Anyone Else Have a Hysterectomy After Having Kids?

E., I too had problems and was blessed with 2 lovely children after much struggle. I was on bed rest the last pregnancy. When my youngest was 17 months old I had to have a hysterectomy and I was relived to have it. I was prepared for it mentally except for leaving my girls for 4 days. Mentally I
was relived to be getting rid of the monthly problem and looking forward to the extra money I would save each month not buying tampons. I was also mentally looking forward to no more female health issues. As I said my only problem was leaving my girls for 4 days but it was well worth it. That was in 2002 and I have never looked back. I was 42 years old then.

I've never done it, but my grandma did. They left part of one of her ovaries in the hopes that it would produce enough hormones to keep her from going into menopause early. It worked. She only had a partial ovary, but it produced enough for her. She was 28 when she had her hysterectomy.

Hi E., I too had a hysterectomy at about your age and after 3 children. My menstrual cycles were very painful and messy since the age of 13. I had several procedures for cysts over the years. Finally I said enough and had the surgery. My husband and I wondered why I didn't do it sooner. Our physical relationship became better. We didn't have to worry about birth control and sponteneity came back into the marriage. I also did not lose 10 days out of every month due to the heavy periods and everything else that came with it. I missed work on the second day of my period every month because I could not make it to the restroom. My uterus did not define my femaninity(s?). I never felt that I was less of a woman in fact I feel it freed me to be a better wife and mother. One of the things I would suggest is that after the procedure (ask your doctor) you wear a wrap around maternity girdle. It helps keeps everything in place while you are healing. Also speak with your doctor about early menopause, and no you won't become this sweaty hairy thing. But it is a bit unconfortable but if you are prepared for the symptoms then you will know what to do. Keep your chin up, you'll be glad you had it done.

Hi E.~
I have 2 children: 8 year old and a 10-month old. 5 weeks ago I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. It was caught early. The gynecologsit oncologist wanted to operate asap and so I had a radiacal hysterectomy (everything including ovaries and lymph nodes) on August 26. I am 4 weeks post surgery and no chemo or radiation necessary. Thank God.

I, too, was very worried about what to expect. I got on a website called www.hystersisters.com which has a lot of information. First off, you need to plan on resting post-op for the first 2 weeks with another 2 weeks of easy living (total of 4). My mother-in-law came in to town to take care of me and my family for 3 weeks (could have used her for 4). I was tired all the time and told to expect that. (Two women told me that they got their energy back at the 8-week mark). Important not to lift anything over 10 lbs., so you should plan on a support sytem for the kids so you can rest and heal. You absolutely must take care of yourself through this.

The surgery went well and I was in the hospital for 4 days. You will be kept on great pain meds. I was opened up from my belly button to my bikini line. (The doc wanted to check out other organs and make sure the cancer had not spread.) Lots of staples on the outside and was told many many stitches on the inside. I had to wear a bladder bag (catheter) home for the first week. That wasn't too bad at all. When you've had an organ removed so closely to the bladder, sometimes it gets bruised. Wearing the catheter protects it by allowing it to empty itself whenever it needs to.

I asked my doc about putting me on some estrogen. I was afraid of going into instant menopause and hormones were prescribed to alleviate that.

Honestly I was very fearful about the whole journey. I'm looking back and realizing it hasn't been that bad. I'm kind of impatient about getting my energy back and have to remind myself that it is what it is. I'm also finding myself feeling very sad sometimes. For me, it was the whole "you have cancer" diagnosis and rush to surgery thing. I am grateful to be alive! I must admit that losing my uterus felt kind of sad. I'm 39 and done having children, but the choice is no longer mine and I've had to make some peace with that too. But on the other hand, remember there is much to celebrate. You have 2 beautiful children and will no longer have to suffer from pain of POS of endometriosis. My friends who have had hysterectomies talk about how wonderful it is to never have a period and all the benefits that come from that!

E., you will be okay my dear. I encourage you to get on the hystersisters.com website which was designed to be encouraging and positive. They also have a free booklet they can send you which I higly recommend. I refer to mine daily about the questions or concerns I may be having. Please, I also encourage you to write me with any questions or concerns you might have.

It will be okay.
Take care,
A.

E., I had a radical hyterectomy (everything removed) at age 37 That was way back in 1994 As far as the surgery goes everything was fine, reocvery no problems. Of course you will feel a little different just realize that you lucky enough to have to children I was also one of the lucky ones to have one child before the surgery. The only thing not really so negative is the hormonal changes. But with a possitive attitude the changes won't be much to cope with, plus your doctor will put you on some kind of hormone replacement. You will be able to do things just like you did in the past.
I'll keep you in my prayers. (And I was married to a Marine)
C.

I just had a partial hysterectomy 2 1/2 weeks ago and I feel great. The best advice that I can give is get prepared. I went to a dinner preperation service that makes meals for you and then you put them in the freezer until you need them. My husband is very capable of cooking, but it gave me peace of mind to know that it was taken care of. Also have plenty of help around for the first couple of weeks, I also have a 2 yr old that is very active and it's great to have people you can count on. Take care of yourself first, everything else can wait. If your tired rest, that has been the hard part for me.

I found this website hystersisters.com that helped me prepare and has helped me to know where I am at in the healing process. Just remember you are making the right choice for you and your family and you will be better than ever in no time!!

Good Luck and Take Care!

I had a hysterectomy at age 40 after having two children. The only thing I didn't let them do was take my ovaries. They were healthy and functioning and I didn't want to be thrown into an early menopause. They said that would leave me at risk for ovarian cancer, but there had been no history of ovarian cancer in my family, so I opted to keep them. I never had any problems after the procedure. It was wonderful to feel healthy again, and of course, NO MORE PERIODS. YEH! I had a vaginal hysterectomy, so I didn't even have a scar to deal with. I was out power-walking a week after surgery. Check and see if you could be eligible for a vaginal hysterectomy. I assume he wants to do the abdominal approach so he can remove all the endometriosis. I am sure you will do very well. Best of luck. M. (RN of 40 years)

I am praying for you.

I had a full abdominal hysterectomy about 18 months ago and it was the best thing I ever did. I have 2 children also and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I did not go on hormones until about 3 months ago because I wanted to give my body a chance to see how it reacted. I did have some hot flashes and sleep interruptions so after going back and forth my doctor explained to me that at 34 was shouldn't be without hormones and put me on a low dose. It has really helped! Not having to worry about cysts or when my endometriosis was going to rear their ugly heads is so much a relief. Recovery was slow, like a C-section so get some help if you can with your children. You really will feel much better in the end!!

Hi E., I have PCOS also and I was wondering what meds. they gave you? The Doctor wants to put me on a meds. to help me start ovulating, is this what you took your meds. for? I have a 2 1/2 year old son and would love to have just one more. I pray that your hysterectomy goes well! The best of luck to you! God bless you and your family!

E.-

I had a hysterectomy at 50 after having a child at 43. It went really well. I didn't have a C-Section delivery, but I would imagine the recovery is like a C-Section without having a newborn infant in your arms all day long :-)

The most helpful thing for me was a bellyband. It's an elastic band that is secured with velcro. It gave me that extra bit of support for my belly for the first week or two. http://www.nulifemedical.com/p-872-cmo-loving-comfort-pos...

The other essential item was a "grabber" http://www.arcmate.com/Products.aspx?ParentID=48882
This isn't exactly the one I had, but one of the hardest thing about recovery at first is picking up dropped items from the floor or bending down to put on your sweats! You can use this grabber to pick up dropped items or to help you get your pants pulled up.

My recovery was quick and I felt 75% normal after a week or a week and a half. You stay a bit tired from the pain/pain meds and the anesthesia during that first week.

The great thing is that after your hysterectomy you can wear white pants with confidence!

Hi E.,

My mom and sister have both endured endometriosis. My had 3 children with some medical assistance in between. She didn't have her hysterectomy until we were grown, but she did excellent. She was relieved to be done with the endometriosis. My sister just had her 3rd baby, and she hasn't had complications with endometriosis since before getting pregnant with her first child over 7 years ago. But that doesn't mean that she won't. She's just a bit different.

I also have an older cousin that had to have a hysterectomy a few years ago. I don't know if it was related to endometriosis or not. But her two kids were already in their teens by then. And she didn't have any complications from the surgery and is doing great.

Like you said, God has blessed you with two children. Concentrate on them. I know it's harder for you, because you're still young. You and your husband need to pray for God to give you peace over this decision. If it's His Will, then He will. If it's not His Will, then He has another way to take care of you. Just have peace knowing that God is in control.

God bless you and your sweet family.
M.

Wow, you are brave to make this decision and your doctor is great to go with you. I had lots of bleeding problems and when I finally got my hysterectomy I was so grateful!!! The problems went away and I feel wonderful. I too worried about it and when I was deep in prayer God sent me a hummingbird outside my window. It is tough to give up the possibility of more children but I applaud you to have a clear view of the future for the ones you have. I did not plan more children but did it for my own health, preparation was a tour of the hospital and talking to people about my own doctor. I went in with a great sense of peace. My recovery was longer than I wanted, but pay attention to your doctor about how long to be at rest. Get some help.

You will be fine, Jacque

I don't know what pos is but i did have endometriosis, at time they thought i had large tumors, they did a partial hysterectomy on me at age 38 and left both of my ovaries. I did fine but needed estrogen shots at first until my ovaries started producing again. I am now 73 and have had no more problems, i had a boy and girl, 3 years apart girl at 26 and boy at 29. Good luck, hope you get some good advice. They aren't as quick to do surgery now as were many years ago. They also found the endemetrious all through my stomach.

PLEASE PLEASE try alternative medicin first. they wanted to do a hysterectomy on my 20 years ago and did alternative medicine and I'm still going strong. check out Master Zhou a little expensive but well worth it. Tell Julia Penny sent you!!
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Hi mom of 2.
I am a mom of 3 and now grandmother of 7. I had my hystoerectomy when I was 31. My children were 7,5, and 16mos.
I never feared the surgery, today it is even less intrusive.
Ask your Dr. if there is any way to leave anyparts of your overies. But even not, you will be ok, and after healing you will fell blessed. No more pain, no more worry of getting unwanted new pregancys, and great sex. Yes, the sex is better because you are more relaxed and and all the above worry free.
Don't worry about having to take harmones if you have too.
If you don't want pills, ask your Dr. for the creams.
Keep your thoughts positive !

C. B