PMS and those pre-period pains you had before surgery??? A friend at work said she left her ovaries and she still had symptoms every month around when her period was due ... I want to be done with all of that! Also, seems like there's more to recovery than most medical websites tell us ... bleeding, odors, ovaries "not working" ...

I had my hysterectomy in May. I havent had PMS in close to 6 years... due to the fact I was on the Depo shot for 5 year prior to my hysterectomy. The first couple of months after my hysterectomy I didnt have any PMS except tender and sore breasts.
A couple months ago, I was at work and I had cramping in my rt ovary and it was nagging and horrible. I called my doctor with the symptoms and she informed me since I kept both ovaries that I still will ovulate and have montly symtoms. She asked if this would be about the time for my normal cycle. I had to actually laugh and tell her I wasnt for sure since it had been close to 6 years since I have had a cycle. She told me to take some advil and unless the pain was unbearable there isnt much she can do. After about 3 days the cramping went away... so I guess I can say that was exactly what it was. I am keeping track of when this happens so I am able to see if this is what it actually is. I havent noticed anything PMS except sore and tender breasts and those two episodes of cramping.
I can say my post op experience was good. I didnt need any pain meds afterwards... had slight bleeding for two days post op.... I went back to work after 3 weeks post op. I had legs twitches afterwards awhile and since my surgery have had a UTI that led into a kidney infection that was horrible. My ribs hurt and I was miserable. I feel good for the most part. I think my hormones get off balance now and then... but I just chalk it up to the fact that I have read it can take up to a year to fully recover from a hysterectomy. Before having one... I didnt think it was as big of a deal until afterwards. Then I realized how much of a significant surgery this is. I had my cervix removed due to a past history of abnormal pap tests and problems. I am glad to be rid of spending my life dealing with that.

My only hope is in the future I do not have bladder problems, prolapse issues, or further complications. I do believe eventually I will have to have my ovaries removed, however due to my age... my doctor felt it was in my best interest to keep them at this time. But, I have had issues with cysts on my rt ovary. (that was the main reason I was scared those two months with cramping, it was on my rt side)

Good luck to you on your decision and big hugs to your mom for a recovery in her health as well.

Hugs,
Lisa

Hi!

I kept my ovaries (I was 44 when I had surgery). Pre-hysterectomy, I had what I thought was horrible PMS. Now I just have a few twinges around ovulation time and some breast tenderness. What I thought was PMS was really just the discomfort of my uterus getting ready to shed its lining every month.

I think that the benefits of keeping your ovaries far outweigh the risks of taking them out if it's not necessary. In other words, if your ovaries are healthy and it's possible for you, I would advise you to try to keep them. You can always go back and have them removed later if you wish -- but from what I've read here and other places, surgical menopause is much more severe and difficult than natural menopause. Getting just the right combination and dose of HRT is more art than science, and can take years, and some ladies never find the right combination.

Hope this helps. Only you and your doctors can make this decision -- and we're here for you whatever you decide.