Help I’ve got to have a hysterectomy

Another teacher here who had a hysterectomy; mine was also due to large fibroids, I was in my early fifties. Also conveniently for school was towards the end of the summer term so I was recovered to go back after the summer holidays. Went on HRT afterwards. Had a total hysterectomy, the surgeon said it was better as it takes away the risk of ovarian or cervical cancer. No problems at all afterwards.

I had one a few years ago because of a prolapse. It was done vaginally so no big abdominal scar. Advised not to drive for 6 weeks, otherwise gradually eased back into activity as pain allowed.

I had mine a few years ago. Keyhole surgery is wonderful. Op on the Thursday and home on Friday evening. I took 6 weeks off work but could have gone back sooner if my job hadn't involved heavy lifting.

In 2017, when I was 68. it was discovered I had cancer of the womb. I had a hysterectomy on a Friday afternoon and went home on Saturday afternoon. I was told not to lift things, but other than that the only slight drawback was that I had to jab my thigh every day for a couple of weeks with blood thinners.
I'm not anyone's image of a fit healthy woman, but it really was a doddle. ! Make sure you have keyhole surgery if at alll possible
And just in case you have seen it, coincidentally I've put a very similar message on another forum - yesterday, I think! Can't remember why!
And finally - the plus side is all your sympathetic friends who think you've had a really major op and shower you with gifts and visits!!Good luck!

Yes, I had a laparospically(?) assisted vaginal total hysterectomy for early stage endometrial cancer, about 6 years ago. I was 57. So pleased I had it, there is nothing to match the freedom from heavy bleeding and PMT after 45 years of periods.
I had 2 nights in hospital and went back to work on the 43rd day.
And as a bonus, while he had me there the consultant kindly re-did my botched episiotomy scar from 1988. I'm like a new woman!

Sounds similar to what HRH Catherine Princess of Wales has been suffering from, with the difference that she is 42!
Good luck and good health

I am currently recovering from a hysterectomy that was done on 21/11/2022. Mine was done because of a large fibroid. I was told at first because of its size I would have an abdominal hysterectomy but on the day they decided to try a robot and this was successful. My recovery has been slow but without any problems including no bleeding. I am 8 and a half weeks post operation and can do most things and feel back to normal until I do too much bending or stretching which is just doing normal things and nothing strenuous. I think you have to be very mindful of what you attempt to do for quite a long time. I hesitate before I do anything to consider if it would be ok or if I could do it another way. I still word as an Administrator and plan to return to work on 29/1/24. I am 65.

I had a hysterectomy at 32, was told 12 weeks recovery as I had a job that required some heavy lifting. My daughter had her hysterectomy in July last year.She's 44, had it done laparoscopically, and was back working from home in 4 weeks, though she was told to be careful doing any lifting. Best thing we've both done, for different reasons, but both felt better almost immediately. Good luck with yours.

MsDaisy

Please don’t worry and good luck.

Although a major operation recovery times are good and I’d say 6-8 weeks is the norm now.

My friend and I both had our ops at the same time, I had a full hysterectomy, she retained one ovary (we have a history of ovarian cancer). My op was slightly longer in terms of recovery because I experience some very rare internal bleeding, so I was off work for 13 weeks, she was back at work by week 8.

Good luck x

PS we both had keyhole surgery.

I had one and it was the best tho I I ever had done

It was years ago but best thing it made a huge difference to my life,now they do key hole so much easier surgery & much quicker recovery,good luck.

Msdaisy

Thank you for sharing your experiences it really helps. I am hoping to have keyhole surgery as I believe the recovery period is quicker. I’m keen to resume hrt ad the cancer risks are minimal my consultant has said as the uterus, ovaries etc are removed. I feel so much better when taking hrt less aching, hair,skin nails etc but more important my moods are more stable

Same reason for hysterectomy here, about 10 years ago. I Never stopped HRT (patches) the gynaecologist (female) said 'you can stay on that forever' :-) Sadly the fibroids were too big to have laparoscopic or vaginal surgery, so ended up with abdominal surgery. Recovery around 6 weeks, but be careful for at least 12 weeks (depends on your work). I did have terrible constipation after surgery :-( I'm still on HRT patches and don't intend to stop them anytime soon. Hope all goes well for you Msdaisy.

I had one when I was 23 from what I remember I had to rest for 6 weeks I’m sure it’s changed a lot in the last 30odd years I’ve only had HR for one year and I’ve been fine. I’m sure you will be fine too

Nannashirlz

I had one when I was 23 from what I remember I had to rest for 6 weeks I’m sure it’s changed a lot in the last 30odd years I’ve only had HR for one year and I’ve been fine. I’m sure you will be fine too

I had everything removed didn’t do keyhole then well if they did I wasn’t offended it. Mine was done in the military hospital in Germany and my sons were at my parents for 6 weeks and I know I still had to recover after that too. I know it was the first time I had to drink peppermint I do remember a few things but everyone’s experience are different

I’m 69 I had one in July last year. Keyhole surgery three incisions. It went very well. 6 to 8 week recovery and not lifting anything heavier than a teacup for first week or two.

Feel great now no pain. Well worth it.

I had a prolapsed bladder 20yratd ago and a Hysterectomy at the same time. In hospital for 3 days, no pain
or discomfort. Go for it

I had a full vaginal hysterectomy 5 years ago. I wasn't in pain as the pain was well managed. It really does take a 6 months to return to normal energy levels. The best advice i had ( because i was doing too much at the start) was you only have one chance to get this right. Goodluck Madaisy

I had full hysterectomy and it did take time to recover but it was worth it. I had three months off work and it did take time to recover plenty of rest and sleep yourself better. I don’t miss the heavy bleeding and tiredness that came each month. You’ll be fine.

Agree grannypiper.

I had the full 3 months off work, but as long as you are OK, I believe you can go back to work from 6 weeks, depending on the kind of work you do, of course. It has given me a new lease of life.

This is how my surgeon described the procedure:" I'm taking away the pram, but leaving the playpen!"

I had mine about 6 years ago and absolutely no problems. After four days i took myself home, by taxi. Carried on much as i had before. Mine was because of huge ovarian cyst so have vertical scar about 3-4 inch, now almost invisible. I would definitely take the HRT though, save the possibility of Osteoporosis or Osteopenia. Don’t worry!!!

I had keyhole surgery in June 2023 following a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Apart from the first few days I recovered very quickly and was driving again within six weeks.

I had an abdominal hysterectomy 37 years ago when I was 33, it was an utter relief to be free of horrendous dysmenorrhea. I was a nurse and back at work 9 weeks later.