So I'm getting ready to have a full {radical} hysterectomy. I'm only 33 and the thought of menopause scares the hell outta me. I'm not sure of recovery time, and I have a 3 month old baby. What about sex drive afterwards? What are the hormones like? Any personal experiances, advice, or help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!
2006-07-20 20:27:57 · 6 answers · asked by letasemail 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
The procedure is a must! I just am not so clear on the after effects. This will be a FULL hysterectomy ovaries and all.
2006-07-20 21:26:00 · update #1
You will be fine. I had a total hysterectomy at 29--way back before the surgical techniques of today. When I had mine they had to make a full incision.
A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus--they will not remove ovarys unless they are diseased as well. What they try to do (or you should ask about) is to leave one ovary that will produce the hormones you need.
If they do have to take both ovarys then you will have hormone replacement in the form of a daily pill and will not enter into menapause.
The idea that one looses sex drive is false. That is mostly a myth as some woman have trouble with the idea they cant have babies.
Ones sex drive is not connected to their uterus.
Recovery is not bad--you will be sore but they give you meds for that.
You have to avoid lifting for about 6 weeks but I have yet to meet anyone who needs that long. My daughter just had this surgery and she is 33 and its more like 3-4 weeks.
I myself was back to work within 2 weeks.
I also have not met anyone that was sorry they had this surgery--most of us are happy to be free of monthly periods etc...
Take care of yourself after and you will be fine. My one piece of advice is to ask the docs to leave one ovary if possible so your not tied to hormone pills.
2006-07-20 21:02:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) 6 weeks ago. My doctor put me on Premarin by the 2nd day after the surgery. I haven't had any menopausal symptoms since he put me on the Premarin. I am 45, and I was scared before I had the surgery, and I was already having menopause symptoms (Hot flashes, mood swings). But the Premarin completely stopped all that. As far as recovery time. For the first two weeks there is quite a bit of pain. When you first come home from the hospital you will need a lot of help. You aren't supposed to lift anything over 5 pounds. So, you'll need to sit on the couch, put a pillow on your lap and then have your husband put the baby in your lap. Also drink lots of water, juice, or something light. Pamper yourself. Get a lot of rest. After about 3 weeks you'll feel a lot better. By four weeks you'll probably not feel any more pain. By six weeks I can tell you that you feel like you did before the operation. Good luck. I'll pray for you.
2006-07-23 17:37:57 · answer #2 · answered by makingthisup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 33 now, and had my total hysterectomy in 1998. I've been taking the same hormone pills all this time. I've had sex drive problems since before the surgery. I feel more free to speak my mind now than ever before. Recovery is painfull and you will have to have help with your baby. You're stomach will be too sore to even try to lift him. Good luck!
2006-07-20 20:34:55 · answer #3 · answered by lisacantcook 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hysterectomy does take its toll on a womans body.
There are many changes that will happen with having had one such as: sleep disturbances, dyspareunia, itching in the genital area. (from lack of hormone estrogen) The skeletal symptoms as a result from a hysterectomy are osteoporosis, joint, muscle pain, back pain, Skin, soft tissue.
Breasts end up with the skin thinning/decreased elasticity, breast atrophy. (wasting away due to poor circulation, poor nourishment, loss of nerve)
It will force you into Menopause where you have hot flushes, palpitations, psychological symptoms such as increased depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, fatigue, memory loss and lack of concentration, and atrophic symptoms such as vaginal dryness and urgency and frequency of urination appear which can lead to incontinence.
Your hormones will be all over the place. Usually the sex drive will decrease. I have noticed in a few ladies who have had a hysterectomy around your age that their skin ends up starting to wrinkle, making them appear older than they really are. I would suggest using some moisterizer or sorbelene cream to try and counteract this.
Hope this has helped.
Cheers
2006-07-20 20:48:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had to have a hysterectomy due to cancer.
i felt better the next day. i saw no difference in the sex drive until about 5 years later and im not blaming the hysterectomy for that.
until you get the hormones right, you have highs and lows for a while. i had one hot flash and it was terrible, but once you get the medication right, you wont have those.
2006-07-20 20:41:43 · answer #5 · answered by lodeemae 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meflaps gave an excellent answer above. I too had a radical hyst., at age 27. It was difficult, as were the "after affects" (i.e., hot flashes, mood swings, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, bone density loss, etc. etc.). Luckily, mine was done vaginally via laparoscopic assist, so the surgery itself wasn't too bad. Getting the right HRT can make a world of difference. Good luck and hope it all turns out ok.
2006-07-21 00:43:54 · answer #6 · answered by Endo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋