Question for you ladies who've had a hysterectomy

Now, 67, abdominal surgery at 39, ovaries as well. Absolutely no menopausal symptoms. I had a week in hospital and 6 weeks off work, never regretted it.

I am 70and I had a hysterectomy and my overies removed when I was 45. It was the best thing and I have never had side effects. I think, once it is done you will feel relieved.

I had a hysterectomy quite a few years ago, kept ovaries, done virginally. I recovered very quickly and have been fine since. I'm 72 now.

Was threatened with hysterectomy in 1998 for very heavy bleeding, was anaemic, last chance saloon a Mirena coil. Worked very well for me, took me over the menopause. However, if I was going for hysterectomy, would have ovaries removed as well. One less site for cancer to develop.

Mine, too, was taken out when I was about 40 because of fibroids. I was glad to be shot of the bleeding, but was not prepared for the overwhelming psychological effect. I kept dreaming I was pregnant, and was on the verge of depression for at least 10 years.

I think, though, that, if you're having a hysterectomy at 61, you have already had closure with your child-bearing years and your mind won't play such tricks on you.

I still have my ovaries, but I go regularly for check ups, and have no family history of cancer or the like, so it's no great problem.

I've never heard of anyone having a hysterectomy just to get rid of the uterus with no medical reason, so let us know how you get on.

I had my partial hysterectomy when I was 45 (no children). At the time my doctor recommended that I have everything 'whipped away' but I asked to keep my ovaries and cervix. Not sure why now but I guess it mattered at the time! I have been fine since and was glad to have it done due to multiple fibroids. I never went on HRT. I would say go for it.

I worked in a GP surgery and the female GP who was very good at her job told us if we ever had to have a hysterectomy make sure they take the ovaries too and you'll have no worries later in life with ovarian cancer.

I had my abdominal hysterectomy 20 years ago when I was 46, and it was the best thing I ever did, it transformed my life. I had one ovary removed at the time and made a very quick recovery, the only problem I have had since is hot flushes. However, far from the scar disappearing into the jungle I lost all my pubic hair which has never regrown! You can barely see the scar though, it has almost faded away.

51 when I had mine. After having had a couple of prolapses it was suggested that removing the uterus would be beneficial. Can't say as I've ever missed it and certainly didn't miss all the hassle of periods. Mine was done vaginally. Had to be very sensible for the first six weeks - no lifting, gardening etc. The worst thing was not being able to drive and having to get husband to come food shopping with me to do the lifting . Good luck with whatever you decide.

I had mine aged 58 (8 years ago). Mine was for a large fibroid. I had everything taken away, ovaries, tubes and womb, so I need abdominal surgery. I didn't really give myself enough time to recover. I had surgery on June 25th and was back at Pilates in September. Big mistake, I wasn't ready for it. I have no regrets at all about the surgery.

I had a sub total hysterectomy in 1997 and it was the best thing I EVER did. I kept my ovaries because I was only 41 at the time. I had reached the stage with ridiculously long heavy periods, that couldn’t be lessened with medication, that I just wanted rid of that part of my anatomy. The op was done through abdominal incision, I wasn’t overly bothered by the prospect, having had a Caesarian to have my daughter. My consultant told me he preferred removal by incision as he said a vaginal removal was like trying to get a semi inflated balloon through a keyhole! I could see the point.
Recovery was straight forward, yes there was pain but I took things steady, did as I was told and was soon feeling fine. The only tips I would pass on is that if you feel like coughing wrap your arms round your middle and do it as gently as possible because it hurts! and always try and stand up as straight as possible when you are first getting out of bed after surgery. The temptation is to sort of bend over a little as your tum is so sore, but do that too much you will just add a sore back to the mix!
It was such a relief to stop menstruating, I didn’t spend vast amounts on sanitary protection anymore and felt so much better emotionally and physically too.
All I say is go for it, you won’t regret it.

I had 'the lot out' about 30 years ago due to endometriosis, fibroids etc. I couldn't have HRT straight away but after a few months was given the highest dose patch and it was wonderful. No PMT - just the same all the time - like being a man! I am 72 now and on the lowest dose HRT. Every time I try to stop it, I get terrible hot flushes. I don't regret the operation at all.

I had mine at 39 for vaginal prolapse after four very prolonged deliveries, vaginal route so no scar, ovaries retained at that age, . Recovered in 6 weeks, absolutely fine thereafter. Started menopausal symptoms four years later and been on HRT ever since. Had to have a vault prolapse repair after 25 years, but I am just weak in that area despite all the exercises. If you are not drooping already, you will be fine! Can understand the cancer fear, if you are post menopausal anyway, then do have then out!

I have a theory that stress can actually cause or aggravate this, so maybe with you it's a vicious spiral. I had two episodes of PMB, one was about 2-4 weeks after the london terrorist attacks (tube and bus) and the other was about 2-4 weeks after my mother died. In each case I had pre-menstrual symptoms leading up, and had felt the twinges of ovulation. My theory was that when the brain senses trouble or danger, it persuades your body to try and become fertile in case we have to set to work to repopulate the planet after a disaster.

I had horrendously heavy periods - thought that was the norm - and following an ectopic pregnancy, had one of the fallopian tubes removed. Had already had a sterilisation op when they discovered that I had fibroids, so finally had a hysterectomy and like sodapop and kathsue, never had a second's regret. The only subsequent issue was that about a year ago the mesh in my tummy came loose and had to be fixed, but not a major problem. If your doc thinks it'll be helpful, go with it! Good luck.

Had a keyhole vaginal total hysterectomy at 53, best thing due to fibroids, pain etc...no problems since...

I had a partial hysterectomy ( ovaries retained) when I was 42. Uneventful recovery, never gave it another thought, and the relief from relentless flooding every month and exhaustion from anaemia that wasn't being controlled by iron tablets was enormous.

Forgot to add, my recovery was completely problem free with very little discomfort.

I had an abdominal total hysterectomy at 47, 22 years ago, because of fibroids that were giving me extremely painful periods. I was given an HRT implant during surgery, followed six months later by patches which I used for about three months before not having any HRT at all. I was extremely lucky in that I never had any menopausal symptoms. I was very happy that I had had my ovaries removed all those years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer last October (all recovered now!).
It was honestly the best thing I ever did. Good luck!

My symptoms were the same as yours Maggie and I was the same age as you. I had a vaginal hysterectomy and my ovaries were removed too. I was in hospital for a day. It was a couple of days before I could walk properly but no pain and I gave myself daily injections to prevent clotting. Absolutely no side effects at all - this was a couple of years ago and when giving my medical history to a nurse last year I forgot I'd had it! Good luck if you have it done and take care of yourself.

I had an abdominal hysterectomy 25 years ago and have not looked back. I am 72 now. I wish it had been done much earlier. I had dreadful pms and extremely heavy periods. No side effects at all.

I had one when I was 45 (for fibroids) and am now 73. Getting over it was not a problem and I've had no further trouble. Good luck!

Sorry should ofchecked that 'operation' not pomanders?

Hi it's ok if you have a choice so here goes! I had mine 12 years ago after heavy bleeds and they found a cyst growing I was terrified of having it as I'd never been in hospital before for any thing major. They did the pomanders there was complications due to endometriosis but they got everything sorted and after a slow recovery I was fine. Got my life back and still fine had HRTfor four years which did help.

Madgran, good to know that your pelvic floor held out and that you have an understanding husband. I'm single and my libido died a long time ago so fortunately that's not too much of a concern - unless I finally meet the man of my dreams - I wish