Concerns

First of all, I'd like to say that this site has helped me so much and I appreciate all of you! Many of you have asked and answered questions that I had but was afraid to ask.

Please excuse me for just going off---but I'm having one of my Uncertain days (I seem to have these a couple of days every month)

I'm concerned that my husband will no longer have interest in me after the surgery.

I'm concerned that I'll feel less of a woman after surgery.

I'm concerned that I'm giving up an important part of me.

I'm concerned about that "swelly belly" I hear so much about.

Forgive me for sounding so pessimistic today---but I need to vent to someone!

Hi!!
I am sorry that you are having these feelings today. I had all of the same feelings before my surgery, but I am so glad to have it done. I feel so much better!! I don't have the pain and pressure from before and my husband still finds me attractive. I think it is the best decision that I could have made.
I hope that you get to feeling better. Take care of yourself!
Oh, I don't know about the swelly belly. I didn't have that.

Rojones:

First, these feelings are completely normal and I applaud you for thinking this through prior to your surgery. You are going to be OK!

I hope to lessen your fears by relaying my own experience. I had my TAH (kept ovaries) on 11/20/02.

My husband is much more interested in me since the hyst. All is great in the bedroom. I think there are several reasons for this.

1. not in pain all the time
2. lost 20 pounds
3. I am happier, therefore I am easier to be around which is more condusive to romance than my pre-hyst (much grouchier) personality.

As far as feeling like less of a woman, I never have had those feelings. I smile when I walk past the femine products isle in the grocery store. I am counting my blessings.

The part of me I gave up served no purpose any more in my life except to cause pain.

Not much problem with swelly belly. Some here and there. But, my clothes fit. Just seem more poochy some days than others, but no weight gain to explain it.

Everyone reacts differently to their surgery. I have been very happy for the most part. I have had a couple of set backs but my genius was able to fix me up both times. So, if you do have issues, make sure you pick up that phone and ask your doc for help!

Best wishes to you on a great outcome.

Sorry you feel pessimistic today. I bounce between both optimism and pessimisson so I understand. I try to look on the bright side and end up seeing the down side too.
I had a TAH 4 months ago. I feel like more of a woman now than I ever did before. Before my surgery I was having 2 8-day periods every month and an infection from wearing pads 24-7. Now I am so accessible for intimacy that I feel sexy, vibrant, and ready anytime DH is. It has been a pleasant eye opener for us. My husband loves his new and improved wifey. Wifey does not miss that female organ one bit. I have received a few other perks as well. I get no more frequent migraines. I have no more sugar cravings. I don't need 2 days to recoup after sex. Wearing pads irritated me so much I hurt half the time and couldn't handle sex everyday. No more. Life is so good without.
I still get the dreaded swelly It does get old and I wish everything would heal already, but it is a small price to pay for no more bleeding all the time. It will go away in time, so I try not to stress about it. Stretch jeans work really well when it flares up on me. They still look nice and don't hurt the tender belly. No one but me notices that I'm swollen. I am wearing my regular pants since about 2 months post, but I do find myself wearing the same pair of jeans quite a bit especially later in the day. Guess I need to go shopping and buy a couple more pairs until it decides to go away. Any excuse to shop
Good luck with yours.

Thanks to Sherri24; Michelle35; Hope and Special for all of your support, information and encouragement. It really made today much better than it started.

Thanks to all the Sisters!