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

smevil1 I was diagnosed with endometrial (endometroid adenocarcinoma) cancer, FIGO Stage 1 in 2019. Like you, I was frightened about the surgery. My surgery was a robotic laparoscopy hysterectomy. The uterus, both ovaries, both fallopian tubes, and the cervix were all removed. It was a same-day procedure at Methodist Hospital (Mayo Clinic) in Rochester, MN. Every person I encountered was attentive, compassionate, and listened to me. I had a wonderful nurse (RN) who prepped me for surgery that morning and told me all about recovery and how to take care of myself after surgery. I left the hospital that day with 5 small bandages that covered my tiny incisions made for the laparoscopic procedure. My doctor visited me at the end of the day to tell me what the early pathology report was. I stayed at our hotel that night and one more day and night "just-in-case" and by the time we headed back home I felt surprisingly without pain. My doctor reminded me that although I had few signs of surgery on my abdomen I did have significant surgery on my insides.

I followed the discharge instructions. Within two weeks after surgery I was driving my car and was back at work (part-time).

Since I was already post-menopausal I didn't have the aftereffects that most pre-menopausal women have.

When I was peri-menopausal and post-menopausal I found local physicians, with the exception of my gynecologist - to be very unhelpful and not at all knowledgeable about what I was going through sexually -- pain during intercourse that I found out was due to a condition where the vaginal lining thins and becomes dry due to a decrease in estrogen levels. And this was before my hysterectomy. The very best advice and help I received was from the Mayo Clinic Menopause and Women's Sexual Health Clinic.

-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/menopause-womens-sexual-health/overview/ovc-20487915

Is there a women's sexual health clinic near you?

Instant Menopause! Take the meds for it. If not, that's worse than the mending!!

Just take the meds for menopause.. Sex life is fine after mending. No difference than after a baby. I had surgery like a c section done. Full. At 42.

Hello!
My niece went through a partial hysterectomy back in January. She too is a smoker. All went fine. My hysterectomy was my first surgery, I was scared to death. I feel if you are open an honest about your fears to your care team it could ease your anxiety. After my experience I can say the fear was the worst part of all of it. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how everything goes.

After a hysterectomy, your body will go into immediate menopause. Discuss with your doctor to be better prepared for those changes and symptoms.

Hello. We were the same age when we had our hysterectomies, and I have found it challenging to cope with GI issues, painful intercourse, hot flashes, and joint aches since my surgical menopause.

Did you receive a cancer diagnosis? You mentioned that you were prescribed hormone pills. My first oncologist said I was not a good candidate for hormone therapy and suggested that we might discuss it again three years after my surgery.

It seems like they are not concerned, but I worry about the impact of not having hormones on my body, especially regarding cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive impairment. 🙁

Hi ! My name is Amie. My situation was similar - I had an emergency c-section when I was in my early 30's because of a mass that was found. I had a hysterectomy, but I kept "the girls" ( my ovaries).
Afterwards, my sex life resumed once I healed. I actually enjoyed it more because it took unwanted pregnancy off the table. I had already had my two kids.
Within about a year, I experienced early menopause. But I felt that one day it was inevitable anyway, so I just rode the waves. The night sweats weren't just at night time, though I did have to change clothes at night sometimes because I didn't like laying there wet. I remember being at work and feel the wave of sweat coming on, or being at events and becoming drenched. It wasn't fun, but you find ways to adapt. Like going into a restroom and drying off. I just kept telling myself that it was going to happen eventually.
What was harder was going from my normal self to "bitch" in what felt like 3.2 seconds. Thank Goodness for Prozac and other forms of medication. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor for help. There are meds out there that will help. If one doesn't work for you,ask to change to something else.
Hang in there !! It's scary, because it's an unknown. But, it will get back to being "normal" in time.
Take care !!

Are you taking hrt/bhrt?

Had a laproscopic hysterectomy at 69. It was a breeze. I have been on bhrt.... estradiol/testosterone pellet, progesterone, and low dose estradiol vaginal cream. My libido is great. So many other benefits too.

I have not had a cancer diagnosis. Having cancer would be a reason for not having hormone replacement therapy. I went off the hormones at age 67. Only real difference I notice is finally my feet and hands are warmer and boy do bugs like to bite me now. Overall my body is warmer, but not flashes. I have always had super thick bones. Dr thinks that is genetic for me. Everybody is unique.