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Menopause Matters magazine ISSUE 75 out now. (Spring issue, March 2024)

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Author Topic: Surgical menopause really scared!!  (Read 325 times)

Rhm

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Surgical menopause really scared!!
« on: May 12, 2024, 08:46:30 PM »

Hello just joined as feeling very overwhelmed and emotional as just been told I need a full hysterectomy taking out ovaries too   :'(. I’m so scared of firstly the operation and then secondly the surgical menopause I’m going to be thrown into ! I’m 50 so not far off natural menopause ? Can anybody ease my stress with any advice ?? Will I ever feel normal after this surgery ????
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Nas

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2024, 09:11:28 PM »

Hi Rhm,
Firstly welcome  :welcomemm:

I had a full hysterectomy last November, with ovaries removed.

I was in hospital 5 nights and was very well cared for during that time. Upon waking, I was sore, but not in pain.

By day 3, I was up and out of bed, sitting in a chair. Day 4, I was waking up and down the corridor. They do handle the bowel, so expect a fair bit of wind and a temporary change to your bowel habits.

My scar is neat and hip to hip. First few days, I pottered and rested a lot. My appetite was reduced for a week or so, but soon returned.

Each day I grew stronger and more mobile. Six months on and I’ve  regained all my energy. Today I’ve been up and down ladders cleaning windows, gardening, jet washing etc etc.

I am not allowed oestrogen due to a health condition, but I’m sure you will be offered HRT ( unless it’s unadvisable?). If not, you may have to either seek out a menopause specialist or tackle each symptom individually ( hard work but doable!).

You will feel normal post surgery, yes. It is major surgery and you do need to allow yourself at least 3 months recovery. Some hospitals send you home with a fit note for work.

Even if you feel well after surgery, please don’t overdo it. You are still healing internally.

Take an extra long phone cable into hospital with you, a straw to drink from, snacks, water and gum/ mints / sweets ( you can get a really dry mouth!).

Best of luck 🤞
Any further questions, just ask 🙂
« Last Edit: May 12, 2024, 09:14:28 PM by Nas »
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Rhm

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2024, 09:22:01 PM »

Do you have many symptoms of surgical menopause ??? Sweats/anxiety/weight gain etc ??? How do you manage them if you do ???
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Nas

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2024, 09:25:23 PM »

Weight gain isn’t a symptom as far as I’m aware?

Sweats - a fan and I take veoza a new non hormonal drug ( available privately only).

Anxiety - CBD tincture/ gummies/ propranol.
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CLKD

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2024, 07:53:19 AM »

What scares you the most Rhm?  B4 you undergo surgery mayB have a discussion about HRT requirements with the Surgeon?  Too many are of the 'whip it all out' mentality without consideration for what a woman might require after.  Too much 'refer back to GP' who also, may not have a clue!

Do a lot of batch cooking prior to admission for the freezer, that way you won't worry about providing food/eating.  Don't worry about chores, dust bunnies will be quite happy in the corners ;-)

Nas : Today I’ve been up and down ladders cleaning windows, gardening, jet washing etc etc. - I need my upstairs windows washing ;-)  ::)
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Nas

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2024, 08:51:45 AM »

Did you say windows CLKD?
I’m your woman! 🪟🧽🧺🧼
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Gnatty

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #6 on: May 13, 2024, 09:57:09 AM »

I think the first thing to find out is whether you are going to be allowed to take HRT. If you are, organise this so that you start it immediately after your operation. Perhaps tell us a little more so we can help you best.
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Rhm

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #7 on: May 13, 2024, 11:21:03 AM »

I had a polyp removed which we thought was straight forward but cystology report showed pre-cancerous cells. So have to have all taken out. If everything ok I should be able to take transdermal oestrogen. Is there any alternative ???
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Gnatty

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #8 on: May 13, 2024, 12:58:15 PM »

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to start right away on hrt. What you want to avoid if possible is a gap between operation and starting. That way hopefully it will be less of a shock to the system. And be prepared that you may need quite a high dose compared to women going through normal menopause.  I had the same operation three years ago so feel free to message me any time. x
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Rhm

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #9 on: May 13, 2024, 02:06:33 PM »

Thank you x how do you feel now 3 years on ??? How do I message you ???
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CLKD

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #10 on: May 13, 2024, 02:12:40 PM »

NAS - sorry, 2 late, DH had a mad moment earlier  :o ??? ;D

Do read 'the bladder issues' and threads on Vaginal Atrophy.  4warned is 4armed ;-)
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Gnatty

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Re: Surgical menopause really scared!!
« Reply #11 on: May 13, 2024, 07:34:47 PM »

I feel mostly very well! I have had to readjust my hrt from time to time. You can send individual messages to people on here, but I think you have to have written 10 posts before you can do this x
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