Hysterectomy?

[babebatista]

Hi all, Has anyone hear had a hysterectomy? I'm only asking because I've had long term problems with my period and excessive bleeding. I've had a mirena coil fitted but I'm having some problems with that too. It's only recently been fitted so I know I need to perservere but if I'm still having problems then I'll need to have a hysterectomy. What I'd like to know is those that have had one, how were you treated in hospital? I need a lot of care throughout the day which my husband does as he is my carer and I'm a bit worried that I wouldn't get the same amount of care that I have at home and its worrying me a bit.

Thanks in advance for you help on this.

xxxx

[Aisha]

Hello babebapista, I had a Hysterectomy in 2002 as I was getting a lot of pains in my belly. The hospital that I went into treated me fairly well, but I can't say that for all hospitals but I do know that as it is classed as a major surgery then they do look after you well. Hope that answers your query? Good luck...Aisha x

[Aisha]

Hello babebapista, I had a Hysterectomy in 2002 as I was getting a lot of pains in my belly. The hospital that I went into treated me fairly well, but I can't say that for all hospitals but I do know that as it is classed as a major surgery then they do look after you well. Hope that answers your query? Good luck...Aisha x

[Hidden]

I had a hysterectomy at 35 .. 13 years ago... Was told I would be in hospital 2 or 3 days and then home with no lifting anything for 6 weeks...

I was in hospital a week due to my pain levels .... They wouldn't let me out until I was at least bearably uncomfortable I felt I was treated very well but I was a lot more mobile then but you will have an assesment before your op so you can say what sort of care you need and a plan will be worked out

Good luck

VG x

[babebatista in reply to Hidden]

Hi VG, I'm only worried because I had to stay overnight in hospital earlier this year due to a gastro illness and all was okay until I got to the ward. I had no help for the toilet so struggled to get there. I was so made up when I was allowed home the next day. There were other problems there too, so my concerns come from that. But thank you very much for your reply. xxxx

[Hidden]

Hi

How long you have to stay in depends on how they do th op, either abdominally which means quite a large incision and a greater recovery time or in some case they can do it vaginally, where there is no big wound and so recovery is much quicker and supposedly less painful. I even hear some surgeons can do it laparospically, again to reduce wound size and recovery times.

It all depends on the hospital policy, the surgeon,s preference and why you need the op. if you have fibroids then it can mean your womb is too enlarged to be removed vaginally or laparospically and you may need the traditional procedure. a

Also if you are only having a partial hysterectomy, womb only, or a full one, removing the ovaries as well can decide on which procedure you have.

There is a procedure where the lining of the womb can be removed by ablation or laser, obviously much less drastic than a hysterectomy and it cures heavy bleeding or at least greatly reduces it. Taking mefenamic acid tablets can also help with pain and blood loss. the best person to ask about all your options would be your GP. Take care.

[babebatista in reply to Hidden]

Hi Silverstar thank you so much for you reply. The doctor did mention the procedure you mentioned about the lining of the womb but I'm concerned that I would still have excessive bleeding. I'm hoping that the coil works after the six months. That would be great if it does. Thank you so much for your reply xx

[Hidden in reply to babebatista]

Do thorough research if you can into hysterectomy. There are a lot of problems associated with this major surgery, that you are often not told about.

If you have a hysterectomy e.g. stomach, once they take away the womb, issues can arise in many women, not all. Key hole is much better, recovery is quicker and there are less risks or complications. Also avoid blood e.g. transfusion. Your recovery is slower and there can be complications. Do think long and hard before accepting this type of surgery. There are anaesthesia problems as well. Always try and go for the less invasive option!!!! Even key hole has risks, but minor risks compared to any form of hysterectomy.

After a hysterectomy many women experience signs of menopause, and this is true even if the ovaries are left in place. Some studies show that as many as half of all women who have a hysterectomy but keep the ovaries will suffer from ovarian failure within five years of the procedure.

Because of all the serious hysterectomy complications that can occur, this surgery should only be performed when every other treatment option has been tried for conditions which are benign, and these treatments have proven to be ineffective. This type of surgery can have serious or even life threatening complications, and it should never be agreed to unless you have no other options left or you have a serious condition like cancer that makes this the best possible choice.

During surgery:

•Perforation of nearby organs

•Excessive bleeding which can require a transfusion

•Deep vein thrombosis

•Death

•Injury to organs and tissues in the abdomen during the procedure

•Ureter damage or injury

•Incision site changes, because at times a vaginal incision is deemed insufficient after the procedure is started and an abdominal incision may need to be made as well

•Blood pressure that drops dangerously low or becomes too high during the surgery

•Heart attack or heart failure

•Stroke

•Respiratory arrest

•Additional procedures required

•Paralysis if nerves or other tissues are injured or damaged

•Brain damage

Possible complications that can occur after you have had a hysterectomy can include:

•Numbness and tingling near the incision site

•Organ or tissue prolapse

•Excessive hysterectomy scar tissue growth

•Swelling and bruising

•Constipation which is chronic

•Loss of normal hormone levels

•Lack of sexual desire

•Painful sexual intercourse

•Early onset heart disease

•Fibromyalgia

•Urinary incontinence

•An inability to urinate at all

•Depression

•Insomnia

•Fatigue that is constant and chronic

•Frequent urinary tract infections

•Osteoporosis onset that occurs earlier

•Poor healing

•Dehiscence and evisceration

•Infection of the incision site

•The need for a ventilator due to breathing difficulties

•Death

•Hormonal imbalances that can not be controlled without hormone replacement therapy

•Nausea and vomiting which can tear open the incision

•Pneumonia from restricted movement and little mobility

•Menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and severe mood swings

•Unexplained pelvic pain that does not go away after the recovery period is complete

Because of all the possible hysterectomy complications that can occur, both during and after the procedure, this surgery should never be performed unless there is no other alternative. There are some risk factors that may help determine if you are at a higher than normal risk for any complications.

Hysterectomy Complications Diabetes is one disease that can cause problems after hysterectomy, because the amount of sugar in the blood may not be controlled continuously and this can affect wound healing. If you are diabetic then this is a risk factor that can lead to a higher rate of complications, such as poor healing.

Some genetic factors can also lead to higher hysterectomy complication risks. Malignant hyperthermia can be a complication of the anaesthesia used during the procedure which can cause serious problems or even death, and this is a genetic condition that can be determined before surgery with a simple muscle biopsy and testing.

Excessive hysterectomy scar tissue growth occurs more often in certain races, and African Americans have a higher incidence of this type of growth than many other races but this complication can affect anyone. If there is a family history of this problem then you could be at a higher risk of developing this complication.

Poor nutrition, infections which are present before surgery, heart disease, and other factors can also play a role in what types of complications can occur. Before your surgery your surgeon should evaluate all of your risk factors and determine whether or not you are at a high risk for complications.

[Hidden]

Hi

That is okay, glad to help. The procedure I mentioned has a high success rate and many women found their bleeding had significantly decreased or even stopped altogether. The pill can also help minimise bleeding as well. Hopefully the mirena will make a difference for you but it can take a few months for this to happen.

[babebatista in reply to Hidden]

Thanks hun xx

[babebatista]

Hi all,

Guess what? My coil has come out!!! Just rang the surgery where I had it fitted and the nurse isn't in today. I really don't know what to do with it as its my first one. Don't think I'd like another though. I don't feel as if it's taken properly and I'm totally fed up with all the bleeding. I've been excessively bleeding now since Sunday. Life is hard enough for me as it is without all this. Hope everyone else is okay. xxxxx

[Emmawag]

Hi, I feel for you I had horrendous problems so had hysterectomy two years ago, my hospital was wonderful treatment was great, mine was virginally and although you can't see cuts and wounds you still have to recover same as if there was insisions made, simple because there is but they inside however I ended up with blood clot on lung and back In for 11 days. I've since had more surgery as my bladder and bowel collapsed, so in answer to your question - make sure you get as much information as possible and make sure it's right decision for you! I have had so many complications and I'm not sayif everyone gets these but make sure you understand them before you make a decision. My periods were so painful and so heavy that for five days a cycle I was exhausted and of work, all my family suffered it was so unfair. However since my hysterectomy I have had a major deteriation of health and would advise anyone to make the decision wisely and speak to your surgeon make sure it's right for you. I also had to ablation which didn't work but its worth a try first - I do hope this helps x

[babebatista in reply to Emmawag]

Hi Emmawag,

Thank you so much for replying to me. I went to a well women's centre local to my house last night and spoke in length to the doctor there and she explained a few things that I hadn't realised before. Last year I thought I was going through the menopause because I only had two periods. One in January and one in July. So I had an ultrasound, blood tests ect and they found out I had polycystic ovaries. So when I spoke to the doctor last night she explained that bleeding can be heavier because of my ovaries. So as I say the coil came out. Another one couldn't be fitted because of the excessive bleeding so I have to go and see my gp on Monday and see my options. Thank you so much for your reply. It's really opened up my eyes about all of this. xx

[Emmawag]

It could be all plain sailing and work out well but no women should go through hysterectomy without good knowledge and understanding, I don't miss the bleeding for sure but many things changed for me and I wish now I knew more so I could of made the decision wiser x also was not aware of the emotions I went through and hard it would be but as long as you make an informed decision it will be the right one for sure x I wish you well I do feel for you, x

[sue32]

Hi babe! I had a hysterectomy in 1998 and it was the best thing I have ever had done. Like you, I suffered every month for years with flooding and passing the most horrendous clots (sorry), but it was finally agreed that I should have the op! I'd had the womb lining op done (endometrial resection) but it left me in terrible pain with pelvic inflammatory disease. Because of my weight it was decided I could have my op by an epidural. It was fine and, of course I recovered quicker. I was treated well in hospital and only spent 5 days in, as I was told any longer and I was likely to get an infection!!!!! I came home and had already developed an infection in the wound site that took 3 doses of different antibiotics to clear!! I later found out, by nosing at my hosp notes while the consultant was out of the room, that I'd had MRSA, and nobody felt it important to tell me!!! However, I still think it was the best thing for me, and I got my life back, was able to travel without worrying about 'that time of the month'. I hope everything goes OK for you XXX

[babebatista in reply to sue32]

Hi Sue,

Thank you for your reply also. I too have passed those same type of clots. Why is it important for you to tell the midwife if you pas clots after having a baby but during the time of the month its like it doesn't matter? I will definitely make sure I weigh everything up and make sure I make the right decision. I really really appreciate every ones advice and help about this. You've all been great!! xxxx

[sue32 in reply to babebatista]

No probs babe! When you've had a baby, it's important that the lining of the womb, placenta etc,, completely leaves the body otherwise it can cause excessive bleeding. I think that's the reason anyway!! Most doctors don't believe that such clots can be passed during your period. Mine certainly didn't. He asked me how big they were - as big as a 10p piece? 50p piece? I said, no, larger and he just laughed. So the next time I had my period, I know it might sound awful, but I caught a clot in some cling film and took it to him! He didn't laugh then! Just referred me to the gynae clinic!!!

It is great on here isn't it? There's always someone who can identify with what you're suffering and they're all so pleasant..... and funny!! Take care XXXX

[beauty_queen_from_mars]

Hi

I also suffer horrendously at that time with incredible bleeding, flooding, increased pain and exhaustion. I also pass huge clots and have severe diahorea and sickness plus fainting. I am anaemic and taking 300mg iron a day with everything else. I was referred for a merina coil to solve the problem but 2 years later it hasnt stopped or ceased. A hysterectomy has passed through my mind too but as you say its the fear of whats to come. I hope you get a solution soon - please share;)?

[babebatista in reply to beauty_queen_from_mars]

Hi all,

Went to see the doctor today and I have been referred to a gynaecologist so will have to have an operation. Either the first one to reduce the lining of my womb or the other one, The doctor doesn't think it will be a hysterectomy straight off the bat, but will see what they say. I'm just glad that something is happening now and something can be done. Thank you so much to everyone for all of your answers. You're all totally fab!!!!

[beauty_queen_from_mars]

Hiya

So glad you've got some progress. You've inspired me to go back to the dr and' nag' xxxx

[babebatista in reply to beauty_queen_from_mars]

Hi hun, have also mentioned you in my new blog post. Can't say any other words but thank you! xxxx

[babebatista]

Hi Jessam,

Thank you so much for your reply to my question. I had my hospital letter through the post this morning and I'm seeing a lady gynaecologist, not sure how I'd be with a male one lols. Thanks again xxx