Looking for thoughts/feedback/expe rience with partial hysterectomy

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Jenn (aka kissmykitty)

(EdenFantasys)

After years of very heavy, very long (7-9 days), very painful (narcotic and/or muscle relaxants are almost always a necessity for the first three days) periods, and a D&C and 3cmx3cmx1cm polyp removal that only reduced my symptoms for a couple of cycles, I am finally scheduled for a partial hysterectomy: my surgeon will be removing my uterus, my cervix, and my appendix.

I wrote in more detail about the upcoming procedure and why I'm having it done and such on my blog, if you're interested in reading: Dear internets: let's discuss my uterus

My MAJOR concern comes from the minority, but still very important and relevant, accounts of issues after partial hysterectomies - issues with hormonal balance, sexual interest/desire/libido , natural lubrication, ability to orgasm, etc.

I'm reaching out to you, the interwebs, for your advice/info/feedback based on any experience you've had, either firsthand or secondhand, with a partial hysterectomy: specifically, where the uterus and cervix are removed, but the ovaries and fallopian tubes are left intact.

Thank you! Any responses will be read and very much appreciated.

09/06/2013

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js250

I had a full hysterectomy: uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and 1 ovary removed 20 years ago when I was 23. In the beginning, due in part to my personal feelings about needing to get it done for medical reasons but still wanting more children--the fallout period was pretty emotional. I also felt very...lonely, due to my age and the fact I was the only person I knew with no 'body parts'. Remember--that was my own personal issues and was mental.

Physically, the hormonal changes took about 3-6 months to readjust on their own. I was adamant about not getting hormone replacement due to a bout with cancer and my odds of getting breast cancer. I had amazing days and some depressing days, but they did even out as my hormones evened out, about two months later.

Sexually--this is the HUGE benefit, for me. No more pain during and after sex or orgasm, no erratic, heavy painful periods to sap my moods and energy, and I found out I was seriously multi-orgasmic. I do need lube!! My natural production seriously lowered, but with a good lube, it makes no difference. I was terrified I would pull the stitches out, get torn on the top where the cervical area was sewn shut to prevent other issues. It never happened. I did require a dilator to gain some of the length back, but that is easily adaptable after about 4 months when the nerves get used to the new 'configuration'. There is no more vagal response or cervical hiccups!

My sex drive increased dramatically, my energy level went through the roof and my emotions were more even than prior to the surgery. These did take a few months to pull together--but it was worth it!! I would do it again if I had to choose, the benefits have far outweighed the losses.

09/06/2013

Jenn (aka kissmykitty)

(EdenFantasys)

Quote:

Originally posted by js250

Re: children
I'm 29, and my husband is 31. We have a daughter who will be 9 in October, and a son who just turned 7. I had a tubal ligation after my son was born, and my husband had a vasectomy two years ago. We are very adamant about no more children - have been since the decision to have a second child, and we've never wavered. So fortunately, for us, there won't be any issues with struggling to adapt to infertility, because we are both already sterilized.

I'm sorry that you had such a rough time after your hysterectomy, but it makes perfect sense: you lost a great deal of your "self", so to speak, not to mention the ability to have children.

Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience with me -- and my husband, who is sitting next to me as I type this. Of the things I worry about, while I hope that I'll continue to have plenty of natural lubricant, and that my husband occasionally "bottoming out" won't be uncomfortable or downright painful, if the use of synthetic lubrication and dilators is the worst outcome, then I'll take it! Because like you said, these heavy, painful periods just absolutely suck the life out of you. And of course I'm due for mine right now, and my surgery is next week... my uterus won't go without a fight.

09/06/2013

js250

Quote:

Originally posted by Jenn (aka kissmykitty)

The dang usteruses do tend to hang on til the last moment!! I remember when I had my surgery....I figured the scar would be across my abdomen. Then woke up and they had performed the "new" vaginal surgery on me!! I could not figure out what the deal was until I was all the way out of the anesthetic, lol!!! Poor nurses, I thought I woke up prior to the surgery and was telling them to put me back out I could feel my tummy.

Overall, it was well worth the procedure due to the lack of pain for the first time since getting my periods. I could not even reach into a cupboard for a glass without severe pain. I had endometriosis, ovarian cysts and internal endometriomal ropes. (Then they found cancer on my ovary and uterus and all heck broke loose....)

Good luck, I am on here frequently if you want to 'talk' or have questions. Just message me any time and I will answer as soon as I log in. Huge hugs for you and your hubby--you will adapt and have a more pain-free and satisfying personal and sex life. It was hard for me to deal with the pain and intimacy, so after the healing period...oh, yeah!! (Big smile!! I came into my own.)

09/07/2013

Wicked Wahine

Quote:

Originally posted by Jenn (aka kissmykitty)

Wow, I wish I had something helpful to add, but I have not been through this. It sounds like js250 will be your best resource for this. I am wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery next week. I hope you keep us posted as to how you do, but I understand if you'd rather not. I suspect you will have a lot of people praying for you from here and based on what I just read from js250, it sounds like you will be regaining a big chunk of your life that was spend dealing with all the pain & suffering. Good riddance to pain & suffering that doesn't serve a purpose (as opposed to producing a baby for instance).

09/07/2013

Plus Love

I had a total hysterectomy that is uterus, cervix and Fallopian tubes, the doc told me he'll leave the ovaries, at first before the surgery I was really concerned about my sexual life cause I read a bunch of forums where woman talk about what was like after a hysterectomy and boy I was so wrong reading all those woman I got really worried, but let me tell you, don't listen to anybody every single woman is different and it's all in your head, fortunately after my recovery I got down to business and I can say that now I have better pleasure than before and I want to be with my husband more. So don't worry and put it in your head that it's gonna be better than before.

10/14/2013

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