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Vaginal Hysterectomy and removal of ovaries

(11 Posts)
tripsyG Fri 20-Oct-23 19:53:58

I am a 65 year old and soon to have a vaginal hysterectomy as a Day Case due to a large uterine prolapse. The consultant has suggested that she can remove my ovaries at the same time if they are easy to get at. When I queried whether I would put on loads of weight and/or suddenly become very ‘old’ if they are removed my consultant said that, as I am well past menopause it should make little difference. I know this might sound silly but I read on line yesterday that you don’t live as long if your ovaries are removed … I would be really grateful if anyone can advise me as to their experiences of vaginal hysterectomy, recovery time and possible removal of ovaries at this stage in life. Many thanks.

Harris27 Fri 20-Oct-23 20:00:14

I had this at 45 and I’m now 63 went on hrt for 5 years after full hysterectomy. Give your self time to get over this mine was bit complicated due to a cyst and endometriosis . You will be ok. Good luck. Look after yourself.

Marydoll Fri 20-Oct-23 20:14:20

That is amazing that your surgeon has told you you may be discharged on the same day.

I had a vaginal hysterectomy and bladder repair, without my ovaries being removed, due to a prolapse.
I was in hospital for a week, due to an allergic reaction to antibiotics I was given in theatre.

Having the hysterectomy was one of the best decisions I ever made!

Maggymay Fri 20-Oct-23 20:35:57

I had a vaginal hysterectomy and bladder repair but kept my ovaries in May this year. It has made such a difference to my life pain and incontinence has gone. Recovery took a long time and you will need to take things slowly and rest rest rest some days you will feel exhausted.

Parsley3 Fri 20-Oct-23 20:50:39

I had my ovaries removed a few years ago but I have never been told that I won't live as long. I hope that isnt true. On the plus side, I haven't gained any weight and I don't miss them at all.

Doodle Fri 20-Oct-23 21:00:57

Swings and roundabouts I think. When I had my hysterectomy a doctor friend told me to get my ovaries removed too so I didn’t have to worry about cancer. I know others say that having them removed increases the risk of osteoporosis or heart problems.

I chose to have mine removed and I’m glad I did. Did I age a lot. No I don’t think so. It’s been 17 years now. Yes I’ve put on weight but only in the last 12 months or so and that is due to not being as active.

My dear sister in law had cancer of the womb and had to have an emergency hysterectomy with everything taken away. She survived, recovered well and went on to have many more good years.

Retread Fri 20-Oct-23 21:10:46

I had a hysterectomy and my ovaries removed at 51 and I'm 74 and very healthy (touch wood!).

I had heard that rumour too and asked the consultant and he said it's nonsense.

I was on HRT for a short while - it really didn't agree with me despite the GP trying all different variations. In the end I stopped taking it and since then I take 1000mg evening primrose oil every day (on GP recommendation). I have no "menopausal" issues. I am relieved never to have to worry about womb or ovarian cancers. My skin is okay and I haven't become a "dried up old crone".

And I'm in a happy relationship with all that goes with it.

Good luck. flowers

Whiff Fri 20-Oct-23 21:11:28

I had a total hysterectomy when I was 38. My ovaries, uterus,fallopian tubes and cervix all taken away. I am 65 now and still alive . What a stupid thing for someone to write.

And sorry but your common sense should have told you that was rubbish.

I was born with a rare hereditary neurological condition which effects my limbs plus a hole in my heart.

My husband got cancer in 2001 and died in 2004 aged 47. He never had ovaries to keep or take away.

Please don't read any rubbish like that. You are scared about the operation which is only natural. The consultant used my c section scar which runs from my belly button to my pubic hair line. I don't trust vaginal removal. I much rather have been opened up like I was that way they could see and remove everything. My operation did take longer than normal because the tubes from my kidneys to my bladder spilt and needed 4 bags of blood. But after 6 weeks I fine because of my age at the time on HRT for 16 years before they took it off me.

But HRT nowadays is better than then.

Go into your operation with a positive frame of mind. And do everything they tell post op. No heavy lifting or hoovering for 6 weeks but make sure you do your pelvic floor exercise. Keep hydrated and eat healthily. You will bleed so make sure you have plenty of towels to wear. And you may get cramping but it's just your body healing. And you will have internal bruising. But pain killers help.

Sorry if I sounded harsh at first but I hate scare stories. Having any operation no matter how large or small is scary and persin who wrote that was cruel and vindictive.

I wish you well .💐

Katyj Fri 20-Oct-23 21:17:09

My sister in law had the same op overies removed too. She came home the same day and went to visit her daughter the next day. She had no problems as she had already gone through the menopause.
She went back to her very heavy physical job four weeks later. Good luck.

Aldom Fri 20-Oct-23 21:19:28

My mother in law lived into her 90's. She had a total hysterectomy in her 40's. So don't worry.

tripsyG Fri 20-Oct-23 23:53:04

Thanks for all your encouraging replies which are really appreciated.