Partial Hysterectomy

Hi,
I'm a new member, who's had a history of PAINFUL periods, and after having a D&C this September, found out with an MRI that I have adenomyosis...SO...next Monday, I'll be having a partial hysterectomy, since I need to STOP the PAIN.
I was very confused as to whether I was having my ovaries and cervix out as well, but having researched articles as to the pros and cons, and with my family history (mother and grandmother had "easy" menopause), I told my Dr. NOT to remove my ovaries and cervix (unless, once inside she sees something abnormal). I just turned 50, and haven't even experienced ANY peri-menopausal symptoms, and don't want to wake up after surgery to "instant" menopause. Plus, I want to avoid being on hormones, and avoid altering my already low libido.
She told me that since I had 2 previous c-sections, that were done vertically, that she's going to do the surgery with a vertical incision this time, but will do a "scar revision" of my old ones; cutting them out, and then making a smaller incision this time.. She said my recovery may be more uncomfortable, but feels this is best.
I feel confident knowing this will end my pain, but naturally am scared of the pain and recovery. It was suggested to hire a "night nurse" , if nothing else, just knowing someone will be next to me, when my husband goes home for the night, to help make me feel comfortable. Has anyone done this?
Any suggestions to making my hospital stay/recovery at home more comfortable will be appreciated. For those who have had a "partial", could you tell me how your recovery was? Thanks so much. Happy Thanksgiving...wish me luck,
Nora

By partial hysterectomy you mean the cervix not being removed right? The term partial, subtotal, or supracervical means the uterus is removed while keeping the cervix. I have read that women with adenomyosis may want to lose the cervix because sometimes adenomyosis or endometriosis can still be present in the cervical lining and cause continued pain, cramps, bleeding or all and women who keep the cervix and at least one ovary can experience mini periods every month. Mini periods don't happen with everyone but quite a few women do experience periods every month after their hysterectomy on this site. Some have had to go back in to have the cervix removed. Others say the mini periods are just a little spotting every month and no big deal. Unfortunately some dr's don't warn their patients about these mini periods being a possibility when keeping the cervix.

I wanted no bleeding so I had a TVH- total(uterus and cervix) vaginal hysterectomy keeping my ovaries. The term hysterectomy refers to the removal of the uterus. When ovaries are removed it's called a salpingo-oopherectomy. BSO for bilateral salpingo oopherectomy if both ovaries are removed. One can have a total hysterectomy and keep the ovaries.

Here are some links about adenomyosis and women that have had continued problems after keeping their cervix.

Is subtotal hysterectomy suitable for women with adenomyosis?
http://www.cmj.org/netprints/01/04/010421.htm

Adenomyosis should I have had my cervix removed?
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...=cervix+cramps

Painful periods after SAH
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...ht=adenomyosis

Cramps still???? (after all that?)
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...ht=adenomyosis

No more periods? Yea right!http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...periods+cervix

I no longer have a discharge. Had one before hysterectomy that required me to wear a liner every day and dr. said it was due to my cervix. No cervix-no more discharge. During a total (uterus and cervix) hysterectomy the cervix is taken and top of vagina is stitched shut preventing any periods or discharge.


Here is a link about hormones, ovaries, cramps, and cervix. (dr. told women who had discharge and cramps that kept cervix, was normal for her)
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...=cervix+cramps

I know you want to STOP the PAIN so you may want to think twice about keeping your cervix. If you want to find others that have kept their cervix you can do a search on SAH* or LSH* since partial isn't really a broad term used anymore . Because the search engine doesn't allow three letters or less it's important to include the little * after the abbreviation. Good luck. s

Hi

Who suggested hiring a night nurse? And this is for the hospital? If it was your DR suggesting it I might have second thoughts about the hospital itself. My surgery was early afternoon. As soon as I was aware of my surroundings (about 8:30) I sent DH home, and relied on the hospital staff. They were wonderful. Some ladies have said that if their family members weren't there they would have been ignored. I was very familiar with the hospital I was going to, and very confident with the level of care offered and they didn't let me down.

Everyone is different, I personally don't want anyone hovering when I'm not well.

Best wishes!