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[purplebee]

Hi Ladies,
After a biopsy of a large polyp has shown abnormalities, I have been advised to have a full hysterectomy scheduled for the 5th September. I am 73 yrs and still have hot flushes/dry vagina/aches and pains  if I don't take my Evorel Conti. Can I ask if it is possible to carry on with Evorel Conti post op or should I only use oestrogen patches and at what dose? There is a lot of conflicting info out there, so I would really appreciate some advice. Thank you.

[Taz2]

I had a hysterectomy including cervix at age 60 and swapped from Evorel conti to Evorel 50 straight away. I informed my GP in advance so the new prescription was ready. I was advised that oestrogen only HRT meant less breast cancer risk and I didn't get on too well with progesterone so I was happy to swap.

I hope your op goes well. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself lots of time to recover.

Taz x

[purplebee]

Thanks Taz,
May I ask how you coped with your hysterectomy? .. healing, discomfort etc., ?

[Summer-sky]

Hello purplebee,
There are a few threads on the forum about tips for prepping and post hysterectomy which might be helpful.  Also HysterSisters website has some good info for general tips.  Do you know which method you are having yet - robotic, abdominal surgery or by laparoscopy? One of the main things is always about not lifting things once you've had surgery.  Lots of healing going on inside and organs finding their new homes in the space,  so you want to avoid straining or lifting while everything settles. Short walks to build up strength and increase a bit each day.  It varies with recovery times but many women feel a lot better between 6-8 weeks or a lot sooner but you do have to take things gently for awhile.  I found the pain level post hysterectomy not bad at all and paracetamol did the trick for the first initial days after the surgery. 
With HRT post hysterectomy, you mention a polyp with abnormalities - was it biopsied so you mean abnormal cells or just on a scan it had the appearance of abnormalities?  I understand from your post its a full hysterectomy you will be having so HRT will depend on the histology results on your womb, ovaries, cervix fallopian tubes and the polyp post op. If all clear then plenty of scope to continue with HRT.  Wishing you all the best for the 5th. x

[CLKD]

Hi.  B4 any major surgery do make sure that the freezer is filled with tasty grub for when U return.  Don't life anything heavier than the kettle ;-). Housework will wait.  Getting in to the fresh air and sunshine after will lift the spirits.

Have a nightie that opens at the front as pulling cotton over the head can be tiring.  It's also quicker when the Surgeon comes round ;-) than having to struggle lifting arms etc..  Take list of worries to discuss prior to the operation with the anaesthetist and the Surgeon. 

Who will be caring 4 U after?  U probably will be advised not to drive for at least 6-8 weeks so that the seat belt doesn't 'undo the surgeon's handiwork' if the vehicle has to break.

[purplebee]

Thank you ladies for your replies and advice. The polyp I had removed was sent off for a biopsy and came back as "falls short of a diagnosis of adenosarcoma and the MRI was also reassuring"..The consultant I spoke to a couple of weeks ago said it would probably be an abdominal entry as my womb is 9cm long and the size of a baby's head.. I am going to discuss my HRT being only oestrogen going forward as I am still having symptoms of night sweats which interrupt my sleep. Do you know if you can take progesterone still after a Hysterectomy? I know besides protecting the womb lining, it also plays a role in bone health and mental health as it is a calming hormone. My daughter is going to look after me for the first week or so and then I will be taking it very easy and not lifting anything heavy. Great idea to stock my freezer with ready meals and such. I have to say I feel a bit nervous and didn't see this coming.. again thank you.

[Gnatty]

Hi there, just quickly but I can confirm I am definitely better with utrogestan added in. Feel very well indeed. First year or two after the operation can't quite remember I didn't take progesterone and always felt bit anxious. So I take all three hormones and I feel well balanced. You will have to experiment and see what suits you best. Those who don't like progesterone are often glad to see the back of it!

[CLKD]

Morning.  Some ladies find that using progesterone following hysterectomy helps, but it isn't generally required.  It's a bit Trial and Error.  Let us know how you get on on 

[purplebee]

Thank you so much ladies. I wasn't sure if you could still take a combination of HRT, so that is really helpful (need to stop the hot flushes etc.,

[Hurdity]

Hi purplebee - if you are having a full hysterectomy ie including cervix then you won't need progesterone even as a trial, for endometrial protection, whereas it is often advised in cases of sub-total hysterectomy where the cervix is retained. As others have said there is nothing to stop you taking progesterone in addition to the oestrogen only patches, provided the doctor will prescribe it. Most of us would prefer to be rid of the devil hormone! You can also be prescribed vaginal oestrogen in addition to systemic oestrogen, if you need it.

And to add that you haven't mentioned your ovaries - whether the medics want to remove them too - but if they are healthy,  then I would ask to keep them, even at your age as they do continue to produce some testosterone for some years after menopause - though of course this depends when your menopause was, if you know this.

Hurdity x

[purplebee]

Hi Hurdity and thank you for your reply.
I have been advised that it will be a hysterectomy and BSO - so everything.. I started menopause at age 52 and started HRT (Evorel Conti) a year or so later. I think I will ask if I can get a prescription for testosterone too as I keep reading about it giving One more 'zest for life'.. could do with some of that.
It's so helpful to get all the info from this group, thanks again, much appreciated!