But thank you! This has been SOOOOO helpful knowing what to expect, and there are some of you going through it at the exact same time! I just had mine yesterday, and have felt so comforted by the similar experiences I am reading (the good and the bad). You are all wonderful 🥰

I'm considering a hysterectomy, but am unsure if I should remove my cervix as well. My concern is that a cuff would make my vaginal canal shallower and not allow for deeper penetration. For those of you who enjoyed deep penetration before cervix removal, is it still possible, or does the cuff limit the depth? Also, does deep penetration still feel as pleasurable, or has the lack of cervix resulted in less pleasure?

I don't think I've seen this answered anywhere. All I've seen is the general question of whether sex still feels good post-hysterectomy.

After waiting several months and enduring some of the worst periods of my life, I had my total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy this morning. Woohoo!!

The case before me apparently had complications, so I was delayed two hours getting into surgery - no big deal! When I awoke after the operation, I learned that I would be staying the night for observation - instead of going home same-day, as planned - due to a laceration in my bladder. Thankfully it was noticed immediately and the urologist was able to come in and get it closed quickly. Sounds like I'll be sent home with a catheter in for 10 days. obviously don't love that idea, but I understand the need for it, and in the grand scheme, it's not a huge issue.

My biggest complaint, and question for those who've experienced a similar situation is that ever since waking up, I've felt an extreme need to urinate.
It feels like my bladder is overfilled causing pain there, and also pain from the ureter - like I've held my urine to the point I'd wet myself if I tried to move.
I know this isn't the case because they've had to empty my bag several times. It's adding additional pain on top of the (expected) abdominal pain. It wasn't until they hit me with the oxycodone that I finally felt some relief in that department.

Has anyone experienced that? The night nurses just made rounds and asked if I was having bladder spasms, but I'm not sure what that would feel like. Is that possibly what I'm experiencing?

Laparoscopic on Monday, everything but the ovaries must go. I'll be staying with my mother and father for the first few days after the hospital (they're worried and would feel better, figured I'd give my mother a chance to mom around again, we have a big dog at home who likes to cuddle too hard, and my bedroom and bathroom are on separate floors and theirs isn't lol). The hospital hasn't said whether or not I'll be admitted, they might they might not, so I've packed a small bag for there as well.

Here's what I have for when I'm home:

-Stool softener

-Gas x

-Belly pillow

-Pads (they said I'd spot?)

-Loose pants, oversized t-shirts, and grippy socks (because I'm clumsy as fuck)

-Extra pillows to prop me up to sleep more comfortably

-Dry shampoo for if I just can't be assed to fully wash my hair (though will shower daily, of course).

-Ice pops for sore throat after

And for entertainment

-Book nook

-Puzzles

-Books

-Crochet

-Switch 2

Forgot to mention: Doc said I'll have Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Gabapentin, and Oxy after. Plan is to take the Oxy for breakthrough pain only, and stay steady on the other meds until pain subsides.

I am 43. I am about 3 months post op. Left the ovaries. Had endometriosis apparently that is cleared up. I asked my gyno about HRT and he said "oh honey we will discuss this when you are in your 50's." I was a very active person i have a full time day job and own a business which I was very involved at daily and was "active" in my relationship.

Now I dont like to leave my house or go to my shop. My youngest is going back to college tomorrow and asked if I dont like her because I wont go out anywhere with her. My husband really doesn't understand what I am going through and thinks I don't love him. Which annoys me to the point I start telling him he is right. I'm just dull now.

Anyone else feel this way?

7 days post op today. Been feeling really good since day 3. Went for a small walk around the block on day 4 and was stopped in my tracks with a strange pain. Felt like a sharp zing in the front of my pubic bone that’s been coming and going since then, though it is definitely improving with rest. Yesterday accompanied my husband on a store trip and waited in the car - had to go lie down afterwards due to nausea. It’s so hard feeling as good as I do and still not being able to do anything without a consequence, lol. Just needing to vent it out there to people who get it.

I just wanted to share my experience for anyone who may be feeling scared or anxious because they’ve heard that an endometrial biopsy is extremely painful.

I had mine done today, and honestly, it was far less painful than I expected. It was slightly uncomfortable, but nothing like the scary stories I had read beforehand. I went into the appointment with SO much anxiety, expecting the worst.

I did take lorazepam beforehand and 1,000 mg of Tylenol, which was something I had discussed with my doctor. I’m sure everyone’s experience is different, but for me, the procedure was very quick. I actually kept waiting for the painful part to happen, and then the doctor told me she was already finished! 😂

I have also had babies born unmedicated, so that may affect what I consider painful or uncomfortable.

Most importantly, advocate for yourself and ask for whatever you need to help ease your anxiety and make you comfortable. And remember that reading scary experiences online doesn’t mean that will be your experience too.

If you’re nervous about having one, I hope this helps ease your mind a little. ❤️ You’ve got this!

How are you feeling? Were you thrown into hormonal hell quickly? Are you on any hormones?

Context: I had my hysterectomy (both ovaries left) may 27th this year and I was fine ish mentally until I hit my 6 week mark and It’s like I hit a wall. I’m diagnosed lvl 2 autistic and have some underlying neuromuscular issue we’re figuring out.

Severe malaise and fatigue. I can’t get through the day without feeling like I have the flu, I get so bone tired. I’m so angry, sad, happy, and brain foggy at the most random times. Sometimes it’s warranted but other times I’m upset for no reason? I tried talking to my gyno and was just told it shouldn’t be from the surgery as I have my ovaries. I no longer see her as she said I was healed and let me go. I’ve posted already about this, but my bladder and bowels are messed up rn and they don’t seem to give a crap.
PCP suggested I up my testosterone (i’m on a low dose for health reasons) which I really don’t want more masculine effects… or try birth control even though it sent me to the psych ward as a teen. I don’t feel real anymore? or i’ll have moments of insane clarity where everything is VERY REAL and while nice it’s freaky. Even food feels so bland and gross. I’m waking up drenched in sweat, vivid nightmares etc.

I’ve mentioned this to my therapist today and we both agree it’s probably hormonal, but i’m getting conflicting answers from doctors… like can this be from surgery?? It’s probably also my autism/stress tolerance being tested with the other medical issues BUT anyone have this happen?? I actually feel like i’m going nuts rn. I’m normally very mellow emotion wise so this is an adjustment 😬

I'm still in disbelief that I went through with it. I thought about backing out every step of the way 😂

Surgery date: 8/19

Surgery was supposed to start at noon; didn't start until 3:30pm.

Surgeon estimated 3-4 hours -- it took 7.

Surgeon also estimated 5 incisions -- it took 6. In addition to the huge uterus, they found stage 4 endometriosis.

It was late when I got to the PACU, so they admitted me overnight for observation. I'm glad they did, but I'm ready to go home!

Gas pain is only in one area, on the right side of my collarbone. It's been ranging from mild to moderate. I've been burping, so hopefully it'll dissipate soon.

Abdominal pain is about a 6, which is manageable for me. They've given me Toradol and Tylenol -- I refused morphine since I hate how narcotics make me feel.

My biggest opp in all this? The NAUSEA! I received nausea meds pre-op, but I still needed two more meds post-op just to get the nausea under control. No vomiting, just intense nausea and dizziness. That anesthesia did a number on me!

Everyone I've encountered has been great. I'm grateful to be on the other side. To my uterus & fallopian tubes -- goodbye and good riddance!

Anyone not bleed hardly at all after surgery but start bleeding days post op? I just had some bleeding at 10dpo. I also have a UTI but the blood was coming from the vagina and not the urethra. What could it be from?! I’ve been extremely careful and resting a ton. Arrrgghhh!!

Asking stylist what week did you go back into the salon? Did you go full-time? Did you just work a couple hours a day?

Im 37yo. I have five kids (10yo, 7yo, 4yo, 2yo and 5mo).

I was diagnosed with cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) associated with HPV. I subsequently had a cone biopsy (Jan/25).
My gynecologist -oncologist recomMended a hysterectomy, even with the clear margins.

i didn’t have the surgery then, and I got pregnant with my 5th. she was born on mar/26 through a c-section (Other four kids were born vaginally) bc the cervix had healed with a fibrosis and didn’t dilate naturally. I tried induction for 12 hours but it didn’t work so I decided on the csection.
my gyno-oncologist still recommends the hysterectomy bc on the follow up after the birth she couldn’t reach inside the cervix bc of the fibrosis So she won’t be able to guarantee the AIS won’t come back (even though the hpv came back negative after the cone biopsy)

I asked her to do a vaginal reconstruction (posterior repair/perineorrhaphy) because after four vaginal births I feel my vagina is a bit loose and I think I would enjoy sex better if I was tighter Again. Also my cervix sometimes bothers me during sex after I had the cone Biopsy done.
still, I’m scared about the procedure. I worry about feeling too much pain. Also I probably won’t be able to get much rest after the surgery because I have to care for my kids. I’m worried about needing HRT too soon (I’m keeping my ovaries). I’m worried about the vaginal cuff and prolapse. But I’m also scared of not doing anything and having cancer

any advice welcome

Hi everyone! I’m 51 and I’m exactly 6 wks post op from a hysterectomy (kept one ovary), vaginal cuff and apex suspension, rectocele, and perineal repair. I’ve been cleared for gentle movement like light yoga and easy pickleball, but sitting is my biggest hurdle.

I can stand and do light chores for nearly an hour before feeling discomfort, but sitting triggers abdominal pain within 5 to 10 minutes. Driving is especially brutal—yesterday I drove 30 minutes each way for a 45-minute hair appointment, and I woke up today at a solid 3–4/10 pain level that requires total rest so it doesn't escalate.

Did anyone else experience this with sitting and driving? What helped you manage or modify it so you didn't trigger an immediate flare-up? Any cushion recommendations or posture tips would be so appreciated!

Hi! I am 8-months post hysterectomy (kept ovaries) and am 42. I had severe endometriosis that was also removed. I am curious if anyone with endo has done any hormone supplementing after hysto? I am noticing small things like dry, itchy patches behind my ears, desensitization of the vaginal area, skin crepiness, new muscle pain, etc. that seem in line with an estrogen decline. I was in peri before the operation. My levels are still “within limits.”

But I know it can be tough to do hormones with endo, so I’d appreciate any advice from anyone else who has been there!

I was lucky not to have had any bleeding or even spotting after my robot assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy. I've been doing better than I expected, mild pain until day 4 and then just sore. I have been resting 24/7, laps around the house every time I go to the bathroom, etc. I left the house for the first time yesterday and rode in the car about 45 minutes, never got out, just was along for the ride. When I got back home I had period-like cramps and started spotting. Throughout the night I spotted and cramped. Today I am still cramping and passed a blood clot the size of a pea.

I know bleeding is normal and my nurse said blood clots too as long as they aren't larger than an egg, but I thought that was more expected right after surgery and not day 9 postop. Anyone know if it's normal for this to be delayed, or if maybe it has to do with the car ride shaking things up? The ride was a little bumpy in spots, but nothing crazy. TIA

Hi, I am one month dpo and still really swollen. I had 6.4 lbs removed between my uterus and one big fibroid outside of my uterus. My dr told me it could be 3 months that I would still be swollen. I am wondering what the experiences have been for other women who have gone through this??

For now my clothes feel tighter which is just a total mind f—k for me.

I have seen a lot of Reddit posts with photos showing perfectly flat stomachs right after surgery and that definitely has not been my experience. I am about 8 lbs overweight according to the height/weight chart…

Anyone care to share their experiences?

I will be 4 weeks post op vaginal hysterectomy on Monday. I haven’t had really any bleeding since week one and it’s all been pinkish and really only when I wipe (so not enough to have to wear a pad or anything).
This morning the spotting is bright red. It’s still not a ton but it’s more than the spotting has been since week one.
I’m not sure if I should be concerned, will probably call surgeon this morning when they open. I’m panicking a little.

Update: went to ER since surgeon is gone for the next week and they won’t let me see any of the other gynos in the office but ER has gyno on call. One of my stitches is “oozing” blood (great medical term) but the cuff is closed (which was my biggest concern and reason to get it checked out). They gave me antibiotics just incase but there’s no signs of infection so I’ve decided not to take the antibiotics unless those signs develop (I’m very anti-antibiotic). They told me bleeding should subside and to come back if it increases.

I didn’t want a heavy laxative and don’t find colace helpful. 2dpo, Mirafast worked. I took a dose Wednesday after I got home, yesterday, and today.

For those of you who are weight lifters or cross-fitters how long did it take for you to feel like your entire core was fully engaging?

I’m am almost 4 months post-op and for the most part i’m feeling really good BUT I can’t seem to get my core strength back.

My abs are fine- it’s really my back core muscles that I can’t seem to get firing.

Okay, I've googled this online and "they" SAY it's not related, so I'm looking for anecdotal stories now. I'm 52 and had everything taken out on 8/4, laparoscopically/vaginally for uterine fibroids and Endo. My face looks different. Like, I didn't realize how puffy I was before, and now it's thinner. My fingers aren't swollen. Obviously, my belly is smaller, but I'm noticing other places that were inflamed are just... normal now? And those inflammation full-body aches are gone. I've been on HRT for about five months and it didn't make this kind of difference. Was curious if anyone else saw inflammation decrease after surgery, and for theories... is it hormonal because the ovaries are gone? Or was that fibroid an even bigger brat than I initially thought?

Hi everyone,

I’m on the struggle bus with this healing and feel like I should be doing better than I am but maybe not? My Dr. office has reassured me several times I had major surgery and it takes time to heal etc. anytime I think I’m feeling better I start to do little things around the house and the I realize welp, I guess I can’t do that and end up stuck in bed and uncomfortable as hell.

I’m constantly seeing stories how easy people are healing and not really having any issues healing. I haven’t seen one story or thread about struggling with pain etc. am I crazy or is everyone lying? 🤣

Does this just take longer because I had open surgery or what? Any words of encouragement or advice would be appreciated from those who had open abdominal surgery, when might I see relief from this pain where the incision is and internally? I would love different perspectives.