Pre-Op Hysterectomy: Open House Chat Thread - Today Jan 24, 2021

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Originally Posted by Seaglass89 My surgery is also this Friday. Same reasons but they are taking everything. I’m 55 with no children. They may have to revert to an abdominal procedure if the fibroids are too large to remove vaginally. The fear of the unknown is what is bothering me. Hoping everything goes as planned with no complications.

Seaglass89 ... the unknown can be scary. Take a deep breath dear ... you can do this. You will be in good hands and your medical team will be doing what they do best ... taking care of you. your surgeon will not need to revert to an abdominal procedure.

best wishes dear.

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Originally Posted by becky_l Hi all, So glad to find this website and get so much information from everyone. I’m 42, I’m scheduling to have Robotic assist laparoscopy hysterectomy this Wed. due to Endometriosis stage IV and some other complications. So pretty much my uterus, cervix, ovaries are going to be out. Because my Endo situation is severe, my doctor will not give me any HRT for 3-6 month in order to quite down the endo that can’t be seen. I’m really nervous about the surgical menopause after the procedure. I’m currently on Orilissa to lower my estrogen level, i’ve already experiencing hot flashes, sweat etc. but i’m worry if the symptoms will be worse after the actual procedure. Anyway, during these 3-6 month with no hormone, anything i can do to help ease those menopause symptoms? Thank you!

Hello & Welcome becky_I,
Facing surgical menopause with no HRT can feel overwhelming and even scary. My ovaries are completely shut down chemically as part of my breast cancer treatment, so I can relate. One thing to keep in mind is that we are all very different and will each have a recovery experience & menopause experience that is unique to us. So while one woman may have lots of uncomfortable symptoms, the next woman may experience few or none.

It sounds like eventually your doctor will approve HRT for you, so that's good news. In the meantime, even though you can't take HRT, there are other medications that can help with menopausal symptoms. I am currently taking Effexor, which helps a lot. Check out these articles below:

• 6 Tips to Help You Prepare for Surgical Menopause
• 7 Tips for Managing Surgical Menopause Without HRT
• Hot Flashes: Non-HRT Prescriptions
• Hot Flashes: Non-HRT Treatment Options
• Endometriosis & HRT

I would like to invite you to browse through our Endo Articles List or post in our Endo Forum. There is lots of information and support here for you on your journey! I hope this helps!

You are likely spending the last few days (or hours!) before your hysterectomy getting everything in order. There’s so much to do! Getting things organized at work, at home, the family, and yourself. There are things to clean, to buy, to cook, to freeze, and to pack for the hospital. Here are some articles to help you get everything in order:

Preparing Your Home
Preparing Your Spot
Preparing: What Will I Need?

“Must Have” List for Hysterectomy

Do This – Not That: Preparing for Hysterectomy
10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy

Do what you’re able, but try not to stress about getting everything just the way you want it. There comes a point where you have to let it go and know everything will work out all right. It’s important to spend some of your preparing time by preparing yourself physically and emotionally. You need to sleep, drink lots of water (this makes it easier for staff to start your IV), clear your mind, and spend time with your family. Being well rested and happy helps put you on the best foot for your recovery.

Thank you for sharing all the articles. I've been re-reading everything.

I have five kids at home, and so I've talked with them about what is happening, and my expectations. I have a "driving" schedule for the three older ones on who is taking the two younger ones where and when!

Our church family is bringing meals for a few days to give the kids a break on that.

I cleaned up my room and bathroom - and did some organizing that needed done anyway!

Are any of you expecting to stay the night at the hospital?

I'm going home the same day. My surgeon said that since Covid they have hardly anyone stay at the hospital and are actually finding that recovery rates are better for the same surgeries for those who go home to their own beds.

So a few benefits for me:

no packing!

sleep in my own bed!

Our time today has come to an end - our Pre-Op Open House Chat Thread is now closed. Thank you to all our members who attended as we support one another - women helping women.

The staff of HysterSisters is sending you hugs for the best outcome for your hysterectomy.

As you wait for your scheduled surgery, if you have more questions, please start a new thread discussion here in Pre-op hysterectomy forum area.

Then, after your surgery, there will be a specially created thread for our members who have surgery this week. Look for it in the Post-op Hysterectomy Recovery forum - specifically the Hysterectomy Recover Reports forum with dates matching your surgery date. You will find your surgery sisters there.