Hysterectomy

My mom just had one... at age 67.... and was released in 2 days. A little sore for a few days, but was up and walking around a week later. She was having many of the same problems, and feels SO MUCH better now.

I am 39 and had my hysterectomy a little over a year ago. I had urinary tract infections allot, leaking of bladder allot and allot of pain. I was a mother at 16 years old and have 2 daughters both now in college. Although I am not married, I waited about a year and tried everything and anything before I made my decision. The biggest challenge was the fact I was not married nor have ever been married. I explained to my doctor I didn't want to have more children and I was getting older and even though not married, I didn't have healthy pregnancies or happy ones. I suffered through miscarriages and had painful abortions. I just still couldn't see myself going through raising another child...even if I would find the perfect husband and money was not an object. I also didn't want to take a drastic measure like major surgery until I tried all other methods of possible treatment. I also got 2 other opinions from other doctors non related to the same medical group. All concurred and agreed with me to try everything. I tried pills, I tried keigel exercises, I tried abstinance and a procedure called Dilation and curtige(similar to cleaning out my uterus when after a miscarriage or abortion) That procedure was effective for a friend of mine who was 40 and she didn't have to go through with a hysterectomy. Unfortunately it didn't work for me - Nothing worked. I also went into personal counseling. After a long and painful year, I sat down to weigh out all my options. I felt much more comfortable with my decision to go ahead with a hysterectomy and I haven't regretted my decision. I am at peace with myself, I am no longer in any pain or find myself in embarrasing situations with leaking urine- even when I laughed. I also kept my ovaries but I felt at peace with my mind and body and soul after trying every thing I could physically and emotionally and maternially. I thought I would feel horrible if I saw a newborn or a pregnant mother but I didn't! I no longer worry about periods, bloating, pms, buying kotex or tampons. I laugh at every commercial about midol or pamprin pills & pms symptons....and I don't leak! I would suggest to try what I did-definately the counseling to prepare yourself & explore other alternatives. You will be glad you did. Involve your husband but make the decision for yourself. My prayers are with you and know you are not alone. God Bless.

C.,

I have other problems that will require a hyst while leaving my ovaries in place. I can't wait! We're working on the bloodwork now. My sister had it done at 30, she's never felt better. My favorite website is www.hystersisters.com Go check them out, you'll find all kinds of information. Sign up, list your surgery date and you'll get all kinds of information from them in the weeks and days before your surgery. It's a goldmine! Good luck!
G.

Hi! I agree with the two previous postings. I'm 32, married, with an 11 year old son and 1 1/2 year old daughter. I had a hysterectomy 1 year ago this past January. It was a great choice for me. I had a very large fibroid tumor that I wasn't aware of prior to getting pregnant. The fibroid grew along with my pregnancy and didn't shrink after the birth of my daughter. My doctor advised my husband and I that if we wanted more children I would have to keep the tumor because it was attached to my uterus. I had a difficult pregnancy and my periods after giving birth were terrible. My entire body changed. I talked to my husband and we decided that we didn't need to have anymore kids especially since this pregnancy was so difficult. I had to be put on bed rest my last trimester and it was very painful. My doctor made me wait six months after the birth to see if the fibroid would shrink which (which would've allowed me to not have to have the surgery) it didn't and I finally had my surgery. I actually had a partial hysterectomy so that I wouldn't go into full menopause at 32. Either way it's been great since I no longer have a period or have to take birth control. My advice is since it is major surgery take your time relaxing after surgery and you will need help. The first week my doctor advised me to stay in bed and I did. My daughter was only 6 months at the time and I couldn't hold her. I was advised not to since you need all of your abdominal muscles just to lift her or anything for that matter and my doctor was right. It was painful however by the 3rd week I was totally feeling back to normal although there was still pain of course. The numbness from the surgery lasted for months so don't be surprised. I'm just now starting to not feel numb where the incision was made. If you aren't concerned with having more children then I strongly suggest the surgery. If you think there's even a slight chance you'll want more then perhaps you should see if there's other options for you since there's no going back once the surgery is complete.

One of there other ladies listed Hystersisters.com as a great website and she was correct. They have tons of support and "what to expect" type advice that the doctors won't even provide you.

I hope this helps.. Good Luck!

If you are not planning to have more kids, its the best thing you can do. And think of all the money you will save because you no longer have to buy Tampax, etc. It is major surgery, but the recovery time is much less than when I had mine in 1979.

I had the same problem after I had my second child. They didn't do a hysterectomy though. But, If I had to do it over
I say go for it! Get your bladder lifted and get rid of your uterus. I later in life got cervical cancer and if I didn't have it , I wouldn't have got cancer. Be gone with it !!!
N.

I have the bladder leaking problem but I don't have the uterus problem. My midwife suggested doing pillates to strengthen the muscles to put everything back in place. I've heard from quite a number of ladies that it does work. Doctors are super quick to go to surgery and not even consider something else. Unless there are other reasons I would ask before going for a hysterectomy. That's quite a drastic and invasive surgery.

I don't know too much about the hysterectomy issue, but I recently had something similar to the "bladder lift"("mid-urethra sling surgery")for stress incontinence and it was easy and gave me great results--no more leaking whatsoever. Good luck!

It is the best thing I ever did. I feel great.

Crystal I had a hysterectomy at age 39, leaving ovaries in. I cannot tell you how happy I was afterwards! No periods and no chance of pg even though my tubes were tied. I recovered very quickly...I actually walked to my office in the hospital the day after surgery and interviewed a potential employee!! I walked a lot as my exercise to help the recovery and did very well. I have also had a lot of bladder problems with three different procedures to stop the leaking but none were entirely successful. The only one that really works is what you will have with the combined surgeries so good for you! Mine were surgery but no incisions abdominally...just thru the vagina. You will have the best of both and at one time! Don't lay around more than necessary; that delays recovery. Rest often but get up and walk thru the house, eventually outside and longer distances daily. I am a nurse and am not afraid of procedures because I've seen how successful they are. You will be a new YOU when this is over and you are healed; sex will be FUN again! Oh, one more thing that docs never tell you: always always always pee immediately after sex. It clears the urethra of semen, vaginal fluids, etc and prevents urinary track infections (bladder infections). NEVER just roll over and go to sleep...always pee immediately.
Good luck and let us know how you do!
M. (older mom/gramma/nurse...but been thru it!)

You do not need a hysterctomy for a prolapsed bladder- they can put in a cage and you will be good as new in a week or so- The down time for a hystrectomy is 6 weeks total.
I would not trust any MD who would ever consider the drastic surgery for a small problem like a prolapsed bladder

Hi Crystal

It's kinda funny that I am not reading my Working Mother magazine but my husband is. I am 5'1 and just yesterday he told me about the relationship between wearing heels and UTI's. I am assuming here, but you mentioned your petite frame so I am guessing that you might be partial to high heels. And if you are, here's what the mag says (Dec/Jan 08):

"When you wear heels, your pelvic tilts forward, which takes your hips and spine out of alignment. The result is lordosis, a condition that creates pressure on the nerves in your lower spine. When this happens your bladder can't empty as it should, a precursor to UTI's. So if you're prone to UTI's, consider kicking your high heel habit."

If possible, I hope you find a diff solution and not have to have surgery. Good luck!

A. D

At your age, I would not have a hystorectomy - but if I did I would insist they take my ovaries. It does away with the problems of ovarian cancer for the future.

I had the same problem as you when I had my second child at age 31. They wanted to do surgery on me, too. I never went back but did start excersing (sit-ups, treadmill, weight bearing exercises, swimming) and have not had a problem since - I am now 62.

Hope this helps, but I do not really want to get involved in continuing on this site so I am unregistering.

I am 32 years old I have a 9, 6 and 4 yr old and I just has a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago. They left only one of my ovaries. I did not have a c section with any of my kids but they gave me a c section cut. It really is not that bad. I looks bad in the beginning but three weeks out the incision is healing really well and I am happy with it. It really is the best thing I have ever done which sounds corny becasue everyone said it but it is true! I feel GREAT a little sore form the surgery but the best I have felt in a couple years.
Hope I was some help
A. F

Hi Crystal, I am 55yrs old, I had a partial hyst. when I was 24yrs old, and a radical at 28yrs old! The reason I had a part/ radical is because I had a tubal regnancey at 28, and required a radical, so I went through the surgery 2x, but, ya know what, I have never regretted having had to have either one!I listened to my drs. very seriously and closely! I took very good care of myself during both recoveries, and all is WELL!!! I am VERY glad I listened to my dr. I am wondering, have you asked your dr. why you need a hyst. as well as a bladder lift, why they can't do just the bladder lift alone? Probably a good reason for you to have them both done is the fact of your age and that you do not want any more children, if so, go for it!!!!Just take very tender care of yourself, listen to your drs, if you trust them , and all should be well with you, contact me if you need to, I will try to help you through this as much as I can, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!!

Hello C.,
I am 36 years old. I have two daughters ages 13 and 15. I too suffered from constant bacteria infections and pain during and mostly after intercourse. The doctors all said that it was fine. Ends up my uterus was tilted and dropped lower also and I had a big fibroid sitting on top of my uterus. I had a partial hysterectomy done this past August and I feel awesome. I haven't had anymore infections and intercourse is great. It's pretty sad that our bodies have to endure such drama, but the hysterectomy was the best thing that could have happened for me. I feel like I'm 20 years old again. I still face a little PMS when it's that time of the month, but that's because I still have my ovaries and your body still goes through the regular cycle, just no period. I wish you all the best and hope that everything goes well for you as it did for me. Take care!

E.

C.,
Definately check into alternatives and get second opinions. I have always felt that if it is sending the red flag up to you, God gave you that instict for a reason. DO not get "talked into this". I have never had a hysterectomy, but I am getting older (46). Also I have a tipped uterus and have always found a missionary style to be more comfortable. Check out Susan Summers ( lady from 3's company) book she has a lot of good advice for natural methods and hormonal balances. She started doing a lot of research when her doctor started recommending things shr did not feel comfortable with. Good luck

J.

I had the exact same problem and the same surgery at least 5 years ago and couldn't be happier. I'm even jogging again and believe me, I haven't missed not having periods. It's well worth the pain of the surgery and it wasn't all that awful. I feel that it is a quality of life decision and you should go forward. You won't regret it. Plus, if they leave your ovaries, as they did mine, you won't need hormone replacement therapy, you won't need birth control either. It's nice to get the time off work too. I ended up taking 10 weeks.
Good luck with your decision!
M.

Dear C., You will feel so much better after the surgery. I was bleeding all the time from a large fibroid and I some of your other symptoms. I had them take my ovaries since I was 48 and going through menopause anyway. My sister-in-law had the hysterectomy with the bladder lift and she said that it helped a lot. No more accidents, if you know what I mean. You will feel really miserable for a couple of days post operative but after about a week you will be walking around the house and after two weeks you will probably be able to drive and go to the market with help. It took me about a month before i felt really good again. I didn't lift anything for a couple of months because I had the kind of surgery where they went over my old C Section scar. I started walking my old boss's dogs soon after and got back into a better shape. (I was a personal assistant to a professional couple) So good luck. You will feel a lot better and other things will improve too.

Dear C.,

I am in your boat, too. I was about your age, maybe a year younger when I went to the doctor and told him I thought my uterus was prolapsing (dropping - or "falling out" as I like to say) He did a pelvic exam, and agreed with me that it is low - and because it is dropping, my bladder doesn't have the support it needs and is following along, right behind it. He told me I didn't need surgery unless the symptoms (like the ones you listed) bothered me. Every time I have had it checked since, it is a little lower. Incontinence isn't a problem if I "go potty" when I need to, instead of putting it off like I want to (like I did for too many years). I did have a cold (and cough) last year, and thought it might be time, but have been fine since. I am divorced, and not sexually active, so I don't even know if that is an issue. (= So far, whether or not to have a hysterectomy is my choice, though I am afraid one day it won't be. They have told me the same thing they told you - partial hysterectomy, taking the uterus, leaving the ovaries (still young enough to need them for hormones - which means I would get to PMS, without a period to blame it on! Woohoo!), and set the bladder back where it should be. Until I have to have my surgery, one of my favorite lines is that my boobs and my uterus are all between my knees - we call it "one-stop shopping."

Good luck! I will be following in your footsteps, I am sure, shortly,
B.

That is such a final thing. It depends on your attitude whether it will be ok for you. Have you tried any other means of lifting the bladder such as acupuncture or Bowen therapy? Have you tried any herbal means of getting rid of your problem or watched your diet to see what may antagonize it? Some of my friends find cherry juice to be healing and soothing. Some cannot tolerate any acid such as citrus foods, juices and of all things-cranberry juice. If it were me I would look into alternative therapies before doing the drastic measure.

C.,
I too had fibroids and painful intercourse due to a tipped uterous. My doctor wanted me to have a hysterectomy as well.

I felt that since my uterous was not diseased I would forgoe the surgery and I'm happy that I did.

I would suggest you get a 2nd opinion, even if you have to pay out of pocket.
Ask if only the bladder lift can be done and I am almost sure there is a surgery to lift the uterous as well.

I pray the best decision for you and your family.
N - Walnut

Have you tried doing pelvic floor muscle exercises? aka Kegels. These websites explain in detail:

http://www.baymed.org/images/kegels.jpg (w/ pic)
http://www.babycenter.com/0_kegel-exercises_###-###-####.bc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kegel_exercise
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/kegel.html
(there are many more, just do an internet search)

I'm not sure how far gone your situation is, but these can help immensely. Even if you end up getting a hysterectomy, I can imagine they'd only help. Our pelvi are just like any other part of our body. If we don't tone the muscles down there, they'll get weak and not support the surrounding body parts as they should.
Just an idea...hope it helps!
~N.

Hi C.,
I can say 2 things about a hysterectomy... of which I had when I was 40, due to some pre-cancerous cells. My overies were also removed,(in fact everything) and for you, I can see that keeping them might be a good thing, because the major downfall of a hysterectomy is the immediate and consistant menopause it brings on for years to come. There are a lot of good things about keeping them, and if I had a choice, I would have gone that route. Other than that, it's really not a big deal anymore, and for the most part you will be much better off. I'm not sure about this, but I also gained continual weight after my surgery, mostly because of the hormone issue I think. So after you recover fully, eat healthy and exercise regularly.

Get a second opinion. I am in the medical profession and I highly encourage you to get a second. This is major surgery and you will go through some major hormonal changes. Then you will be taking supplements for the rest of your life. Look up womans health and hormone supplements. Its not good. ie side effects.
Good luck

Crystal,
A hysterectomy is not a cure for frequent bladder infections, is there a line of thinking that I'm not getting with this? As far as prolapse, I would suggest kegels (as suggested below with links) but also paying attention to your posture (www.wholewoman.com). You may want to look into some other type of support like a fembrace.

good luck with whatever you decide,
N.

I was just wondering if you had considered having them remove your ovaries also? I know it would maybe mean hormone replacement therapy, but I just wanted to pass along something my mother-in-law said and she is a gynecological oncology nurse: She has said that if she herself had a hysterectomy she would want them to take her ovaries, too, since it is way harder and less likely that in your regular check ups you will get the same screening for ovarian cancer, but it is still a concern, unless you have them removed also. Just something I wanted you to be aware of, so you can make the best decision for yourself. Good luck to you.