I'm happy to finally have answers but scared to have the surgery

My OB said I should have a hysterectomy as he believes I have adenomyosis. Since the age of 31, I have been dealing with pain and heavy periods and as of the last four months, I am extremely bloated, have severe back pain and pelvic pain to where I can't even walk at times. I am also going to a surgeon next week to do a biopsy on a lump in my left breast. After researching what to expect after a hysterectomy I'm more than scared now. I am wondering if someone can tell me really what to expect. It seems like all I am reading is negative...

Any reassurance will help..

Hi Pscovekk,

Did your Dr. mention which kind of hyst he was advising??

Here is a Hyster Sisters link that goes over the ~different types~ of hysts and questions to ask your Dr. in pre-op:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_preop.htm

Best wishes,

Mary

Dearest New Hyster Sister,

Boy have you come to the right place. What to expect will depend largely on what sort of surgery you and your OB decide upon. Laparascopic? Abdominal? Which organs will he take / leave?

There is a ton of information here at hyster sisters. I've done lots of research online, at the library; have spoken with a number of docs and surgeons and also friends who have been through it. I can honestly say that I've found more info here than anywhere else.

I'm scheduled for a TLH (total laparoscopic hysterectomy - taking uterus and cervix, leaving ovaries - cervical / uterine cancer). Many of my fears have been alleviated by reading and reading what other women have written and also reaching out for advice.

Try not to worry yourself sick. I believe that going into surgery with a strong mind and a positive attitued (i.e. "I will heal well...I will be healthy...I will feel better than I have in years when this is all behind me") makes a big difference. You are stronger than you know. And you are surrounded here by women who can and will (cyber-ly!) hold your hand through all of this.

I wish you luck, and I hope you'll find some comfort here.
-MstrA'sub

Hi, he said abdominal and will leave my ovaries if he can. Other than that he really didn't give me any more info other than a flyer to look at so I'm trying to be a positive as possible but with what I have read on other sites scares me.

Kim

Hi Kim,

Possibly you might be a candidate for a less invasive hyst such as a TVH, LAVH or a TLH, like MstrA'sub is having. Or a LSH, the surgery type I had. Check out the link I posted on my previous post.**

You might research less invasive hyst types and ask your Dr. at your next appointment whether you might be a candidate. I got 2 opinions myself. My 1st Dr. wanted to do an abdominal hyst and my 2nd opinion recommended a LSH.

Best wishes again.

Mary

Everyone's experience is different but so far, my experience has been very positive. I had a total laparoscopic hysterectomy yesterday. The surgery went well and my pain was well controlled with a morphine pump. I didn't have any nausea or vomiting or other post-anesthesia problems except a mild sore throat. I drank lots of clear liquids last night, went for a short walk and got rid of one of my IVs. I was awakened several times during the night for vital signs, etc. but I was comfortable and could go back to sleep. This morning I got my catheter out and was able to pee without any problem. I had a regular breakfast, started taking oral medications and got rid of my IV. I took a few more walks around the ward and came home after lunch. I'm tired but I feel pretty good.

I hope things go really well for you.

Frances

Thanks I'll check out the site. He had said he wanted to abdominal because I had two C-sections and had one surgery to remove an end lump on my c-section scar and that was the best route. I have an appointment with him next week to go over any questions I have before the surgery so I will ask him more questions about the types of surgery I can have.

Thanks so much.

I'm glad you are doing so well! It's great to hear from someone who is having a positive experience and I can only hope my will go so well. I wish you a speedy recovery!!!!

Take Care
Kim