Types of Hysterctomy Surgery Which Is Better?

If your ovaries are ok, then I would keep them. If you have them removed, you go through menopause almost instantly. I have my ovaries but had a hysterectomy three years ago. It was without a doubt the best thing I ever did for myself. I had heavy bleeding and we knew I had fibroid tumors, but didn't know how bad they were until we got the uterus out. You can send me a message if you want more details. It's not an easy surgery, but I had no complications and healed quickly.

I had a hysterectomy about 13 years ago. they did not remove my ovaries. I am 50 now. I had no complications. I think you should weigh the pros and cons with your doctor about the ovaries. abdominal surgery is more difficult that you think. you really do use those muscles a lot..just getting up etc. there really wasn't much pain, other than discomfort. also, you can't lift anything more than a gallon of milk for a while.

I can't tell you much about one type of surgery vs. the other but as someone who researches osteoporosis, please, keep your ovaries unless there's a good reason to remove them! Your muscles and bones will thank you! Estrogen is really key for keeping your bones and muscles strong. Also, be sure you speak to your doctor about possible complications of the hysterectomy - like prolapse. (If you're having the hysterectomy *because* of prolapse, have you explored alternative treatments? There are lots.)

First, please read the book by Dr. John Lee, "What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Pre-Menopause".

Hi L.,

I had a "partial" last year, keeping just one ovary. My understanding is it is best to keep your ovaries if you can b/c then you have the hormones...I saw another post today about this topic you should look and read her posts as well. It's a very emotional process initially - for me it was more my friends and family and their reactions..."Oh my gosh!" Gee thanks! I have to say it's GREAT not getting your period anymore. You do have a cylce, just no bleeding. The surgery was "big" but I recovered and am back to myself physically and emotionally. I did have a bit of a sense of loss knowing a phase in my life has passed but I can also tell you it's also great being able to have sex and not worry about birth control. If you want more specifics about the proceedure, I'd be happy to share with you. Just email me.

Hi L.,
I had 7 lbs. of fibroid tumors so I had a total in 2001, but the ovaries where left in because I did not specify if there was endometriosis on them to go ahead and take them out. I had to go back and have them taken out in 2005, but it kept me off hormones for those years. I was on an estrogen weekly patch for 3 years. Now I take a herbal meno-ease and the night sweats & hot flashes are gone. The abdominal surgery was very painful but I listened to my Dr. and COMPLETELY rested for 2 weeks. Then SLOWLY started to walk around the house with absoluty no lifting or stairs for the next 2 weeks. Next, I SLOWLY used the stairs and walked outside to the end of the driveway to get the mail. Those 6 weeks of rest allowed me to heal prpoerly on the inside of my body, even though I was feeling better on the outside. My incision area is still numb but I feel so much better. At least 6 weeks of rest after the operation is vital.
Take care of yourself,
D.

I had a total at the age of 49. I had pelvic prolapse and am now on hormones. My neighbor was going through ovarian cancer and with my age close to menopause, the Dr.'s recomm. I have a full hysterecomy. Best thing I ever did. Recovery took me 6 weeks - but my pelvic prolapse was quite an extensive repair.

I have not gone through this but my best friend had one when she was only 29 (her son was 11 pounds at birth and born naturally and did alot of damage to her bedy) there is a group called hystersisters.com There is so much info there from women who have gone through it and my best friends loves the site. She still visits it and it has been 5 years since hers. On a lighter note whenever I coplain about my period she laughs and reminds me that the box of tampons at her house are only there for me she is free of all that. (trust me there are benefits to this too!) I will pray for you I hope all goes well and that the info here helps.

L.,
Jump on hystersisters.com. It is an amazing online resource!

I had a vaginal hysterectomy in June. Not a total. They said if my ovaries were fine they would leave them so that I would not have to take hormones. I had cancer 2 years ago so for me to take hormones is not a good idea. You can contact me if you want.
Thanks

R.

You really need to discuss this with your doctor and/or get a second opinion (which is what Dr. Oz says everyone should do). You are getting a lot of uneducated and incorrect information. A partial vs total hysterectomy does not have to do with the ovaries. You need to have this discussion with medically trained health professionals.

Hi L.,
I'm sorry you have to have this surgery done. Did you get a second opinion? If not, I strongly suggest you do so. I had a partial hysterectomy. I still have my overies. Thank god because they are the only thing that is keeping me from going through premature menapause. If you have a full hysterectomy you will be forced to go through early menapause, since you are only 41. I'm sure that there are other mothers, grandmothers and even great grandmothers that have answered your request and informed you of the cons of going through menapause. I myself at the age of 48 am not looking forward to it. The hot flashes, irritability, crying at the drop of a hat, forgetfullness and even worse the lessened desire for sex! lol. Even when you do have sex it is painful because during menapause the lining in your vagina thins and makes sex painful. please for your sake and the sake of your health, unless it is a do or die situation don't have a full hysterectomy. Keep at least your overies to keep you from going through menapause earlier than necessary. Any surgery is bad for you unless it is a do or die situation. Don't do it unless it is realy hazardous to your health.
God be with you in this time of need to make such a decision in your young life. Make an informed decision and research on line the reasons as to why your doctor feels you need this surgery. Then make the decision, you won't regret it.
good luck, I will say a prayer for you.

A.

Hi L.,
I had a partial about 10 years ago. It was the best thing I did. I have had no complications or problems since. The recovery was rough but got better with each day, just make sure you follow doctors orders and don't push yourself. If you would like to talk shhot me an email and I will send you my number.
M.

I have been working in ob/gyn for 8 1/2 years and if you must have a hysterectomy vaginal is better then abdominal recovery is better, keep the overies if you can and follow your doctors orders on post op.