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[angela2807]

Hi I’m new to this sorry, I’m struggling with everything, can I please ask for some advice?

[Gnatty]

Of course! Tell us what you are struggling with, a bit of background would be helpful too. Details of hrt etc, type of hysterectomy, whether you kept your ovaries. We'll do our best to help you x

[angela2807]

Hi, I’m just turned 51 in July,  I had a full hysterectomy in March thankfully they managed it keyhole after saying it would be done old school, I was in hospital for 24hrs then sent home, I received no after care and all I was given was a leaflet about exercise’s to do, I started with the hot flushes within about 2 weeks but recovered from the surgery well, after 6 weeks of hearing nothing I rang the doctor to ask about a check up and was told they didn’t do them, I started feeling off in myself about 10 weeks in so rang again and eventually was given an appointment, the very helpful doctor put me on Estradiol 2mg tablets which I’ve been on since but I’m now feeling very down,lethargic, and as though I’m in a haze, I saw a doctor on Friday last week and she basically told me nothing she wouldn’t listen to what me or my husband  where telling her and made me feel worse so we left, my husband was really annoyed and has put a complaint in about her, I’ve got some tablets from my local herbalist to try and help lift my mood which are helping a bit but I’m just wondering how anyone else has coped with it all, thanks xx

[CLKD]

Not many Consultants give HRT advice prior to surgical interaction and I cannot understand Consultants that don't want to see the effects of their surgeries ........ 1 should expect at least 1 follow-up appt with the Dept B4 being 'discharged back to the GP'. 

No wonder patients have to go back to A&E within weeks with on-going symptoms because there is no follow-up  . It doesn't save time.  In fact it puts extra stress on the A&E services .........

If you are unable to see the 'very helpful doctor' I would ask for a referral to a Menopause Specialist as there are waiting lists.  Ring the Surgery to make the request.  GPs often won't admit that they don't know much, also some talk over patients: I had similar in a dental surgery recently, until I stopped her "I think that we'll start at the beginning". She had been trying to tell me why I was there  .  It is difficult when worried or feeling unwell to put foot down with firm hand isn't it.  Also, write a letter to the Practice Manager about your treatment. 

As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry inside and out as well as muscles becoming lax = aches and pains.  How were your moods during your menstruating years?

Don't use herbs.  They may help initially but many can interact with prescribed medications. 

[angela2807]

I have suffered with depression in the past but have been on top of it for a long time now, my mood swings during my periods where really bad and I always had bad heavy periods, I’ve finally after numerous phone calls today  got an appointment on Saturday with another doctor that has started holding menopause clinics. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis a number of years ago but the pain is also getting worse, it just seems like a constant battle just to feel normal. Thanks

[Gnatty]

I hope the appointment goes well for you. Do ask about testosterone, it can make such a difference with mood, outlook, energy, aches and pains and libido. Especially as it sounds like either you had your ovaries removed too or else they stopped kicking out hormones shortly after your operation.  ( You said symptoms appeared a fortnight afterwards). Let us know how you get on. You might also enquire about patches or oestrogel rather than tablet form of oestrogen.

[angela2807]

Hi yeah they did remove my ovaries they took everything, I’m hoping she will be able to help, my husband is coming with me so he can also make sure I remember to ask everything and he has his own questions, bless him he is being so supportive even though I know he’s finding it difficult too. I will let you know how we get on. Thanks x

[CLKD]

Make a list.  Decide which symptom you would like to ease first.  Ask about options, i.e. patches - also you may require anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication as well so that you can see the wood for the trees (what ever that means).  6-8 months isn't long if it enables you to relax a bit.

Osteoporosis can be eased by good exercise regime, plenty of dairy and protein in the diet as well as scans to determine bone density.  This should be done on pelvis and hips.  Let us know how you get on.

[Gnatty]

Ok, they took my ovaries too. Tbh I don't know how you have managed so long. I can't believe you were left high and dry. Still no point looking back, the great thing is you have this appointment. In case it helps I will tell you the regime I am on, aged 56, hysterectomy just over a year ago:

I take oestrogel 3 and a half pumps. Three in the morning and half at night. I have Testim for my testosterone and one tube lasts me a week. This is slightly higher dose than women would take if they still had their ovaries - but this higher amount makes a huge difference for me. If you can get the oestrogel you will probably be best starting on two pumps and then adopt a gradually increasing dose depending on how you feel.
Good luck, it's great you have a supportive husband x

[discogirl]

Hi angela 2807

I just wanted to welcome you to this forum.

You're never ever on you're own here, this forum has helped me so very much. The ladies on here are marvellous.

xxx

[Ayesha]

Hi Angela, welcome to the forum.

I am intrigued by your story and the obvious neglect you have suffered under your health system.  Where I live you can't have a large wart removed without a follow up to have stitches removed and to check for any infection, if it's not face to face there is telephone conversations happening.
In your position I know I would have all the help I needed by my surgery and certainly HRT would be discussed after a hysterectomy.

Again, I am shocked to read on here how some women are treated when they are at their most vulnerable by health professionals in some areas of the UK.
 

[CLKD]

It has been usual practice for the last 15 years to my knowledge that patients are referred back to their GPs following surgical intervention.  I cannot understand any Consultant not wanting to check their handiwork as it were.  Me, I would have insisted on seeing the Consultant/registrar at least once.  However, with the amount of GPs/nurses/consultants leaving the NHS every month, we are in dire straights and lucky to get any treatment at all 

As stated - you are no longer on your own Angela2807.  Any experiences shared can help others.  Let us know how you get on.

[Ayesha]

There are two of us in this war zone called old age and I have not so far come across the situation Angela has experienced.  We have had medical interventions over the last two years and have never been left to get on with it, we have been incredibly looked after by the medical professionals, the NHS.

How you can have a key-hole hysterectomy and be sent home with an exercise leaflet with no follow up from the hospital is bewildering to me!   

[CLKD]

Scotland and Wales may have different follow up appts..   

This has happened to Angela - NHS is on it's knees  , but we shouldn't have to push for advice.  Should we?

[Taz2]

Here it states a GP may wish to see you following hysterectomy! https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/recovery/

Taz x