Question: I’m really worried about having a hysterectomy. I don’t know anybody that has had one and am frightened by the thought of having everything removed as I have heard such negative stories.
Answer: Firstly let me reassure you that it is perfectly normal to feel worried, and even frightened by the prospect of a hysterectomy so you are certainly not alone in that. Secondly, it is important to remember that every woman’s experience of hysterectomy is unique to her and whilst others can give you the benefit of their experience, it is not necessarily going to be the same as yours. How you experience a hysterectomy will depend on a huge range of factors that may, or may not, be within your control.
To help you feel more confident that you are making the right decision whether to have surgery or not, I would recommend reading as much information as you possibly can from the website and then joining in on the forums where you can talk to other women who are going through exactly the same thing you are right now.
Hi
I am scheduled to have a hysterectomy on 22 April. My specialist is unsure how she will carry out this operation until she investigates on the day! The thing is, when I am having a period and feeling anemic I am convinced the op is for me, however on the other 2/3 weeks I am unsure…… help! It is such a major op with such major consequences to changes to my body – did anyone else feel like this?
Sharon
Hi Sharon
I am having hyserectomy 20 May and i feel same Had anemia because bleeding so bad but feel fine now doc put me on hormones
Loks like you should have had your op now would be interested to hear how you feel post op about your decision
Pauline
I am having a full hysterectomy in one week. I dont know what to do with myself. I am crying every night with fear. I already had an exploratory under general anaesthetic and did not know a thing. The pain afterwards was quickly controlled. I want this procedure but it mostly seems unreal. I dont know how to get through this week, cannot think of anything else and sometimes feel I cannot face what might come afterwards. I have only heard positive stories from friends who are pleased with the outcome but I fear the anaesthetic not working and unbearable pain afterwards. I am not a brave person.
Please don’t worry about how you feel, it’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive before surgery and most women feel similar sorts of fear, you aren’t alone by any means. It might be an idea though to talk to your gynaecologist and anaesthetist to let them know how frightened you are, as they will be able to help put your mind at rest too.
Hi Briany,
Have you had your op. Am waiting for mine and am going through all the thoughts and worries as yourself.
Can you tell me how it was for you?
Sue
I am scheduled to see my surgeon either Mr Kalu or Mr English. My heart goes out to all the women in my position i no how alone i feel and scared. Worried scar tissue could be worse after operation but this is my last chance hotel! My future is in the hands of my surgeon and my bodys ability to heal and god! Keep hearing good and bad stories completely confused. All the best to everyone going through this.
Hi I’m 32 years old and had a total abdominal hysterectomy 6 weeks ago due to adenomyosis and very severe migraines. It was the best decision of my life, I feel so much better now!
I’m still taking it as easy as I can (well.. I have got 4 boys!) I’ve just been getting the odd twinge now and again.
The op was much better than I expected and the pain relief was really good.
My scar is just the same, I’ve had 3 C-sections too.
Just make sure that when you get home you don’t do too much, have friends and family take care of you for a bit and you will be fine
Thank you so much for something positive! I am very anxious and all I seem to read is negative and frightening. I wanted you to know that taking the time to leave your comment has been so helpful.
I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 5 weeks ago due to heavy periods and fibroids. Unfortunately following my op it was discovered i had multiple blood clots on my lungs, possibly as a result of the abdominal surgery. I have been put on warfarin for 6 months. I felt fine until last week when i suddenly felt sad and cried over little things. I am worried that i am going through the menopause now (my ovaries were retained). Or perhaps it is me just coming to terms with my operation and blood clots?
Hi Kerry, it could be either really and it would be well worth having a blood test to check oestrogen levels because (although it’s not accurate) it’s a good indicator that things are as they should be or not. Whether you retained your ovaries or not, you had a 50% chance of going through the menopause within 5 years of surgery and 2 years early anyway.
i am having a full hysterectomy on 1/10/11 i am very scared i have not had a period for 2 years they found a complex cyst on my left ovary i chose to have evrything taken out i hope i am making the right decion
As long as you feel you’ve made an informed choice based on having enough information then you should be fine, if you don’t feel you’ve been able to do this though then reading some more will probably help.
I am having a total abdominal hysterectomy on 9th May due to heavy and painful periods. I am apprehensive about the operation although looking forward to solving the problem as nothing else has really helped (medication, contraceptive pills or endometrial ablation) once and for all. I will be retaining my ovaries if they are healthy as at just 36 I won’t want to go through a surgical menopause, but having discussed all options with my surgeon so don’t feel too bad about making this decision together with her.
I just want other peoples opinions as to what they think and any tips on how to look after myself before and after the op.
Did you get the free booklet? If not, you can grab it from this page on the website: http://www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk/index.php/get-your-free-hysterectomy-booklet-now/ it’ll help to start answering at least a few of the questions you may have.
I am also 36 an having a total hysterectomy on the 11 July due to heavy periods and also the mirena coil and ablation not working im retaining my overies but would like them removing due to a family history of my grandma and mum having overian cancer.
I am also 36 an having a total hysterectomy on the 11 July due to heavy periods, I have in the past also had the mirena coil and also womb ablation which both have failed. Im retaining my overies but would like them removing due to a family history of overian cancer which effected both my mum and my grandma.
My Consultant says because of my age he will not remove my overies as this will but me into the menapause almost immediatley. Is they anyone that also had a total hysterectomy at my age where their overies were removed.
I had mine at 32 and had my ovaries removed, been taking HRT ever since and had no problems – but I will probably stop taking it at about 50ish.
Hi, I’m scheduled for a total abdominal hysterectomy, maybe with removal of ovaries, in July. I have endometriosis and fibroids with all the joy they bring! I have been unable to speak with the surgeon and the clinics are so busy, I can only discuss it with a nurse at the pre-op assessment.
Emotionally I am a mess at the moment. I’ve read everything I can on the web and am happy with my decision for the tah, but I just don’t know about the ovaries. I really want to speak to my surgeon to discuss it fully – can I insist on an appointment on the NHS? Does anyone know? I don’t want to cause a fuss but at the moment I feel I might just back out completely.
Thanks in advance.
You can certainly request an appointment with your GP to have a chat about it, and then when you sign the consent form you simply have to ensure that you note the decision down.
Hi i have been told that i need a full hysterectomy, due to the fact i have got conjested pelvic syndrome. which is vericos veins all inside on all my womens organs. I have to have the depo injections to stop my periods cause its so bad, and i am in constant pain with it. Im terrified of the op, and all the after effects. The added fact that i dont recover well , and always have complications, if there is side effects i always get them ,im so scared. I know i need it or have a life of pain. PLEASE HELP.
The easiest and quickest way to relieve both fear and pain is to be aware of everything that will happen before, during and after the op. This is because when you are informed nothing comes as a shock and you’ll be surprised at how much your stress levels will reduce. My suggestion is to read EVERYTHING you can and talk to our ladies on the forums who are incredibly supportive and helpful.
Hello, i am due to have a total Hysterctomy next week, the only thing is, my period is due around this time, can i still have the surgery done?
I think you’ll need to speak to your gynaecologist as only they will be able to advise on what the policy is within the hospital you having the surgery at.
I had a hysterectomy – uterus and ovaries – five weeks ago and am really glad I did. I had suffered from fibroids for 3 years and the bleeding was terrible. It could happen totally without warning at work, walking in the street and just lying on the sofa! The practicalities of dealing with it was awful and I wish I had gone for the op earlier.
I was home within four days and aside from the first two weeks have had no real pain at all.
Anyone who wants to ask a question please send an email and I will try to help. I live in London and had the op NHS.
Thanks for the offer Elaine and glad it’s been so successful.
Dear Elaine
I read your email today. I am going back to the consultant tomorrow. I am terrified of having the operationa dn how t will effect me physically and mentally. I have a 10 cm fibroid on the outside of my womb and I also have a complex cyst on my left ovary. I am being offered I beleive a partial hysterectomy which will mean my other ovary will stay. However I am so scared of the consequences of the operation. I am when I have my periods barely able to function physically and my brain is mush! The pain is unbelievable but I am still frightened.
How did the recovery go for you? Was there anything that helped you?
How did you feel mentally?
How do you feel pysically now that you have recovered?
Thank you for reading this and listening. My operation is in March but I just feel so illprepared…. Ahhhhhh
I’m 44 years old and due to have a full hysterectomy in 2 days time. I have a 9.6cm cyst on my right ovary and its not the first – a similar sized one removed 13 years ago. I have suffered with cysts for the past 14 years and have had enough. I asked for both ovaries removed and my consultant said I may as well have the whole lot out. I’m more nervous about the anaesthetic than anything else and also want to know peoples thoughts on HRT. Not sure whether to look into an alternative. Any ideas?
Im due to have a hystercetomy and ovaries removed on the 16.11.2011,due to painfull periods and endometrosis like everyone else really scared i also run my own buisness as a chef and landlady added pressure to get better quickly. I ahve been told i will go on hrt straight away i am 45 . Also worried i will never feel like having sex anymore or just feel not complete. I really am having second thoughts but do not want to carry on with all the pain amd moods i have only ahve one good week in four any advice please.
Hi Deborah
I’m 37 and also due my hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries on 16th nov.
Who told you about the HRT? The gynoclosgist or your doctor? Just really concerned as this hasn’t been discussed with me at any point!!
I totally understand what your saying about the sex issue …. Probably only one of the things I’m really worried about.
The operation itself well to be honest I really can’t wait
Hope everything goes well for you and your soon on the road to recovery
Nic
Hi Nic,
Sorry not come back to you only just got back on website,the gynocologist told me i would go on it straight away,really getting nervous now feel like cancelling we ahve so many issues with buisness with staff etc,i worried about weight gain to its all a bit of a mess. Your right though no more periods no more terrible pain and hopefully better moods. Thats weierd having it the same day good luck to you to and speedy recovery lets stay in touch. Thank you again. Deborah xx
Am 44 and having a total hystrectomy in two days but am so worried about the after effects especially the pain. I have been having very painfull periods and bleeding heavily, my consultant said i have multiple fibroids on the uterus the biggest measuring 7. Unfortunately i had one child who passed away 2 years ago. Am really confused please help
By now you will have had had your hysterectomy Joy and should be home and starting the road to recovery. I’m not sure what information I can give you at this stage though.
I am 42in and am scheduled for total hysterectomy on Monday. I am worried. I have always been the one to take care of others and to know i will be in hospital for 4thanksgiving days and not there for my family is hard. I am worried about about you the surgery. And can’t talk to anyone. The doctor is not sure what all she will find. I just want to quit hurting all the time. Help me please.
Hi Lisa, by now you may have had surgery and hopefully it all went well for you. Sometimes it’s time to allow others to take the strain and that this is your opportunity to look after yourself instead.
I am having vault repair and hysterectomy in two weeks time. Generally I am a fairly brave women but I am very nervous waiting for the operation. I would like to hear how any of you felt after the operation and how long it took to come back to normal. will life be very different and restricted even after 6-8 weeks.