I'm terrified! Total hysterectomy, what can I expect?

I can only refer to my own experience. In 1982, I has total hysterectomy, via actual surgery. The recovery was smooth, absolutely no problems. (NO hot flashes afterwards, either!) Life went on the very same, following recovery. I experienced no problem during or after surgery, nor did it affect intimacy or the desire I had for my husband, ever. Life was good, in that the medical issue was resolved, and I felt physically and emotionally good. So, I would encourage you to put all doubts aside, relax, take care of yourself, and look forward to a great life!

Hello I had a total hysterectomy in December 2022 and it was a breeze!! I was up and at Starbucks the following morning. Never needed any meds other than Tylenol. Recommend walking and moving which helps with recovery. Take care

@aardvark2118 May I ask if you would like to share more information here with our members? I recall that you were diagnosed with endometrial cancer - what kind of endometrial cancer? What was the stage? Did you have a laparoscopic surgery and was your surgery a radical hysterectomy (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix all removed)?

We all have different diagnoses and reasons for our hysterectomies. I'm hoping that with the added information that this will provide support and encouragement for our members.

Hi I was diagnosed with stage 3 endometrial cancer. Had a radical robotic hysterectomy. Followed by chemo, external beam and brachytherapy radiation Was fortunate that I was able to work the entire time and had an “easy” treatment with great providers

So I can’t speak from experience, but my mom had this (way back when), and they gave her hormone replacement therapy after the hysterectomy, and she did just fine, but that being said, she was always very active, walked a lot, and quit smoking. She lived to be 89!!

How are you doing?

Had a total hysterectomy 25 years ago at the age of 35 due to severe endometriosis that was fusing my internal organs together and to my abdominal walls, so I was NOT a candidate for laparoscopic hysterectomy. I was cut from hip bone to hip bone so the doctor could see everything properly without damaging anything. You were already at an advantage there. Recovery should have been much quicker than mine was (as of now you should be mostly recovered). I took 5 months to recover and was hospitalized for 5 days following surgery. As others have stated, quit smoking. It literally affects everything regarding your health, and not in a good way. Do NOT go off HRT, however. We NEED those hormones. With the exception of the smoking, you are at no more risk of breast cancer from HRT than any woman that does not have her ovaries removed. It will protect you from osteoporosis and heart disease (again, quit smoking), as well as possibly dementia in older age. It will also keep your genitourinary tissues intact. Hope all is well now that you're nearly a month post-op!

Did you ask for an explanation for determining you are not a candidate for hrt?

For me at 60, already working with osteoporosis but nothing new. As my doc said, "You just lost a friend from ovarian cancer and you don't plan to have more children..."

@smevil13 Good morning, I'm back to check in with you. Did you have the hysterectomy as planned? How are you feeling?