Hysterectomy

My hysterectomy/bi lateral oopherectomy was 30 years ago. My abdominal "smile" scar did not need a drain. I was up and about the day after the op though walking slowly and cleaning the hospital day room and repotting their geraniums by day 4 admittedly sitting down.
I do believe being given HRT made a huge difference. I had to help other patients who were not given the HRT boost (by male surgeon) and kept in close touch with one so was able to compare my recovery with hers.
Please don't worry OP, it is not as bad as you fear. Concentrate on the benefits. No more periods, no chance of becoming pregnant, no chance of cancer of all the bits removed, no more whatever caused the decision to operate. You can replace the oestrogen so no need to age prematurely and you won't need progestogen which is what's risky. With oestrogen you won't get osteoporosis.........I could go on.
Best wishes.

Not the same, but I've had both a hysterectomy (laparoscopic) and major abdominal surgery (scar is from hip, to hip).

The hysterectomy itself (as in, removal of the uterus/ovaries) is smallfry. I woke up the morning after feeling as if I'd had nothing done.

The abdominal wound is harder. You'll have drains in, may find it hard to move to start with (mine was a bigger surgery, so you may not feel this as much). Within a week though, I could slowly walk up and down stairs. Sit on the sofa.

As long as you keep up with the pain relief, it is very bearable. I drove at 6 weeks (although I wasn't insured at that point).

The 3 month advisory is accurate. At 3 months, you should be back to normal. At 2 months I FELT back to normal but wouldn't have been able to cope with being back at work (my job is very demanding).

If any of you ladies or anyone you know have a delay in having the operation and are told you need injections of a drug called lupron can I please ask you to be cautious as it has horrendous side effects.
Look it up if you are offered it. The doctors are paid by the pharma company to prescribe it and a bit of googling should be an eye opener that they are allowing it. My Dd was given it and to say it has ruined her life and those of many other women is mild.

Esspee I'm aware that the two are very different as one involves surgery and the other doesn't but Tigertooth said He's had a look inside at ovaries etc and all looks ok but he said if the bleeding doesn't stop then he'll do a hysteroscopy - I'm really scared. So I was replying to Tigertooth.

I had mine about 35 years ago. Be sure to do what you are told, no heavy lifting for a while. It's much better for your recovery to potter round, and go for short GENTLE walks to start with, and gradually build up. Rest when you've done enough, have a coffee, then potter around again. I had my kidney out some years later, really major surgery, but was walking 2 miles within 2 weeks of discharge, at a gentle pace, with my husband. Walking gets rid of the bloated feeling, Spend the weekend filling the fridge and freezer with food for the next few weeks, then buy a few novels and enjoy your enforced holiday!

Hysteroscopy and hysterectomy are very different operations FlexibleFriend

OP when you say a full hysterectomy are you meaning a hysterectomy, bi lateral oopherectomy and removal of cervix?
I went through that combination many years ago and you will be fine. I was lucky enough to have an oestrogen implant inserted before I was stitched up so that instead of suffering an instant menopause I felt wonderful.
Lifting anything heavier than a kettle for the first few weeks isn't advisable and I used a stool in the kitchen when preparing meals. For exercise I went to the supermarket and used the trolley to support myself and I didn't drive for a few weeks. Thinking back that was the time that my husband took over vacuuming and I gave up ironing. It might be worthwhile having someone in to do heavy cleaning and laundry. I can't remember how long it was before I was completely back to my old self but it was very gradual. I expect everyone is different in recovery time.
My op. was done via a "bikini cut" on top of my cesearian section scar and even now I have numbness on either side of the line. Apart from that I feel wonderful and am glad I had it done.
Please stop worrying you will be fine.

Hysteroscopy is nothing to worry about, I've had several and was eventually given the all clear. Have they explained what a hysteroscopy involves?

Would it be awful for to ask why you have to have it?
I'm going back to see Gynae as post coital bleeding hasn't stopped (post menopausal I'm 54).
He's had a look inside at ovaries etc and all looks ok but he said if the bleeding doesn't stop then he'll do a hysteroscopy - I'm really scared.

Have a look at Grandmain’s recent thread pet. Lots of reassurance on there.

You’ll both be fine and wonder why you worried. The usual time off work for a hysterectomy is three months I believe (unless things have changed). Take it and enjoy Christmas!

Following as I'm having the same on Monday. I've done as much reading as I can to educate myself. Wishing you the best of luck with your recovery. I'm very nervous too.