In a nutshell, I have had surgery for endometriosis. I am currently on HRT and have had recurring pain. I went to the doctor today and one of the options was to have a hysterectomy. I haven't had a period in 3.5 years so my ovaries are pretty well done for. I guess what I am asking is those who have had hysterectomies what might I be headed for ?

anxiously confused
Anna

i have a friend who had bad endo... she had the hysterectomy, and said it was the best thing she had ever done. she was only in her early 30's and was suddenly thrust into meno hell, but she still did not regret it. if you are past meno, as you say, three years post, at least you won't have her problems..

That was my thought too, zen, but there is that factor of the "unknown." And with meno---God only knows.....


Thanks and hugs

Anna

I had a hysterectomy because I had a monstrous fibroid that was causing me to bleed until I passed out. Not a fun time. I kept my ovaries, so I can't speak to that aspect.

As far as the surgery, I had the old-style operation rather than the laparoscopic kind. Because the fibroid was so huge and oddly-shaped (the surgeon said it looked like a giant pickle! I was disappointed that she didn't take a picture ) the surgery took 3 hours--twice as long as usual.

I took the pain-killers they gave me for a week or so. I really wasn't all that sore afterwards...most just a it-hurts-when-I-laugh kind of pain. In truth, the whole experience wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting at all. The previous couple of years, with all the massive bleeding, was horrible; the surgery to fix it was a breeze.

Did the doctor recommend a total hysterectomy or just removal of your uterus? It makes a difference. Just because you haven't had a period in 3.5 years doesn't mean your ovaries aren't producing some estrogen, which you won't have if they take them out too.

I had a vaginal hysterectomy in 1996, and then every 2 years had an ovary removed due to scar tissue in my abdomen. After the removal of my second ovary, they put me on estrogen patches (I use Vivelle Dot because I'm sensitive to the adhesive), and it's not been a terribly bad ride since then. I have had a few issues - my thyroid gave out and I became hypothyroid about a year into surgical meno, but that was pretty much controlled with meds. I've gained weight, but I'm also almost 12 years older than I was, so I think that's to be expected.

One thing that did happen though, and you might want to just be aware of it, is after my last ovary came out, my husband could not do anything right. Everything that I'd ever been annoyed at him for over the years came out of my mouth, and I couldn't seem to stop myself. It wasn't that my attitude towards him changed, it was that my body was trying to adjust to not having all of the estrogens it was used to and I was going through the anger/frustration/mood swing phase of menopause. That lasted for a couple of months, and to be honest, it wasn't a pleasant time for either of us. But we got through it and we're okay now.

I will say, I tried to go off of HRT a couple of years ago. For me, it was a bad idea. For the first 2 weeks the hot flashes really didn't come on, so I thought I was good.. Then they started.. and within a couple of days, when I would get one, I felt like I was going to spontaneously combust right on the spot. After I slapped a patch back on my hiney, I was fine!

If you go into it well informed, you will know what to expect. I would say you should try to leave your ovaries in if you can.. while they aren't producing enough to get a period going, they are doing something and it certainly will make a difference!

Hi ....I had a total hysterectomy last Nov07......everything ,but the cervix taken. Wow ...in many ways i have never felt better. They did it because of a big ovarian cyst and the probability of the other ovary eventually growing one too. So I said take everything( I was 45 and going thru peri -hell anyway, I had hot flashes ,anxiety, irratability, frustration, abdominal bloating and extreme pain at certain times) The day after surgury I felt amazingly good ( the drug -drip might have helped) ...but now five months later...no pain, no bloating, no periods (HA!!) and i have lost 12 lbs!!!! I only have still severe health anxiety. I wake up most nights at about 5a.m. feeling anxious about death....weird?????? I take a small dose of bio identical estriodial and unfortunatly a couple of .5 klonopin to keep me from thinking I am going to die anyday soon. I am totally happy i had the hysterectomy and have less hot flashes now than I did with ovaries.....???? hope this helps......... Onika
P.S. my history is ,no kids, never been on the pill, three day light periods all my life.

I had a hysterectomy in Jan 07. Mine was not an option. Four days after my surgery, I ended up back in the hospital with 3 blood clots in my lungs from the surgery. Since then, it's been an upward battle, trying to get my hormones balanced. I was so uneducated, and my gyn (at the time) told me nothing of what may occur. I don't say this to scare you, only that you be aware that the unforeseen does happen, and it's best to be aware of all possibilites. Take care......Mary

If you can avoid it I would say dont do it! The doctors always insist on taking your ovaries if you have a hysterectomy after a certain age and it can mess you up big time!
I had mine done 2 years ago-had absolutely no choice as I had cancer. Losing my uterus was nothing. At age 54 I had no use for it any more. But losing ovaries-even post meno ones is a big deal. Your ovaries carry on producing a little estrogen and more importantly testosterone for years after menopause. I went downhill fast, completely lost all sexual sensation, had no energy and felt like I was turning into an old lady in months!
I can have a little estrogen replacement now but it makes me feel awful so I don't use it and just put up with the hot flushes. I have been self dosing with a testosterone gel for men from my doctor but it has been really difficult to find the right dose although now I have I am ok. I am not trying to freak you-just to let you know you could be in for a bumpy ride if you go ahead.
janet c