Considerations before a hysterectomy

[JenRow7]

My consultant who performed my laproscophy said I could have a hysterectomy 1 year after my c section. (Private)

I had a tube removed and endometriosis removed in my last lap.

I thought there would be other treatments to explore first?! I'm 35. Finished my struggle to get my kids.

Am in constant pain and mirena not helping. Get migraines. Bowels are getting worse. Fatigue getting worse. Feel like I'm not a good parent.

Also thought I was too young and concerned about afterwards but don't know much about it.

What questions should I ask?

He also said I'd be at greater risk of complications due to the amount of endo on my uterus?!

[Mrs-Geography]

Hi, so am 36 and 4 weeks ago had a total hysterectomy after coil didn't work for me and mental health was taking a battering. My consultant advised to have prostap injections (chemical menopause) to see if that helped, it did and the side effects where helped with the HRT that was recommended. I decided to still have the op as felt it was right for me. Have you ever tried depo injection? Also Endo UK has people that might be able to talk through other options if your consultant isn't offering anything.Hope you find the right solution for you!

Xx

[JenRow7 in reply to Mrs-Geography]

Really helpful thanks. He is a really good specialist so perhaps will go through the options more in future. Got a coil right now. I had depo when I was 23 and triggered most hurrendous migraines. Would try again if necessary though. Each stage of endo gets scarier than the last!

Are you a Geography teacher at all?!

[Mrs-Geography in reply to JenRow7]

I know it's so scary and sometimes it feels like it's all trail and error which when you are in pain or suffering side effects feels like it takes a lifetime.I would be really frank with your consultant and just ask why such a big jump and maybe research prostap before you next see them. Also maybe look at the different types of hysterectomy so at least you have some understanding before of what options might be available.

I am a geography teacher, I set my account up one late night when I was really struggling and it was all I could think of for the name haha

[JenRow7 in reply to Mrs-Geography]

Yes ok good advice. I've 6 months to research! I am too. Is why I asked. Currently working for myself doing holiday let's and lettings. Is a big weight on my mind if I can return to teaching one day! There are days when I can't see myself ever going back full time. Then I think perhaps I should go back before I get worse!

[Mrs-Geography in reply to JenRow7]

Ow really! Small crazy world of teaching! I came into teaching later on and must admit in the last 18 months I really wondered some days how I could really get up and stand Infront of the class etc but after I started the prostap I felt so much better and really able to do more (trained and ran London Half Marathon), which am hoping to be back to eventually after healing.Hope you get some answers and if you ever need to chat let me know 😊

[JenRow7 in reply to Mrs-Geography]

Oh wow half marathon is awesome. I'm really struggling to fit exercise in but I want to as it helps so much! Yeah I was going to leave teaching but I'm exam marking this year and tutoring an old student for a level and I miss the job and the kids! Just not the management 🤣

[Endolemon]

hi, I am 46, waiting for hysterectomy.

I have asked my consultant :

What will be removed? He recommended all of it: uterus, ovaries, cervix. In a good case scenario it should stop Endo in a future.

Also colorectal surgeon will operate on my bowel (shave or resection, depends on how deep Endo)

Will Endo be removed? Advanced Endo

How long surgery will take? Up to 6 hours

How long recovery time? 1.5-3 months

How soon after the op I will see him? 3 months

How long to wait until the op? Up to 6 months and I have asked for any cancellations

Does hospital provide aftercare (I live by myself)? No. He said to ask my GP

I have been on Prostap for 3 months and it helped with pain .But you can’t be on Prostap for many years. And there is a possibility that Endo will turn into cancer.

It is all very hard but my hope is that the operation will improve my quality of life.

[JenRow7 in reply to Endolemon]

Really helpful thanks. Just need some time to think and prepare I think. Think with better pain management I might be ok for a time. Who knows

[catsrule40]

Hi

I had severe endo for 3 years and it was everywhere, particularly affected my bowel. I ran out of options and was advised full hysterectomy best option for me because endo was so severe. I didnt have kids so difficult thing for me to get my head around but at the time I just wanted to feel better and get rid of the constant pain and disruption to my life. I was 42 at the time. My focus wasn't really on the affects a full hysterectomy would have on my body. Was just told i;'d be put on HRT and i focused on my op and recovery as had few complications with my surgery (plus had it during the pandemic!)

Couple of years on and i do feel much better and pain free but gradually the symptoms of menopause are catching up on me and i sometimes feel 10 years older than I am! I am on a form of HRT and still trying to manage this and the menopause affects on my body - and there are a LOT im discovering - even with HRT helping.

My advice would be to think very carefully about this and explore all other options first. especially because you are so young. It may be that partial hysterectomy could help you which wouldnt put you into menopause if ovaries aren't removed. Good luck xx