Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> Health and Safety >> Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy

Page: [1]

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 8:52:49 AM

ghitaPVH

Posts: 1363
Joined: 11/14/2007
Status: offline

Ok...yes..I plan on asking all (well, most) of the questions to my doc next week, but I wanted to get some opinions and thoughts from people who might have alreayd gone through this themselves too...so...

Ive got one doc who wants to do a total hysterectmy on me, which I dont really think Im ready for. (This is in response to some pretty massive endometreosis issues). Another doc says I can get away with just a partial, take my uterus and leave my overies. Which personally doesnt make much sense to me because the whole point of the hysterectomy is getting rid of the hormones which aggravate the endometrisis tissues that have spread to places they arent supposed to be. But anyway, apparently if I can get away with the partial, I avoid the homone issues that usually come along with a hysterectomy...is this true? anyone got any ideas? What type of body changes can I expect if I go through with this? What about sex afterwards? I mean Im sure there is going to be a "no sex" period after the surgery..how long does that usually last? Im assuming, that at least for me, there is going to be more room down there once the uterus is gone. You only have to insert a finger about an inch into my vagina to reach my cervix, and sex is usually extreamly painful because of it. Will there be scar tissue inside my vagina when its all over and done with? Does that effect the streatchyness of down there? is this a major type surgery? how do you feel afterwards? is it worth it? does it cause more problems than its supposed to fix? Im only 28...is this really something I want?

Im going to google too, cause truth is, I really dont understand anything at all about this procedure and Ive got a million more questions that I dont get to talk to my doc about until next week and theyre all driving me nuts. but any advice and thoughts and answers about how and what this does would be great.

ghita~

_____________________________

Don't expect anything of me and I promise I'll never disappoint you.

"The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he wants woman, as the most dangerous plaything. --Nietzsche"

Post #: 1

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 9:10:58 AM

CalifChick

Posts: 10717
Joined: 10/28/2007
From: California
Status: offline

Ghita: I haven't had one, but it's something I researched thoroughly for other reasons. My research was done quite a number of years ago though, so I'm fuzzy on some of it.

Unfortunately, no two people react to the surgery the same way. Some say they have zero sex drive, zero desire, and cannot feel anything after the surgery so therefore do not enjoy sex at all. Others say it ramped up their sexual activity because they were no longer in pain. So finding a surgeon who has a good track record with preserving nerves and nerve connections is important.

Have you seen an endometrial specialist to discuss all the options to remove the wayward endometrial tissue that is causing you so many problems? Many doctors do not even discuss hysterectomy without first trying removal. Have you discussed other options? I know that hormone regulation works for some people, but not others.

As far as "more room"... your uterus is normally quite small... think apple or pear (if I recall correctly). Now if you have adhesions that is pulling it downward, and those adhesions are released, then certainly it would seem as if there were more room. Normally with sexual excitement, the vagina lengthens and the uterus moves upward. So if yours is not doing that because of the adhesions, then I would think that would be solved.

It is considered major surgery. Doctors commonly put the same restrictions on you that they do after childbirth - six weeks. I think doing some reading on your own before you see your doctor is very wise. You might want to start with this site.

You are so young to have to be considering this surgery.

Cali

_____________________________

AKA "The Undisputed Goddess of Sarcasm", "Big Bad Cali" and "Yum Bum". Advisor to the Subbie Mafia, founding member of the W.A.C. and the Judgmental Bitches Brigade, member of the Clan of the Scarlet O'Hair-a's and Team Troll

(in reply to ghitaPVH)

Post #: 2

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 9:16:34 AM

silentsubby

Posts: 46
Joined: 12/16/2005
Status: offline

I had my hystro in April 07 and have felt so much better, once I got past the healing process. Mine was for different reason than yours so I can only speak for me, of course. This is definately major surgery and the healing process can be slow going. There is a no sex for at least 6 week rule as well. They decided to leave my ovaries so I would not have hormone medication problems, which was great for me after seeing my friend and her medication issues. If you still want kids then this is definately a no-no. There are other ways to treat what you have and you might want to discuss all options before jumping to this one. This surgery was a blessing to me, but not others. Everyone is different but I am very glad that I went through with it, even with the unforseen complications I had..I would do it again.

_____________________________

silentsubby ~protected, collared and loved for eternity by BigDaddyWyoming~

(in reply to ghitaPVH)

Post #: 3

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 9:20:51 AM

bornsynner

Posts: 44
Joined: 1/3/2008
Status: offline

i had a partial vaginal hysterectomy at age 26.. was in the hospital overnite.. had absolutely no issues afterwards.. as for the physical stuff.. nothing really changed and my sex drive certainly hasnt decreased at all.. since i still have my ovaries and hormones i do still have the once a month pms like feelings but none of the period or worries of getting pregnant.. mine was due to a tumor in my uterus but many women end up having the surgery due to endometriosis as it does away with the uterus the cramps are gone as well as the majority of adhesions (if thats where yours are).. period of waiting afterwards for sex was 6wks.... not a big deal since before that i'd had a huge problem with sex due to the cramping afterwards... and just fyi they didnt remove the cervix with a partial... still exactly where it was... contact me personally if you have any other questions for me

(in reply to CalifChick)

Post #: 4

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 9:48:31 AM

PanthersMom

Posts: 2215
Joined: 11/26/2007
From: Cleveland Ohio
Status: offline

i lost my uterus and left ovary to endometriosis. i was finished having children, so i was not going to miss is, if you're considering children this will end your ability to have them naturally, but there's always adoption. since the two doctors differ in how to treat you, get more opinions, it will only better your chances at getting the right treatment for you. a total hysterectomy means you will be on hormone replacement therapy for many years to come. my doctor didn't want that for me so he left me with one ovary. i have mild pms, but the cramps are totally gone. i feel human! and as a side benefit, i discovered a few weeks after the surgery that when i sat down sometimes i'd have an orgasm. friend of mine didn't believe me until she had the surgery and experienced it herself. don't know if that's unusual, but i don't mind. : ) they might do a surgery to see if removing the growths will help you before doing the actual hysterectomy. my doctor did. some insurance companies want proof that the more minor surgery will not help you. do your research, make a list of questions and do not let anyone push you into anything. best of luck and a speedy recovery!

PM

_____________________________

That which does not kill me, better run pretty damn fast

I miss my ex, but my aim is improving!

(in reply to bornsynner)

Post #: 5

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 11:04:23 AM

Argentopal

Posts: 379
Joined: 12/12/2005
From: Central Texas / Hill Country
Status: offline

I had my total in '04 at the age of 53, so a lot older than you and past menopause anyway. I am not on any hormones and was only on one for about 4 months during menopause. I had Stage 1 Well Defined Endometrial Cancer, which was caught very early quite by "accident". For me, one past the magic 6 weeks mark, the sex began again slowly but has been as good as if not better than before. Well, also I do think as a woman ages something happens and sex gets better anyway.

My daughter had cervical cancer, had small procedure and then it reappeared and she had a total as well at the age of 32, so not nearly as old as me and closer to you. Her uterus was also "tipped back" and her periods were difficult and painful. She was so glad to have hers done. WHile we do not get into details about our sex lives... I do know she is happy and has an active sex life with her husband (well as active as possible with 2 kids!!!) We are often asked to take the kids for a weekend.

There is a great site that was a big help to she and I both called Hyster Sisters. Google it and join, it is worth it.
Best to you and I hope whatever you decide it all works out good for you and your over all health and peace of mind.
opal

_____________________________

He held out His hand and said "Step into the abyss with me."

... and i did.

~Surrender without Fear~
~Power without Guilt~
~Love without Doubt~

(in reply to PanthersMom)

Post #: 6

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 11:40:19 AM

snowandsub

Posts: 42
Joined: 1/10/2008
Status: offline

i have lazer surgery every year on mine as i am nto ready for the hyster yet. i totally second looking at hyster sisters - they have been a wodnerful resource for me.

_____________________________

*sometimes the safest place is in the mind*

Snow's sub (snowie) normally posts, unless otherwise stated at the beginning of a post.

(in reply to Argentopal)

Post #: 7

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 12:58:33 PM

RavenOak

Posts: 34
Joined: 11/26/2007
From: OKC Metro
Status: offline

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I went through a very similar situation in June of '05. I had issues related to endometriosis and was forced into a hysterectomy. My ovaries were left behind via my docs advice. I wish I had insisted on them being removed as I have started having symptoms again.

I wont lie to you...it's not a walk in the park. But, it is something you can deal with. Yes, it is a major surgery so it will be about 6-8 weeks before you can function completely normal (any man will just have to understand).

Pros:

*No more periods! Yeah!
*Sex accually feels good instead of hurting so bad.
*The pain associated with endo is gone!
*No more birth control issues

Cons:

*Even if you meet someone you want to have a baby with it isn't an option
*With ovaries you still have PMS
*You will go through menapause, even with the ovaries!
*Endo can return if it isn't all removed during surgery and ovaries are left behind

I can't say what is right for you but I can tell you it's the best decision I have ever made! My body changes were very minimal. I've noticed it's not easy to lose any weight now, but I didn't blow up like a baloon as some have suggested would happen.

The thing that made it such a good decission was discovering that I accually do enjoy intercourse. Guess what? It isn't suppose to hurt! LOL.

Hope this helps! Please email me if you need someone to talk to. I've been there, done that, and completely understand!

Raven

_____________________________

Flattery will get you every where my dear!

(in reply to ghitaPVH)

Post #: 8

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 1:42:10 PM

CalifChick

Posts: 10717
Joined: 10/28/2007
From: California
Status: offline

I linked hyster sisters above in my post.

Cali

_____________________________

AKA "The Undisputed Goddess of Sarcasm", "Big Bad Cali" and "Yum Bum". Advisor to the Subbie Mafia, founding member of the W.A.C. and the Judgmental Bitches Brigade, member of the Clan of the Scarlet O'Hair-a's and Team Troll

(in reply to RavenOak)

Post #: 9

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 1:53:04 PM

Maya2001

Posts: 1656
Joined: 8/22/2007
From: Woodstock ONT,CANADA
Status: offline

Just went through one 6 1/2 weeks ago due to a tumor and uterine lining damage ovaries were left in but my FSH blood tests from couple weeks ago showed they shut down, I was having serious hotflashes, nightsweats and mood instability, depression, a couple of glasses of soy milk has done wonders to alleviate even though my doctor claims it does not work it is all in my head, yeah right ..... waking up in a dry bed is nice can't imagine I was imagining soaking wet bedding and waking up as though I stepped out of a sauna I anyway will have a retest in march where the decision will be made whether to start hormone replacement, if I do go on and have problems I will just stick with the soy milk instead since I am doing so well with it anyway
Mine is an 8 weeks recovery, age may play a factor on recovery time but 6 to 8 weeks is normal , and yes it is major, you will tire very easily and will likely sleep a lot the first few days, first 2 weeks activity is to be kept limited no vacumming , not lifting over 10 lbs, allowed only short walk and drives, pain wise was not terrible I was off the tylenol 3's by the 4 day but had to take again near the end of the second week when I slipped outside and pulled things caused alot of cramping, I know you have described your life here before, I would suggest having someone there post surgery to help out for the first month, especially with the heavier chores, because trying to do yourself could result in post surgerical complications such as increased scar tissue, adhesion problems of the vagina trying to adhere to other organs such as the bladder if you start tearing things,which could result in a second surgery, best advice I can give is listen to your body rest when you feel tired, if your experience pulling sensation.... cramps you have done too much.and .it will slow your recovery, my slip set me back about a week, I am pretty independent myself but did have to get help at times like for shoveling snow or let some chores go until I was farther along, like vacuuming washing floors, I pre prepared a few meals ahead, made sure I had plenty of dog food on hand so as not to be lifting too much early on. there will be numbness during the first 4 to 5 weeks which for me left no arousal state, that has returned to normal again, some women will experience vaginal dryness, you can used water based only lubes should that occur, for me does not appear to be a issue and I still become aroused/wet with clitorial stimulation, orgasms still are still fine and improved alot in the last 1 1/2 weeks, some women have problems with deep penetration as scar tissue is not as stretchy , but you may find for yourself an actual improvement as less inflamation without the endo so probably will be able enjoy deeper penetration then you are experience now , for myself I know I had greater problem with penetration as my surgery neared and was becoming very uncomfortable, in aboout 2 week will be able to say how it goes but right now I am postive it won't be worse. Right now I do feel better now at 6 1/2 post op than I did prior to my surgery, I am still experiencing some pink discharge which is an indication that I am not fully healed up yet, but I am glad I had, though getting impatient for my recovery period to come to an end, good luck how ever you decide. The hyster sisters site is a good one but in some ways reading some of the stuff beforehand about possible post surgery complications caused me to do a lot more worrying than necessary.

_____________________________

Lead me not into temptation - I can find the way myself

(in reply to Argentopal)

Post #: 10

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/17/2008 2:16:29 PM

MissSCD

Posts: 1185
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

Greetings and best wishes to you:

I had my day of freedom Oct 31, 2007. My doctor, the Goddess, gave me my life back.
There are many things to think about.
At your age, I must ask if you are through your child bearing quests. If not, this could lead to obvious regrets.
If the answer is no to more children, then let her rip and start the party.
Three issues I have experienced.
1. Vaginal dryness and lack of sex drive due to the remevoal of the uteruis.
2. A lot of yeast infections resulting from don't know what. That could be a problem. Oh, The Goddess told me that yeast comes from dry areas and advised me to sleep without undies. haha.
3. Hot sweats and weight gain. It just happens at my age.
The good part is:
1. No more cycle ever.
2. No more babies.
3. No more migrain headaches from menstrual cycles.

I don't think I have any scaring. I have a very small scar where she had to take out part of it with knife, and the other with lazer. I was in the hospital three days. I was up on my own on the second day.

Just be sure about the children issue. If you do not want any more children and know that in your heart, why waste your time on a partial hystrectomy only to turn around and get cancer and have to have another one.
I never had children. It was something that caused me a lot of depression. It was not meant to be.
I wish you the best.

Regards, MissSCD

(in reply to Maya2001)

Post #: 11

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/18/2008 7:36:37 AM

ghitaPVH

Posts: 1363
Joined: 11/14/2007
Status: offline

Thank you all for the advice, youve given me quite a bit to think on! I already have three UMs, and am terrified of accidentaly becoming pregnant again, even though I have the Mirena IUD in right now. I know for a fact that I will never want to go through another pregnancy, and I know I could never handle a fouth UM (Im barely keeping up with the three Ive got). So that aspect of the hysterectomy is actually one of my major pros.

Sex for me has always hurt. To tell the truth for years I just thought it was supposed to. My mom always told me sex was miserable so I just assumed she meant the pain. So I never even mentioned it to my doctors for years, I just assumed it was normal. It really wasnt until I started talking with other people when my Sir and I started getting active in the local swingers community that I realized it wasnt supposed to hurt. My periods have always been extreamly painful also, and caused massive mood issues. I usually get locked into my room for about 3 days when no one really wants me around. Im taking the natural progesterone cream already now, which has helped with the PMS and mood issues some, but the cramps and pain are still bad. Im hoping we can come up with a solution to all this. Unfortunantly my Sir is compleatly against all medical professionals (well, conventional medicine anyway) so I dont know yet whether he is going to allow me to do any surgery, even just the minor one to remove the endo tissue. He is convinced this is caused by the Mirena IUD so he wants me to go get that removed, but if I did that Id be so terrified of getting pregnant I wouldnt ever be able to have sex. I wanted to get my tubes tied after the last UM but he wouldnt allow that either, so Im hoping I can get enough information gathered together to show him that going through with whatever the doctors decide on may actually be a good idea for me.

_____________________________

Don't expect anything of me and I promise I'll never disappoint you.

"The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he wants woman, as the most dangerous plaything. --Nietzsche"

(in reply to MissSCD)

Post #: 12

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/18/2008 8:09:40 AM

MissSCD

Posts: 1185
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: ghitaPVH

Thank you all for the advice, youve given me quite a bit to think on! I already have three UMs, and am terrified of accidentaly becoming pregnant again, even though I have the Mirena IUD in right now. I know for a fact that I will never want to go through another pregnancy, and I know I could never handle a fouth UM (Im barely keeping up with the three Ive got). So that aspect of the hysterectomy is actually one of my major pros.

Sex for me has always hurt. To tell the truth for years I just thought it was supposed to. My mom always told me sex was miserable so I just assumed she meant the pain. So I never even mentioned it to my doctors for years, I just assumed it was normal. It really wasnt until I started talking with other people when my Sir and I started getting active in the local swingers community that I realized it wasnt supposed to hurt. My periods have always been extreamly painful also, and caused massive mood issues. I usually get locked into my room for about 3 days when no one really wants me around. Im taking the natural progesterone cream already now, which has helped with the PMS and mood issues some, but the cramps and pain are still bad. Im hoping we can come up with a solution to all this. Unfortunantly my Sir is compleatly against all medical professionals (well, conventional medicine anyway) so I dont know yet whether he is going to allow me to do any surgery, even just the minor one to remove the endo tissue. He is convinced this is caused by the Mirena IUD so he wants me to go get that removed, but if I did that Id be so terrified of getting pregnant I wouldnt ever be able to have sex. I wanted to get my tubes tied after the last UM but he wouldnt allow that either, so Im hoping I can get enough information gathered together to show him that going through with whatever the doctors decide on may actually be a good idea for me.

Two things without being disrespectful to your Sir. I would never go against what he suggests to do; however, this is a woman's choice. We do not get to make that many decisions in our lifetime. All, I can tell you was it is like night and day. That is why I refer to it as my day of freedom.
Please consider putting me on as a lifeline contact, and I will be glad to talk with you and your Sir about this issue only. Don't delay your freedom. Email me here at CollarMe and copy your Sir on the request. I will do a conference call with you two.

Regards, MissSCD

(in reply to ghitaPVH)

Post #: 13

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/18/2008 8:36:30 AM

Mercnbeth

Posts: 11766
Status: offline

quote:

The cause of endometriosis is unknown...

Research by the Endometriosis Association revealed a startling link between dioxin (TCCD) exposure and the development of endometriosis. Dioxin is a toxic chemical byproduct of pesticide manufacturing, bleached pulp and paper products, and medical and municipal waste incineration. The EA discovered a colony of rhesus monkeys that had developed endometriosis after exposure to dioxin. 79% of the monkeys exposed to dioxin developed endometriosis, and, in addition, the more dioxin exposure, the more severe the endo.

The Edometriosis Association

infertility is one of the hallmarks of this disorder. many women want to retain their ability to procreate, and therefore go through mulltiple surgeries, over time to remove the endometrial tissue (cauterize) from the ovaries, uterus, or elsewhere in the abdominal cavity.

this slave went to no fewer than 7 doctors, 5 of them OBGYN before submitting to the partial hysterectomy she had at 26...and the endo was the least of this slave's worries.

as to the particulars of this slave's situation...it is moot, we are two totally different individuals, and respond in different ways.

do LOTS of research, get as many medical opinions as possible and make an informed choice!!!

best of luck!

(in reply to ghitaPVH)

Post #: 14

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/18/2008 11:05:17 AM

RavenOak

Posts: 34
Joined: 11/26/2007
From: OKC Metro
Status: offline

With all respect to your Sir, this is a health issue and should be addressed as such. Yes, it is a major surgery that will affect your ability to have more children. If there is even the slightest chance either of you want more children you should explore other options.

However, you have expressed that you have no desire to have anymore children. The risk of endometriosis is that it can lead to cancer. That is one of the things that lead me to a hysterectomy at the young age of 27. I had pre-cancer in the uterus. I had no choice in the matter...it had to be done.

Ovarian cancer is also common in women with endo. Perhaps presenting him with this information will help him understand what your doctors are saying is true. Contact the Endometriosis Association. They helped me greatly when I was diagnosed. I was once a group leader in Tulsa for the EA.

Best wishes and good luck!

_____________________________

Flattery will get you every where my dear!

(in reply to ghitaPVH)

Post #: 15

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/18/2008 5:19:15 PM

adoracat

Posts: 1779
Joined: 2/16/2007
Status: offline

mama had a partial (ovaries not removed) vaginal hysterectomy about 25 years ago...so she was roughly 38 then. she did the monthly cant-leave-the-house-due-to-flooding-menses thing for about 5 years before she agreed to it.

she hasnt regretted the surgery, although she DID get flung into menopause about 6 months after the surgery, her ovaries went on retirement for some reason.

on the tubes tying issue....i had 3 cousins who started getting bad menses symptoms after having their tubes tied, and at least 2 of us have gotten pregnant AFTER the tubes were tied. (i did. twice. i cant sustain a pregnancy anymore, miscarried naturally.)

if you have endometriosis....that in itself can cause very painful sex, because you have all that edometrial lining doing the normal buildup and sloughing every month all over the abdomen instead of only in the uterus.

good luck dear!

(in reply to RavenOak)

Post #: 16

RE: Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy - 1/18/2008 5:38:07 PM

PhoenixRed

Posts: 174
Joined: 10/7/2007
Status: offline

Here's my experience. I had a vaginal hysterectomy in May of 05. I was 38 at the time. I had it because I had extremely painful periods, and I knew I did not want children in the future. It was found that I had endometriosis in the muslce. They made 4 holes in my abdomen to do it (one was through my bellybutton! lol didn't expect that). I was in the hospital only overnight, and though my abdomen was sore for about a week, I was up and about in less than 4 days. They removed both my cervix and uterus, but did leave my ovaries. Here's how things have been since then:

Pros:
No more missing play dates or having unexpected bleeding
No more debilitating cramps
No worries about pregnancy
No more birth control and it's associated problems
Am using less pain meds (naproxen) since I don't have to take it for cramps any more
Don't have to be on hormone therapy
No change in libido here, I still have a very healthy appetite for that kind of activity!
Because it was vaginal, I wasn't cut, no muscle damage in the abdomen, and you can hardly see the marks from where they went in now
My mate says I still have a little PMS every month, but nothing like it was. I don't even notice it any more.

Cons:
Like MissSCD said, I have noticed a bit more vaginal dryness than before. I use lube, no problem.
I used to freeze every night, but I've now been told I kick off a lot of heat. Night sweats, early menopause? Who knows.

I haven't had any yeast infections since the procedure. I am SO glad I did it, I can't tell you. Mom, she's not so happy because I didn't give her grandkids first. Oh well. Can't please everyone!

_____________________________

Everyone deserves a break from the person everyone else expects them to be.
In the great experiment known as evolution, evidently there are some people who's ancestors were in the control group.

(in reply to ghitaPVH)

Post #: 17

Page: [1]

All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> Health and Safety >> Pros and Cons to a Hysterectomy

Page: [1]

Jump to:

New Messages	No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages	Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages	Locked w/o New Messages

Post New Thread

Reply to Message

Post New Poll

Submit Vote

Delete My Own Post

Delete My Own Thread

Rate Posts

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.078