Full Hysterectomy and Excision

[MollyBe]

I was just looking for anyones experience of recovering from this op. I am due to have it this autumn, and am looking forward to life after endo. However, I've heard different tales about recovery. Some people bed bound for 6 weeks, others up and about. I need to think about childcare etc, and can get limited help for the first 2 weeks. Anyone else been through this op and willing to share their recovery experience?

[Dogmad6]

My consultant was adamant you had to get up and walking about the next day which was quite tough. In terms of actually feeling properly over the operation, it was a long time, around 8 months. However, I was able to function better from early on. Hope this helps.

My endometriosis later returned but that is another story that I hope won't happen in your case.

Good luck xx

[MollyBe in reply to Dogmad6]

Thanks you. I'm quite a tough bird. Walked 6 miles 3 days after csection number one and had a 17 month old and a new born after csection number 2, double buggy and a large dog to walk 😂.

After my lap, I was fine after 2 days, drove myself to get stitches out 7 days post op.

Fingers crossed, thanks for your reply x

[Smokey2020]

I wasn’t going to reply as I know my story is one that thankfully is a low risk for many but felt it may help a little. I’m 3 weeks post full hysterectomy, ovaries removed, appendix removed and excision of recto vaginal endo as well as other endo in various areas of the pelvis. I did get up and about straight away as advised and back home after 2 days. However two days later I ended up back in hospital for 2 weeks with sepsis and horrible discharge from vagina that they had concerns was from a colo-vaginal fistula. I spent 2 weeks in hospital on IV drips and 4 CT scans. Luckily internal organs are fine but the internal stitches at top of vagina have come away and will take time to heal so left with some horrible discharge and pain until this heals. I do think I did too much too early but will never know. I would just take caution with trying too hard to get back on your feet straight away as if I had my time again I would do it differently. I honestly don’t want to scare anyone as I still feel the surgery is going to help in the long run but please do listen to your body and rest as we are putting our bodies through a massive operation and it needs time to heal.Also consider HRT. I went on it straight away due to my age and luckily I’ve not had any menopause symptoms to deal with on top of everything else!

Good luck with your op & make sure you take care of yourself. X

[MollyBe in reply to Smokey2020]

My word, get well soon. Unfortunately, a good friend of mine had a similar experience, I was hoping she was a one in a million, but it seems resting is really important. Look after yourself x

[Smokey2020 in reply to MollyBe]

Thank you. Make sure you look after yourself as well. Taking it easy early on could mean a quicker recovery in the long run. 👍

[Moon_maiden]

HiThe main thing I’ll say is going through exactly what’s going to happen. I had hysterectomy last November and I’d been told there would be a colorectal surgeon, there wasn’t and I’ve still got abdominal pain. Gynae didn’t tell me no MDT meeting before op, I only found out because I got my records. I am now with a different team and on a waiting list. Cover all bases, don’t assume anything.

[ciaotuffy]

I had a full hysterectomy with ovaries removed about 3 months ago. 7mths prior to that, I had a first lap to remove endo/endometriomas. The 2nd surgery was quite extensive a 5cm endometrioma had grown back already and either the cyst had ruptured causing a mess or the endo had grown all over again. The recovery after the 2nd lap was more difficult since more was removed, but I still made it through. I started walking just a little bit the first day and more from then. It was hard to get up the stairs to my bedroom that first day, but it was ok. I felt better each day and just followed their instructions on pain meds, diet, activity, etc.

By 2 weeks post surgery, I was feeling pretty good and able to drive. I wasn't allowed to lift anything heavy/exercise until after 6 weeks checkup. But otherwise I was feeling pretty good and doing some light stretches, light cooking and definitely slow walking around my neighborhood until I was cleared. I'm at 3 months post op now and feel really good, pretty much "normal." I think within the first month post surgery, I had some twangs of pain and no menopause symptoms so wondered if it was ovarian remnants or endo still. But after things settled down, I've been feeling good. I'm 49 so probably would have been in menopause soon any way. I've had some symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats but nothing way too terrible. I was so scared of the menopause symptoms, but they have been manageable. (I had breast cancer so no HRT for me.)

I know everybody is different, but I just wanted to share a positive story. I was able to recover relatively quickly and feel good after 3 months. Certainly better than the pain each month from endo and so happy to not have to worry about heavy bleeding each month. Please be sure to take it easy, follow the dr instructions and hopefully things will go well. Feel free to message me with any questions. Good luck with your surgery and recovery! xx

[1372008]

Hi I had full hysterectomy 9wks ago I had robotic surgery I was stiff but not in a lot of pain for first week but was out walking slowly each day after 2weeks it’s early days but not having to suffer all the endometriosis pain has been amazing it’s the best thing I ever done I’m going back to my work this week feeling great good luck with your op 🥰 but take it easy & listen to your body I was really scared before the op but was amazed at the difference it has made to me 💕xx

[Hidden]

I need this operation and I'm scared it won't improve my symptoms and also because at the moment I am in a lot of pain at work.