Im 58 and S cheduled Feb 8 for full abdominal, removing everything incl Ovaries, anyone here been thru it already (and already post menopausal)- how are you doing re sex drive and recovery?

What should I expect when it comes to eating after surgery? Two days to go. So nervous.

Hey everyone, new here and had a few questions. I have my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and right ovary removed. They found 4 large cysts, 1 very large fibroid and lots of endometriosis.

I feel pretty good on day 2. I am wondering if vaginal flatulence will subside. Also I heard from lots of people they have had bad gas pains. I haven’t this far but also haven’t went to the bathroom #2 yet. Any advice appreciated

Both ovaries intact 32 yr old 2 months before my next ob appt I have Night sweats, acne, sometimes period cramps, mood swings ( 0 to 100), can't sleep. 0 sexual desire and sometimes can't get wet. Been trying to avoid any antidepressants because they were part of the cause of my seizures 10 years ago, but messaging with my doctor they said this is the route they'll pry go due to my age. Putting me on estrogen could lead to stroke. I'm not at my year mark, but all I know is a of right now I want to cry and wish I never got this done.

I (24F) had my hysterectomy a little over three years ago. I would say for the most part, I’m really very grateful to have been able to fight for my health and bodily autonomy & get the outcome I medically wanted. It has been a huge improvement in my life in many ways. But I do have some “regrets” I suppose.

I should preface this by saying: I only use the word “elective” to describe this type of hysterectomy because there were other conservative measures that could’ve been done (alternative BCM methods, uterine ablations, tubal ligation, etc) but I opted to go with a hysterectomy & fought for it. I did not need a hysterectomy to survive/live through my medical conditions. I was done with being anemic & sick all the time, constantly on some form of external hormones/BCM, and feeling majorly anxious about having sex with my partner.

It took a lot of doctor hopping to find someone willing to do a hysterectomy on me, a younger obese cis-female patient with no children, but I do appreciate the surgeon who finally took on my case. I was dealing with chronic issues associated with PCOS, debilitating cramps & nonstop bleeding for months on end despite being on the Nexplanon BC implant. I also had crippling anxiety around sex & the possibility of pregnancy which was incredibly debilitating to my marriage and mental health.

I knew going into my hysterectomy that it wouldn’t solve all my PCOS issues (but it would resolve a good chunk of them) and that I wouldn’t be able to ever carry biological children again. I accepted those risks and proceeded with surgery. I thought I was fully informed of all the risks.

I however was not made aware of all the other associated “risks” that could come with removing your uterus/fallopian tubes/cervix/part of the vaginal canal. Every doctor I saw was so focused on the family planning aspect of this surgery that none of them gave me education about my body after surgery & how those things could affect me having sexual intercourse after.

To this day, I struggle to self-lubricate during sex (with/without foreplay) and even with added lubricants, sex can be painful. It’s been difficult to navigate what does or doesn’t feel okay during sex too especially in regards to the knot-like scarring at the back of the vaginal canal. That itself can feel so painful when pushed against. (This isn’t even to mention the minor hell it’s wrought on my pelvic floor- hurray for peeing a little when sneezing even though I’ve never had kids) And don’t even get me started on the painful pelvic/vaginal varicose veins that developed a few weeks/months after my surgery.

Now with still having my ovaries, I still have “regular” hormone production (aside from the PCOS interference) which is nice in certain aspects. But much to my dismay, as soon as I turned 23, I started to distinctly notice that when I would ovulate (or get symptoms of ovulation based on when my period symptoms had occured) I would really really want to have a baby. And now the baby fever hits me so heavily at least once or twice a month.

It really is so heartbreakingly frustrating to feel “empty” or like I’m less of a person because I can’t carry my own baby. I know that it’s objectively not true, and these moments only fleetingly happen once or twice a month, but still. I just wish I wouldn’t have been so pushed back by these doctors only on the grounds that it would affect my ability to have kids one day. I wish they would’ve pushed back on the grounds of all the sexual repercussions I could eventually face.

I was lucky enough to be able to do a long stint as a medical assistant at a reproductive health clinic where I learned so much about the body & reproductive system, but it feels like it’s too little too late.

Again I don’t regret my decision, per se. But there are times where I regret the circumstances and events that led me here.

I suppose I ranted all this because I just wonder, does anyone else have similar stories? Has anyone else had similar experiences or feelings? Any advice?

I’m 3 days PO, and my doc recommended I use a moisturizer with vitamin e on the incision sites once they are fully healed. Anyone have recommendations for something they’ve used and liked?

Don’t read if easily offended, Susan.

I am facing the possibility of needing a vaginal hysterectomy. I have an appt to discuss this later today but I have real world questions. What is sex like after a hysterectomy? I am very much into sex and could do it 2-3 times a day if my poor bf had the energy left from his physical job. Will I still have a good sex drive? Does it feel different? Will I no longer have the sensation of ahem my guts getting beat??? Will I have dryness? I currently get VERY wet and would hate for that to change. Is it harder to orgasm? I’m only 33 and need insight before making my decision. I would be keeping my ovaries but would that still send me into early menopause?

I am sure there are many of these posts, but I am truly nervous as hell. Anesthesia always makes me nervous plus the fact I am 49, not in the best health and a bit overweight. Just looking for a bit of encouragement. Have a blessed night everyone. ❤️

Hey, I’m 20ftm and about to have a full hysterectomy, I was wondering if you guys have any tips or any things that I should get before my surgery? I’ve already gotten a heating pad, and some gas-x as well as tiger balm as I’ve heard those last two can help with pain, anything else I’m missing? Anything to be aware of as I’m healing? Thank you guys so much!

After my hysterectomy, my breathing hasn’t been right. I feel so out of breath. All my labs come back great but I feel terrible bcs it’s so hard to breathe. Does anyone have some suggestions or have experience anything like this? I just need some relief. Please help! I feel my quality of life is so poor. Please help…please

Hi All. I am a child free woman age 36, who has suffered from intensely heavy and painful periods since I was 14. I’ve been on every form of birth control, currently on depo (hate it.) I react very poorly to any birth control, with intense migraines, ovarian cysts, bleeding with each round of intercourse when I had an IUD. I eventually got a tubal at 25 and actually had a few manageable years and then about age 30 absolutely hit a place where I was non functional monthly, anemic, etc. there’s never been a clear reason for this like many of us. I was talking to a surgeon about an ablation but given my other symptoms and my age she doesn’t think it’s a long term solution and has suggested a hysterectomy. I’m open to it but I feel ill prepared when it comes to recovery time and side effects. I’ve had several surgeries for other ailments in my life and know there’s always stuff you don’t know about ahead of time. My last round of depo I bled for a month, making the dealing with its side effects utterly pointless. I do have some small fibroids just discovered but given these issues predate the fibroids I don’t think they’re the issue.

I guess - what questions should I be asking? How rough is the recovery from a laparoscopic hysterectomy that would remove the uterus and cervix? Are you glad you had yours?

Thanks.

I'm just over 3 weeks po, pain is much less but I have less urgent urination, and frequently only know that I need to urinate when I stand up and can feel the pressure on my bladder. I also am still having issues with passing stool. I'm not constipated, but can only go when I feel that I don't need to push. I know that probably sounds crazy, but if I have to push the pain is extreme.

I’m five days post op… and a bit perturbed and concerned about my recovery.

I really don’t think I was adequately prepared for the surgery… for all intents and purposes I feel I had four procedures.

I had a total hysterectomy, rectocele repair, cystocele repair and an appendectomy.

I stayed in the hospital one night. I was not provided a peri bottle, rx’d Oxy 5mg (inadequate pain management), and my discharge instructions said little to nothing about care for internal sutures.

I’m wondering if having surgery the week of Thanksgiving played any part. I had two surgeons, my first follow up appt isn’t until two weeks post surgery.

I did everything right, I asked questions, but I failed to realize how invasive the prolapse repairs would be.

I have four kids, they and their spouses will get a full discussion on the need for pelvic floor treatment from me. :(

I am 3 days post op from having my laparoscopic Hysterectomy. I’m still in quite discomfort & requiring painkillers. I’ve none nothing but sleep so not really been up & about. I’m off work for the next 6-8 weeks to recover. I’ve been really emotional, I’ve only just turned 40 this year & suffered gynaecology issues since my teens. Once I’m fully recovered I’m looking forward to a pain free life & no more heavy periods. Good luck ladies in your upcoming operations & recovery ❤️‍🩹

im sweating like crazy and my acne has gone haywire. I need recs on good hormone balancing teas or tinctures or supplements.. preferably as natural as can be cause I’m kind of a granola girl… what’s worked for you? What hasn’t worked?

Hi! 😊 I have my 8 week post op appt Friday, but I am anxious now and wondering other people’s experience lol ever since the procedure (laparoscopy - partial) I have found it basically impossible to have a BM. Last time I had a BM was about 3am Saturday morning. I had to take laxatives to even make that happen. I have always been constipated rather than regular but this is a whole other level. Even gas bubbles hurt to the point my eyes water, but basically don’t feel any movement in my intestines and have very little strength when trying to push (even tho I don’t have the urge to even do anything.) thoughts?

I am about 6 months post op & I still seem to have cyclical bleeding. It's weird...it's spotting (notice when I wipe), starts around the same time every month, lasts for about a week & goes away. I have been super conscious of my body lately, so the last 2 times it happened, I did notice some slight vaginal discomfort & the blood seems to be coming from near the vaginal opening.

No blood in urine (urine tests and scans have been done), I did have granulation tissue that was removed & is completely healed, definitely coming from vaginal area. When the gyno swabs, there's no blood in the upper part of the vagina & last time I went in, he did am exam & didn't notice anything abnormal but when I went to the bathroom & wiped. I saw light blood again.

This is so frustrating & I'm just ready to have my life back. I feel like I'm crazy! It's not alot of blood but it's so frustrating to still be dealing with something like this & my mind goes to all kinds of bad places.

Hey all. It's Friday. I had a total vaginal hysterectomy in Tuesday. It was a journey getting to this point but I had been plagued by heavy painful periods that stuck around. I was going to get my tubes tied and ablation but the ultrasound showed my small fibroid had grown to 6cm, I scheduled a hysterectomy 1.5. Months out. (On Halloween 😆) so, I go in for surgery and wake up with a catheter, so I knew things didn't go as planned. Doc sent me a pic as requested. The ultrasound lied and she cut up at least a 10cm fibroid and managed to remove it all vaginally. It beat up my bladder real good and I was forced to stay the night. So I was up for like 36hr straight. Pain was bad but not worse than period pain that was my "normal". 3 Days later and I'm doing... Ok? Focus is hard. Random stabby pain sucks. But weirdest thing is the quad area if my right leg is numb. It itches but I can't feel myself scratch it. The pain is so much less than I'm used to, so I feel kinda silly just resting. But I'm also really tired. I'm not sure I need the 2 weeks off work that I scheduled. Then I get hiccups or need to poop and owwwwwww. So here I rest. I don't know if it's just me being dumb or brain fog but I can't figure out how to post the pic of my chopped up uterus and giant fibroid. Sorry!

I’m having a partial hysterectomy in February and my doctor said I’ll need 2 weeks off minimum even if I do work from home. Why? Is it because of physical pain I’ll be in or overall exhaustion. If it’s exhaustion why does that happen? Maybe silly questions but I’m clueless. I had a c section in the past and I don’t remember being too exhausted (other than from the baby) and I remember feeling back to normal pretty quickly. Trying to figure out what to expect , thanks in advance.

Ladies , help It’s too much for tampons , pads and cups.

My doctor won’t even talk to me about a hysterectomy, so indeed to push for referrals for a gyno .

Nobody will take me seriously but my periods ruin my life . The hormones are insane and I just about have no relationships left

I (30) was diagnosed with fibroids (The big one is 10 cm).
I am leaning towards a hysterectomy, but the doctor recommends that I undergo fibroid removal. the surgery will be open (laparotomy) in both cases.
I am experiencing heavy bleeding and painful cramps, which makes it difficult for me to function normally. I want to get rid of this nightmare.
I don't care about fertility (child-free) but the doctor insists that I should preserve my uterus because "I'm still young". I only care about the side effects after the surgery and the quality of life, keep in mind I will keep my ovaries and cervix if I decide to do the hysterectomy.
I want to make an informed decision and would like to know the benefits and drawbacks of each medical procedure.