Considering Partial Hysterectomy: Have Questions

Updated on April 21, 2011
J.F. asks from Bloomington, IN
4 answers

I have PCOS and finally got my two miracle babies. I had my tubes tied a year ago at the birth of my second. I am currently working on weaning her. I've had a few periods since her birth (no thanks to breastfeeding) and they have been beyond bad. This past one was so bad that I bled through a heavy duty pad AND a depends (have to wear them during my periods otherwise I have to change my clothes constantly). My blood clots were so large that you could hear them hitting the toilet water (sorry!). I also cramp so badly that I am in agony for at least 2-3 days (this time 4 1/2).

I have an appt. with my doctor on May 3. My only options are going on the bc pill or having a partial hysterectomy. I am not a candidate for anything else (I've already asked and gone down the list). I was on the bc pill for 10 years and it was a miracle for my issues, but now I worry that it won't work for me since I'm 37 (nonsmoker) and it's been 10 years since I've been off them.

My main question is what do I need to know about a partial hysterectomy? What questions should I ask my doctor? What side affects will I have? Etc.

Thank you in advance!

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So What Happened?

To answer the question of what a partial hysterectomy is: it when the uterus is removed and not the ovaries. If you leave the ovaries, you are likely to not have complications with hormones and will experience menopause like normal....just no periods before that. I should also say that I WELCOME a hysterectomy. I begged my doctor to take it out during my last C-section. She couldn't because it was unsafe to do so at the time (too much bleeding). I've had c-sections with both my kids.

Is the recovery similar or better than a c-section? I'm thinking it has to be better because I don't have to get up every few hours to nurse a baby and my uterus is gone and NOT shrinking causing more pain. Just looking for information I haven't considered. Thanks!

More Answers

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

Well, I'm guessing by partial hysterectomy, you mean that your ovaries or at least one of them would be left so you continue to produce hormones.
I had a complete hysterectomy at 34. I only had one partial ovary left and I had severe endometriosis.
My hysterectomy changed my life for the better, for sure.
This is something you need to discuss with your doctor. Some women have partial hysterectomies and do fine.
A friend of mine was very upset and traumatized when her doctor said she needed a total hysterectomy. She was 51 and having major problems.
I told her that with mine, I looked at the upside. After my hysterectomy I had zero chance of uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer. Those were positives in my book.
Each woman is different so you should really go over all of this very carefully with your doctor. Removing your uterus will take care of your bleeding problems. If you keep one or both ovaries, you won't need to worry about hormone replacement.
I'm no expert, I just know that I felt so much better after my procedure and so did my friend. She recovered quickly and felt great.

I wish you the best.

2 moms found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

I bled every day for 18 months and in the eleventh hour, the day before my surgery, after I was prepared to pay the $25k or so in cash-it was a long time ago-the insurance company agreed to pay for my hysterectomy. I guess the times have changed-signifcantly-go for it-you will never reget it. I get a CA 125 test every year or so-and that is it.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

I had those symptoms after my tubal ligation. I reversed it and my symptoms cleared up. You may have had these symptoms before your tubal but it's typical of a hormone imbalance. My sister had a partial hysterectomy and her ovaries ended up being absorbed by her body. It sounds like you have female related health problems but check to see if there is a more natural way to treat it. Because once you go down this road, there isn't a whole lot of options. I wish you the best! Good luck!!

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I don't know what a partial hysterectomy is. I had a complete hysterectomy, abdominal bikini line incision about 9 yrs ago and it was the BEST thing I ever did.

I've never felt better or looked better.

Recovery has a lot to do with you and your attitude. I am not the poor me type to want to lay in bed and be waited on. I was up, active and got going as best I could all within the Dr. orders. I never had the side effects some people have such as swelly belly and my sex drive shot up not down because of my new sense of freedom.

I've been on an HRT patch ever sense.

Some women mourn the loss of their parts for some reason and it has a different effect on them. I am more of a positive attitude person and I always look for the better.

check out www. hystersisters.com it has a lot of info good and bad

1 mom found this helpful
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