Hyster recommended - many questions

Hi. I am a 39 year old, mother of 2 teenage boys. I have had 1 lone fibroid tumor for about 7 years. Over the past 3 years it has doubled in size, now about 8 cm. My uterus is the size of a 4 month pregnancy My doctor is recommending a hysteroctomy.

I have heard many horror stories of sexual no-function after surgery, fewer and diminished orgasms, pelvic floor problems, bladder problems and so on.

I don't know anybody that has had a hyster and had their ovaries left (as mine would be).

Any feedback on your experiences would be appreciated, as well as where you found information to assist you in making a decision.

Dear Karen,

The first step in knowing whether or not to have surgery is to do exactly what you are doing - seeking information! Have you gone to anyone else for a second or third opinion? It is a good idea.

The horror stories that you have heard and posted about are not the norm. We here at HS try to share our experiences so you get a lot of views from many different people.

I 'm 2 months post op from a TAH/BSO meaning I had everything taken out because of many firbroids and tumors, bleeding and lots of pain. I got worried before surgery thinking of everything that could go wrong. The HS here calmed me down and after asking lots of questions felt pretty good going into surgery. The hospital stay was very uneventful and I only stayed 3 days. I came home and followed what we call the Princess rules. Resting, relaxing, drinking lots and doing some walking around to make sure our bowels work and it helps pass gas.

I have had quite a time with getting my hormones straightened out, but others have had an easier time. Mine isn't bad, just a little frustrating.

As far as sexual function, fever, diminished orgasims, etc. each person is different in their healing process. A lot of sisters here talk about the pros and cons of sexual function and by reading the different forums here you can find out some of their stories.

I really encourage you to go through the different forums this site has to offer. Here are a couple of Links you can click on to get you started:

Pre Op:

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/hsl...s=&forumid=170

Post Op:
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/hsl...s=&forumid=171

You asked where we get our information. It's from our different experiences and other articles we find that are helpful.

Hope I've helped you a little. I'm sending you a big

Patty

Hi Karen
I'm 36, had a TAH, kept ovaries. I too was worried that I could possibly ruin my sex life with my decision. I'm very happy to tell you, that the sex life is still incredible and without all the female problems to work around, it has flourished. Good luck with yours. Best decision I ever made I'm free and wonderfully happy with my outcome ( even with the 5 months post)

Best wishes on your decision. It takes a lot of careful thought and conversations with loved ones and doctor(s). Here's my experience: I am only 4 weeks post-op as of tomorrow. I had a supercervical abdominal hysterectomy (I kept cervix and ovaries) for a large fibroid that was causing very heavy bleeding and resulting anemia. I feel pretty great, considering, and am up and around doing pretty much anything I want. No working, heavy lifting or housework, but I don't really want to do those things! :-) I feel super emotionally, energy is returning little by little day by day, and I am happy to report that no part of the surgery, hospital stay or recovery has been that terrible. I was never in any great deal of pain or misery at all. I'm thinking it was a great decision for me. Best part of it all...... giving away 4 boxes (over 100) of tampons to my 17 year old stepdaughter!!!!

Best of luck to you!

Sheila

Hiya Karen, and welcome! As with anything you will hear both good and bad, and no two people are the same. Don't let the horror stories freak you out. To me it's something to consider, but This website combined with my Sweetie's and my input are what helped me make my decision.

Anyway, I had a TAH/LSO which means my uterus, cervix and right ovary are gone. I can honestly say that I am the same person I was before my surgery. No, make that the same person I was 6 years ago before I started having issues from fibroids. I have experienced no sexual disfunction, no change in orgasm ... cept for the better,
I've had no pelvic floor issues, no prolapse, etc. I have tons more energy, and feel I have an overall better disposition than when my health was so-so.

Okay, but really it wasn't all OH YAY for me. I had a bit more pain than I expected, and an incredibly slow recovery to the point of major frustration. I have since bounced back.

Keep looking through this site, in the dropdowns there is a link to questions to ask your doctor. They are VERY helpful. Talk with your doctor about your concerns. We did and as a result I was much more at ease with my decision.

All the best to you,
BSQ