Disney Dreaming Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 (edited) Because of extremely painful stomach pains my doctor is recommending a hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries. The pain is worse than my labor pains were, lasting 3-6 hours when I have them(constant pains, not cramping that comes and goes). Two years ago I had a cyst rupture on my ovary, which is when the nightmare began. The pains are starting to come closer together, started 2x a year, now had them 2 months in a row. I am 40 yrs old and really don't like the thought of going through this for the next 10 plus years, but the doctor has warned me that the pains are going to get worse. By the same token he has told me that the recovery is LONG. I completely trust my doctor, he has been my doctor for 20 years, but I would like to hear from someone who has been through this to let me know exactly what to expect-if I decide to go through with this. I know I will be in the hospital for 3 days and no driving for 2 weeks-what else can I expect? Edited February 10, 2011 by ugamom11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 No personal experience, but my grandmother and my stepsister have both had the vaginal hysterectomy procedure, and both were very happy (for lack of a better word) with it. My grandmother avoided the stairs for a couple of days, which meant camping out in her living room. My stepsister (who had it done in her mid-20s) was back to playing with her babies within the week. I *believe* they both kept their ovaries though, so I don't know how that factors in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary in VA Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 (edited) I would recommend you get a second opinion. Has he discussed treating it with birth control pills? I know someone with ovarian cysts, not as severe as what you're describing, and she takes bcp's and then they don't develop. Removal of ovaries is fairly drastic and puts you into immediate menopause. If you would be taking hormon replacement therapy anyway after the hysterectomy, why not just take bcp's now instead if it's an option? I'm already in menopause, and it kicks off all sorts of stuff you don't want at 40 if you can avoid it. If you can get to menopause without a hysterectomy then the ovarian cysts will be over. So sorry, sounds terribly painful :grouphug: Mary Edited February 10, 2011 by Mary in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 My mother had a hysterectomy last year and one of two ovaries removed. She had the vaginal procedure done and her recovery time was much faster than with the traditional procedure. I felt like it went very well. My mother, on the hand, was a pain in the neck...but, you have to understand my mother she has major resentment for anything that dictates she has to take it easy for several days or if she perceives that a doctor or nurse is bossing her around, etc. She is a grumpy, difficult patient. Hers was done because of a prolapsing uterus. She also had her bladder stitched back where it belonged. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I too would suggest a 2nd opinion and if it were me I would be trying to find out what actually happened and why it is causing so much pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary in VA Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Is this an obgyn doctor, or just your family practice doctor? I'd definitely want to see an obgyn in this situation. Have any diagnostic tests been done now (not just with the ruptured cyst before)? Ultrasound? Is your doctor just assuming it is ovarian cysts because that's what you had before, or is there convincing evidence, i.e. tests, to show that's what it is? Like Peela said, I'd want to actually know what was going on with your ovaries/abdomen before taking out any organs! Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C_l_e_0..Q_c Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 (edited) I'm just ouf of a hysterectomy. But I kept my ovaries, so it will be different with you. I can however talk about the procedure itself. I had the abdominal incision, exactly like a CSection. It was the third time they cut me open, so I had an idea what I was getting into. Still, I was surprised. The pain I was in when I woke up after the surgery was the worse I had ever experienced, and by far. I just couldnt get enough morphine into my body. I cried each time I clicked that little button, and it wouldnt beep back. (it beeps if it lets morphine, it stays quiet otherwise). I was asking for morphine every minute. I do not remember any of that pain with the previous CSections (including a uterine rupture where the doctors had a field day with my guts... sigh) On the plus side, three hours after I woke up, I didn't need painkillers at all. They kept me in hospital for 3 days, using Tylenol as a painkiller, but I never felt the need for it. Recovery wise, I was very very tired for weeks. My brain had some side effects from being anesthesized which I hadn't had before, but was warned against the possibility. It's like I had some crossed wires in my brain. I would be looking inside the fridge, and wondering which room I was in. Or I would interpret street signs the wrong way (a No left turn sign was interpreted as a no right turn, thankfully my DH was driving and not me. I did mention to him that the sign was changed, we used to be able to turn right here... He looked at me funny). Because of that brain 'problem' I didn't drive for 6 weeks. I felt I would have been a danger on the road... That side effect is now gone, btw, and is related to anesthesia, not the surgery itself. And now, I just feel good about the whole thing! I wonder why I didn't do it before, instead of being on birth control pills for 10 years. This would be different for you, because your ovaries would be removed. I kept mine (they were not the problem) so I am not menopausal (yet). In your case, you would probably be on the pill either way. Edited February 10, 2011 by CleoQc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I had a hysterectomy a year ago and the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner. Vaginal wasn't an option for me due to a large uterus, plus I had the ovaries removed. I pretty much hung out in the recliner for two weeks and then added activity gradually from there, as my doctor told me that his patients who seriously take it easy for two weeks and then listen to their bodies recover so much better. Yes, it was daunting to think I wouldn't be up for normal activities for a few months but I feel so much better that it was well worth it. Because it was scheduled in advance I was able to prepare for it. I stocked the freezer with a ton of meals, filled the pantry, and stocked up on paper plates and cups to make dishes easier for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disney Dreaming Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 CleoQc-Thank you! This is pretty much what my doctor has warned me about. The recovery is LONG and PAINFUL. The doctor I have been seeing is an OB/GYN. I have had ultrasounds done(had one done yesterday). The doctor said it isn't uncommon to start experiencing these kinds of things around the age of 40(heavy cycles, more frequent cycles, pain, hot flashes, etc..) The pain isn't as common as the other symptoms, but it does occur with some women. He warned me this would probably occur 2 years ago when I had the cyst rupture, and sure enough, he was correct. The ovaries will need to me removed to stop the pain, otherwise I could try another procedure for the heavy cycles. I would get another opinion but this doctor is very well respected and more than just a doctor to me. He knows my family, as well as dh's, and as I said, he has been my doctor for 20 yrs(delivered all 3 of my dc). He always puts my well being first and is completly honest, even when it may not be what I want to hear. I just have to make a decision soon, we have a trip planned for the end of May to Disney World and he said that in order to feel like taking that trip I would need to have this done by April 1st. UGH!!!!! I wonder if he would just give me pain pills to get me through these type of days:tongue_smilie:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disney Dreaming Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Pippen- Were you on pain meds when you came home? Did you need help after the first week? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jld Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I would do just about anything to avoid this, especially at just 40 (I'm 40, too). Last year I thought my bladder was falling out (my gyno here in India, my gp in America, and my midwife there diagnosed this), and flew to Chicago to see a specialist. Thank God it was just loose tissue, and no big deal. I actually had a hard time believing the specialist at first because the 3 other health care professionals were certain it was a prolapse. She actually had to repeat the correct diagnosis because I just couldn't believe 3 people could be wrong. She assured me that however much trust I had in those people, and however smart and nice they were, all she does all day is treat women with prolapse, and I didn't have a prolapse. In the month before I saw her, I read about some of the things that can happen if you have a hysterectomy, and they were concerning. You may want to look over at the Hyster Sisters site. I absolutely, positively would not rush into this. You can't exactly get your uterus back if you change your mind later. It sounds like you have great trust in your doctor, but ultimately you are the one who has to live with this decision. I would urge you to think long and hard before having this done, and heartily recommend several more opinions and lots of reading and careful reflection on the subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C_l_e_0..Q_c Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 CleoQc-Thank you! This is pretty much what my doctor has warned me about. The recovery is LONG and PAINFUL. Apart from the wakeup perido, it wasn't really painful. I was restrained in my everyday activities because my abs were non working. Amazing how useful those muscles are on a daily basis. If you can go with a vaginal removal, you would avoid that. But one does feel tired. . I just have to make a decision soon, we have a trip planned for the end of May to Disney World and he said that in order to feel like taking that trip I would need to have this done by April 1st. Hmmm I would not have gone to Disney two months after my hysterectomy. Even now, I don't think I would, although I no longer feel restrained in every day life. Disney *is* hard on a body! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Pippen-Were you on pain meds when you came home? Did you need help after the first week? I was on pain meds for the first few days I was home, and then used ibuprofen as needed after that. I was okay when I was seated but moving around and getting up and down were anywhere from uncomfortable to painful. When I did start moving about I could tell it was a strain on my body. My first solo trip out was driving to a nearby store, walking to the back for a few things, and driving home. That was at two weeks out and it wiped me out for the day, plus brought back some pain. I was extremely anemic so that probably didn't help. My doctor so stressed the importance of taking a full two weeks without doing anything that I pretty much went with his advice. I have teens and scheduled surgery right before their winter break so they took care of the necessary stuff at home, as well as taking care of me. I needed help getting up and down, plus fetching meals and water that first week but after that I was moving about, although very limited. I also wouldn't recommend a major trip soon after surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omma Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I think 6 weeks is a more realistic recovery time (and I had mine done via the laprascopic method which is much less invasive and the way I would highly recommend, done by someone who is highly skilled in this method... of course). Surgical menopause is like running into a brick wall going 60 m.p.h., so keep that in mind. It is NOT a pleasant experience, and there's the whole process of trying to balance out the hormones afterwards, which is quite exciting :001_huh:. Of course, I totally understand the pain thing (especially if you have adenomyosis or endometriosis). But I would agree that getting a 2nd opinion is a wonderful idea, and I definitely would not want to schedule a Disney trip within 3 months of getting this procedure (just me). I found that it took 3 months to just get my equilibrium back (keep in mind that I also had taken Lupron which is another whole story). I am very happy that I no longer have the pain from endometriosis and the adenomyosis (and the fibroids and adhesions, etc. etc.), but this surgery is certainly not one to go into lightly. Blessings and hugs in all your upcoming decisions surrounding this, BTW. :grouphug:, Brenda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disney Dreaming Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks to all of you! I have to really think on this, I am concerned about the recovery. Homeschooling a 7 yr old, a vacation that has already been planned in May, little to no help after the first week, and a 17 yr old son that has just started on Remecaid for ulcerative colitis-I just don't know if I can do this now. HOWEVER, the pain I am experiencing may force me to do this eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I would recommend you get a second opinion. Has he discussed treating it with birth control pills? So sorry, sounds terribly painful :grouphug: Three days in the hospital is long for out here. You might still need help at home, but better there than in a germ-laden place like a hospital. As for BCP, fewer docs are willing to do them after age 35 because of clots. A doc might be willing if the idea came clearly from you, and you were warned in big red letters, and you still decided to take the risk. Personally, I'd take your US and any other data and get a second opinion, in your shoes. Unless you have inside knowledge about the docs in your area, "nice, available, and mine for 20 years" isn't proof the doc is a good one. HTH and :grouphug:. Pelvic pain is the pits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I had a laproscopic hysterectomy a year ago. I would ask your doctor about it. If you are only have the ovaries/uterus removed, it is my understanding that you can have it done laproscopic. If you are having the cervix removed, it would need to be done vaginally. I would check into some other options for the actual hysterectomy, as there are many choices out there. It may be finding the right OB, though, you walks you through the different options and gives you all the pros/cons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2a&z Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I'm 42 and had a hysterectomy about a year and a half ago. Only my uterus and cervix were removed, I kept my ovaries. My dr. had planned to do a robotic laproscopy procedure, so my hospital stay and recovery time would be minimal. But he nicked a vein, so they had to open me up. I woke up with a vertical scar about 6 inches long, all the way to my belly button. :001_huh: My hospital stay was 2 extra days and my recovery was much longer than I had anticipated. I could drive after 2 weeks and no restrictions after 6 weeks. But my energy level didn't come back for several more weeks. I would just get tired so easily. So just be prepared that there might be complications and your recovery could take a little longer. I would think twice before going on a trip to Disney that close to surgery. Having said that, I'm glad I had the surgery and would do it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disney Dreaming Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Wow, you all are great. This is what I needed, hearing from someone who has been through it. I DO trust my doctor 110%, and short of going to Atlanta(ugh! been there, done that) there isn't anyone locally that I would trust. I know it sounds ridiculous to everyone, if I hadn't lived here for over 30 years I would look elsewhere(we are in Athens, GA so we aren't in the middle of nowhere) but this is the best doctor-he was so highly respected that shortly after I had dd #1 he had to quit taking new patients because he had too many patients. The nurses at the hospital LOVE him. I have decided that now is not the time to do this, hopefully these don't get worse. DS(17) graduates from high school in May, DD(21) graduates from UGA in May, and I really want to be there for their graduation. Also, ds is starting college the first week in June so we wanted to take a vacation as a family-we don't know when we will be able to all do this together again. Again, thanks so much for telling me about your experiences, it has truly been an eye opener. Forgive my scattered thoughts-I have repairmen coming in and out of the house asking questions as I type! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 The nurses at the hospital LOVE him. ! That works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks to all of you! I have to really think on this, I am concerned about the recovery. Homeschooling a 7 yr old, a vacation that has already been planned in May, little to no help after the first week, and a 17 yr old son that has just started on Remecaid for ulcerative colitis-I just don't know if I can do this now. HOWEVER, the pain I am experiencing may force me to do this eventually. I had to put mine off several months due to some things happening on the homefront. The end result was that when the time came, I was really really ready and not nearly as worried about how it would impact everyone else as I was about getting me better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobela Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I had a hysterectomy in 2005 thanks to PCOD and endometriosis. It was the best thing I have ever done. I also wish I had done it sooner. My recovery though was tough, I had infections and other complications. It was painful, it was a roller coaster of emotions... I found a lot of support and information at hystersisters.com. I highly recommend you go to that forum. There is a lot of wisdom there. In the pre-op section you will find out what others are asking and trying to do before surgery. In the post -op section you will find women in all sorts of stages of recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disney Dreaming Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks Dobela, I will check out that website! All this information has been wonderful. At least I now know what to expect when/if I decide to have it done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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