More than 2 months after Hysterectomy? SHARE YOUR STORY here

We are creating a new list of Hysterectomy Stories for a "Hysterectomy Awareness Project" and we would like to include YOUR story! Not all stories can be selected. For your story to be considered for publication, be sure and follow instructions below.



SUBMIT YOUR STORY HERE <---CLICK

Your Name: Barbara

Date of Hysterectomy: September 8, 2015

Type of Hysterectomy: laparoscopic

Age at surgery: 57

Location: Charlotte, NC


(Note: To have your Hysterectomy Story considered for publication: Answer the questions below in full sentences with several paragraphs for each question. Use appropriate grammar and punctuation. Include additional information about YOUR surgery experience. We want you to tell YOUR story.)



Why did you have a hysterectomy? What was your diagnosis? What other treatments did you explore? How long did you suffer? Did you get a second or third opinion? Why or why not?

For a few years I had spotting issues after menopause (extremely heavy bleeding for years before menopause). I was diagnosed with uterine cancer in July 2015. My OB/GYN sent me to an Oncology OB/GYN. She is the one who did my hysterectomy. She had the cancer typed, and it turned out to be type 1.


Tell us about your surgery and hospital experience. What type of anesthesia? Did you go home the same day? How long did you remain in the hospital?

I don't remember what anesthesia they used, just that it was administered through a mask.

My surgery went off without a hitch. I was given the choice of going home or staying a night in the hospital. As I live over an hour from the hospital, I chose to stay the night. I was treated like royalty during my stay! The nurses were amazed that I was up and walking to the bathroom hours after my surgery. I left the next day, less than 24 hours after surgery.

What were the important issues as you recovered from surgery? Was your recovery easy? Difficult? Did you have any worries about life after hysterectomy? What was your greatest challenge? How long before you were released from your doctor to return to your regular activities?

After reading all the problems and issues some of my fellow HysterSisters faced, I was expecting my recovery to take awhile, even though I have always been a fast healer. I couldn't have had an easier recovery experience! I made sure not to overdo, and I took my pain killers the first week, to prevent pain.

My greatest challenge was that I was not supposed to lift anything (Just carrying my purse qualifies me to be an Olympic weight lifter!). Although it is not lifting, this included taking our German Shepherd/Rottweiler out for walks. I did resume most activities (not sex) before my 6-week checkup, including walking the dog and pushing grocery carts (not too full though). My doctor cleared me for all activities at my 6-week checkup.


How has your health been since your hysterectomy? Is your health improved? Worse? Are you glad you had a hysterectomy?

My health has definitely been better since my hysterectomy, as I am no longer having painful spotting episodes. I am SO glad I had a hysterectomy!


What advice would you give to another woman considering a hysterectomy? What is the most important thing women should know when faced with a hysterectomy?

I think the most important thing women should know is to read and listen to advice, but don't let others' experiences scare you!

Find a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with.

Don't be afraid to ask "stupid" questions because someone else wants to know the answers too!



(_X_) By submitting this content, I agree to allow my story to be published for Hysterectomy Awareness project of HysterSisters.com