I was told that I need to have a hysterectomy.?

Question

How scary is this procedure? I'm a little nervous about having it done. Can anyone put my mind at ease?

I have some cells on my cervix that could possibly become cancerous.

Answer 1

Hysterectomies are one of the most overdone and unnecessary surgeries. In fact, CNN recently had an article about overused surgeries and better alternatives that included the facts about hysterectomies. It claims that "'from 76 to 85 percent' may be unnecessary." You may want to read the entire section about it because it explains all the reasons the surgery can be harmful and unnecessary as well as what could be better for you.

If all you have is pre-cancerous cells, you usually do NOT need to have a hysterectomy. There are safer and less invasive ways to take care of the situation such as cauterization, freezing, etc. (These are all described in the second source I listed.) For what it's worth, most cases of potentially pre-cancerous cells clear up on their own. 70% according to the second article. You should be careful about making a hasty decision and perhaps get a second opinion.

Answer 2

You don't mention your age, having surgery of any kind can be unnerving. It depends on the procedure your doctor uses, and the choice he makes will be chosen by the reason you are having the surgery. I had mine at 29 years old, the doctor did what they call the bikini cut. Thankfully there was no malignancy. The scar is almost unnoticeable and the recovery did not take very long, I did have to take pain medication but only for a few days. Follow your doctors orders, pain medication can cause constipation if it does ask your doctor for a stool softener, you don't want to strain to go to the bathroom, and most over the counter stuff causes cramps.
I had heard all kinds of stories about the changes in you body after the surgery, very little was true because of the advances in medicine. If there are nothing wrong with your ovary's they can leave one or both and you won't go into menopause, if they have to remove them the doctor will decide if you need medication, but it wont be right away. I was one of those who suffered every month from the time I started my cycles, the surgery was the best thing that could have happened. Oh yes, not having to worry about birth control or other things (time of the mth.) is wonderful and believe me other than a little dryness once in a while there's no change in making love. Lots of luck and get well soon.

Answer 3

I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago( at age 42) . I had fibroid tumors on my uterus.Cause me to have sever pain and heavy bleeding. I could not take the pain any more and my iron count was very low. Have a second opinion and think long and hard before you make that decision.
After i had the surgery , it took a while before i could feel like my old self.First three weeks i could not stand anything other than loose fitting clothing ( invest in some pull-on pants so that you can be comfortable while you recuperate).I got plenty of rest while my body recuperated. I was glad that i had the surgery and I felt so much better.I had partial hysterectomy , my choice other wise you go right away into menopause if you have your ovaries removed..I don't recommend it on, less you would have fibroid on your ovaries.

Answer 4

I had a hysterectomy when I was 25 years old. It was the best thing ever for me. I never experienced the horrible Pain I suffered with again. you will be so glad you had this done.

The first week is going to be very painful. It's only natural after major surgery. You will get sufficient pain medication so that should not be too much of a problem. You will have to take it easy for at least six weeks after the surgery.

Trust me you will be glad you had it.

Answer 5

I haven't goteen a hysterectomy, but I was also told I needed one. (I had ovarian cysts). I got a second opinion and has told i really didn't need one. I could manage my cysts w/ medications.

I would recommed you get a secon opinion and make sure you need one. I was told that it was a very trumatic experience for once body and mind.