MaamJay
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Joined: 9/2/2005
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My sub is about to undergo a full hysterectomy ... if it hadn't been cancelled at the last minute last month due to the local flu epidemic, she would already be here with Me recuperating! she shares similar fears, but those that both she and I have spoken to who have had one, have assured her that once the 4-6 week recovery period is over, she should feel a whole lot better than she has been feeling for some years! she is coming to Me to recuperate so I can help her and make sure that she doesn't strain herself by doing too much too soon (I know she is a stubborn little dynamo!). If the decision the OP faces is a full hysterectomy or otherwise involves abdominal incision, it is important to pre-organise a support system. I have cared for another friend through this time some years ago, and she was fairly physically fit prior to the operation and was astounded at how much it knocked her for six, so be sensible and arrange help! It will take at least 4-6 weeks before you can do housework, drive safely, pick things up from the floor etc. And it will take longer than that to be completely healed and over it, but life should start to return to normal after 6 weeks. Given that women who are referred for such an operation have typically suffered severe pain and dysfunction for extended time, giving up 6 weeks for a potential of feeling so much better later is definitely worth it.
I know there is a lot of emotion attached to this operation ... much more so than for other abdominal surgeries. A woman's reproductive system is very much linked to her identity as a woman and so this can be quite terrifying. Women I have spoken to rank it up there close to a mastectomy in terms of fear of losing their womanhood. From those I have spoken with, it seems even if you lose your ovaries, your libido doesn't plummet to zero. Typically prior to the op it's been all over the place, highs and lows, surges and stops. It should even out and be a lot more steady after the op. And many women report a renewed interest in sex as there's no longer the physical pain often involved with it prior to the op. If you retain your ovaries, as other posters have said, you may still have the cyclic hormonal effects but won't get the actual periods, though people have reported the cycling is a bit less severe than previously and some of the symptoms are relieved. That's because the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), releases hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. While many cells in the body release different ones and many have beneficial effects, those released by the endometrium stimulate uterine contractions (they can be used to induce childbirth) and this can result in painful spasms. Once the uterus is gone, that no longer occurs, so periods are typically far less painful.
As another poster said, it is important to remember this is a medical decision ... and as doctors typically don't "slice and dice" for no reason, there are obviously expected to be more benefits than risks. The doctor's oath of "first do no harm" is relevant here ... while there may be some psychological impact for sure, the physical benefits should far outweigh them.
All the very best to the OP ... and I'll keep you posted as to how My sub goes!
Maam Jay aka violet[A]
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Life is a song ... and I love singing it! (By me!)
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