Symptoms before and after

I'm curious to know, for those of you who've had your hysterectomies and recovered well, what symptoms you experienced before that have been relieved since the operation.

I have so many problems, I have a hard time imagining how some of the issues I have (pain-wise) can all be related to needing a hysterectomy.

May
First - I love your screen name! and you should go to Friends without Faces, and add yourself to the May ladies thread!
Next -- you're probably not looking for an answer from me....my hyst was sched'd for April, and has just been bumped to May.
BUT -- fwiw....I was originally sched'd only for a d&c. online research (NOT this site, I'm afraid...but thank goodness I finally did find it) made me start to wonder if it was the fibroids, rather than polyps, that were causing problems, and after talking to the gyn, the plan was changed to a hyst.
Based on my conversations with the doc, and what I've read on this site, some common symptoms/issues resulting from fibroids are:
pain/discomfort during sex, during sleep, or anytime.
heavy bleeding/cramping/back pain.
bladder leakage issues, esp. right before period.
indigestion.
constipation.
anemia.
pains/cramps/twitching running down leg.
high blood pressure (altho this may just be a response to the pain).

yeah, I agree, seems pretty incredible. but this is my understanding.

Thank you ... that is helpful. I actually haven't been told I have fibroids, but I do have an enlarged uterus (which I know fibroids can cause), so I won't be surprised if she finds them when she gets there.

I also understand that having an enlarged uterus is most likely crowding other organs and nerves, which could be causing problems. It's just amazing to me.

I am especially worried about the constipation after the surgery, because of the painkillers. I have an added "issue" with a tortuous colon, which means it's too long and twists and turns in a more bunched-up way in my abdomen. This scares me, but I know I'll deal with it as it comes.

on the issue of constipation, I can't imagine my fibroids are affecting that....my mother says I was born constipated lol...and it's no worse now than it has been for the past 50 years... but I am a bit concerned about constipation, post, where I have that problem anyway, and removing the uterus won't change that.
I had my first colonoscopy a few months ago, and like you, was told that I have a tortuous colon, so I'm sure that won't help.
but on the other hand, I figure that I'm actually a step ahead of the crowd, bc I deal with constipation on a regular basis, so it will be nothing new!

Hello and welcome,
I had my LSH on 4th March - a little over 3 weeks ago and I feel great. I never realized how tired I always was before the surgery - I had a huge belly (690gms uterus and fibroid) - felt the need to pee all the time (as it was sitting on my bladder) plus had frequent, heavy and uncomfortable periods. My operation was very easy, so was recovery, I was back to normal in a couple of weeks and semi-normal the very day after my surgery. I felt this was the best thing I have done for my long-term health. The constipation (post-op) is definitely a problem and my system still has not normalized but I am off all medics and just deal with it - it is not too bad, or anything. Good luck with your surgery. I pray that all goes well and you have a smooth recovery.

I am only a little over 4 weeks postop, but I already feel much better than preop. Obviously my almost never-ending periods have ended, and the never-ending cramps that went along with it. Also, the back pain I have seen a neurologist and pain specialist for has decreased to the point I am no longer on the meds the pain specialist gave me. (Evidently the herniated discs were only part of the problem.) My anemia is almost resolved, too. All in all, I wish I had done this a long time ago.

I had my TAH on Feb. 6th. I never would have believed my fibroids were causing me to be constipated. One of the fibroids was attached to the colon. It must have been putting pressure on the colon. Before my surgery going to the bathroom might be 3-5 days before a bowel movement and sometimes I would be hurting severely after and before going. Believe me now it finally isn't painful going to the bathroom. I go almost everyday now!! No more pain!!! I would have never thought those fibroids and endometrics (sp) would have cause me so much pain. I always thought maybe I had IBS.

I had TVH and bladder sling on March 13th (3 weeks out) This was the best thing I could have done for myself and I notice a difference after waking up!

Before:
Constant pelvic pain radiating into my legs - GONE (As for recovery from surgery my behind feels sore from time to time but is getting better)

Exhausted and tired all the time, pretty much confined for 8 months prior - Even though I am tired from surgery I feel I like the fog has lifted.

Severe abdominal cramping DAILY - GONE This has been my biggest and most noticeable relief!

Moodiness - Has actually been better after surgery, I got to keep ovaries but I think the relief of the other symptoms has played a part in this.

Urinary Stress Incontinance - WHOO HOO No more leaks.

I had my hysto for CIS and some other symptoms prior included, spotting, heavy periods that stopped a year ago (although not as heavy as most ladies here) and I was not menaupausal - 32y/o, painful intercourse.

Thanks for your replies so far ... how many of you experienced migraines that now are gone?

I needed to have a hyster because I have endometriosis. I had a lap in Nov to treat it but in Dec the symptoms came back worse than before! I also had a D&C because my uterus was swollen. I've had ovarian cysts and cysts in my vagina. I had extremely heavy periods with major cramping I needed to change a super plus tampon every 20 min and sometimes I would bleed through it. I also had a lot of clotting, huge clots the size of a quarter. Sex was so painful I would cry. Somedays I couldn't walk or get out of bed. I was fatigued and my lower back hurt all the time. I had insomnia. I tried to change my diet and exercise more but nothing helped so I went to my Dr and asked for a hyster. I didn't want a Band-Aid anymore I wanted it fixed with a hyster. This was the best decision I have ever made! My pain is gone and the pressure I felt in my uterus gone. I am 21 days post-op and doing great. Every day I get better and I can see a normal life at the end of my healing!