Total Hysterectomy Inc Removal Of Ovaries And Tubes

[shivvy]

I was wondering if anyone on here has had a "total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy" ie removal of the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy)?
I would be interested in hearing your experiences if you didn't mind sharing.
Thanks.

[LadyCG]

I'm seeing the Surgeon tomorrow about having TAH / LS / BO (lost my right tube 3 years ago following ectopic pregnancy).

I'd be interested in others' experiences too.

[tamborine]

SIL & MIL had hysterectomys after 3kids each. They didnt seem to suffer & live full lives.

Lcg, can your eggs be harvested ? I hope your ops can wait till after youve had desired children.

[LadyCG]

One stinky urchin is quite enough, Tambo. I won't be having any more.

[calmck]

Had this done years ago. Recovery was good. You need to check with insurance company as to when you can drive after op. Usually 3 to 6 weeks. Discuss with doc re treatment for menopause symptoms. Good luck and speedy recovery

[Sycamore3House]

I had a radical hysterectomy in 2001 due to being diagnosed with cervical cancer. I was 36 years old with 2 children aged 8 & 10 at the time. All that was left were my ovaries as I would not have been prescribed HRT due to other health issues. The operation saved my life. I was in hospital for 5 days recovering. Recovery was 3 months and I was not allowed to drive for 6 weeks. I took all the pain relief that was offered and all the help at home that was offered to enable my recovery. Probably planned household tasks a little bit more such as home delivery shopping. Post surgery you do need to move around and frequently. Take things easy.

I also remember the doctors offering counselling as it was such a traumatic operation and still being of childbearing age. I did not take it as I had had 2 children and did not want more. Lots of people will say “oh no how sorry they are’ which is good but after it is a whole new world. Being able to do what you please and when knowing that your period is not going to get in the way/start unexpectedly is quite liberating.

I do not regret being operated on. As my ovaries were left in they were dissolved back into my body and I went through the menopause when I was 42/43 years old.

[shivvy]

Hope the appointment with the surgeon went well today Lady CG.

Seems to be 6 weeks without driving calmck.

Thanks for all that info Sycamore.

[ladyalex]

I had exactly this op about 18 years ago now.
I had grown an enormous ovarian cyst and had a strong family history of ovarian cancer.
The recovery time will depend very much on how they do the actual op. If they can do it by keyhole or vaginally that will be all the better for you.
If they have to 'open you up' then again it depends on how they do the cutting. Bikini line incisions heal quicker than up and down cuts. I unfortunately had to have the up and down type and it took me quite a while to recover. I didn't drive for at least 6 weeks and eventually went back to work (non manual) half time after 4 months. With hindsight, I should have had another month off. Anyway, I have been absolutely fine since, except for fiddling around with HRT....first I had to have it to protect against osteoporosis, then I shouldn't have it any more because of increased risk of breast cancer, then I saw a specialist who said I could have it again. All sorted out now and at least the worst of the flushes were covered at the start by the HRT.
You really do have to take things easy after this surgery, but I doubt you will need anyone telling you this as you are likely at first at least to feel totally knackered.
Listen to your body and do not do more than you are able to.
When I got home, I mainly had paracetamol as painkillers which worked for me.....I cannot take anything with codeine in it without vomiting. Immediately after the op I had a morphine pump for a day or two which simply put me to sleep when I used it....great!
All the best. I am sure all will be well eventually!
One last tip, when you do first get up and start walking around, do try to stand up straight. It feels a bit odd and as though you might do yourself some damage but you won't and it is better for you not to hurt your back as well as everything else.

[shivvy]

Aw that's all great advice Lady Alex. Thanks so much.