by Robdar 32 Replies latest jw friends
Please get several opinions, and then if you still need the surgery, make sure they put you on NATURAL hormones and not the synthetic crap from horse urine. Any good doctor knows the difference. Also, they don't tell you that all the studies that showed the breast cancer link to estrogen were done with the synthetic estrogen because there is no link with the natural estrogen. It is called Estradiol. Do the research and you will see what i mean.
Good luck,
Target
Hi Robdar,
I think I remember this subject came up in chat once.... I'm sorry you are still having difficulties...
I had one at age 36 (for some reason I can't see the left side of the usual screen showing each post's author tonight?) just like a previous poster. I have my ovaries still, and at age 45, do not regret the surgery FOR ONE SECOND!!! Recovery was a bitch, mostly because I had two toddlers at the time, but other than that, it's been 'home free'.
Orgasms are no less intense. I repeat! In fact, you can have them 30 days a month, since you don't have a week of agony and such. Not having to worry about birth control is indescribably fabulous. Pap smears are no longer necessary, with no cervix; but it's still a good idea to get your ovaries checked every couple of years.
Most women who have had good doctors, who make their own informed decisions as to whether or not to go ahead with the surgery do not experience the "what the...?" afteraffects that used to be so common. In the past, lots of women would wake up from "exploratory surgery" and find that they had been carved up at their doctor's whim - who can blame them for feeling violated? But it's different if it's YOUR choice.
Hope you find some comfort with these caring responses,
lauralisa
((((((Rob))))) I had a partial (still have one ovary) hysterectomy several years ago. I was extremely weak afterward for about a month. I've spoken to other women who felt fine after a couple of weeks.
I still get very wet and horny, if that's what you need to know.
It's major surgery and I wouldn't expect to be bouncing around right away, though. If it happens, I wish you a speedy recovery!
Love ya,
Dottie
Never had the surgery, but I wanted to stop in to send you a hug....
(((((((((Robdar))))))))
Robdar!!!! Yep I had one so many years ago-Cant remember when----I was about 40 (you know how old I am now!---- I am sorry if you would have liked to have kiddies, but if that is not an issue I say "GO FOR IT" I am so happy I had mine done-Dont believe all the horror stories that you hear- they told me- you wont enjoy sex any more!!!! Load of " codswollop" -Take care after -for awhilke ( your tummy will be tender) but hey sweetie Youll be fine-God Bless!!!!
Robdar, is this going to be a partial (keeping at least one ovary)? If that is possible, it avoids the hormone problem. If you have the laparoscopy type, recovery is much quicker. Check around with another doctor, if not 2 more to be sure this is necessary. Any time you go under anesthesia there is risk.
Guys, if you are reading this, it's like contemplating having your testicles removed.
I have not. My mother did. I remember she was constantly ill, all sorts of things, and it all went away, even the minor back pain, if that is possible, after she had her hysterectomy. Her health and mood all skyrocketed after she recovered.
I remember it was a big deal as to if she would keep her ovaries or not. Something she went back and forth on up until five minutes before the gas man came to put her under. The female doctors and authors she had read said keep them if at all possible. All the male doctors said "take them out, they aren't important and can cause more problems then they are worth later"
She ended up keeping them, and I think was pleased with her choice to do that.
She is now entering menopause and seems to be having a "normal" one, if that is at all possible...lol
I think she is pretty glad she did it in the long run.
Robyn, in my case it was a success. I had a hysterectomy in 1995 at the age of 32. My health improved greatly because of it. I had an excellent doctor (did also get 2nd opinion at his insistance). It was suggested 3 years prior but we were able to buy some time. He was able to salvage one ovary to keep me off of hormone therapy, as I had a terrible time on hormones (treatment for endometriosis and cysts). I dropped about 30lbs in two weeks after the surgery (water weight mostly from hormones). I even at my insurance companys request had to see a shrink because of my early age to make sure I could handle the surgery. The shrink said I was more then ok for the surgery but to come back as there were other issues that should be settled
Karla
I had a partial hysterectomy when I was 30 years old. Best thing I ever did. I did not realize how bad I had been feeling till afterwards.
I've got one piece of advice for you..........learn [practice] how to roll out of bed. If the doctor does the smiley cut you will need to know this manuever [I promise you].
Good luck and I'm sure everyone here will have you in their prayers.
One more for the "I had one" side and am thrilled. I still have my ovaries. IMine was due to a prolapsed uterus and they tried everything else first to fix it. After 10 years of pain I told him to tak eit out. That was in 1986 so I was 36. I really needed it out 10 years earlier but they wouldn't do it and since I couldn't have another child even if I wanted one there was no point to continue with the pain. I am now in menopause and taking HRT but because I still have my ovaries I don't need the one with progestin in it (which is the part that is dangerous for breat cancer)
Definitely get a second opinion. But don't NOT get one because you are scared. The surgery is probably most similar to having Ceaserian and takes about 6 weeks to recover (although I was starting University classes after 4 weeks - slowly but I started).
I would do it again in a heart beat if I needed it. No more periods. No more cramping (except for when I ovulate) no more worrying about whether I will need to be prepared in case I start somewhere away from home. I love it Sex is better - way better (although that helps that I have a better partner too)
Getting a hysterectomy is not about losing the "womanly" part of you. It won't make you feel less a wooman uless you think your sexuality is tied to an organ. The best sex organ is your brain not an ovary or uterus (or breast for that matter). And since your brain is the best sex organ you will be as sexy as you think (or feel) you are.
Three cheers for all the ladies who have discovered life is better without a uterus to cause us pain and trouble.
