I'm lost! "Emergency Hysterectomy after C-Section"

I am 27 years old, and during my c section 2 weeks ago, I had a severed artery and had to have a hysterectomy to save my life. My Dr. did not tell me any information about my hysterectomy recovery, and I don't even know where to start researching! I feel so lost. I don't even know if it is considered a total hysterectomy, as I still have my left side ovary and tube. I don't know what stitches I have inside, or if I have a vaginal cuff! Does everybody when they have a hysterectomy done? Any guidance is greatly appreciated!

From what I just read on Hyster website the vaginal cuff is created when you have your cervix removed. You haven't had a total hyst because you still have an ovary and tube. It would be a really good idea to call your doctor and tell him/her that you want to know exactly what they did. What is really important right now is that you get as much rest as you can, with baby and surgery you really need to rest. If you surf the Hyster website you will find so much information that will set you at ease. Keep posting questions, that is what we are here for.

a total hysterectomy is removal of the uterus including the cervix. a partial hysterectomy is removal of the upper part of the uterus without the cervix. removal of ovaries and tubes is salpingo- oophorectomy (not sure if spelling is correct onthat one). if your cervix was removed you will have a vaginal cuff. if you still have your cervix, you will not have vaginal cuff. it is where they close the opening left after the cervix is removed.
I am sure your doctor will be happy to answer all of your questions. I have to make a list whenever I go because once I get there, I always forget what I wanted to ask.

I'm so sorry your doctor did not explain things to you - that's awful. I'm glad you are OK however, sounds like quite a time you had, I can't imagine. As the ladies said a total hysterectomy is if your cervix and uterus are removed - doesn't mean your ovaries, they can be or not. I have mine still.

If your cervix was removed you'll have a vaginal cuff - it's not as scary as it sounds. I would hope your doctor will answer all your questions, it's normal for you to have a bunch of them! I would read on this site, make a list of questions, you can ask some things here, and I'd also see your doctor again to clarify things for you so you'll feel a lot better and have more understanding of what happened and your recovery.

I know all the ladies here will help you with everything they can

Maggie, so sorry you have to come into this new world at warp speed. You must feel so overwhelmed. I had a month and a half to prepare. Please ask as many questions as you need and you will always be answered. And that must be difficult to have a newborn and hysterectomy all at once. So glad you are still on this earth with the rest of us. You are one strong woman

Ladies, thank you so much for the responses. I feel a little better knowing I can ask questions and get responses from women who understand! I had my uterus and most of my cervix removed. The doctor was able to keep a very small piece of the cervix there. Perhaps because I do have a little piece of cervix, a cuff was not needed and that is why the doctor never mentioned it. Am I going to go through menopause early now? If so, does that start soon after the hysterectomy? I will definitely make a list of questions for the doctor. I guess I just feel a little silly about calling and asking, like I should know these things as a woman.

one ovary is enough to keep producing hormones, however it might take a little time for that ovary to wake up so you will most likely experience some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, you might be a little emotional. My hot flashes lasted for about 2 weeks and i haven't had one in a week. I'm finally back to having cold feet all the time. It was weird there for awhile. I kept turning off the heat and having to put my hair in a ponytail even if i was outside in the cold. You have a great support system here. We will nurture you! How are you feeling so far?

Nothing really to add except to take good care of yourself, you have a lot on your plate right now. A new babe and major surgery! Don't resist offers for help, and don't be afraid to ask those around you! Wishing you a speedy recovery, and congratulations on the new baby!

Here's my suggestion. Call your doctor's office and ask to speak with either the nurse, nurse practitioner or, most preferably, a midwife, if there's one in the practice. Tell them that you have some specific questions about recovery from C-section AND hysterectomy.

All of the post-op factors of childbirth are going to have to be weighed against post-hyst. Pregnancy has its own set of hormonal issues -- your post-partum experience may be completely different from what one would expect post-hyst.

In other words, your situation is pretty uncommon. You should have someone on your doctor's staff take the time to address with you your unique issues, and ask the doc to get back to you on anything they can't answer, prior to your next post-partum or post-op follow-up.

Use that time you would be researching on the Internet to get some SLEEP!

I don't quite know how to put in words how I am feeling. I am sore, as to be expected. I feel sort of empty inside. I didn't have any choice in having a hysterectomy or not, so I haven't come to terms with it yet. I am incredibly emotional and could cry all day. I have been getting lots of headaches as well, and have been getting some hot flashes. I can tell when the little bit I do, is too much, and know now that I have to take it down a notch. I hate having to ask for help though! How long would you say before you were able to notice your lives coming back together?