I can't handle it!

I just had a complete hysterectomy and I can't handle the hot flashes the roller coasters and my body going crazy. Please give me any advice. I am only 38 and suffered endometrlosis for many years. I had the vaginal hyster still I am having a tought time dealing with the sever symptoms. Please HELP!!!!!

Hello, and

We're happy you joined the Hyster Sisters community! In order for us to help you, please "edit your profile" to include your surgery date and type...that way, we can answer your questions more easily!

By "complete hysterectomy" do you mean you had your ovaries removed, also?

(((Taina))), I'm sorry you are having a rough start to your recovery. Having those miserable symptoms of menopause isn't any fun, I know!

Your Member Survey isn't complete (you can take care of that using this link and add your surgery date to your user profile using this link. Thank you!). Did you keep your ovaries? Are you on any sort of hormone therapy?

Some doctors won't prescribe estrogen for a period of time to allow the endometriosis, which feeds on estrogen, time to die off. Is that what your doctor is doing? Sometimes doctors will prescribe estrogen and progesterone (or progestin) together because progesterone will help inhibit the growth of endometriosis which may have been missed during surgery.

I think it's worth a call to your doctor to let him/her know how miserable you feel. Perhaps there is something your doctor can prescribe short term to help you through this difficult time. If your doctor has told you not to use estrogen, be careful about using anything over the counter, as those products can contain ingredients which should not be used by someone who has had an endo diagnosis.

I do hope you start feeling better soon!

s

Thank you for your reply, Yes I am having a ver tough time. I can't handle the sweats and heat spells. I had Endometriosis for many years but the Doctor after two surgeries trying to remove a lot of it. he decided that is was best to do an entired hysterectomy. I have NO ovaries, no uterus, no tubes, only my vaginas was left. I did not know I was going to feel this bad and I starting to regret the decision to do this. Thank you again, any advice to ease this ordeal will help. THank you.

No doubt about it--surgical menopause can be especially rough. Your body misses the hormones your ovaries produced.

Have you talked to your doctor about using hormone therapy? Usually women your age are prescribed estrogen, but like I mentioned earlier, perhaps your doctor is waiting to give any remaining endometriosis a chance to die. Or did your doctor prescribe something for you to take and it just isn't working well for you?

To deal with the hot flashes, dress in layers which you can easily remove or replace as needed. Have cold water ready to drink when you feel a hot flash coming on. You might also feel a bit of relief using a portable personal fan. Alcohol can trigger hot flashes so try to avoid it. Some women have hot flashes from eating spicy food, too. If you notice anything that triggers them, try to avoid it.

If you aren't able to use hormone therapy for other health reasons, ask your doctor what he suggest for your symptoms. I have read some women get relief using Effexor, a prescription anti-depressant. It's something you might want to discuss with your doctor.

I'm sending s!

He prescribed me Estrogel, but is not helping much. They get really bad at night. The doctor is out of town so I could not get much from him after the surgery. He will see me next week but I am really having a tough time. Is not only the hot flashes, I am very nervous and that tiggers my nervousness as well, I shake a lot and cry easily for no reason. I sometimes feel like I am going to pass out, is this normal?

Thank you, you been very kind, I am a complete mess right now.

(((Taina))), it is normal to experience lots of hormonal changes after surgery. That goes for women with or without ovaries, on or off hormone therapy. It doesn't make it any easier to deal with, but I hope it helps you to know that you are not alone.

Over time those symptoms should start to settle down. If they don't improve, you'll want to talk to your doctor about changing the amount of estrogen you use. Be sure to mention your symptoms when you see him next week.

Another thought is that you might be someone who would do well using progesterone as part of your hormone therapy. Progesterone is often referred to as the calming hormone, plus it has the added benefit of counteracting the effect of estrogen on any endo that may have been missed during your surgery.

There are several articles about progesterone on this site. Three good ones are in this link to the Hormone Article List. Read articles #29, #30 and #46. You might want to print them to share with your doctor. Lots of doctors will say that progesterone isn't needed when there is no uterus, but many Sisters on this site would strongly disagree.

I'm sending lots of comforting s!! Let us know what your doctor says, okay?

I thank you so much for your support, I really needed to speak to people and ladies that had this experience before. Thank you so much.