Hysterectomy and oophorectomy

[MelonMelon]

Hi,

Would like to hear anyone's experience of hysterectomy and oophorectomy, as my surgeon is suggesting it for me. I have a frozen pelvis/ bowel endo. I'm very worried about going into sudden full blown menopause, as my hormonal imbalance is horrible enough as it is! I'm not sure if it would be a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire. I'm wondering if I can support myself with good pain management and the endo diet, and avoid surgery. I'm 39 so may still have a way to go until the natural menopause though, no idea!

[Mionaonthehill]

Hello MelonMelon. I had a total hysterectomy and ovary removal 7 years ago when I was 52. Not due to endo but due to a fibroid problem. It was done with an incision on the Friday night and I was home on Monday morning. I was able to walk up the stairs in my home and within 3 weeks was driving a manual car again. I had almost no pain at all and whilst the full recovery did take six weeks, it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined.

I never felt better after having my operation. I felt energised and good. Started taking HRT about a month after the surgery and never felt any menopause symptoms. I am now however having thyroid problems and on doing a lot of reading it seems there is a connection between having a total hysterectomy and onset of thyroid problems at a later time. Nevertheless, I am still happy I had the hysterectomy because the problems I had with the fibroids had compromised my quality of life so even if it has caused my thyroid issues now, I am not sorry I had my uterus and ovaries removed.

Good luck with your decision.

[MelonMelon in reply to Mionaonthehill]

Oh wow thank you that sounds quite positive which is reassuring! I'll look into the thyroid issue that is worth knowing thank you. X I'm glad it worked out for you, hope you get your thyroid problems resolved asap xx

[ccsmith]

I’m 4 weeks post op and 42 years old. I had hysterectomy, oophorectomy, bowel shave and endo excision. It was all done keyhole and I had 3 cuts on my stomach. I was home the next day and was walking after. I was very fatigued but I just managed to take 8 year old clothes shopping this am for a few hours and I’m tired but pain free.

I had a year on zoladex before the op and was given Livial HRT which my endo specialist said was safe with endo.

I do feel a bit hormonal and started a good multivitamin for menopausal women and evening primrose oil. I get hot & sweaty easy but it’s manageable.

I’m due back at work in 3/4 weeks time and I’m hoping I will be back to my old self by then.

Please ask me questions if there’s anything you want to know.

[MelonMelon in reply to ccsmith]

Thank you so much for this, sorry I thought I had replied! That's really good info, I wonder if I should try the zoladex before deciding, I'm still quite terrified about hormonal effects. Hopefully by now you're feeling way better and going back to work has be ok for you xx

[ccsmith in reply to MelonMelon]

Hey there I had my first day at work today! It’s 8.30 and must admit just got into bed as tired.

Hormonally it’s manageable I do get some mood swings but no worse than pre op. Sweats are sporadic but not horrendous. Generally I feel really well and have done from 6/7 weeks onwards. I ready for more now and realise work will be exhausting I’m ready to get brain active. Oh I am dippy as hell which is a side effect and forget things easy but not sure if that’s lack of mental stimulation or hormones 🤷‍♀️

I would really give zoladex a go as it helped cement things for me!

Best wishes and happy to answer any questions xx

[MelonMelon in reply to ccsmith]

Thank you! Aww you're sounding so positive that's great! xx

[Pinkmini in reply to ccsmith]

How you doing on livial