after a hysterectomy?

Question

Well i have recently had a partical Hysterectomy about three weeks ago and yes I am spotting and very emotional, I dont want to really be bothered with anyone, my question, is this noraml and how long do it last?

Answer 1

The emotional upheaval you are describing is completely normal and not at all unusual after this sort of surgery. Since you say that you had a partial hysterectomy done, I am assuming the ovaries were left, so you will still experience the hormonal shifts and swings you always did. Some of what you feel is due to the disruption in the hormonal function which happens in most ladies after a surgery, and some of it is due to your mental state. Although we all moan about the inconvenience of the monthly cycle, we still adapt to it as a normal part of our lives. Even when things don't work quite right, and as sensible as your were to have it all taken care of, still- it takes some getting used to the idea that the motherhood option is gone. How long it takes you to adjust yourself and move on depends entirely on you and the view you wish to take of things now. Mind over matter, as it were. If you can convince yourself that you really don't mind, since it now means the previous troubles are gone, then the rest won't matter. Nothing about you that was really important to you has changed. You simply don't have a uterus anymore, but you are certainly more than a malfunctioning organ, now aren't you? Think about the benefits, and pay less mind to what is missing. You no longer have to worry about a monthly cycle, and all the wonderful things that go along with it. No more uncomfortable pads, no more spotting tampons, no more stained underclothes. No more misery with heavy or painful cycles. No more worry about why you are late, light, or heavy. You will feel better physically as time passes and you complete the recovery from the surgery. As the hormonal cycle returns back to it's normal pattern over the next month or so, you should also note an improvement over your emotional swings.
So far as the spotting, that really needs the attention of your gynecologist. It could be something very normal and simple, or it could be sign of an infection. Either way, put your mind at ease with a check up at the doctor. You can also discuss the emotionalism you feel, and get some reassurance from the expert who knows your case best. Don't worry about bothering him/her, or the nurses- they are very familiar with this sort of thing and can offer you the reassurances you need in flesh, rather than this impersonal internet thing.
Otherwise, you do sound quite normal and I wouldn't spend a lot of time worrying about a time frame to adapt or get back to your old self. You have a new self to get to appreciate, once you are feeling physically better you should find it easier to discover a life without the worry of your previous problems and the rest should fall nicely into place. So if you feel a bit weepy now, indulge in a few tears. Treat yourself to a nice spa treatment if you can swing it, pamper yourself while you recover, and give yourself some time. In another month or so, you will see things in a much better light I would think.

Answer 2

Alot of people get depressed after ANY surgery, but I think having a partial hysterectomy might take a little bit more out of you too because you know you can't have kids anymore. I had a partial in 2000 and don't want more kids anyways.....If you're spotting you need to call your doctor. I did not do spot and I don't think you should be. The emotional part will probably always be there though. Primrose oil and flax seed oil (I heard from the Dr. Phil show helps with the emotions for premenopause). Also Black Cohosh pills help with emotions. Take a B-12 vitamin too. When I take those supplements, my days are less stressed. I'm not positive they work, but I think they do. Good luck and call your doctor.

Answer 3

I had a partial hysterectomy about 7 years ago.They took everything but the Ovaries.Is this the case with you?
I had spotting during the healing process, but I did not go thru the emotional stuff.Did they take your Ovaries too? That would explain the emotions.Are you running a fever too?
Check your temperature and then call your surgeon and ask what you are to expect during the healing process and if what you are feeling is normal.Are you up and around too much? Gravity is not your friend when your body is healing from a surgery such as this one.I spotted more when I overdid it.
I still have the monthly fatigue and pain when I ovulate,but no spotting for a really long time.

Answer 4

Yes this is very normal. I had a full hysterectomy about 3 months ago and I'm still not the same as I use to be and to tell you the truth I don't know if we will ever be because parts of our body were taken that meant that we could bear children and now we know that we can't and that's depressing, at least it is for me. Good luck to you I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 5

A few years ago (5 or so?) I had a relationship with an older lady who lived in my neighborhood who had a full hysterectomy . It didn't seem to bother her at all though. She'd had it for some time before she meat me, but she had a very healthy sex drive. One of my fonder memories actually.... I think you just need to give it more time.

Answer 6

YES, all of this is normal. Spotting is normal for about 3 months (if I remember correctly). This varies by what type of hysterectomy you had (total abdominal, total vaginal, lab assisted total abdominal).

The emotional feelings are linked to the reduction in female hormones. You might want to talk with your GYN about hormone replacement therapy. There are pros & cons about replacement therapy that you and your physician should discuss.

Answer 7

I had a partial years ago and emotional, yes, but I ran post op infection baaadddd. May have to do with hormones; get in touch with your doctor and explain spotting...I do not remember having any spotting. Your overies are probably still there; ask about cysts on overy(s)or polycystic overian syndrome if you have or do not have...Hope you feel better soon.

Answer 8

A hysterectomy is when they remove the uterus. Since a fetus grows inside the uterus, there is no chance you could be pregnant. The reason you are not getting your periods is because you have no uterus. Periods are when the lining if the uterus (blood and tissue) are expelled from the body.