Hysterectomy

[Zen]

Wow. After reading all this I realize how lucky I was to get everything taken care of with the NovaSure procedure.

[teigyr]

I had one and I am mixed about it.

My recovery was fast! Honestly. I have two HUGE incisions due to ovarian cysts. The initial one was wrapped around kidneys and the second one (the one that caused the hysterectomy) was attached to my bowel.

I am stubborn so I don't think I took the time to heal. I was walking hills in less than a week and was back to work in a week. I have an 8" scar and a 6" scar from incisions. I was riding within two weeks though I couldn't even pick up my bike.

I think physically you can recover quickly if you're in shape for it. Mentally it's iffy. You have to sign a "permanent sterilization" form. I didn't want children so it was ok but still, it was kind of harsh. My stomach muscles just didn't come back the same way. I think in some ways, I didn't go through normal "female" stuff and I kind of miss that.

I only had the hysterectomy on the advice of my surgeon. He felt I was at a huge risk for cancer with the cysts and then the hormones so he felt it best. I trust his judgment though I kind of wish I had at least ONE ovary!! And while at the time I thought I made the best decision, I wish I would have investigated somewhere that would have left me more intact.

But as far as healing goes, it's not so bad. I figure it's all in what you make of it. I wish in a lot of ways none of it would have ever happened but if you do everything you can and make the most informed decision you can make, it's ok.

Oh and in less than a year, I rode a lot of the Calif coast on a 580 mile bike ride. THAT was fun

[Tuckervill]

I've never heard anyone else say that their stomach muscles were affected by surgery. I had two c-sections--one scar up and down and one side-to-side. (The resulting "anchor" on my belly would be funny if it weren't so horrific.)

I don't think my muscles respond like they should, either, especially very low. Annoying as h***.

Karen

[Tokie]

Hi again Shewhobikes (and Tuckerville) Not glib here either, just happy to have my life healthy and strong. My uterus was the size of a 14 week pregnancy, and I had to lift it off of my urethra to be able to urinate in the last month before my surgery. My periods were irregular and unbelieveably heavy. I was lucky to avoid transfusions, and by the end of my uterus's life the Dr was surpressing my ovaries with drugs to prevent blood loss. One low point was when I was on an airplane with no bathroom, and I just started to gush. I soaked not only my clothes, but the cloth airplane seat. Well those memories do make it easy to be glib now! Anyway, I have had 3 laparotomies (the bikini line type incision, wide, but low) and one laparoscopic surgery. And I am pleased to say that I have a strong flat tummy. The lower bikini line incision that has been opened 3 times ( 2 ovarian cysts and hysterectomy) is a bit indented, but not that noticeable. The laparoscopy was to remove my ovaries when the 3rd ovarian cyst occurred. Those scars are barely noticeable. As a nurse, I have had patients with ovarian cancer. So I am glad to have them both gone. One thing to consider before surgery, since you have time, is to build up your core strength. When your stomach is sore, standing up straight and using your core and back muscles instead of bending forward will be easier. I like Mark Verstegen's book and his stability ball core workout DVD. The core strength has really helped my cycling! Best wishes for a healthy recovery! Carol

[shewhobikes]

Lots of good advice and encouragement here.

A couple wondered if this decision was made with due regard. Well, here's the deal. I had an abnormal pap smear in early November followed by 2 biopsies that showed severe dysplasia and pre-cancerous cells in the margins. So there is really no sensible option.

And yes, I have always done an annual pap, and last year's came back normal, so ladies, do NOT put this off.

I will have the ovaries out, as I am almost menopausal anyway, with only a couple of periods this year, and those were heavy and protracted to the point that I had to go home from work.

My goal is to be as healthy going into surgery as I can, to then be patient with my healing, and be excited to start riding in the spring when I feel better.

Thanks,
SWB

[sundial]

She, I would consider doing abdominal work prior to surgery. It will help strengthen the muscles and you'll have a quicker recovery.

My abdominals are a little slower to respond to training but they are hanging in there. Oh, and I got that cute little pooch as a parting gift for playing Wreck My History.

[silver]

Wow. After reading all this I realize how lucky I was to get everything taken care of with the NovaSure procedure.

Zen, thanks for mentioning this. I clicked on your link and am now hoping to get one on Tuesday. I'd never heard of it and am just starting to have trouble with the constant bleeding. I am so glad to hear that there is an alternative. I can't believe that this is not more widely used, maybe because it's new?

Do you mind giving more info about your experience? I'm going to start a thread in health, maybe we can move the discussion there?