LAVH: Failed ablation

48 year old woman and have been been having heavy [soaking through in less than 1 hour] periods for quite some time - including large clots. I actually have to plan outings around this - haven't been very social and only wear dark washable pants to work. I'm always sitting on an old towel. This is always accompanied with very painful cramps. I had an ablation in January 2017. It failed almost instantly - symptoms came back end of February 2017 and repeated mid March 2017. I am waiting for a LAVH surgery date. I have been diagnosed with adenomyosis and WOW what **** it is. The few days/month I am not heavily bleeding I still have the cramps. The adenomyosis has caused weight gain [despite exercising 3-5x/week] and a swollen mid section. In my mid 40s I went from a size 8 to a size 12 with no change in diet/exercise. My breasts have added 2 cup sizes and I wasn't a small gal there to begin with. Please ladies - what can I expect from surgery/recovery and how has this positively affected your life and body once you have healed.

How awful for you! Everything you described is what so many other sisters on this site have been through and a hysterectomy is meant to improve your overall health and well-being. Given what you shared, I am confident that many of your issues will resolve. I had my surgery almost 2 years ago for many large fibroids and endometriosis. I can honestly stay that I have not once ever regretted my hysterectomy. I feel so much better now that all that junk is gone. Your recovery time, depending on the type of surgery you have, is about 4-6 weeks and you'll have limitations such as no lifting over 10 lbs, no driving for the few first days and complete pelvic rest for up to 8 weeks or so. After surgery your doctor will give you a regimen of pain relief meds and bowel health suggestions like stool softeners and GasEx. Your first 2 weeks after surgery will mostly be about resting but after 2 weeks, I was driving and taking small trips out and feeling better every day.

I know this is a lot to digest and it is natural to be nervous but all of the sisters are here to support you and I'm sure many will be along to share their stories. Good luck!