1 week till surgery & scared

I am a 28 yr old mom of 3 girls ready for a hysterectomy and scared. I had a lapo done the 20 of August and have been diagnosed with Endo and Adenomyosis. Now I am scheduled for Full Hysterectomy Oct. 8th. All my Aunts on my moms side have had one but they seem to be on a hormone roller coaster. I need a few questions answered for my terrified husband and myself. :confuse:
1. Will intercoarse be the same?
2. If you have your cervix removed do you still have an orgasim without it, Should I keep it?
3. How long does it take to recover with a vaginal Hyst?
4. Is Hormone replacement pill or patch the best?
5. What should I expect?
Any advice about this whole situation will be very helpfull. In a way I'm excited on the other hand I'm scared of the side effects.

Hi Kelly,

I'm sorry you need surgery, but awfully glad you found us. You've come to the right place for support, information, hugs and some giggles. One of the first things you'll want to do is read read read...not only the posts on the boards, but links as well. And ask questions, at the doc's office and here. There is no question too silly or gross...we'll answer you honestly.

I'll try to give you my opinions/answers with my great 4 week post op wisdom

1. Some say intercourse is the same, some say it isn't. I can honestly say I still have the big "O" but am not cleared for the "full deal" yet.
2. You can have orgasm with or without your cervix. You'll definitely hear from Sisters with and without, who will give you their take on it.
Should you keep it? You have to decide...with your doc. Again, read everything you can about the pros and cons.
3. I believe for vaginal, I'm seeing everywhere from 4-8 weeks initial. Takes months longer for internal stitches to heal. Common sense is your guide after initial period.
4. Pill or patch. Again...read. The Hormone Jungle is a good place to check this out. I have Vivelle-dot patch (about the size of a postage stamp) that gets changed 2x a week and I love it.
5. What to expect? hmm....The day after surgery, a lot of us are shocked to find we're in less pain than we were the day before we went in. No more periods...no more cramps....with the correct hormone treatment, no more mood swings.

There are always chances of complications....that's a fact. Most women make it through this without any problem, but there are some women who do have problems. It's not a cakewalk. But if you read and get as much information as possible, you've won half the battle there. It will allow you to make informed decisions and be an active member of the team deciding your body's future.

Good luck to you. We're here for you
s
Cat

Hiya Kelly,

I have to say, I know exactly the same spot you are in. I was there about 6 months ago. I am 31 and was asking the same questions and worried sick too. I can only tell you my experience as I had it. Everyone is different.

1) Intercourse is WAY better that before and we Have a sexlife now!
2) I chose to keep my cervix and I have to say everything is fine.
3) I had an abdominal hysterectomy, I can't tell you how a vag one is. But I can tell you I healed up just great and have no problems. It has been 8 weeks and I feel great. Not swinging from the trees better, but feel really good.
4)I kept my ovaries, so I won't require hormone replacement yet. Just so you know you can also explore more natural treatments as well. There is lots and lots of hormone treatments out there to learn about. If you need hormone replacement. There are many
choices, you will find one that is best for you.
5) You can expect to feel better, but you will need to ensure you will have proper time to recover and get all the rest it takes. You will need to get help with your kids and kiss cleaning good bye untill you are better. Recovery is the most important time as you only have one crack at it doing it right.

Other than that, You will be free of painfull periods, bleeding, and all that goes with the misery of that unwanted crabby guestsome ladies call her "Aunt Flo" ), I called her "Aunt Penelope".
You can say hello freedom! You will spend more time with your family and less time in bed wishing you were.
Honestly, at my post op appt. yesterday, I hugged my doctor in tears thanking him for how he changed my life and gave it back to me. I will always be thankful for that.
I really hope I helped, I am here for you and so are the rest of us.
Take care,

Kelly

Welcome to Hyster Sisters!

I am 9 days post op and I had everything removed abdomenally so I will try to answer some of your concerns.

1. I am not cleared for intercourse but outercourse is ok and yes, without a cervix you can still enjoy the big "O" and for me it is no different than before. Yeehaw

2. Not sure about vaginal hyst recovery I had a bikini cut.

3. Hormone replacement is a personal thing, do some research and see what your doc thinks, I am on the Climara patch and I am doing great.

4. Expectations are different for everyone, personally I think if you go into this surgery with the knowledge and confidence that this is the right thing for you and a positive attitude your recovery will be much easier. Like Cat, I can honestly say I have had NO pain since surgery. I was having my period when I was wheeled into the OR with bad cramps, heavy bleeding the works and when I came out and was awake I told everyone that would listen that the pain and heavienss was gone. (so was the bleeding, I only spotted for a day or so.)

Please visit us often and read all you can. We will be here for you day and night and we are always willing to offer support, encouragement and even some giggles.

s

Donna

I'm scheduled for TVH - outpatient on Oct 10th

I know I know, I've heard alot of ladies tell me I'm crazy for not staying atleast one night.

Doc says I can go back to work after 1 week, and probably drive after 2 weeks, but he said total healing will take 4-6 weeks.

I have pre-cancer condition on my cervix so mine is going.

I'm keeping my ovaries, so I can't tell you anything about the meds.

Good Luck and you will love the info you get from this website.

Missy

I'm having a TVH on October 31st ( HALLOWEEN YAY) and asked my gyn/onc the same questions your asking here.

1. Sex changes for very few women after they have their cervix removed. Women who have the big O mostly due to utterine and cervix contractions are at risk in this area but the % is very low.

For your DH the sex won't change or feel different to him at all.

2. As for HRT it's very individual. Due to a medical condition I've been on HRT since I was 16 so it's always been normal for me. Try to find what works for you asap and stick with it as changing things around does a number on you.

An idea is to have your hormone lvls tested before surgery so you and your doc can decide how much hrt you need

3. With the TVH my doc said I'd be back to work in a week and driving in a week. Remember everyone is different so if you can take two or three weeks off do it I know I am!!

As for the rest girl .... just hang on for the ride

HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Carly