this is just a holding parent page to allow other pages to be made not visible on the system

Sub Pages Found

• The Chillee Cooling Tummy Wrap - New

This page provides all of our affiliates with a variety of resources with which to bring their campaign to life.  We have included a number of banner ad’s and text ad’s at present.  In the future we hope to be able to offer video as well, but they are still in development.

Firstly, can I say Welcome, and thanks for joining The Hysterectomy Association’s affiliate scheme.  I hope that this will be a profitable venture for both of us, especially as we payout some of the highest earnings available on the net.

The scheme covers all of the products that are available for sale within The Hysterectomy Association shop, but doesn’t include the cost of services such as One2One or workshops, this is because these are often administered and run by separate contractors.

The Hysterectomy Association Affiliate Scheme

The agreement below details the terms and conditions for enrolment in the The Hysterectomy Association Affiliate Scheme.

The terms “Affiliate,” “you,” and “your” refer to you, the applicant. “We” and “our” refer to The Hysterectomy Association. We are independent parties, this agreement will not form any partnership.

Duration

This agreement will commence once your affiliate application has been accepted and will cease when terminated by either party. Termination may happen at any time, with or without cause, by giving the other party written notice of termination.

Changes

Changes may be made to the terms and conditions within this Agreement at any time and at our sole discretion. The changes may include, but not limited to, changes in referral fees, fee schedules, payment procedures and program rules. If you find any of the changes unacceptable, you must terminate the Agreement. The changes will be updated on this web site and you will also be notified of any changes by email. If You continue to participate in the Program following the Change, it will be considered that you have accepted the change.

Commission

You will receive the follow commissions from our sites:-
One of the highest paying Affiliate Schemes on the net. Join our programme and earn 10% commissions on sales.

The cookie duration is 90 days, i.e. you will be entitled to receive the commission if a customer completes a sale within 90 days of finding us from your referral.

Commission can only be earned between the acceptance of the Affiliate application and notice of termination. Fees will be paid by The Hysterectomy Association. Any returned PayPal payments, chargebacks or fees from a returned order will be adjusted in the next fee payment.

Payment

Payments are made monthly and the minimum payment will be £20. If your commission in a month is less than this, the amount outstanding will be carried forward and included in the payment for the following pay period.

Liability

The Hysterectomy Association will not be liable for any indirect damages, loss of revenue, profits or data arising, in connection with the Agreement of the Programme, even if we have been informed of the possibility of such damages.

Processing Orders

It is the responsibility of The Hysterectomy Association to process every order placed by a customer on our website. Customers who purchase products through the Affiliate Scheme will be customers of the advertised website. Prices and availability of our products and services may vary on occasions.

The Hysterectomy Association reserve the right to reject any order that does not comply with our operating procedures and policies.

Restrictions

We reserve the right not to accept sites into the Affiliate Scheme based on site content. Sites that do not qualify for the Affiliate Scheme include, but are not limited to:

Pornograhic and sexually explicit content, racist and abusive content, content incompatible with the ethics and vision of The Hysterectomy Association

Unsolicited Emailing

All Affiliates are expected to adhere to The Hysterectomy Association’s policy of not participating in any mass unsolicited emailing. Any violation of this policy will result in the Affiliate being immediately dismissed from the The Hysterectomy Association Affiliate Scheme with all unpaid commissions being forfeited.

Disclaimer

The Hysterectomy Association does not express or imply any warranties or representations in respect of the Affiliate Scheme or an Affiliate’s potential to earn income from our Programme. We make no representation that either our website or that of the Affiliate Scheme will be uninterrupted or error-free and we will not be liable for any consequences of interruptions or server down time.

Jurisdiction

This Agreement will be governed by the laws of United Kingdom and any action relating to this Agreement must be brought in the courts located within United Kingdom where you consent to the jurisdiction of such courts. You may not assign this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise, without our prior written consent. Subject to that restriction, this Agreement will be binding on, inure to the benefit of, and enforceable against the parties and their respective successors and assigns. Our failure to enforce your strict performance of any provision of this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of our right to subsequently enforce such provision or any other provision of this Agreement.

By participating in this Affiliate Scheme you are acknowledging and consenting that you have read this agreement and agree to all its terms and conditions. You have independently evaluated this program and are not relying on any representation, guarantee, or statement other than as set forth in this agreement.

One of the highest paying affiliate schemes on the net. Join our affiliate programme and earn 10% commission on any sales you make through your own website.

Hi there, if you have a website with visitors that would be interested in products for women who have had a hysterectomy … why not join our affiliate scheme - you can earn 10% on all sales generated from your site.

It’s totally free to join, takes 5 minutes to set up, you get immediate access to online statistics, and as we run the affiliate scheme ourselves you can get in touch with us at any time for help and advice.

Detail real-time statistics 24/7
Banner code generator
Free Signup

How It Works

Once you’ve signed up we provide you with an assortment of banners, buttons and text links for your site, plus a small amount of html code to be inserted with the links. If you have more than one web site, we recommend adding our links to all of your sites – set up a separate account for each so that you can assess which one is earning most.

When a customer clicks on any of your linked banner ads, they will be taken directly to www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk and any orders placed by them for up to 90 days, will generate 10% commission for you!

A confirmation email will be sent to you on pay day which details the amount you have earned in commission and when you are over £20, we’ll pay out. Don’t forget, you can log in at any time to view your statistics and keep track of amounts earned.

If you have a good amount of traffic on your web site and can direct quality referrals to The Hysterectomy Association, then you have the potential to earn a significant amount of commission!

Feature Summary:

• 10% Commission per sale *
• Compatible with all browsers
• Easy deep linking to any page
• Html code provided
• High conversion rate
• Minimum payout £20 monthly
• Quality eye catching banners
• IP tracking of commissions in case cookies are blocked *

More information

The Hysterectomy Association affiliate scheme, is designed to be as user friendly as possible. The scheme gives great statistics, and up to the minute information, which will enable you to generate maximum revenue from the traffic which you send to us.

Our link code generator gives you “cut-and-paste” code for your website.

The scheme is free to join, and we have a variety of eye-catching banners/buttons you can display on your site.

So, fill in a simple form, and start earning today - just click here.

If you would like to display our products rather than banners, that is fine, with a bit if tweaking you can easily link through directly to the exact page on our site that you would like to promote (deep linking), just make sure not to change your affiliate ID code.

We track referrals by cookies and then by IP address if cookies are switched off, to make sure you always get your deserved commission. *

You get your own login details, so you can see exactly what sales commission you have earned, any time you like.

We have a small minimum payout amount, and make all our payouts through PayPal to keep all your confidential financial information secure.

To fill in a simple form, and start earning today, just click here.

Existing affiliates, click here to login.

If you need any help or advice, or have any further affiliate questions, you can call us on 0871 7811141, or just click here to email us.

Open And Honest Reporting

We value and respect our working relationships and are keen to show you the benefits of working with us. Your results and corresponding revenue are tracked for you to see live at any time of the day or night.

* Points to note:

To enable us to track sales properly from your site, visitors do need to have cookies enabled - if they don’t we use their IP address to track sales. However if they have a dynamic IP address, the commission may be lost if they do not buy in the same session, and come back later using a different IP address. Unfortunately there is not a lot we can do about this.

Commission is paid on the value of goods bought, excluding delivery charges.

Terms and Conditions

The Hysterectomy Association website is very extensive and it may be easy to get somewhat lost along the way, therefore we have created a list of the most important links and sections here to help you navigate your way around:-

Information Links:

• Why do I need a hysterectomy?
• Alternatives to hysterectomy
• The emotional impact of hysterectomy
• Vaginal Hysterectomy
• The menopause / surgical menopause
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Alternatives to HRT
• Hysterectomy Video’s
• Hysterectomy Support
• Glossary
• FAQ’s
• News & Research
• Newsletters

Admin Links

• About Us
• Our eBay Shop
• Contact Us
• Hysterectomy Shop
• Other Useful Organisations
• Article Archive
• Press & Media
• Disclaimer
• Privacy Statement
• Terms & Conditions
• Wholesale Distribution
• SiteMap

Vertical Cut

Horizontal Cut

Buy Now, £25.00 + p&p

The Cooling Tummy Wrap™ WILL:

• Reduce swelling at the incision
• Reduce or eliminate the burning sensation at the incision
• Reduce or eliminate the urge scratch your incision
• Provides cool comfortable support of your abdomen when walking, standing, sitting, and even sleeping.
• Soft comfortable design allows you to wear it under your clothing and provide protection to the incision when riding in a car wearing a seat belt.
• Fits directly over your horizontal or vertical incision.

(Don’t forget to choose between horizontal or vertical bands as well as your correct size)

The chillee band comes in Lilac and there are three sizes to choose from (Measure across your hips/incision area):

• Small/Petite: Comfortably fits 31” to 40”
• Medium/Average: Comfortably fits 38” to 52”
• Large/Well Built: Comfortably fits 50” to 58”

PLEASE NOTE: The manufacturers suggest that for measurements that overlap from one size to the next, select the smaller size for a snug fit.

How Does It Work?

The Cooling Tummy Wrap™ is a uniquely designed binder made specifically to ease the discomforts of post op abdominal surgery recovery. The wrap is made with 100% cotton for a soft comforting fit. The wrap is embedded with a water activated polymer. When wet this polymer turns into a gel which is the reason the band will stay cool/cold for long periods. This unique binder comforts by applying gentle yet firm support and applying the equivalent cold compress at the incision site.

Why not support us by using our ebay shop below, you will be surprised by the variety of products that are available.

We have sourced a selection of videos for you to watch to give you more information about hysterectomy.  We will continue to add more as we find them. Please be aware though that some might be quite graphic - we will warn you before you!

General Hysterectomy Video

How a hysterectomy is performed 

We are currently expanding our list of support services and the old local support groups has morphed into local contacts instead. Our local contacts are able to provide a ‘listening ear’ to anyone in their area who is contemplating or who has had a hysterectomy, they will be able to share their experiences and compare notes with you, but they will NOT be able to give you advice.

They may also stock our books and tummy support products so you can easily buy from them as well instead of buying over the web or telephone.

Finally, some of our accredited local contacts are able to offer ‘coffee shop meetings’ and workshops - you can find out more by clicking on the link that will take you to their page.

• Berkshire Area (particularly Wokingham, Reading and Bracknell and the Royal Berkshire Hospital) - Laura Chandler (ACCREDITED)
  
• Edgware, London - Debbie Thompson (ACCREDITED)
  

Would you like to become a local area contact?

If you would like to become a Local Contact and provide a ‘listening ear’ service to your local area you can find out more by reading the information we have provided.

You can buy online from the following Internet bookshops as well:-

• http://www.amazon.com - USA
• http://www.barnesandnoble.com - USA
• http://www.amazon.ca - Canada
• http://www.shearersbookshop.com.au - Australia
• http://books.buyaustralian.com/ - Australia
• http://www.fishpond.co.nz - New Zealand
• http://www.lulu.com - Worldwide

Telephone us:-

You can telephone us on (44) (0)1305 755607 and make a payment with your credit or debit card. Our office is open during normal office hours, although you may be forwarded to a mobile if there is no one in to take your call.  We will try to call you back the same day, but may need to wait until the next business day to do so.

Skype us:- If you are outside the UK or would prefer to make a FREE phone call to us, then you can use the online telephone system SKYPE. Whenever you see the “I’m Online” button you will be able to call in and place your order directly with us and make a payment by credit or debit card. If you aren’t sure what Skype is or would like to create your own free account - visit www.skype.com for more information. By the way, Skpe is owned by Ebay!

Send us a cheque or postal order:-

If you would prefer to send a cheque, simply use the online order system until you get to the checkout page, then complete your delivery information and BEFORE you press the “continue to payment” button, print the form out and pop it in an envelope and send it with your cheque or postal order to:

The Hysterectomy Association, Prospect House, Peverell Avenue East,
Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3WE.

Apologies in advance for those of you outside the UK, this facility is only available for POUNDS STERLING cheques only.

Send us cash:-

We don’t normally recommend this method of payment, but if you would prefer it you can follow the same method as for the cheque and send the cash instead. However, please do send any orders with cash in them by recorded delivery at the very least as we can’t be held responsible if your letter gets lost by the Royal Mail. Once again, STERLING is all we can accept due to the high charges associated with changing foriegn currency.

Removal of the Uterus - Part 1

Removal of the Uterus - Part 2

Thank you so much for signing up to receive our free information.  However, before it begins to arrive in your inbox, you must confirm that your email address is correct. This is a security measure that will help us to protect your details.

So, check your email inbox for the confirmation email and click the link it contains. If you are an AOL user or are unable to click on links in emails, you can simply copy and paste it into the address bar of your browser and press enter on your keyboard.

If you don’t appear to have had your email within a few minutes of pressing submit it may have gone to your junk or spam mail folders by mistake so do check there first.

Kindest regards

The Hysterectomy Association Team

Thank you for confirming your email address and requesting our free booklet, we do appreciate your interest and hope that you will find the information you are sent is useful and interesting. As well as the free booklet, you will also receive our newsletters and I would urge you to remember that you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of the any of the emails we send to you.

You will now receive an email that contains the link to your free booklet. Please don’t forget to print it out or save it on your computer to read later.

I do apologise for the inconvenience that this system may cause, however we have had many problems with spammers and hackers over the years and this is our best effort to try to prevent these problems happening in the future.

Kindest regards,

Linda

Thank you for subscribing to our regular information, we do appreciate your interest and hope that you will find the information you are sent is useful and interesting. Do remember that you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of the emails we send.

You will receive an initial email asking you to confirm your email address by clicking on a link (or by copy and pasting it into the address bar of your browser). As soon as you have confirmed your email address for us, you will receive your first email hint. If you don’t appear to receive the first email within the next hour or so please do check your junk and spam mail folders as it may have been sent there by mistake. You may also need to reset your spam and junk mail settings to allow our emails to reach you.

If you have received emails which have links in them, you should be able to open them from within the email programme, if you aren’t able to open them for some reason, you can simply copy the link and paste it into the address bar of your browser. Once you have pasted the address in, you should then press the enter key on your keyboard (this applies particularly to users of AOL).

I am very much looking forward to talking to you in your first email and in subsequent ones of the next couple of weeks

Kindest regards,

Linda

Thank you very much for your order we appreciate that you have many alternatives to choose from and are pleased you decided to shop with us.

And to show you how much we appreciate your business we also offer all our customers a 15% discount on ANY future orders. If you would like to use your discount now, simply follow the link below which will take you back to our catalogue and carry on shopping from there your discount will be deducted automatically at the checkout.

Just to let you know, we try to ship all our orders on the same or next business day wherever possible. However, we guarantee to ship them out within 14 days of your purchase.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us as soon as possible as your satisfaction is very important to us and we do try to answer all emails within 48 hours of receipt.

• Women’s Health Concern
• British Complementary Medicine Association
  Kensington House, 33 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QZ. Telephone:- 0845 345 5977 Email:- info@bcma.co.uk
• British Heart Foundation
  14 Fitzhardinge Street, London, W1H 4DH Telephone: 020 7935 0185
• The British Menopause Society
  4-6 Eton Place, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2QA, Tel: 00 44 01628 890199
• National Infertility Support Network
  Charter House 43 St Leonards Road Bexhill-on-Sea East Sussex TN40 1JA Telephone: 01424 732361 Email: office@email2.child.org.uk
• The Continence Foundation
  307 Hatton Square 16 Baldwins Gardens London EC1N 7RG
• Daisy Network - Premature Menopause
  PO Box 183, Rossendale, BB4 6WZ
• Endometriosis UK
  50 Westminster Palace Gardens, Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RR Tel: 020 7222 2781 Fax: 020 7222 2786 Email: Endometriosis UK 50 Westminster Palace Gardens, Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RR Tel: 020 7222 2781 Fax: 020 7222 2786
• The Fibromyalgia Association UK
  PO Box 206 Stourbridge, DY9 8YL; Telephone: 01384 820052.
• Gynae-C - provides support for women suffering from gynaecological cancers.
  2 Bolingbroke Road Swindon SN2 2LB
• Hers Foundation - hysterectomy alternatives and after effects
• Hystersisters
  A woman to woman website based in the United States. Excellent resource full of many womens stories.
• The IBS Network
  Northern General Hospital Sheffield South Yorkshire S5 7AU
• The International Menopause Society
  PO Box 687, Wray, Lancaster, LA2 8WY, Tel: +44 15242 21190, Fax: +44 15242 22596
• Incontact - UK organisation for people affected by bowel and bladder problems.
• Issue - National Fertility Association
  114 Lichfield Street Walsall West Midlands WS1 1SZ Telephone: 01922 722888
• Margaret Pyke Centre - Contraceptive advice and general information about womens health
  73 Charlotte Street London W1P 1LB
• Marie Stopes - Family/Pregnancy Planning
  153-157 Cleveland Street London W1P 6QW Telephone:- 0207 574 7400 email:- services@stopes.org.uk
• Menopause Matters
• National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome
  41 Old Road East Peckham Kent TN12 5AP Phone/fax 0870 777 2178
• National Health Information Service
  A national service that has local centres. Offers information on a wide range of health related issues. Victoria Health Centre Glasshouse Street Nottingham NG1 3LW Telephone:- 0800 66 55 44
• National Osteoporosis Society
  PO Box 10 Barton Meade House Radstock BATH BA3 3YB Telephone:- 01761 432472 Fax:- 01761 471104 Helpline:- 01761 472721
• Natural Health Advisory Service
  PO Box 268 Lewis East Sussex BN7 2QN Telephone:- 01273 487366
• PANTS - Raising Awareness of Gynae Cancer and Womens Health
• Ovacome - Ovarian Cancer Support Network
  St Bartholomews Hospital West Smithfield London EC1A 7BE
• Research Council for Complimentary Medicine
  c/o 1 Harley Street, London W1G 9QD
• The She (simply holisitc endometriosis) Trust
  14 Moorland Way Lincoln LN6 7JW Telephone: +44 08707 743665 or 743664
• UK Continence Foundation
  The Warrell Unit Saint Marys Hospital Whitworth Park Manchester M13 0JH
• Verity - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  Unit AS20.01 The Aberdeen Centre 22-24 Highbury Grove London N5 2EA
• Wellbeing - The research and charitable arm of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  27 Sussex Place Regents Park London NW1 4SP Telephone:- 020 7262 5337
• Health European Union in all4woman.net

There are so many things you can do to help us. Here are some of our suggestions but please contact usThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss any ideas you have and we will be glad to try and work with you.

Make a donation

• By Cheque: Please send a cheque, made payable to The Hysterectomy Association, to us at The Gables, 10a Acreman Close, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7JU.
• By Credit Card: You can make a donation with your credit card at paypal with this link or you can telephone us with your credit card details on 0871 7811141

Organise a Fund Raising Event
Why not organise an event to raise money (and hopefully awareness) for The Hysterectomy Association? We can provide you with posters and information. Contact us for more information

Join our nationwide counselling team
We have been offering counselling in the area that is local to Dorset for around 12 months. The difficulty is that most of our users don’t live in Dorset - they are elsewhere around the country therefore we are setting up a nationwide counselling service. Download the information Sheet - Get the Application Form .

Sell our products
If you have a shop or a website, you can sell our products at a discount or earn some extra money referring people to us. You can find out more on our Wholesale Distribution page.

Volunteer If you have expertise in any of the following areas and are able to offer a few hours each week or month then please do contact usThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss what you can do to help:

• Public Relations
• Marketing
• Research
• Fund Raising
• Membership Management

John is Linda’s husband, and has been a driving force behind The Hysterectomy Association since it’s inception back in 1997. He was at the top of his profession as Industrial Trouble Shooter when his first wife developed breast cancer. As a result he left Rolls Royce to become a full time carer. After his wife died, he completely changed career to train with Relate as a Relationship Counsellor and has a been a signifcant ‘voice’ on The Hysterectomy Association helpline.

He is a member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and is now pursuing his aim of bringing more laughter into people’s lives. He has recently completed his first book ‘101 Handy Hints for a Happy Retirement’ and you can contact him directly by email to: john@laughter-matters.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

John is also the author of Hysterectomies For Men , a gentle, funny look at how one man coped with his wife’s hysterectomy.

Linda started The Hysterectomy Association back in 1996 after having a hysterectomy herself at the age of 32 to deal with the severe endometriosis she had suffered from since she was 16. It came about when she decided to use the subject of the information needs of women having a hysterectomy as the basis of a thesis for her MSc in Information Studies at Loughborough University. When the research was completed, she was asked by the ladies who had taken part to start an organisation just for them that would provide them with a place to go for information and support. Click on this link to download a copy of the short report detailing the findings from the research.

Linda has written four books so far, three of them about hysterectomy and the fourth about using the Internet for business. You can find out more about Linda and her other roles by viewing her linked in profile - if you are in business yourself, you may well want to join her too - just let her know that you’re from The Hysterectomy Association.

• 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy
• The Pocket Guide to Hysterectomy
• Losing the Woman Within
• How To Build A Brilliant Business With The Internet: 101 essential hints & tips for every successful small business and entrepreneur

Welcome to Linda’s top tips for getting the very best from the information and support that our website offers.

1. You can start getting your information needs met by signing up to receive our regular, reassuring hints, tips and suggestions delivered direct to your inbox each day. Simply fill in the boxes at the end of this page to sign up.
2. I would recommend placing an order for 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy, as soon as possible, simply because this book is such a mine of practical information. Choose from the paperback version, (£7.00+p&p) perfect for carrying around with you, or the ebook version (only £4.99) which is ideal if you can’t wait to get it or are based outside the United Kingdom with the advantage of no postage costs!.
3. You might like to consider registering to use our forums, as this is where you will meet lots of wonderful women, just like you, who are at various stages of their hysterectomy journeys. They will help you compare notes, share information, and provide tons of support just when you need it and are great at giving virtual hugs!.
4. Now, why not pour yourself a large glass of wine, a cup of tea or a coffee and then settle back and have a good read through all the information you will find on the website.
5. Finally, RELAX, and congratulations, you are doing wonderfully. You now have access to all the information you need and perhaps best of all, every time you want something else you can come back to us and find it, simply by clicking on that link in your favourites.

Oh, and before I forget. If you do have any questions that for some reason aren’t answered in any of the above, then you can wither email them to meThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , post them on the forums or ‘phone our helpline (if you are based in the UK) between 10.00am and 2.00pm, Monday to Friday. The number is 0871 7811141.

So just what do our users say about us?  Well you can find a selection of the feedback we receive in the office here.  By the way, it isn’t just positive here because that is all we want to show - it is positive because that’s what we get!

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

Hey Linda, I did feedback a few days ago but incase you didn’t get it I’ll write again!!  I want to thank you so much for all your tips and encouragements. I didn’t buy any books because I am here in India (this is where I had the op. even though I am from England) but your encouragements were invaluable.  I am four weeks into the healing now. The greatest lesson I needed to learn was how to get out of bed and back in without hurting oneself! Once this was mastered I began to potter around a little at a time. My energy level is now coming back and I have to watch myself from not running! With no pain or dicouragements I want to just jump and run!! So I must still go slow.  Once again thank you so  much for being there.  I will definately pass on your web page, immediately I hear of someone going through this. (I found you a week later. I had had the op and was at home when I searched the web).  May you be encoourged and those who work with you.  All the best, Bunty

Dear Linda,  many thanks for the tips you sent me. I found them to be quite a comfort and certainly helped me after my operation. It’s nice to know that you are not alone and that there are others who know how you feel at a difficult time.  I am feeling much better and will be returning to work and normality soon.  Again, many thanks, Kind regards, Caroline

Dear Linda,  I must thank you for all mail I have received to date.  It has helped and I would just say that I do not have my operation until 5th June but I have been concerned and rather dreading it. Your a-mails make me feel positive and I shall certainly take note of all that is said. I have been a fit person most of my life and now I am nearly 75 years and so , as I say, I must be positive and will continue to read the e-mails.  Barbara

Thanks Linda, I have started finding my way around the website, and its incredibly useful. The factual information is great but I find the forums particularly good, as its so reassuring to read other woman’s experiences as it can be quite an isolated experience once you come out of hospital. My TAH was at the end of March, so I’m still on the ‘nursery slopes’ of recovery (though feeling much better than I ever imagined possible!). I’m just waiting for my registration to come through so that I can log on to the ‘March Club’.  Thanks for such a great site - I’m sure it’ll be a brilliant companion over the coming months.
Best wishes, JaniceHi Linda, Being 6 weeks down the line from having a TAH and BSO I have to say I’ve found your web site absolutely marvellous re: information and have downloaded the free booklet as well.  I wish now I’d found the site before I went into hospital !  It’s good to read through the message boards and know that I’m not the only one going through all of this.  With kind regards, Yvonne

I would just like to say how much I have appreciated you booklet 101 happy hints.It has been my bible.It is now 2 weeks since my op, and without this book I would have been a mess, I read it thoroughly before the op and pointed out various bits to my partner and family, who obviously taken notice.  The op went really well, and I was up and around within a day, and doing all the right things to be allowed home,after 4 days.  I couldn’t have imagined just how tired I would be, even now, and how very,very hard it would be just to sit, or lie and let others look after me.This I have found extremely hard ,but because of the advice in the book, have learned to accept.I try to do various little jobs each day, but as soon as my body tells me I know to stop, and sit down.  My scar has healed very well, but is still causing me an awful lot of pain in this area., but as everyone keeps telling me “its early days yet”.  You do feel helpless, and even lazy, but thanks to this booklet you realise you are not alone, and if you take it easy now, the recovery will be better in the long run.  So glad I bought this book,  Olwen

Hello, had op on 29th march so just got back to looking at the e mails, thank you for all your support  i’m going to start reading through them now regards jane 

Hi Linda,  I downloaded the ebook 101 Hints - it is very informative and helpful.  So far I have been offered no information like this from the hospital.  I am due for surgery on April 18th. Most of my information I have found on the internet.
I am surprised the NHS doesn’t produce your book for patients. It’s very good.  Many thanks for your work.  Rachel

Hi Linda, thank you for all your emails, they have been a great help through the journey of my hysterectomy.  It has now been 3 weeks since I have had my hysterectomy and your hints and tips have been greatfully received.  thanks again.  Elke

Hello Linda,  Its been lovely to read from you everyday, i have gone thru all the 11 Hints and feel great. Its very educative, THANKS.   have been to the forums site but have severally failed to register myself on the site, cant tell what am failing to do. a message says, wrong user name or password. Please help me join the club. Thank you very much Linda and God Bless you for the positive impact you are to us.

Hi, Linda  Elizabeth again from New Zealand.  Just to let you know that the parcel arrived in the letterbox today - invoice dated 2 April and no mail delivery since Easter Thursday until today, Tuesday 10 April.  Thanks for wonderful delivery ..  Elizabeth

Hi  I think the hints and tips are fantastic.  I just wish I’d known about the website sooner.  Anita

Hi Linda,  Thank you so much for your email.  I have printed out the book and am finding it very informative.  Thank you so much.  My surgery will be in late May, and I am really ready to have it done.   (I have fibroids.)  I’m not too nervous about it, but I just want to be as informed as possible.  Your association is a great resource.  Thank you.  Eliss

Dear Linda, It is a few weeks now since my GP told me I had a fibroid as big as a melon and that it is more than likely that a hysterectomy will be necessary.  I came home and found your site on the internet very quickly and it was what I needed, giving me enough information for the moment to start coming to terms with what is happening.  I am now waiting for a scan and follow up appointments and no doubt once everything has been confirmed I will be sending for ‘101 Handy Hints’ but for the moment, thank you, I know that your site and the forums will be just the support I need and I am very glad that I have found it.  Yours in limbo land for the moment, Julie Johnston 

Hi there,  I have enjoyed receiving the Tips for Hysterectomy … I had my operation 9 days ago so being online can sometimes be a little uncomfortable. I am just starting to feel like a human being again rather than a zombie overpowered on drugs.  I have been able to take the hints and use them. Especially hint number 9 .. getting up and down steps.
I guess the part I am experiencing at the moment is the bruising coming to the surface which is a little undomfortable at times.   I am also experiencing the emotional side of the operation. I found it hard to come home from hospital. While I was still in hospital it wasnt final. Coming home meant it was. I wanted to stay there forever. I have a 6 month old baby, 5 year old to come home too and as much as I missed them this was about me. This was me facing the finality of it all. Staying in hospital meant I didnt have to face the fact my ‘parts’ were gone. People advised me that I would grieve for my ‘parts’ but I hated them. I hated my ‘parts’ as they were causing me pain. Pain that was stopping me from living my life. Stopping me from being a mum. I hated them and I wanted them gone. I wanted them gone and didnt consider what my life was going to be like with out them. I couldnt get pregnant again but this didnt hit home until i was about to be discharged. I had comfort in the ‘four walls’ of the hospital. WHile I was there it wasnt happening. Do you ever get women experiencing this ?   I would like to purchase the book but as I was so ill before the operation I didnt do anything on here apart from read emails.  I look forward to finding out more helpful hints to help me on my way to recovery as I hope one day I can in return help others too from my experience.   Thanks for the ongoing support, Truly grateful,  Michelle

Thanks for the info - and for your help.  I’ve found out so much more from you than the doctors ever told me!  Sue

Hi Linda,  Thank you so much for the information that you have sent me via email. I did buy the handy hints book and yes, it was very informative as is the web site…..  Next week is my TAH operation (Thursday)..The book has put my mind at ease with some of the questions that I need answering…..As for any tips to add at present I cant think of any……  Thanks for the support, Roz

Hi Linda,  The hints were both helpful and funny which I think has helped me.  The book I found very informative and a helped me understand what I should and shouldn’t be doing before and after surgery.  I even recommended it to the hospital when I went last week for my pre-assessment last week.  Today is my last day at work as I will be going in to hospital for my operation tomorrow.  I am very nervous today but hopefully in a week’s time I will be back home which is some thing to look forward to.  Thank you for your support and I will definitely let you know how I get on with surgery and the continued support of the book.  Best Regards,  Karen

Hi,  Further to your EMail I have found both the tips and the site in general very useful, my only regret is not finding it sooner.  I was admitted to hospital in early February with a bladder infection which was taking longer than normal to clear up, they gave me a CT scan where large masses were found on both ovaries, and  my blood showed signed that CA 125 maker was  higher than normal so ovarian cancer was suspected.  I was admitted back into  hospital 3 weeks later for a TAH/BSO which took place on  March 14th 2007.  The nurses there and the care I received were terrific, however that does not prepare you, for when you come home for ,the hundreds of questions you should have asked but never thought of when there was someone to answer them at the time. I have learned so much since I found your site and reading other ladies postings in the forums gave me hope whilst I was waiting for my  results, (I have since got my histology results and the masses were benign, so that was a great relief)  It would be good if ladies who were told that they needed this operation were informed of this site early in their care so they can learn from the experiences of the wonderful ladies in the forums. I will certainly make it known  to my hospital (John Radcliffe Oxford) and to my doctor’s surgery.  Many Thanks for all of your help - Its been wonderful to know I have not been alone.  Kind Regards,  Denise

thanks, I found the tips helpful, and it was great getting the e mails regularly, i bought the book from amazon when i knew that the op was going to happen.  I like the book but did my own diary on spreadsheets as i could not find it on the web pages.  faced up to hassle with my doctor who thinks some tests are unnecessary and a waste of his time. duly complained in writing to get him spoken to!!  gave me a smidgen of relief even if nothing happens! still its happening tomorrow so off to be nice to close peeps before they send me away

(Linda replies: hopefully it will be easier to find the right downloads now that we have a brand new, easier to use website!).

Dear Linda,  I had my hysterectomy five days ago in Seattle,Washington. I am now home and checking email for the first time since surgery.  I am filled with gratitude for the information provided in your publication.  It has helped me on so many different levels - before and after surgery.   Feeling panic and confusion, I spent hours seeking information on the web and your site (specifically your book) was by far the most rewarding, educational, pertinent, and calming.  Thank you.  Jane

hi, i found these hints really informative & helpful. I particularly like the format of sending them each day, as this gives you time to digest info & doesnt feel like you are getting bombarded with all the hints & tips. I am due to have my op 12 june so i feel that i have benefitted from getting the hints pre op. Keep up the good work!!! amanda 

“Hi Linda, Being 6 weeks down the line from having a TAH and BSO I have to say I’ve found your web site absolutely marvellous re: information and have downloaded the free booklet as well.  I wish now I’d found the site before I went into hospital !  It’s good to read through the message boards and know that I’m not the only one going through all of this.
With kind regards, Yvonne”

“I am an Occupational Health nurse, had a hysterectomy myself around 15 years ago and wish the sort of information you give was available then!!   In my day to day  job, and outside, I meet many people who have concerns or worries before or after hysterectomy and use your site as a resource.  I find it VERY useful and informative.  Thank You”

“Dear Linda,  Although you are half a world away in England you will never know  how much I have looked forward to your emails.  I had my hysterectomy on the 29/3/07 and am slowly recovering.  I have been home for a day and am slowly feeling better. (I still need heaps of pain relief but have accepted this rather than fighting it).  Your book was full of valuable tips and I have printed it out and keep it by my bedside to refer to on a daily basis.  our website and emails gave me the confidence to go ahead with the surgery, even though I am thousands of miles away in Australia.  I know I am still a woman and soon will feel so much better.  So a heartfelt thankyou to you!  Love Karen”

A vaginal hysterectomy is one where the uterus/womb and cervix are removed through the vagina. Because it is less invasive recovery is often much faster than with a traditional abdominal hysterectomy. It is performed by pulling the womb and cervix through a hole that is made in the top of the vagina. Surgical instruments are then placed into the vagina to remove the uterus from the ligaments that hold it in place. After the womb and the cervix has been removed, the incision made at the top of the vagina is then stitched closed.

This type of surgery is not suitable for all women though and may be only available in a limited number of hospitals. Generally, women who are expecting to have fewer complications with a hysterectomy and those who have had children (as their ligaments are less firm) will be more suitable candidates. If you have large fibroids, a lot of endometriosis and/or adhesions then an abdominal hysterectomy may be considered more appropriate for you.

Recommended Reading

The Pocket Guide to Hysterectomy - £3.50 from The Hysterectomy Association. Has everything you need to know about all the types of hysterectomy and which ones are recommended for which medical condition.

Recommended Resources

• Check out the forum on Type of Hysterectomy
• Receive FREE pre-hysterectomy handy hints and tips emailed directly to your email inbox each day
• If you have already had a hysterectomy, you may prefer our Hysterectomy Recovery Hints & Tips instead!
• Don’t forget to get your free booklet either
• Check out all the latest hysterectomy news and research as well

More Information:

• Recovery after hysterectomy
• The risks of hysterectomy
• Why do I need a hysterectomy?
• Alternatives to hysterectomy

This is the section of the site where we try to keep you informed with what is new in the research world. Please feel free to browse around the various categories of research, but do bear in mind you can get much conflicting information!

We are currently conducting research into two main areas:

• The Information Needs of Hysterectomy Patients
• Your Post Hysterectomy Experiences

We would be very grateful if you would consider taking part in both of these surveys as they help to determine future policy of The Hysterectomy Association. They also help us to lobby the medical establishment on your behalf. Both surveys will last for a full twelve months and the finaly results will be available in Summer 2009. We will publish interim results as appropriate.

You can find the results of our most recent survey here

• Ageing
• Alternative Health
• Alternatives to HRT
• Alternatives to Hysterectomy
• Breast cancer
• Cervix
• Comment
• Depression
• Diet
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Heart Disease
• Heavy Bleeding
• HRT News
• Hysterectomy
• Hysterectomy Recovery
• Meditation
• Memory Loss
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Ovaries
• Post Birth
• Sex drive
• Social Factors
• Surgery
• Testosterone
• Urinary Incontinence
• Uterine Cancer
• Weight Gain
• Women’s Health

ABDOMEN - the area of the belly, between the bottom of the ribs and the groin.

Amenorrhoea - absence of menstrual periods.

BONE DENSITY - a measure of the amount of mineral, mainly calcium, in a bone.

BONE LOSS - the process of losing bone density.

CANCER - a disease that is caused by the rapid multiplication of abnormal cells in any part of the body.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - any disease of the circulatory system.

CERVICAL SMEAR - a test performed to check for abnormal changes to the cells on the cervix.

CHOLESTEROL - a steroid that is classified as a lipid that is a constituent of all animal cells. High blood cholesterol levels increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

CIRCULATION - the movement of blood around the body, via veins and arteries.

CLIMACTERIC - the years of the menopause, starting with the peri-menopause. Typically when you start experiencing menopausal symptoms.

CONTINUOUS-COMBINED HRT - a form of HRT where you take both oestrogen and progesterone.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS - the reasons for not using a particular treatment, usually because it will be made worse.

COLLAGEN - a fibrous protein that gives strength and elasticity to skin, bones, cartiliage and connective tissues.

CORTICAL BONE - the hard outer layer of the bone.

D&C - dilation and curettage

DILATION AND CURETTAGE - the procedure of scraping away the lining of the uterus, under general anaesthetic.

DOWAGERS HUMP - a curve on the upper spine as a result of compression of the spinal column. Often a symptom of Osteoporosis.

Dysmenorrhoea - is pain that occurs before and/or during menstruation.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - manufactures and distributes hormones into the bloodstream.

ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION - removal of the inner lining of the uterus by the use of radio waves or laser treatment.

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER - cancer of the lining of the uterus.

ENDOMETRIOSIS - occurs when cells of the endometrium appear outside the uterus, resulting in blood blisters.

ENDOMETRIUM - the lining of the uterus.

Epidural anaesthetic - injection of anaesthetic drugs around the spinal nerves to abolish pain.

ERT - Estrogen Replacement Therapy.

ESTROGEN - the American spelling of Oestrogen.

ENZYME - proteins that cause chemical changes in other cells. They are necessary to breakdown or metabolize nutrients, drugs and hormones.

FALLOPIAN TUBES - the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus.

FIBROIDS - non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus.

GYNAECOLOGIST - a doctor specialising in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female genital organs.

HDL’s - High Density Lipoproteins.

HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS - a form of cholesterol that attaches to low density lipoproteins and allows them to be absorbed out of blood vessels.

HORMONES - substances made by the body that are transported by the blood to affect other parts of the body.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY - the replacement of natural hormones by manufactured hormones.

HOT FLUSH - sudden flow of heat to the skin, usually the face.

HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy

HYPOTHALAMUS - the area of the brain regulating temperature, appetite, thirst and hormonal glands. At the base of the brain and connected to the pituitary gland.

HYSTERECTOMY - the surgical removal of all or part of the female reproductive organs.

IMPLANT - a form of HRT in which a small pellet is inserted under the skin, usually in the abdomen.

INSOMNIA - inability to sleep.

LIBIDO - sex drive.

LDL’s - Low Density Lipoproteins

LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS - a form of cholesterol that can become attached the the walls of blood vessels , inhibiting the flow of blood.

MENOPAUSAL - refers to the menopause

MENOPAUSE - the final menstrual period.

MENSTRUATION - the monthly (usually) bleed.

Metrorrhagia is vaginal bleeding, in-between normal menstrual periods. May or may not be associate with the post-menopausal period.

MINERALS - inorganic chemicals , essential to cellular function.

NATURAL MENOPAUSE - menopause that occurs naturally.

SURGICAL MENOPAUSE - menopause that occurs following a hysterectomy and/or removal of the ovaries.

OESTRADIOL - the most potent natural oestrogen found in the blood.

OESTROGEN - the female sex hormone, secreted mainly by the ovaries, responsible for female development.

OESTROGEN DEFICIENT - does not produce enough oestrogen.

OESTROGEN RECEPTORS - the areas of the brain that respond the presence of oestrogen.

OESTRIOL - the weakest natural oestrogen found in the blood.

OESTRONE - natural oestrogen found in the blood.

Oligomenorrhoea - infrequent menstruation, or periods.

OOPHORECTOMY - removal of the ovaries (unilateral - one ovary or bilateral - both ovaries).

ORAL HRT - hormone replacement therapy in the form of tablets.

OSTEOBLASTS - cells within the bone that form new bone by a constant process of rebuild and repair.

OSTEOCLASTS - cells within the bone that dissolve old bone so that it can be replaced

OSTEOPOROSIS - a disease where the bone becomes so porous, brittle and fragile that it breaks easily.

OVARIES - two organs on either side of the uterus that produce the hormone oestrogen and eggs for fertilisation.

PALPITATIONS - rapid or irregular heartbeats.

PATCH - an adhesive patch applied to the bottom or top of leg, so that HRT can be absorbed by the skin.

PEAK BONE MASS - the period when the bones contain the most mineral, usually achieved by 30 - 35.

PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES - muscles at the base of the pelvis, that support the pelvic organs.

PERI-MENOPAUSE - time before the menopause when the production of female sex hormones is reduced.

PITUITARY GLAND - gland in the brain that manufactures hormones controlling other glands.

POST-MENOPAUSE - after the final period.

Primary postpartum haemorrhage - bleeding from the birth canal in excess of half a litre or excessive bleeding that lasts more than 24 hours after the baby is born.

PREMATURE MENOPAUSE - a menopause that occurs before the age of 45 , either naturally or surgically.

PROGESTERONE - a naturally occurring female hormone.

PROLAPSE - abnormal dropping of an organ, usually the rectum, uterus, vagina or bowel.

RDA - Recommended Daily Allowance.

RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE - daily intake of vitamins and minerals recommended by government health agencies.

ROUTE - in this case means the way that HRT is administered.

SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN - a protein in the blood that binds with and transports sex hormones, at this time they are not active.

STROKE - when blood supply to the brain is affected so that normal function is reduced.

SUBCUTANEOUS HRT - an implant, usually in the lower abdomen or bottom.

SURGICAL MENOPAUSE - a menopause occurring following surgery, usually hysterectomy or removal of ovaries.

TACHYPHYLAXIS - this is a condition some women taking subcutaneous HRT have a return of menopausal symptoms even though blood oestrogen levels are normal.

TAH - Total Abdominal Hysterectomy - the removal of the uterus and cervix performed through a cut in lower abdomen.

TESTOSTERONE - male sex hormone, small amounts are produced in women by the ovaries.

THROMBOSIS - blood clots that form in veins or arteries.

TRABECULAR BONE - the inner layer of bone that is most at risk from osteoporosis.

TRANSDERMAL HRT - HRT which is administered via the skin, either by patch or cream.

TVH - Total Vaginal Hysterectomy - removal of the uterus and cervix via the vagina

UTERUS - womb

VAGINA - the birth canal, leads from the uterus to outside the body.

VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS - symptoms of menopause that are caused by constriction of the blood vessels, hot flushes, night sweats and some headaches.

How would you like to receive a pre-operation, daily hint, tip or suggestion as well as our regular newsletters? You can get them all NOW delivered conveniently to your inbox each day by simply completing the form below.

When you have given us your contact details below, you will be sent an email message to the address you have used which asks you to confirm your email address, so please check your email inbox as soon as possible after clicking on the submit button. When you have followed the instructions in the email and confirmed your email address, you will then receive your first email hint. If you don’t appear to receive the confirmation email within 15 minutes, please do check your junk, phishing and spam email folders as it may have been diverted there by mistake.

You might also be interested in our book, 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy, which is chock full of even more hints and tips to help make your hysterectomy as positive an experience as possible.

How would you like to receive handy hints direct to your inbox designed to help your recovery after a hysterectomy? You may have a myriad of questions about your future health, what you should (and shouldn’t!) be doing, whether there are exercises you could try or food you can eat that will help you recover more quickly.

Which is why we have created these free hints and tips which will be conveniently delivered to your email inbox each day. They are informative, thought provoking and helpful at every stage post hysterectomy, and you can stop receiving them at any time if you find you don’t need them anymore.

They also have links to helpful leaflets and downloads that you might find useful as well. To have the hints delivered to you just leave us your name and email address in the form below, and we will do the rest.
When you have given us your contact details below, you will be sent an email message to the address you have used which asks you to confirm your email address, so please check your email inbox as soon as possible after clicking on the submit button. When you have followed the instructions in the email and confirmed your email address, you will then recieve your first email hint. If you don’t appear to receive the confirmation email within 15 minutes, please do check your junk and spam email folders as it may have been diverted there by mistake.

However, if you haven’t yet had your hysterectomy you may prefer to receive our hints and tips specifically designed to help you make your hysterectomy a happy one. Click here to get them now!

Alternatively, why not grab your copy of 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy Now!

We have a range of books and other products to help you navigate your way through your hysterectomy in the easiest and quickest way.

• 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy - £7.00 + p&p (paperback) or £4.99 - (download)
• The Pocket Guide to Hysterectomy £3.50 + p&p (Paperback) -£3.00 (download)
• Hysterectomies for Men (ebook) - £4.99
• Losing the Woman Within (ebook) - £4.99

• Healthy Eating for the Menopause - £12.99 + p&p
• The New Natural Alternatives to HRT - £10.99 + p&p

• Yoga for Back Care and Relaxation - £10.00 + p&p

• Hospital knickers - £5.99 + p&p
• Support knickers - £10.99 + p&p
• Tummy Support Bands - £8.99 + p&p

Sub Pages Found

• Hospital knickers
• Support knickers
• Tummy Support Bands
• Healthy Eating for the Menopause
• The New Natural Alternatives to HRT
• Yoga for Back Care and Relaxation
• The Pocket Guide to Hysterectomy
• Hysterectomies for Men
• Losing the Woman Within
• 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy

Buy the Paperback - £7.00 (+ p&p)
Buy the ebook version - £4.99 (NO p&p)
(immediate delivery via download)

“My surgery was totally unexpected and done on an emergency basis. I had no time to research what to expect. A friend brought a copy of your 101 Hints shortly after and it was extremely helpful and reassuring.” Daline
(you can see what other readers have said below).

This invaluable book provides all the essential practical information, tips and advice that will help to make your hysterectomy a happy one. Perfect, whether you are waiting for a date or have already had your surgery, it removes many of the worries we have as we recover simply and easily.

It has masses of information, hints and tips on a huge number of subjects like:

• advice and suggestions to help make your recovery quicker and easier
• practical tips to help you cope with each stage of recovery
• when to think about driving, flying and getting back to work
• what you should, and shouldn’t be doing at any given time
• fantastic, healthy recipes for healing the body and managing the menopause
• many complementary therapies, supplements and remedies you can try which have been shown to help your body heal itself
• what you can do to help ensure your long term health
• what to take into hospital with you

There is even more information on deciding whether to take HRT or not; how to decide whether you should have your ovaries and cervix removed; the various exercises you can do at different stages; dealing with the more embarrasing aspects of surgery like painful wind; coping with the boredom of recovery and generally getting your life back to normal.

Have a look at our alternative ways to purchase!

What Readers Have Said ….

“I found the 101 hints very good information. I read the whole thing, then picked out sections. It helped me make lists and mentally prepare…… Overall, the most complete source of information I’ve received. .” Wendy

“The 101 hints book was brill- everyone at the hospital laughed at my Eeyore cushion but boy was it useful- it comes everywhere with me now!!!! You just helped provide the information that I needed to prepare myself and for that I am so grateful. Nothing was a surprise in hospital, I asked virtually no questions, and kept recommending the website. Well done for all your hard work and thank-you. .” Laura

“The book arrived this morning and I read it in one sitting. …… You’ve put my mind at ease and I’m now ready for my next consultants appointment.” TH

“Just to say how very helpful I found the 101 Handy Hints book after my recent hysterectomy. The bite size chunks of information and really practical advice, coupled with a sense of humour, really got me through the first few days in particular. .” HG

“101 Handy Hints is a must read for any woman having a hysterectomy, it made me laugh as well as informed me, I really did appreciate it.” JP

“I recently ordered a copy of the 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy book. I received it yesterday and read it today. I felt I had to let everyone know - what a fab book!.” JL.

“..that book is Brilliant, Very helpful! Everyone should buy this book - well worth it”. G

“Linda, I recently purchased your on line 101 hints for for an happy hysterectomy book to prepare me for my operation. I must say how much the book helped me through the different stages of the operation especially the early days and of the complications and side effects. It became my life line and at my side every day. It is now almost 7 weeks since my op and feel much better than the early days. The book is amazing and so useful for people undergoing hysterectomies because it is a scary time and we all need help and support. I would love to run a support group. Many many grateful thanks“. Lindsay

BUY NOW - Just £4.99 (download only) -

“When I had my hysterectomy, I found myself lost in a sea of bewildering thoughts, feelings and practical necessities. I had imagined that as soon as the operation was over, I would be a new woman, just like the gynaecologist had told me and was extremely concerned, guilty and angry at myself when this did not happen. As the years have gone by, I have come to realise that what I felt was perfectly normal, that there is no right way to have a hysterectomy, there is only the way we each individually experience it and there are so many shades of experience they make a veritable rainbow of alternatives.”

Would you prefer a paperback version? If so you can purchase it direct from our publishers.

The title of this ebook is a response to the 1000’s of women who have contacted us over the years who feel that their essential womanhood will be profoundly affected when they lose their womb. It is a full and frank account of the range of possible emotional impacts that a hysterectomy can have.

It covers the emotional upset that can be caused by our hormones as well as the psychological ones of anxiety, stress, anger, grief, guilt and depression; it talks about the possible effect on relationships and our sexuality and it is all done with the sensitivity and understanding by someone who has ‘been there’, and who has emerged happy and healthy at the end of it.

Written as an informative guide to what you may experience, it is also interspersed with the authors own experiences and story, which she has used to illustrate the emotions and situations she is talking about. It has a clear and easy style of writing, that will appeal to every woman who is about to embark on a hysterectomy journey.

Although this is an ebook, it is very easy to download, you simply click on a link that is given to you once you have paid (like you would when you are surfing the internet) and a pop up box appears that prompts you to save it to your computer. Once you have saved it, you have the option of reading it on your computer screen or printing it out to read later. It is such a quick process you can be reading it in just half an hour.

Have a look at our alternative ways to purchase!

What Readers Have Said ….

“Thank you so much for your quick response and for the wonderful website. The information is excellent and very reassuring.” Brenda

“Very informative, well written (no jargon), and easily understood!!!! Well done …… and thank you.” Gina

“Thank you .. it has really helped make my inevitable decision! I feel much more positive” Lucy

“Thank you, the information is very helpful and you are a ‘pillow’ of strength..” Eloise.

“The imformation has been very useful, you learn as you go along. I was very moved by your story.” Janice

Ebook Only - £4.99 (Download almost immediately)

Welcome to the world of Pete and Ann, a couple who are thinking about having a hysterectomy. Their relationship has been difficult over the last ten years and Pete contemplates the impact the operation will have upon their day to day life together. Pete keeps a personal diary charting how he feels about the whole process from the initial referral to seven weeks post-op, and shows the trials and tribulations from a uniquely male perspective. Nothing in life had prepared him for the roller coaster of emotions and the tremendous challenges that faced him from the moment that Ann went into hospital. This hilarious story could only be told by a man who’s ‘been there.’

The book provides a revealing insight into the mind of a man simoultaneously grappling with the forces of nature and his own complex emotions.

“I’ve got to page 16 and had to stop because I can’t see for tears running down my face and my belly hurts with laughing - i’ll do myself an injury. I’m so glad I said sod the expense and the overdraft is too high - worth it for the laugh. I now understand why my husband took 4 hours to do his first shop in Tesco’s. I’ll never forget him ringing me from the veg aisle and saying your list says “Turnip” is that the same as a swede? Luv and take care” - MR

“This ebook will make you so happy your husband or partner isn’t a Pete” - The Hysterectomy Association

Have a look at our alternative ways to purchase!

Buy The Paperback - £3.50 plus p&p

Buy The ebook version - £3.00 (immediate delivery via download)

The Pocket Guide to Hysterectomy was the original book from The Hysterectomy Association and is full of all the essential information you need to know about hysterectomy the menopause after hysterectomy and hormone replacement therapy. The book is full of all the information you can find on this website in a single ‘easy to access’ read. It perfectly compliments the practical hints and tips to be found in 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy and buying both together costs just £10.50.

It covers a huge range of subjects on:

• what a hysterectomy is
• why it might be necessary
• what the alternatives to hysterectomy are
• the risks associated with hysterectomy
• menopausal symptoms
• how our hormones affect us
• the menopausal risks of osteoporosis and heart disease
• types of HRT
• side effects of HRT
• risks of HRT
• alternatives to HRT

It also has a full glossary explaining the meanings of words and terms you might hear from the medical profession.

Have a look at our alternative ways to purchase!

‘This little book told me so much more than others, and it was so easy to read as well, thank you.’ PC

‘My husband took my copy away to read and has left it somewhere, I need another copy as I can’t face hospital without it.’ TC

“I bought 2 books off Amazon and found that even reading just the first few pages was really scary! But read the Pocket Guide and found it to be soooo much better!!!” My congratulations to Linda for writing 2 NON-SCARY books about a very frightening time.” JL.

“I bought both books at the same time - and Both are Excellent!”. GG

CD - £10.00 (+ p&p)

Katy Murrell’s new Yoga CD for Relaxation and Gentle Yoga Exercises gives clear, precise instructions for home practice - guiding you through each stage with ease.

The CD includes a wonderful guided relaxation to help through your recovery. When you feel able, the very gentle, remedial stretches for yoga moves for shoulder, neck, back and sciatic pain are perfect for easing you back into exercise. The CD also features soothing harp music by Oshia Drury.

The combination of gentle yoga, relaxation, deep breathing and positive affirmations is designed to heal effectively on all levels - physical, emotional and spiritual and is ideal for anyone who wants to improve their health and quality of life.

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A Note From Linda - “Katy is my yoga teacher and I can honestly say that her style of yoga is fantastic for everyone, whatever their level of fitness. I know one woman who attends the same class I do, who had great difficulty walking when she started two years ago and is now performing more difficult yoga moves with ease. The guided relaxation is ideal if you are looking to reduce stress before your operation, or rest after and it can even help you get to sleep.”

Buy It Now for Just £10.99 + post and packing

The New Natural Alternatives to HRT by Marilyn Glenville is the definitive book on managing the menopause naturally, rather than using HRT. It has whole sections devoted to phytoestrogens, the up to date facts on the side effects of HRT and is full of information and advice. Additional new information discussing the safety of taking phytoestrogen supplements like soya or red clover has been included and it also takes a new look at osteoporosis including what tests women should ask for to monitor their bones.

In the light of new discoveries about HRT, it reveals what the latest studies really show about HRT and its side effects - and not just what the drug companies want you to know. It is full of the most up to date practical advice by one of the UK’s leading nutritional therapists.

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Buy Now for £12.99 + post and packing

Healthy Eating for the Menopause is written by Marilyn Glenville and Lewis Easson, this book has over 100 great recipies that are tasty enough for the whole family to enjoy and they are designed to eliminate your symtoms and keep you healthy. You can also find out the latest research on the menopause and HRT and pick up important nutritional and lifestyle recommendations including which foods you can enjoy and which to avoid.

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Price £8.99 + post and packing

Our tummy support band is wonderfully soft and gentle on the skin and is designed to reduce pressure and tension in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Perfect after abdominal surgery as it helps to reduce any strain felt by the lower abdominal muscles whilst they are recovering.

Comfort, support and confidence are the primary objectives for the tummy support band, which is uniquely designed for discreet and comfortable support of your back and tummy. It comes in either black or white and a range of sizes, so there should be one to suit everyone.

They are made from 91% Polyamide and 9% Elastan and are washable at 40 degrees.

Tummy Support Bands come in the following sizes in Black or White:

UK 8-10 - (36/38)
UK 10-12 - (38/40)
UK 14-16 - (42/44)
UK 18-20 - (46/48)

They are shaped to take account of a swollen tummy, so our recommendation is to get your normal panty size.

Please note: For hygiene reasons we are unable to exchange or refund this product, so please make sure you order the correct size, you can do this by using a tape measure. If you are between sizes or are ’small’ for your size, you may wish to purchase the next size down so that you get the support you need.

See our other payment methods here

What customers have to say

Hi Linda, I had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago, my partner found your website and passed it onto me. I have to say a huge thank you because it has it helped US understand some of the stuff thats going on with my body. My partner bought me the hysterectomy belt which has been a godsend and I have already told three people to buy one. hanks for great website and support it provides. Annie

Linda, The one thing i have found a godsend has been the tummy support band i purchased from the association. I had a TAH 3 weeks ago tomorrow and i have worn the band everyday since about day 5 i did try to leave it off one day to se if it made any difference and yes it did. I was much worse without it. I have found that it supports both my tummy and my back and has really helped with the discomfort. Thank you very much for a lovely product I would recommend it to everyone. Tracey

Hello. The tummy band arrived this morning. Wife is really pleased with the band & cant believe the relief & comfort it is providing. Richard

Hi Linda, I forgot to tell you I used that Tummy band from the third week and lost 4 and half inches around the tummy within a week it also helped with the pain I really recommend it. Virginia

Buy Now for £10.99 + post and packing

Our Light Support Knickers are an alternative to the Tummy Support Bands and are a seamless, smooth, comfortable and invisible panty with ’built-in’ gentle support for your tummy while it is healing. Made from a soft, breathable microfibre fabric they are the panty with a difference and are designed to gently support your tummy and so relieve pressure on your lower abdominal muscles while you are recovering. They fit, feel and move invisibly with your body and are so velvety soft they are a pleasure to wear. Made from 91% Polyamide and 9% Elastan, the can be washed at 40 degrees.

Our Light Support Knickers come in the following sizes - NOW AVAILABLE IN BLACK or WHITE:

UK 8-10 - (36/38)
UK 10-12 - (38/40)
UK 14-16 - (42/44)
UK 18-20 - (46/48)

They are shaped to take account of swelling, so our recommendation is to get your normal panty size.

Please note: For hygiene reasons we are unable to exchange or refund this product, so please make sure you order the correct size, you can do this by using a tape measure. If you are between sizes or are ’small’ for your size, you may wish to purchase the next size down so that you get the support you need.

Have a look at our alternative ways to purchase!

Buy Now £5.99 plus post and packing for five pairs.

Don’t ruin your best knickers after you have had surgery, use our disposable ones instead. There are five pairs in each pack and each pair can be washed up to ten times.

One size stretch panties (fits size 12 - 16) perfect for use after surgery and designed to hold a pad in place if necessary. Truly elastic, the fabric retains its original shape. A snug and supremely comfortable fit and designed to allow your scar to breathe while it heals. Made from 84% Polyamide and 16% Elastan, they are fully washable at 60 degrees up to 10 times.

Please note: For hygiene reasons we are unable to exchange or refund this product.

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If you are currently waiting to have a hysterectomy, you may find one of our preparation workshops appropriate at this stage.

Each workshop is made up of a mix of information sessions and question time, together with relaxation exercises that will help you feel calmer and happier. The cost of attending each workshop is just £35.00. Everyone will go home with lots of information and free copies of 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy, Losing the Woman Within and The Pocket Guide to Hysterectomy.

Dates for Workshops in 2008 are below. if you would like to be kept informed about future dates please send an email to info@hysterectomy-association.org.uk and ask to be added to our list.

• Saturday 5th July 9.30-12.30 - Reading
• Saturday 11th July 9.30-12.30 - Reading

You can book a place on our workshops online, by calling us on 0871 7811141.

What Those Attending Say About the Workshops:

“I just wanted to let everyone know that I went to one of the Workshops in Reading yesterday morning and found it a really useful opportunity to discuss the many and varied questions and concerns that i had about having a hysterectomy. Laura made a great workshop leader because she happens to be a nurse who has had a hysterectomy herself. Best of all, she had a very positive attitude and reassured us that this and getting a bit fitter prior to, and doing exercise after, the op had all helped her with the best possible recovery. It was a great chance to ask about what to take to hospital, driving and insurance, hair removal pre-op or not, how much help might be needed during recovery, can we do stairs straight away etc. All the questions we all ask in the forums in fact but face to face with others in a similar situation, and all in one go! I’d recommend going to anyone and you don’t have to be in Berkshire to attend, in our small group we’d come from Middlesex and Bucks. Well done Laura and I hope that others will set up similar groups/workshops in other parts of the country. Do support the workshops/local groups, as they are an invaluable resource.” Lindsay

“I think the meeting helped me realise just how big this operation is going to be and like you said ‘could be life changing’. The discussions that took place really did open my eyes and I know I looked shell shocked but have managed to take in a lot of the information and have made some more notes. After leaving you yesterday I drove straight home and promptly when to the pub for lunch and a large glass of wine, this as you can image helped me relax. I have managed to discuss and pass on some information to Matt, my husband, which helps. I have also managed to face up and talk to Matt about how stressed and depressed I feel from time to time and have started taking ‘St Johns Wort’ as suggested. I would like to thank you again for yesterday and will keep in contact.” Sue

Q. How can counselling help me?

A. Counselling helps you take time out from your situation and see it from a fresh perspective. It can also give you a chance to explore complex or difficult issues in a safe and confidential environment.

Q. Is The Hysterectomy Association the right place to come with my problem?A. If you are concerned about having a hysterectomy, want to talk about a hysterectomy you have already had or if you want to talk about the impact that your hysterectomy has had on different areas of your life, then we are the right place to come to.
Q. Do I have to pay for Counselling services?

A. You will be expected to pay for our counselling services. The cost of counselling is £35 per hour. This helps to cover the costs associated with sessions, including payment to the counsellors, room hire, insurance and supervision.
Q. Do I have to be referred to The Hysterectomy Association?

A. No. Many organisations and GPs do refer women to The Hysterectomy Association, but you can also contact us directly if you would like to talk about anything to do with a hysterectomy.
Q. Do The Hysterectomy Association counsellors have special training?

A. All counsellors working with The Hysterectomy Association will have a recognised qualification in Counselling and fully qualified counsellors will have significant experience.  They have all received specialist professional development to enable them to work with hysterectomy patients. In addition some will have direct experience of hysterectomy, either themselves or a through a close female relative.  All our counsellors are also members of one of the professional bodies associated with counselling and are bound by their codes of ethics and practice.  Each counsellor will attend regular monthly case discussion group, have appropriate professional indemnity insurance and is required to see a supervisor in accordance to their professional bodies guidelines.  We have male and female counsellors and if you would prefer to see a particular gender you will need to make this clear at the time of booking, however you may experience a slight delay in receiving an initial appointment.
Q. Do you only provide services to women?

A. No. We are often contacted by the partners and husbands of hysterectomy patients because they are often affected greatly by a hysterectomy. Some of the issues that they raise are around changes in their relationship with their wife or partner; or concern about their ongoing health and wellbeing.
Q. Is the counselling confidential?

A. All counselling is in complete confidence. Information about you is only held on a ‘need to know’ basis and we will never give your name or any information about you to anyone outside The Hysterectomy Association, unless someone’s personal safety is at risk.
Q. What happens at a counselling session?

A. If you are having face to face counselling, your first session will be exploratory and will ask some specific questions about yourself and your problem to determine if counselling might be helpful to you. Some people find that this session is all they need to clear their thinking and help them decide what to do and so no further counselling is necessary. However, if you do decide that counselling is right for you, you can discuss with your counsellor about making a further appointment. If your counsellor doesn’t think we are the most appropriate organisation to help you at the moment, they may suggest referral to another organisation.
Q. How do I book a counselling session?

A. Please telephone us on 0871 7811141. You will be asked to make payment at the time of booking. If you need to cancel a booking, you must do this at least 48 hours before your appointment otherwise we may not be able to refund your payment.
Q. What happens if I have a complaint?

A. The Hysterectomy Association always welcomes feedback and is keen to improve its services. We have a complaints procedure which aims to make the process straightforward and fair. Should you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, please raise it with the Complaints Officer and we will send you a copy of our complaints procedure.

Counselling is a therapy that aims to assist people to overcome the emotional barriers or psychological problems caused by, things like, stress or relationship breakdown, traumas and lack of self confidence. Therapy enables clients to address their problems and make the life changes needed to overcome these problems and so improve their health and well-being.

In the particular case of The Hysterectomy Association, it’s purpose is to help anyone affected by either issues around a hysterectomy, or by problems that have ‘bubbled to the surface’ at this critical life stage for a woman. With the guidance of a trained and experienced counsellor, a safe, supportive and confidential environment is provided. The client is given help to explore the issues which may be at the root of their problems and develop goals in line with their ambitions.

How Does it Work? With your counsellor you’ll explore your feelings, emotions and expectations, and gain help with communication and problem solving and look at options and new possibilities. Your counsellors role is to listen, to encourage you to talk openly about your concerns, worries and problems and help you reach your own decisions about the best way forward.  You can find out more about whether it is right for you by reading our Hysterectomy Counselling FAQ’s.

How do I book? You can book an initial appointment by telephoning us on 0871 7811141. Unfortunately we are unable to arrange appointments by email

How much will it cost? The cost of counselling is £35 per hour. You will be required to make payment when the appointment is booked. If you wish to reschedule or cancel an appointment you will need to give at least 48 hours notice, if you give less notice than this, then we may not be able to refund your payment to you.

The Hysterectomy Association was set up to help women and their partners make appropriate choices about their long term health. Most women who have a hysterectomy will go on to have no further problems, however a small number may experience other health, relationship or emotional problems after they have had surgery.

If you are concerned about having a hysterectomy, want to talk about a hysterectomy you have already had or if you want to talk about the impact that your hysterectomy has had on different areas of your life, then our counselling and other support services might be right for you.

Our support services include:

• Local Area Contacts - provide a ‘listening ear’ service
• Telephone One 2 One Hysterectomy Support Sessions
• Face to Face Hysterectomy Counselling - Dorset Only
• ‘Preparing for Hysterectomy’ Workshops designed to help you make vital decisions are specially for women who have yet to have a hysterectomy.
• Telephone Helpline - for quick questions and answers call us on 0844 3575917 on Monday’s and Wednesday’s between 10.00 and 12.00.

If you would like to become a Local Contact and provide a ‘listening ear’ service to your local area you can find out more by reading the information we have provided.

Sub Pages Found

• One 2 One Support
• Face to Face Hysterectomy Counselling
• Counselling for Hysterectomy FAQ’s
• Preparing for Hysterectomy Workshops
• Local Contacts

Many of you will not be able to use our face to face counselling services simply because you don’t live close enough to Dorset where we are based, however we have received many requests asking for something more than the helpline so we have created One 2 One to help fill the gap.

The purpose of One 2 One is to help you make relevant decisions about your future. Much of the work will be about helping you to make sense of where you at the present moment and then make decisions about what you can do next. It is very practical work, rather than the depth work of counselling, and could be used to help you with all sorts of decisions, such as:

• whether to have a hysterectomy or not
• how to manage the operation physically, emotionally and sexually
• if HRT is right for you
• what you are going to do about managing your recovery and in to the long term
• whether alternative forms of treatment might be appropriate
• coping with the menopause

How Does it Work? Our One 2 One work is always done with Linda (Director of The Hysterectomy Association) and consists of an initial hour long telephone conversation and then up to five email exchanges. The purpose of the initial telephone conversation is to establish a good working relationship between us, to discuss your needs and expectations and to give us the opportunity to do some initial research for you. The emails can be as complex as you would like them to be and they can be used to cover a whole range of information, support, suggestions for you to consider and other helpful elements, but specifically tailored to working on YOUR needs.

When you have booked, you will be asked to send us details of your landline telephone number and two or three dates and times between the hours of 10.00am and 7.00pm for us to have the initial telephone conversation. We do try to be as flexible as possible and should be able to accommodate most requests. We will then agree with you the date and time that is most suitable.

One 2 One Session After your initial conversation, you will be asked to write down, and email to us, as fully as possible what you would like to have happen over the sessions, the areas you need help with and anything else that might be relevant to your current situation including timescales (if appropriate).

How much will it cost? We have a one off fee of £25.00 for One 2 One services which covers up to two telephone conversations and the follow up emails that are needed. Additional telephone conversations can also be arranged for an additional cost.

You can Book Your One 2 One Session Online Now or by calling us on 0871 7811141.

The Hysterectomy Association produce a free booklet for everyone to download, it is called Hysterectomy, The Basics and is a great place to start finding the information you need to help make your experience of hysterectomy as positive as possible. In fact, we know from research that having plenty of information actually means that you can have an easier and quicker recovery.

In order to get your own copy of our free booklet, you simply need to complete the form below and press, we will send you an email asking you to confirm your email address and as soon as you have done that you will be redirected to a special webpage that allows you to download the booklet. Then simply sit back and read!

Just one word of caution, if you don’t appear to receive the confirmation email within 15 minutes, please do check your junk, phishing and spam email folders as it may have been diverted there by mistake.

You might also be interested in our book, 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy, which is chock full of even more hints and tips to help make your hysterectomy as positive an experience as possible.

Prospect House,
Peverell Avenue East,
Dorchester,
Dorset,
DT1 3WE.

Email: info@hysterectomy-association.org.uk
Telephone Helpline: 0844 3575917
Fax: 01305 260676

The Hysterectomy Association reserves the right to make changes to the service provided, to allow for changes in trading conditions. These may include, but are not limited to, changes to the information provided, frequency of services offered, access to private areas of the web site.

The Hysterectomy Association is registered with the Data Protection Registrar (UK). Personal information you have given to us will only be used by The Hysterectomy Association for the purposes of administering your subscription and for research purposes. All legal rights and responsibilities are held under United Kingdom law. In the case of any dispute, you are to refer your complaint to The Hysterectomy Association direct.

Any breach of these terms and conditions may make you liable to prosecution under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. In addition you may incur civil liability if you damage our system or that of any third parties associated with The Hysterectomy Association.

Please be aware that some of our services, although facilitated by The Hysterectomy Association, are provided by third parties and they have very strict regulations about the use of the service, these include not using their services for the purposes of sending or creating chain letters, junk mail, spamming or anything that could be considered harassment, libellous, abusive, threatening or harmful or the transmission of any material that could constitute a criminal offence, infringe civil liberties, or violate local, national or international laws. Any member or user of the hysterectomy association that infringes any of our third party terms and conditions will be subject to immediate removal from the association, group or list.

Please not also:

• Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on your site.
• Google’s use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to your users based on their visit to your sites and other sites on the Internet.
• Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.

We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website.  These companies may use information (which does NOT include your name, address, email address or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.  If you would like more information about this practice and would like to know your options in relation to not having this information used by these companies, click here.

Your statutory rights are not affected by any of the following store policies.

Ordering Online

Ordering Online with us is safe and secure! We employ a method of interaction with our visitors that does not compromise credit card information. This online system is 100% secure. We do not hold any of your credit card information on any part of this web site or on our shopping cart either. All credit card transactions are managed by our partner, Worldpay which is a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Scotland

We encourage you to feel comfortable using your credit card to conduct commerce on our site. If you wish, you may also send us a cheque, but this will delay your order as we must wait for your funds to clear before we ship any merchandise.

Return / Refund Policy

If you are not satisfied with the goods and inform us within seven days of your receipt of the goods please return them to us and we will give a full refund of the cost of the item, unfortunately we aren’t able to refund the cost of postage . Alternatively we will exchange items if they are faulty on delivery to you and we are notified within 10 days of the customers receipt of the product. If you have simply changed your mind, we will accept a return of books only in their original condition, providing you pay for return postage, in addition to this will will refund the cost of the product but not the cost of postage/delivery. All products to be returned must be carefully repackaged in their original packing.  Unfortunately, for health and safety reasons we cannot accept a return of any tummy support bands, panties or hosptial knickers so please do ensure that you order the correct size first, if you are unsure please use a tape measure for accuracy.

Delivery Information

Delivery costs are variable and are dependent on the size, weight and destination of the item. Customers can expect to receive their goods within 28 days of order depending on the delivery service chosen by the customer at the time of order.

Prices

Goods are charged at price shown on the product pages on the date the customer places the order and are inclusive of VAT. Prices are correct at time of publication. Errors and omissions are excepted. Orders will be processed at our published prices, otherwise, in the case of any unexpected change in price, you will be informed and asked if you wish to reconsider your order before proceeding.

Complaints

If we should receive a complaint about any part of our service, by phone, e-mail or letter, it will be dealt with promptly (we will reply within 7 working days where possible) and they will be handled confidentially,and effectively.

The Hysterectomy Association has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm commitment to your privacy. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for this web site.

The Hysterectomy Association use your IP address to help diagnose problems with our server, and to administer our Web site. Your IP address is used to help identify you and to gather broad demographic information. However, it does not gather personal information about you, simply information about your computer and the connection to the internet that it uses.

The Hysterectomy Association web site uses cookies to keep track of your shopping cart. We use cookies to identify you so we can retrieve your information so you don’t have to re-enter it each time you visit our site.

Our site’s registration form requires users to give us contact information, such as their name and email address, and other unique identifiers. We use customer contact information from the registration form to send the user information about The Hysterectomy Association.co.uk. The customer’s contact information is also used to contact the visitor when necessary if they have subscribed to the mailing list. Users may opt-out of receiving future mailings by choosing to un-subscribe. Unique identifiers are collected to verify the user’s identity and for use in our record system.

This site may contain links to other sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such web sites.

The Hysterectomy Association uses an order form for customers to request information, products, and services. We collect visitor’s contact information and unique identifiers. Contact information from the order form is used to send orders and information about our company to our customers. The customer’s contact information is also used to get in touch with the visitor when necessary. Users may opt-out of receiving future mailings. Unique identifiers are collected from Web site visitors to verify the user’s identity and for use as account numbers in our record system.

In addition to this we have registered The Hysterectomy Association with the Information Commissioner and comply with our registration with the Data Protection Act. You can find out more about how we use your personal information by going to the Information Commissioners web site at: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

We do not pass any of your confidential and personal information on to any other third party unless it is being used in the processing of any order you have made.

Security

The The Hysterectomy Association web site has security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse and alteration of the information under our control. All data is protected using the most advanced methods available. We do not store financial information like credit card numbers or personal information such as social security numbers on this site.

Un-Subscribe

The Hysterectomy Association gives our customers the following options for removing their information from our database to not receive future communications or to no longer receive mail list messages.

Corrections/Updates

The Hysterectomy Association gives our customers the following options for changing and modifying information previously provided.

• Email us at info@hysterectomy-association.org.uk
• telephone us on 0871 7811141
• write to us at The Hysterectomy Association, The Gables, Acreman Close, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7JU

Click Here For Recent Press Releases

The Hysterectomy Association is very happy to work with journalists and public relations who are looking for information, support or comments on subjects related to hysterectomy. We can also provide materials and items for review if you need them for your work. Please contact us on 0871 7811141 (between 10.00am and 2.00pm) or by email on info@hysterectomy-association.org.uk

If you need a case study for your piece then we are happy to help, however we would draw your attention to the following:

We have a database of several thousand women, when we receive a request for a case study we broadcast a message to everyone on the database asking them to respond directly to the journalist if they feel they can help. This means that you can receive several hundred emails in a very short space of time. In order to reduce the amount of work for you, we would like to suggest that you make your request as specific as possible to narrow down the numbers of women that might reply, you need to include a deadline as well - but do give us as much time as possible. The reason we have this requirement is because we have limited resources and funds.

Recent Media Contributions:

• 14th January 2009, Linda talks to Hannah Murray about hysterectomy on Radio Europe.
• 13th January 2009, Daily Mail Online and Print
• 26th March 2008, Linda talked to Mary Harboe live about Hysterectomy on Radio Europe Mediterraneo
• 8th March 2008 Body and Soul, The Saturday Times, - article on testosterone after hysterectomy
• 17th February 2008 - The Wright Show - Channel Five
• Woman and Home, May 2007 - article on Hormone Replacement Therapy
• BBC Radio Newcastle - February 2007 - ‘phone interview about The Duchess of York’s hysterectomy
• Dr Foster Information Leaflet on Vaginal Hysterectomy for The Department of Health
• Case study for Article on Hysterectomy Amongst Younger Women for women’s magazine
• Article in the Daily Mail about the relevance of hysterectomy - February 2007
• Gracia Magazine - January 2007 on Fibroids and Hysterectomy
• Now Magazine - July 25th Mentioned in Letters page
• Yours Magazine -March 27th ‘The Truth About Hysterectomy’

The Hysterectomy Association exists to provide impartial information and access to support to women seeking to make informed decisions about hysterectomy. Users are advised that where possible the information has been referenced, however some information given may be outside that which is considered to be current medical opinion. In all cases, this information should not be used to make a diagnosis or to provide prescribing data as each woman’s case is different. Users are advised to seek advice from their doctors about the suitability of any methods of treatment described.

The information and resource listings on this site are not intended to be fully systematic or complete, nor does inclusion here imply any endorsement or recommendation by The Hysterectomy Association. This site is not intended to replace the relationship that exists between a patient and their medical practitioner. Although much of the site represents current medical opinion some of the information and resource listed on this site is, by definition, outside the scope of generally accepted medical standards of care. They may be nonconventional, alternative or complementary.
The information and resources listed should not be used in any way to provide a diagnosis or to prescribe any medical treatment. As in the case of conventional medicine, indiscriminate use of some of these therapies without medical supervision may be harm ful to your health. Individuals viewing this material should in all cases consult their own doctor or other medical provider for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

The Hysterectomy Association is committed to ensuring that personal data is managed in accordance with The Data Protection Act 1999. We are registered to hold certain types of data about our members and those who contact us. We will not share any personal information held about any person without their express permission to do so. On occassions we may contact people held on our database for the purposes of marketing, research and general administration.

The Hysterectomy Association is the publisher of the following books and ebooks:

• 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy - paperback and ebook
• The Pocket Guide to Hysterectomy - paperback and ebook
• Losing the Woman Within - ebook only
• Hysterectomies for Men - ebook only

The retail price of these items is £7.00 for paperbacks and £4.99 for ebooks. If you have an outlet where you would like to stock our books and would like to order quantities of 10 or more items then please get in touch with us as we may be able to offer you discount rates that aren’t possible for our retail customers. To find out more, please email us at info@hysterectomy-association.org.uk.

The Hysterectomy Association is a social enterprise set up by Linda Parkinson-Hardman in 1997 with support from her husband John, to provide impartial, timely and appropriate information to women who were facing a hysterectomy. The biggest concern that the majority of women have is that they haven’t been given enough information to help them make an informed decision and unfortunately this position doesn’t seem to be changing much.

Over the years, The Hysterectomy Association has changed beyond all expectation and it is now achieving what it hoped to in the early days, simply because use of the Internet has grown so incredibly over the last few years. All of the information we produce is available on our website, we don’t produce printed leaflets to send out as we don’t have the income to be able to afford to do this type of work. We are a member of the NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) and are bound by their codes of conduct.

Our income comes solely from the money that our users pay for books and other products that we sell. If you have found us helpful at all then we would really appreciate it if you bought something from us or even sent a donation. You may wish to stock and sell our books yourself. We are always looking for help and we have listed a number of our own suggestions that may interest you, however, we are always willing to hear others if you have them. If you would like to find out more information about working with us then please do get in touch with us by email at info@hysterectomy-association.org.uk or by telephoning us on 0871 7811141.

Sub Pages Found

• Linda Parkinson-Hardman
• John Parkinson-Hardman
• Can you help us?

A rectocele occurs when the end of the large intestine (rectum) pushes through the back wall of the vagina. An enterocele (small bowel prolapse) occurs when the small bowel pushes through the upper wall of the vagina. Rectoceles and enteroceles develop if the lower pelvic muscles become damaged by pregnancy, labour, childbirth, or a previous pelvic surgery or when the muscles are weakened by ageing. A rectocele or an enterocele can be present at birth (congenital), though this is rare.

This is often undertaken at the same time as a hysterectomy if the hysterectomy is being performed due to a prolapse of some or all of the abdominal organs.

Pelvic relaxation with its attendant possible loss of bladder support, rectal support, and support of the uterus and the vagina, is definitely a problem on the rise with an aging population. In post menopausal women, the rich blood supply of the vagina and surrounding tissues becomes less with age and the physical organ support those blood vessels play become less and less with time. This allows previous weakness in the support structure to worsen and allows pelvic organs to drop further until they come outside the vaginal opening or come close to the opening and just put stretch and pain on the remaining ligament attachments.

The condition of pelvic organ prolapse has had many different surgical approaches depending upon the surgeons conceptual model of what the actual anatomical hernia defect is. It now appears that there can be multiple different defects in the supporting tendons (fascia) of the pelvis and even though the primary defects may be repaired at a given surgery, other secondary defects weaken with time resulting in the need for further surgical repair. The mesh of tendon attachments of the vagina and uterus are like a nylon stocking that is attached to the side walls of the pelvis and the tail bone (sacrum). The “hosiery” comes in sheer, medium and support thickness just as women differ in their genetic make-up and tendon strengths. With childbirth, the “hosiery” mesh gets “runs” in it in one or more places. At first the runs are not big enough to cause loss of support. As more and more straining takes place on those “runs”, some of them widen and lengthen and allow the organs that lie on the outside of the stocking, such as the bladder, rectum or uterus at the end, to fall down and collapse the stocking shut and eventually to turn it inside out. Surgeons need to know where the “runs” are in order to fix the defects.

Why do doctors often recommend hysterectomy as part of the repair for prolapse?

I think it is true that most doctors will include hysterectomy (if all childbearing desire is done) in their recommendations for pelvic prolapse surgery. Scientific studies have not adequately addressed whether removing the uterus makes prolapse surgery any more or less successful than when the uterus is left except in the case of genuine stress incontinence. When genuine stress incontinence is present, loss of urine with coughing or sneezing, the support defect is called urethrocoele or loss of the urethrovesical angle. Studies have shown that correction of stress incontinence alone is neither more nor less successful if hysterectomy is performed.

The bottom line is that hysterectomy DOES NOT need to be performed when fixing pelvic support defects. With support defects such as bladder dropping (cystocoele), rectal wall protrusion into and out of the vagina (rectocoele), cul-de-sac hernia (enterocoele), and uterine prolapse, there have not been any large surgical series reported in which the uterus was left in place. Some of the smaller studies reported for fixing uterine prolapse without hysterectomy seem to imply there is not a difference in the recurrence rate. So why do doctors almost always suggest hysterectomy? Here are some of my opinions:

Many women request hysterectomy at the time of major prolapse surgery. Pre menopausal women request it because they feel that the absence of menses will be more convenient or, if they are having pain, abnormal bleeding or Pap smear problems, that those conditions will go away. Post menopausal women request hysterectomy because removing the uterus with its cervix and the ovaries will almost totally abolish the chance of ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer.

Doctors find that patients have more difficulty with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because they must take progestins along with oestrogen so they do not develop endometrial cancer. The progestins and even natural progesterone tends to produce more mood side effects and bleeding side effects. These side effects of HRT entirely go away if a woman has a hysterectomy because the source of the bleeding (uterus) is gone and there is no need for progestin or progesterone and their side effects since the endometrium has been removed and does not need to be protected from cancerous changes.
In their training, many physicians did not learn or commonly practice surgical techniques in which the uterus was left in. Thus they are “more comfortable” in their surgical experienc