Hello,

I had to get a ovary removed in 2019 because it had a dermoid tumor and then in 2022 I was diagnosed with Adenmyosis and given an IUD then cut to 4 months before today I was bleeding for the entire 4 months and passing clots. When I had my biopsy. they saw I had a fibroid so big it pushed out my IUD ( cuz it was in scans a week ago)

So I got my Hysto and its been over a week and I feel like I am losing my mind. I cry over everything or I am irritated at everything.

I haven't felt like this in a while so I am not sure if this is common or its just me?

Could use some answers <3

Basically what the title says. I'm 6 weeks next week and day dreaming of being cleared.

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I needed to find some grounding and reality. This group is a treasure!

I am trying to make up my mind whether to keep or remove my cervix. My pap and biopsy were normal. My cervix does play a role in my enjoyment, that is my reason for wanting to keep it. I mainly climax through intercourse and not outercourse. My main fear, other than loss of sensation, for having it removed is related to my partner being well endowed. My doctor didn’t seem to have an answer other than a strict wait 10 weeks before resuming intercourse. The worry I have regarding having it removed is will I still be able to accommodate my partners rather large member and not feel discomfort. I don’t feel discomfort now and don’t want to risk that changing. I realize the cervix is considered the lower part of the uterus for many, but I feel it also offers some shock absorption. Is there anyone here willing to share their post cervix removal/vaginal cuff experience in regards to having a partner that is above average below the belt?

Hello! How are you all? I have a strange question, a very specific one. for those who have had a hysterectomy but (hopefully) kept both ovaries.

First: have you been given any specific care, recommendations, or were you forbidden to do anything, in order for the ovaries to "live" and function fully again?

Second: How can I know if my ovaries, in fact, survived and are functioning as usual? Have you had any specific hormone tests or something like that after the surgery?

Thank you in advance! 😃

I'm 18 and live in NC I'm in desperate need to get rid of the stupid demon organ (uterus) because of extreme pain. (I've already gotten an ultrasound nothing was wrong so I don't know why I'm like this) the first doctor I went to denied me help other than birth control (to which I said no because of side effects). I don't want the whole system removed I just can't take becoming immobilized for the first and sometimes second days of my period. I don't know if this is the right place to ask for help but if anyone can please point me in the right way so I can finally stop suffering I would greatly appreciate it! I don't want to bleed for my almost whole life.

Today is the day after her surgery. It was over a 7 pound fibroid that they took out with only 5 small incisions. The surgeon had never seen anything like it before. It seems like the only thing that's bothering her right now is the gas pain. I've gotten her gas x, chewing gum, carbonated drinks. Is there any other recommendations? We've been getting up every hour to walk around for a little bit. She's doing amazing and I'm so proud of her.

I'm trying to include a photo, but can't figure out how to 😭 so I was trying to fix it and deleted my other post. I couldn't see all the previous comments so if you could repost them, that would be great!

I've (41F) been reading as much as I can about experiences with hysterectomies, ever since my doctor told me I likely have endometriosis due to chronic pelvic pain, intense periods (even with an IUD--not much bleeding but tons of other symptoms), and a family history of endometriosis/adenomyosis. We tried (and failed) several different hormonal therapies before I came to the conclusion to get the surgery, but I'm hopeful it helps with my issues. I have questions that I'm not sure the doctor can answer, but plan to ask anyway. It would be helpful to hear of others' experiences though! Surgery is scheduled for two weeks out, and I have a pre-op appointment next week.

1. The plan currently is to do a vaginal hysterectomy and keep my ovaries. What happens if I have endometriosis, and keep my ovaries? I have suspected for a while that there might be some endometrial tissue on the bowels due to certain issues each time I get a period, but from what was explained, there's not a good way to tell unless you can see adhesions between the bowel walls on an ultrasound. (I did have a US but it wasn't conclusive.) If I keep my ovaries, is it likely I will still have the bowel/pelvic pain? If they're doing the vaginal surgery, are they going to be able to see my other organs and make sure there's no endometrial tissue embedded? I know they stated there's a chance they'll need to do the open surgery and/or remove my ovaries, but how do they tell that when they are going the vaginal route?

2. I have a high sex drive. My partner (42M) also has a high sex drive. (5-7 times per week is typically the low end of the spectrum for us... sometimes as much as 10x per week.) How well did you feel after surgery, and how long before you wanted to get back in the saddle, so to speak? I know it's recommended to wait at least six weeks for PIV, but what about external stimulation? Oral? (Giving or receiving.) This is one thing I'm not sure about talking to my doctor about. Not because it's embarrassing, but more so because I'm sure this is highly subjective. I plan to take his advice on restrictions, no matter what.

3. How were stairs, after surgery? Is it painful to have to go up and down? Currently my bedroom is upstairs and the bathroom is downstairs. I could plan to sleep on our chaise in the living room (downstairs) if needed, but wondered how much of a hassle the stairs might be, because my bed is a lot more comfortable. I know to avoid lifting for at least six weeks.

4. How long did you have to wait to drive again? Did you drive the next day, provided you weren't sleepy or using medications that caused sedation? I plan to go back to work as soon as I can after (I have approval for six weeks off, but I have an office job and can work from home when needed). Just wondering how long I am going to be house-bound during the day while my partner is at work.

5. I get recurrent bacterial vaginosis. I am not sure if it's a reaction from a pH imbalance between my partner and I, if it's from my long-term IUD use, or if it's just how my body is. It's been nearly a decade with this issue, and even with treatment the infections don't seem to clear. I don't get symptoms, so I only know if I have it when I am being tested for other things, or during my annual exam. If this is because of my IUD, I'm hoping that helps clear those infections for good. But if not, is this going to be a barrier to getting the surgery? Or will they just give me extra antibiotics after? My doctor is aware and has treated these before, but he's fairly new to my case (being the surgeon and not my usual OBGYN), so I'm not sure he knows how chronic these infections have been. Has anyone had experience with recurrent infections like this?

6. On the flip side, I'm going through perimenopause currently, getting a period every two weeks or less, and each time I get a period I'm also getting a yeast infection on top of it. We did test and confirm that the infections go away after treatment, so I know it's not the same infection just sticking around. They just seem to come back when I start getting period symptoms. If I get to it at the first sign of symptoms, one tab of fluconazole helps get rid of it before it gets bad. But for about six months I had full blown infections and was treating with OTC meds before I was able to get a refillable prescription for the fluconazole. I'm hoping this goes away too, but has anyone had experience with that as well? I'm definitely going to bring this up at the pre-op visit.

Is there anything else I should know about to ask my doctor? I know this is long, but if you read this far, or if you have advice for any/all of these questions, THANK YOU!

hi! i am 19 and have been struggling with terrible periods since i was 12. i have endo and pcos and i just want everything gone. i have always had a huge desire for adoption/fostering and don’t want to have bio kids so that argument doesn’t go far. i am hoping to get a full hysterectomy within the next year but i am wondering about pain, pros and cons, the hormone side of things, and pretty much anything else i am forgetting. for those of you with similar stories, what made you feel confident? how did you convince drs despite your age?

What are some good snacks to have on hand while recovering from hysterectomy 🤔

I'm thinking easily digestible, convenient and (hopefully) healthy.

Would love to hear everyone's favorites!!

Anyone else have shoulder pain?? If so how many weeks are u post surgery.Thank you

My mother is in her 50s and finally got scheduled in for the hysterectomy she’s been begging for for years after a series of cysts which basically ruined her life. I’ll be the only person caring for her in the aftermath, but I’m 19 and so I don’t have any experience of what significant operations will result in in terms of recovery.

I would love to get any advice from the people who have been through this op - what did anyone around you do that was particularly beneficial or what do you wish they had done for you?

I know that it can vary based on surgery, as far as I know she desperately wants to keep her ovaries but get rid of the womb completely. I won’t be able to be constantly present during her recovery because I’ll also have to drive around to take care of her parents and my grandparents (one of which is post a minor operation herself) who live in different parts of the country (we’re based in England though so nothing more than a couple of hours each way), though obviously not during the first two or three weeks post op.

Any little tips that anyone could provide me with would be fantastic - I’ve done plenty of research on what’s necessary from the medical perspective and been present in quite a few of her appointments, so I’m mostly asking what I can do to make this experience less painful for her on a human level.

Anything would be hugely appreciated!

I’m currently at 5 weeks po and feel like I should no longer have this much pain and soreness around my incision. My doctor originally said 2-2.5 weeks I should be back to work but there is NO WAY I could do that. I’m trying not to take daily pain meds and mainly using ice when needed. Just curious how it’s been for others who had a similar surgery. For reference I had endometriosis, adenomyosis, 3 fibroids, and a cyst on one ovary. Decided to keep my cervix (which I now kinda regret because of this ongoing incision pain). 😝. Just need to hear that it gets better!

The first week was so painful that I really thought I would feel ‘disabled’ for months! The 2nd week the pain was so much more manageable (still using ibuprofen)…but here it is at 3 weeks po and I feel like my old self! No need for ibuprofen. I’m not going to lift anything too heavy, but I can do laundry/shopping etc.

But I have to start chemo next week, so I feel like it’s not fair! So I’m going to stock up on groceries, toilet paper, etc…in case I’m really tired. Chemo supposedly doesn’t hurt, but you feel exhausted.

My Hysterectomy will be scheduled in April as soon as the hospital opens up their booking. This is a personal preference as my Dr is having a baby and will be on leave December through march. In the meantime I’m hoping for any advice or things you would have done knowing you had around 5-6 months to prepare. I have extremely low iron stores and anemia from bleeding so much during the week of my cycle so my dr started me on an iron supplement and a progesterone pill during my cycle to control bleeding and help get those iron levels up before surgery. My goal is to start working out again to be in better shape (I was working out around 2 hours a day for the past year but stopped in September due to being so so tired and it actually was due to anemia/low iron from the excessive bleeding so getting back into that shouldn’t be as difficult) and hopefully weigh just a little bit less than I do going into surgery.

What post op will look like for us. I’m a stay at home parent so don’t need to worry about time off from work. We have 3 kids who will be home as we homeschool so I’m also planning to start making meals to stock the freezer for easy dinners/ lunches etc. my husband will be home for two weeks with me. Kids are pretty self sufficient and don’t do a ton of screen time so planning to have them assist with chores and spend lots of time relaxing in front of the tv once schooling is complete.

My surgeon is planning a laparoscopic removal and keeping ovaries.

So anyways things you would recommend to prepare, items that helped during recovery any tips or tricks. All welcomed ❤️

I’m 29 years old and have struggled since I was 11 with horrible periods. It took me until June 2024 to find a doctor who actually listened to my concerns. Every other doctor just said to take birth control without ever investigating the reason why I was suffering so much.

I had a single port robotic partial hysterectomy 2 days ago. They found endometriosis in 3 different spots. This was a huge relief for myself because I always knew something was wrong and I suspected endo, but again, no doctor listened to me when I told them my symptoms.

Gas pains have been the worst, but yesterday I started to pass gas, which was only 24 hours after my procedure was done. I’m fatigued but walking around every hour. I’m starving but only eating a bland diet and small portions, as I get full super fast. For any woman suffering, or you just feel something isn’t right, find a doctor who will listen. It makes all the difference. I’m so glad I went through with this procedure.

Yesterday I posted about how good my follow up went. I may have spoken too soon. Everything was completely normal till this a.m. when I woke up bleeding gushing with huge clots. Had to go to ER but they found nothing unusual and said everything was great but I need to get another follow up from my surgeon. I just want to cry because my whole reason for getting a hysterectomy is so I didn’t have to keep going to the ER for excessive bleeding. It feels so futile right now. Bleeding has gone down but still present.

I (32) have had scary painful periods on and off since receiving the Covid vaccine. Passing out, rolling on the floor covered in sweat pain. However the last few months have backed off quite a lot. I also experience pretty painful cramping while ovulating.

My Gyno has approved a full hys. but I’m kind of on the fence because the pain isn’t a 15/10 as before. I’m wondering if the peace of mind not having to worry if “this period is gonna take me out” and also not having to worry about getting pregnant is worth the ordeal of this procedure.

Thank you all for your thoughts and all my love on your journeys. 💕

I had a dream last night I went to the bathroom and started gushing blood. I’m 11 mpo but kept my ovaries. Think it’s safe to say “the haunting” had stared today.

Posting my experiences from Germany, maybe it helps someone.

I had severe bleeding since 2-3 years, nearly no day without bleeding this year. On the heavy days (7-8 days per month) I did pass several clots daily. Haemoglobin went down to 7.5, ferritin <5.

Before getting hysterectomy I tried different options over the last 2-3 years, but none of them helped (BC, Mirena, D&C with partial removal of fibroids).

Surgery was last tuesday (29.10.), total laparoscopic Hysterectomy (Uterus, Cervix, fallopian Tubes), all paid by insurance.

Preparartion started one day earlier by using laxative.

Day of surgery:

Arrived at the Hospital at around 6.30am and was moved to my room, where I was prepped for surgery (clothing, shaving etc) and waited to get picked Up.

At around 10.30 I was picked Up and brought to anesthesia prep room, getting all the cables attached etc. After being ready, some small Talk with the anesthesia Team, before they started the process at around 11.00. Never saw the operating room or operating Team, as I was already out in the anesthesia prep room.

At around 13.00 I did wake up. Was directly awake and not sleepy anymore. Pain Management was on point, did not have any pain since surgery besides some Gas pain. When I woke up I had a catheter and a wound Drainage in my stomach.

Was brought back to my room 30 minutes after waking up. 2 hours later a nurse watched my first steps, when getting up. Afterwards I was allowed to move by myself. Did not move much due to catheter and Drainage still in place.

Had no pain and was given oxycodon for the night.

Day 1 Did get used to the catheter, but did not sleep much due to noise in the Hospital. After breakfast, the catheter was removed, which improved movement greatly. Drainage was still in. Some blood Tests and doctor visits later that day.

Gas started moving, which was a little uncomfortable, but ok. Was offered more oxycodon, but as I had no pain besides the Gas, I did not take it. Just Novalgin for possible cramping.

Day 2 During the night, the Drainage did leak. Nurses changed it at night. In the morning some laxative before breakfast, as doctors said that bowel movement is required before removing Drainage. BM was successfully achieved before doctors checking, but will need to wait one or two more days, as there was a little too much fluid in the Drainage bag. At least Fluid ist getting clear and there is nearly no blood, which seems to be a good sign.

Also had a first post op check by a doc with vaginal Ultrasound, Check with speculum and Ultrasound of the kidneys. All in all everything seems to be fine. Just the Speculum did hurt quiet a lot, which worried me a bit, but I guess this is due to surgery.

No Painkillers so far today, gas pain seems to be nearly gone.

Hospital is getting boring, but at least one more day until release. So fingers crossed that Drainage will be removed tomorrow and will be released from Hospital.

All in all I feel quite good 2DPO. Can move around without pain. Looking forward to be released and relax at Home.

Good Morning! Has anyone lost muscle after your hysterectomy? If so where have u lost it? How do u rebuild it? Thank you.

I turned and slept on my side and stared to feel a throbbing in my vaginal cuff area. I got up and tried to walk it off and it was sore for about a half hour and seems to feel normal now. When I searched my AI said sounds like muscle strain. What do you think?

Hopefully I'm just being paranoid but was wondering if anyone else experienced this? I had total laprascopic hysterectomy on July 12th so I'm about 3.5 months post op. I'd had a prior lap for endo excision and my belly button looked normal and healed just fine from that. But with hysto it looked like they sewed it together kinda strangely and the incisions are still red.

I haven't noticed any pus or red streaks radiating out or anything like that. But its very easy for dust to build up in between one of the skin folds now and has that distinct funky belly button smell (I know kinda gross, but I remember having that smell as a kid if I didnt clean my belly button well). I'm scared to do too much poking around in there and cause it to rip open or something.

My last follow up was 2 months ago at the end of August and my surgeon said it was all healing well at that point but I can't remember if it's currently better or worse than it was then.

Anyways, I'd really appreciate if anyone else could please share if their experience has been similar with belly button incisions that are still red this far out from surgery! Thanks!

Hadn't seen mention of this in a while, so here's a chat: anyone else using scar treatment? Had a robotic-assisted TLH nine weeks ago - originally said I had no interest in using scar-minimizing treatments - but I ended up buying silicone tape ($22 for a pack of six at CVS), and almost two weeks later, here we are. Surprisingly, it's already working: my four scars are slowly shrinking. The tape bits are fiddly little buggers, though. I remove and wash them with hand soap before I shower, let them dry on a bit of paper towel, then reapply them after I'm completely dry. The first batch lasted a week before they had gathered lint around the edges. If you're averse to fiddly little buggers slowing down your shower routine, maybe pick another treatment.

Vitamin E, bio oil, silicone gel or tape, nothing: what are folks using? What works for you? What doesn't?

Hey there! It's been such a journey, as soon as I start feeling everything is better, it's back to more issues. At this point I've had 3 silver nitrate applications and all seemed well and after only 2 weeks I'm bleeding again after intercourse. If you've had scar tissue issues- did it ever go away? How much silver nitrate did you need? I was originally told only 2 apps would be needed but I've already Surpassed that. I went into this pretty unrealistic honestly, so many women come out and feel awesome so quickly (i love those stories and am so happy for each person with good experience!). Uterus and cervix both removed, did keep ovaries. I'm at the point where I feel embarrassed to keep calling my doctor to say the same thing and keep going to follow up visits, like it's super abnormal. Anyway thanks for any similar stories or advice you may have. 😀

I had my surgery Tuesday morning and got home Wednesday. While lying in bed my stomach is making very loud growl sounds. It's almost as if I can feel them. Like rippling. Anyone else ever experience this.

Hi everyone, My op date was for tomorrow (31st) but it's been cancelled at the last minute and now it's 29th Nov. I was all mentally ready, had bought all the recommended items etc and had done majority of Xmas shopping. But I'm gutted now that the date is so close to Xmas as it's going to effect my little boy too as we won't be able to do much at all like we normally do 😢 and those who says there are plenty more xmases how do we know that? Plus our kids are only little and believers for such a short time. I just feel disappointed, angry, upset and frustrated!!!!

Had my laparoscopic robot assisted total hysterectomy today! I got to keep both of my ovaries. I had a wonderful surgery, it only took about 2.5 hours, same with recovery. My bestie was there for me all day and got me safely and comfortably home right after. My pup has been by my side ever since just watching over me.

Still in pain meds, but the worst of my pain was my lower back!! I felt like a car had hit my back. Thankfully I had an excellent nursing crew for both intake and discharge. Makes it easier when you feel cared for. Now to heal and enjoy my improved life!

Ok. Pain meds kicking in, time to sleep!

First I wanna say Thankyou to this whole community! You guys are amazing and had so many great advice. I’m going to attach my notes from the dr if you guys could help me understand better. I am home, got to hospital at 11:30 & didn’t get home until 9:30pm!!!

Findings: Operative findings were consistent with extensive Stage IV Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE). The uterus was small, measuring approximately 9 cm, while the bilateral ovaries were densely adherent to the ovarian fossas and pelvic sidewalls bilaterally. The fallopian tubes were surgically absent and the appendix was surgically absent. The vesicoperitoneum and retroperitoneum throughout the pelvis were significantly abnormal. The pelvic cavity exhibited a pronounced degree of fibrotic changes and adhesions. Both ureters were encased in dense fibrosis which was limiting normal peristalsis. The upper abdomen was normal appearing. Additionally, nodular masses measuring 3 x 2 cm each were observed in the perirectal spaces bilaterally and in the rectovaginal space there was a 4-5 cm cystic lesion suspected to be an endometrioma which was distorting the anatomy and deviating the rectum to the right. An Allen Master's defect here tracks 4 cm deep toward the pelvic floor musculature on the right side toward sacral nerves and vascular plexus in the retroperitoneum. The peritoneum over bother uterosacral ligaments and the rectovaginal fossa was also abnormal appearing.