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

@smevil13

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
I understand you anxiety, been there many time. I had large non-canoer tumor on ovary due to endometriosis and was removed at 18. That was many years ago and surgeon did a hip bone to hip bone incision, was in hospital for days and long recover dur to type surgery. This type of surgery has come a long way. I remember being in pre-op thinking about just getting off gurney and walking out. Everything went well.

After that, many D&Cs. At 40, the surgeons went back in, did a total hysterectomy remove 2nd ovary. Surgery wen smooth.

Be honest with your anesthesiologist about your smoking.

About menopause after surgery, not going to sugar-coat, it is not pleasant but everyone experience is different. Do not be afraid to talk to your providers about symptoms. There are medication that can help. Best person is gynecologist.

Your sex life may change due to menopause, but does not have to. Again talk to gynecologist, some larger clinics have specialist in Women Clincs that can talk to you about solutions to any problems you may have.

Unfortunately, 30 years ago no one talked about and few providers were willing to help. There is lots help available, just have to be honest and ask.

Good luck with your surgery.

Can't comment on how smoking may or may not be an issue but having my hysterectomy laparoscopically was not difficult and recovery was short and pretty uneventful. good luck with your procedure.

Surgical menopause can be intense. Your best course of action would be to do your best to stop smoking so that you can be considered for hormonal treatment. That presumes you don’t have other reasons not to take them. Talk to your doctors, ask your questions and good luck!

I understand what you are going through.
I hope you have good family and friends support.
Talk to your doctor or there staff and ask them questions. If something don’t sit well ask to explain it better.
Ask questions when you go to the hospital people will be glad to help you.
Write things down because you will not remember when you are with your doctor.
Wish you the very best and a speedy recovery

Thanks! I think I just needed someone to talk to about it. I feel a little better now.

Thanks! I think I just needed to hear it was gonna be ok. I feel better after reading about others who've done this before me & are here to say it's not the end.

Thank you so much! Good advice!

That is what Mayo Connect is here for. Let us know how everything goes.

I had a total hysterectomy and had both ovaries removed in my 40’s (I will turn 70 this year). Think I was 46. It is a big operation, but certainly not the hardest one I had. Be careful not to bend over too much or pick up heavy stuff. Get yourself one of the reacher tools. It is a life saver. Before the operation, arrange house so things you need to grab are at waist high. Follow doctors orders! They tell you it’s a 6 week recovery. In reality, most women I know start feeling like their old self in 6 months to a year. I have had 8 surgeries. The hardest to recover from was a Total Ankle Replacement. With each surgery, I started feeling like my old energetic self at 6 months or more. Hysterectomy did NOT impact on my sex life. Check out: http://www.HysterSisters.com
I found them to be a great source of help. When reading, remember EVERYONE is unique. Focus on yourself and evaluate the information. Will keep you in my prayers.
P.s. I received hormones (pills) to keep me from crashing into menopause.

One ore thing.
Also check your name tag they put on you.
When I was 39 I had this surgery.
About an hour before my surgery. They came in and put a new name tag on. I did not look at it because they said it had my new room number.
A few minutes later a nurse camp in and said the Priest is here that I asked for. I told her I’m Lutheran. I didn’t ask for a priest. She left in a few minutes later another person came in and said the same thing They were at the door to take me to surgery and again they said the same
At this point, I asked what’s going on. They looked at my name and asked me my name. They had put the wrong name on me and I was going to go down for her surgery not mine
Double check your name bands