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.