Surgery Wed 2/28 - What to expect??

Hello! I just found this site and am so thankful!! I am 31 and have tumors in the wall of my left ovary and my uterus is prolapsing into my vagina. I am having a total hysterectomy plus left ovary and tube removal in 5 days and am so curious what to expect! My doctor talked to me and gave me pamplets but I wanted to know from someone who had experienced it. How is recovery? And will the one ovary left produce enough hormones to keep me balanced?? I am so nervous about the hormonal effects!!

What type of surgery are you having?

Sherri

I am having my uterus, cervix, left ovary and ovarian tube removed via vaginal hysterectomy. I'm keeping my right ovary because it appears healthy and continue to produce estrogen. Have you had a hysterectomy?

Yes, I had an LAVH on 2/16. I just finished my first week of recovery and it was a little rougher than I expected. Not pain wise but just the overall feeling of malaise. Just be prepared to sleep a week of your life away. I would get up every morning and shower and finally today I got my hair dried. I actually went out for a while this morning. Every other morning I have wound up back in bed with wet hair. I am not trying to sound negative just be prepared. My expectation were unreasonable.

Sherri

Oh gosh!! I wonder if it is the hormone imbalance or effects of surgery that will soon wear off? I hope all gets better with you soon. Thanks for the reply - and anything else you want to add will be helpful. It's okay if it sounds negative. I do want to be prepared.

I don't think the sleeping has anything to do with hormones. Remember they are putting you to sleep, and morphine will make you sleep also. The first week your body will still have the drugs in your system and will react to them until they are gone.
Sleep is also the way the body heals itself. So its not uncommon to sleep away the first and part of the second week depending on the type of pain killers your on.

I agree about the sleeping. My dr said the anesthesia would be in your body for about 10 days. Thats one of the reasons you are not suppose to drive. Also my sister had to have one of her ovaries removed about 7yrs ago and she has done just fine with hormones. I think its just like loosing anything else in our bodies, like a kidney the other side picks up and takes over. It may take a little while for that ovary to adjust. Hope all goes smoothly with you.

Hey Angel Dawn,
I'm going in on the 27th for a hysterectomy also. I have fibroids and heavy bleeding. I will be thinking of you on Wednesday. I'm real nervous but this site is helpful isn't it? I just found it also. Chin up !!

Thank you. It is so comforting to be able to talk to those going through the same thing and to gain the wisdom of those who have already been through it!

JoanneMT - Thank you! I will think of you as well and include you in my before surgery prayer!

Angel .... anxiously awaiting!