Hysterectomy

Hi Lizzardd65, and welcome to Gransnet if you’re new.

I haven’t any experience in your situation, but just wanted to bump your post up the forum so it doesn’t get overlooked. I hope someone will be along to help soon.

My aunt, 86, had a hysterectomy due to a prolapse it went well and she was up and about absolutely fine the next day.

However, she did not rest and was lifting things when she should not have done so, this has caused problems now. Do take the advice that you are given.

Not quite the same, but I had one in my fifties. I had a history of polyps with each pregnancy and knew it would eventually be on the cards.
A prolapse and excessive bleeding made a hysterectomy necessary.
The surgeon was hesitant due to my comorbidities and they did make my recovery longer than normal. However, along with a bladder repair as an added extra, I was a new woman.
Goid luck! 💐

Lizzardd65
I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 38. I had a cyst on my left ovary which contained 2 ls of fluid. I had had 2 emergency c sections to have my children.

I was given options but decided to have a total hysterectomy. Because it was my choice it helped me cope with the operation and I went into hospital in a positive frame of mind.

As it turned out it was a good job I had decided as I would have had one due to the fact my right ovary was covered in tiny cysts. They knew because of the size of the big one it would be benign . But the tiny ones could have been cancer luckily everyone of them was benign .

I was 19st when I had my children so my scar was from my belly button to my public hair line. And still the same weight when I had my hysterectomy. It make me laugh when the consultant came to see me when he said I don't know what they did at your last c section it was like a dogs hind leg down there so I straighten you up.

Now this is not to frightened you but what happened to during the operation. Both the urethane from my kidneys to my bladder split. So I was in surgery over 3 hours. Had a catheter and needed 4 bags of blood.

Went in on the Monday morning home Friday night. Now this is a long time ago as I am 65 now.

But this may stop you worrying. I have had pains in my legs all my life and fell a lot. Because of my legs couldn't have the surgical stockings. So had Heparin injections twice a day had 10 in hospital and my husband gave me 22. Because of my age was put on HRT and was on it for 16 years then they took it off me. The hit flushes night and day sweats started but it was only my face drips with sweat and does to this day.

Like I said I have had pains in my legs my whole life. When I was 29 my limb jerks started and the pain got worse. Because of the limb jerks which I had no warning would happen or control. I made sure that my consultant had my arms and legs firmly strapped down during the operation. And when I was given the blood in one arm and morphine drip in the other they splinted them so I didn't put the needles out when I jerked.

In 2020 found out via bubble echocardiogram I was born with a hole in my heart. I had to laugh I had had 2 minor and 3 major ops with a dicky heart . Turns out the hole isn't in the connections between the chambers of my heart but apparently we have flaps round our heart which close before birth. The one between my heart and lungs didn't close. It's only very small as I don't have chest pain but can get breathless but soon recover. I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation so on tablets for that and feel fine.

In 2020 because I move to the north west had a new neurologist. And he put me on Clonazepam and within 2 weeks after 32 years and 4 months of siezures my limbs where still and have been ever since. My neurologist had my whole genome genetically tested. Covid hit so he didn't get the results until March last year. On the 1st April 2022 finally had a diagnosis I was born with a rare hereditary gene mutation called hereditary Hyperekplexia gene mutation SLC6A5 type 3. I was 63 as my birthday is the end of April. If I hadn't have moved to the north west I would still be having the jerks etc . My old neurologist could have put me on the Clonazepam and had my blood genetically tested but he didn't.

I was younger than you having my operation but had 2 things I was born with .

You say you are worried about healing but the district nurses should come into you every day for 10 to change your dressing and keep an eye on your wound. I did have an infection but antibiotic cleared it up. But what I did have in that first year was 6 UTIs .

I had them before the operation as a child. I did have a run of them and kidney infections in 2021 infact I had 16 courses of antibiotics. The urologist reconned I had a bad infection as tests showed my bladder and kidneys where fine .

I nurse gave me a good tip . Because of disability I have an ease toilet looks like a normal loo but it's taller. I am 5' 2" my legs dangled. The nurse told me to make sure my knees and hips are in line when using the toilet that way you empty your bladder and bowels completely. So I put my feet on a toddler step.

No idea if this has helped you but it's my experience. Once your scar has healed make sure you keep it moisturised. Sorry for any typos as my hands shake .

Wish all the best for your operation and go in with positive frame of mind as it does help . 💐

My sister in law had key hole hysterectomy aged 60 she came home the same day and was out and about the next day. Hope it goes well for you.

Thank you for all your kindly advice. I feel quite reassured. Just hoping NHS waiting list is not too long. Xx

My post seems to have disappeared. I had a vaginal one, no visible scars at all.
I was high risk, but had no complications, apart from being given an antibiotic I was allergic to.
With every op there is a risk, but most posts here are positive, so please take heart from this.

Hi Lizzardd65, i had total hysterectomy aged 45 and removal of both ovaries as,had large fibroids like you which caused heavy bleeding most months until i was bleeding into the next month..horrendous to keep fresh and walking difficult...the morphine after surgery helped and was in hospital for 7 days - I will be honest and say it took 9mths before i felt like my former self..constantly tired and achey and had my first panic attack- I was allergic to the hormone patches and was started on HRT for ?15yrs...not sure know at 65+ what type of op you will have but wish you well for a good recovery!

My Aunty had one in her 80s and was fine, lived into her mid 90s, hope it all goes well for you.

I had a. hysterectomy when I was 68. I had a prolapsed bladder and required a pelvic floor repair and was advised to have a hysterectomy at the same time. I had type 2 diabetes at the time. Absolutely no problems. I was in hospital for 5 days and came back home to recover. Took it easy for a few days and got on with life afterwards. No regrets.

I was found to have ovarian cancer and so it was rather \a rush job and had total hysterectomy about 3 days after the cancer test was found. This meant that I had the operation and then 6 months chemotherapy . So from things being "normal" I was having to cope with the operation, the chemo and the change of life of course too. At times I didnt know what was causing what symptoms!! I was about 45, and was told without the operation I might have about 2 years. Well I am here to tell the tale over 20 years later.! However given the situation I did not have time to do any research etc and there was no thought of keyhole surgery then anyway. There were different options , in other cases, such as being able to keep the ovaries, which would have meant the immedaite effects of the change would not have happened I had HRT for a time . Well I am 78, now having to cope with another form of cancer, but whilst it took quite a while to cope with all these side effects , I would say it took me about 2 years to really get back to totally being myself, but of course that was the result of the cancer treatment etc not just the hysterectomy. But there are good things too, no more working out holidays to not clash with periods etc. Go for it and good luck and start planning what you want to do when it is over.Good luck

I went into hospital expecting to have a hysterectomy performed and my ovaries removed, when I was 69 - three years ago.

As it transpired, only my ovaries needed to be removed, as what had looked like a massive fibroid inside my uterus was actually a benign growth on the one ovary which had pushed it downwards in front of my uterus.

I am mentioning this to say that even the best ultrasound scans are apparently not totally reliable, and Ihope you will be as fortunate.

I assume your consultant knows you are a diabetic and that he/she is not unduly concerned that this will slow down the rate you heal at, or cause other complications, so please do not worry about this.

I bleed too heavily, due to a certain disability to absorb Vitamin K which is responsible for helping our blood to clot, which concerned me, but the surgeon knew of this and assured me I would be given any and all treatment necessary during and after the op.

Even although I had not had a full hysterectomy done, I tireded easily for some time afterwards - about six weeks. It was easily for me to tell when I had done a little too much, as I felt queasy and sick.

Do please rest and obey instructions not to lift or carry anything heavy - my surgeon told me not even to carry a full litre carton of milk, or to pour my own coffee it was made in a family sized pot. This may seem over-cautious, but I am glad I followed his advice, and the advice to rest frequently during the day, and to roll over onto my side, and swing my lower legs over the side of the bed, before attempting to get out of bed, or off a sofa. This last trick took some getting used to, but the precautions have paid off.

Six months after the op. I noticed to my surprise that I was physically stronger than I had been for three or four years.

Another perk is that I no longer have to wee so frequently as I was doing prior to the op.

I hope and trust you will be as happy with the results of your op as I am with mine.

I was diagnosed with cancer of the womb about 6 years ago at age 74 and had a hysterectomy . It was keyhole surgery so I had the op one afternoon and was discharged the following day at about 6pm.
No problems or pain. Have had a few health issues since, but none linked to the hysterectomy or cancer. You'll be fine!

I got rid of my uterus at age 42. Good riddance ... no more pain and heavy long periods. I was bleeding more of the month than not.
It was fine ... bit sore for a couple of days, but could have been back at work after a few weeks ... but I took the full 3 months I was entitled to and enjoyed some time in the sun!!

Also had a key hole hysterectomy…removed vaginally in Germany…brilliant way to do it…no scars and up and about in a few hours! No problems at all since! Removed due to huge fibroids and heavy bleeding…best thing ever to get rid of the whole kit and caboodle for me…but did suffer with menopause symptoms since…but hey ho…do loads of exercise, eat carefully and now very healthy…I am 67

I had one at 60that was 7 years ago, I found my recovery easier than my previous gall bladder removal was only in hospital overnight done by keyhole surgery, just go carefully laughing, standing up from sitting and don't lift anything heavy.

Had total hysterectomy at age 70, due to huge ovarian cyst.
Quite frankly - a piece of cake, nothing like it used to be.
I have friends who spent 6 weeks recovering. I took myself home in a taxi and then got on with my life. They no longer cut your muscles to get to the uterus so no long term bad effects. Good luck and then enjoy your life after.

madeleine45 - Congratulations! Ovarian cancer is a terribly frightful and (often fatal) cancer for a woman. I’ve had friends die from it. Your recovery and long life is a testament to your good attitude and good fortune - and good Doctors!

I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 65 and it was done laparoscopically through my abdomen without any major cutting - only 4 or 5 tiny incisions that left near invisible scars. They do this with scopes and extraction. They were looking for cancer but found none. I’m now 76 and have always felt great.

Except for some 30 second hot flashes.I can live with those intermittent annoyances. I’ not diabetic. Wishing you the best outcome!
USA Gundy

I’m actually wishing Lizzardd65 the best outcome for her surgery, not Madeleine.
Sorry!

Thank you all for wonderful reassuring advice. You are all so kind Xxx

I’m 66 and had a total hysterectomy 12 weeks ago due to stage 1 endometrial cancer.
I followed advice to the letter eg no lifting & carrying for 6 weeks post op.
I was home the day after surgery. I experienced discomfort, not pain for the first couple of weeks.
3 weeks post op I was informed no further treatment required which was just the best news.
Week 8 I started restorative yoga and meditation & breathwork classes which I thoroughly enjoy.
I’m feeling well and extremely grateful to our wonderful NHS.
I wish you well Lizzardd65

I'm 72, having one because of fibroids, once I'm off blood thinners to treat the DVT that the damp fibroid gave me