Confussed!

Hi, Would someone help me, all this is so confusing on my mind. I have no surgery date yet just that I have to have a total hysterectomy and repairs to my cystocele and rectocele whatever that means. What I want to know is what things are removed in a total hysterectomy? Will I have a period anymore? What has to be removed in order not to? I feel stupid but have no family here to talk to and I don't think the DR would want me calling for all the things on my mind I'm sure he's busy. Will ask questions when I go of course but would like some idea what to exspect now, please help. Love, Stitcher

Stitcher,

When they remove your uterus, you normally stop having periods. If they leave your cervix, you may still have some occasional bleeding.

The parts that can be removed during a hysterectomy are, ovaries, fallopian tubes, utereus, and cervix. Sometimes all of these things are removed, sometimes some things are left, it usually depend on the medical reasons for your surgery and what your doctor feels is best for you.

There are two ways to have a hysterectomy, thru an abdominal incision or thru the vagina, sometimes using a laprascope to help the doctor see what they are doing.

I suggest you read this site and do some internet research to help you become familiar with this procedure. If you could share what your problems are, we may be better able to tell you what to expect.

Hugs....Joan

As far as the surgery date goes, I would call the doctor's office to find out- you don't need to speak to the doctor for that.

I wouldn't hesitate to call the doctor or his/her nurse if you have any question at all- that's why we pay them. To answer your question: a total hysterectomy means the uterus and cervix are removed. The cervix is really part of the uterus- the lower part. It is possible to leave the cervix (subtotal hysterectomy), but you might have a period with that. With a total hyst, no period.

Some people refer to a "total hysterectomy" as removing the ovaries, but that is not correct. Removal of the ovaries is called an oophorectomy. I would clarify with your doctor what's being done.

I am not exactly sure what the rectocele and cystocele repairs involve, but lots of hystersisters have had this done. Hopefully one will answer.

Best wishes!

((((((stitcher))))))),

A total hysterectomy =uterus and cervix removed

A partial hysterectomy=just uterus removed

lso= left tube and ovary removed

rso= right tube and ovary removed

bso= both tubes and both ovaries removed.

So if you are having just a total hysterectomy without the rso.lso or bso after it you will have the uterus and cervix only removed.

If you have your cervix removed you will not have a period anymore. You may have bleeding for a bit post op (I never had a drop)

If one keeps her cervix and at least 1 ovary they can have mini periods.

Hope this helped,

Pamcat

Here are some links that you can search for info about cystocele and rectocele. Basically, they are a bulge of the tissues(cystocele=bladder) (rectocele=rectum) into the vagina.


http://www.obgyn.net

http://www.acog.org/

http://wdxcyber.com/

Hi

My experience:

Kept cervix, both ovaries; no mini periods, spotting or anything.

My doctor actually told me that "mini periods" are comparitively rare, and aren't the norm for women who retain ovaries and cervix. My own research tends to support this, but of course there are exceptions - and even on these message boards I've read of ladies who do get regular "mini periods". There's really no way of predicting, either - it's just one of those things.

Even if I was one of the ladies who does get minis, I'm sure it wouldn't be a big issue for me...I had my surgery to rectify a physical problem with my uterus, not to get rid of my periods! (even though they often hurt considerably, I was quite attached to them, oddly enough).

The girls have listed some great info - I only wanted to offer a "this is what happened to me" bit, as I did keep my cervix and both ovaries.

Many warm wishes and best of luck for your surgery.

Tess

My Dr told me that the cytocele and rectocele are like small "hernia" in your vagina--a bulge like an earlier post said. He said that recovery from that part of the surgery feels like a MAJOR episiotomy (if you've had one of those). Good luck!