Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: Carolinehunter on October 05, 2017, 08:53:14 AM
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Hi.
I'm 45 and will have my op in the nxt 4 to 5 weeks. Full hysterectomy and ovaries removed.
I was ok with it all when the consultant went through it but since I've read up on the surgical menopause I've had a complete meltdown. The symptoms sound absolutely awful and I've been crying a lot. I feel like I will go to theatre and wake up to never be me again!
I'm absolutely terrified :'(
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What are the reasons for remiving the womb and ovaries ?
Try to put it into perspective though that 100s of women have this procedure but usually only problematic cases come here for support x
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I had an ovarian cyst when I was 18 that twisted, it was removed along with the ovary.
I now have a cyst on my left side the size of a large grapefruit, the consultant has said its better to remove my womb and cervix to reduce any risks of cancer in the future.
At the moment I'm ok about the op it's the changes the menopause are going to cause. Night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness and loss of libido to name a few
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Hi Caroline :welcomemm:
Please don't be frightened. I had a total hysterectomy with both ovaries removed at the end of May this year. I, like you, was terrified but when I came around from the anaesthetic I knew instantly that I'd done the right thing for me.
I was started on estraderm100 almost straight away. Gave them 3 months to work but felt like they were way too strong for me at that time so last month I switched to estradot50. Estradot is a tiny patch compared to the estraderm and I found they stick better.
I'm doing fine on them but have had a few hot flushes so at my next review I'll ask for estradot75. Have you got an understanding GP? I'm lucky to have found one that'll let me change and tweak my hrt as needed.
Of course, some women enter surgical meno with no hrt but my GP says because of my age I should think about staying on it for at least 5 years due to a strong history of brittle bones in my family.
Some women do find it tougher than others, but I think that's the same for natural meno too. I don't feel any different to before my surgery. In fact I feel better because I was severely anaemic and taking iron tablets (still am) and my levels are slowly rising.
I've given my diet a good looking at, eating as healthy as possible. Also hoping to start on my fitness levels, lots of walking etc.
I had a laparoscipally (sp) assisted vaginal hysterectomy and was able to manage on paracetamol alone.
If you have any questions please don't be afraid to ask. I'll be happy to help in any way I can
Xxx
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I had my hysterectomy at 32 along with cervix but kept ovaries. My ovaries failed soon after and I started on hrt. No one can say how you'll be but it's important to weigh up problems now v possible problems. We will all go through meno but no one knows how bad, if at all, we'll suffer. If I were you I'd want them to ensure you'd get adequate hrt if and when you need it after x
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Thanks claireylou
It's good to hear a positive story.
My anxiety has hit the roof about it all in the last few days, it feels like after I will never be "me" again. I'm worried about how it will affect my relationship with my wonderful husband (in and out of the bedroom)
So much to take in.
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It's perfectly normal to feel anxious and frightened. My relationship with my husband hasn't changed a bit. I don't look any different nor do I feel any different.
Try taking it a step at a time. Get yourself as healthy as possible before the op, get yourself through the op and then see how you are the other side. Do as much reading and research into hrt as you can now. If you decide to go onto it after surgery at least it'll all be in place and ready for you.
Have a look at the hystersisters website, also the hysterectomy association. Both have loads of info for pre and post op. I found that the more research i did beforehand the better I was prepared post surgery xxx :)
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Hi Carolinehunter
:welcomemm:
Just to add - you've been given great advice already - that as you are having TAH and BSO, please also look into replacement testosterone as well as oestrogen - for after your op. I don't know when this would be best started but I imagine the same time as oestrogen ie asap after the operation.
There is some info on this website about it (scroll down for T info):
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/aftermeno.php
I think things have changed since this was written as the NICE Guidelines make provision for wider prescription of T even for women who have womb and ovaries and to help with low libido as well as muscle pains, fatigue and lethargy. Something to discuss with your consultant anyway.
All the best for your op and please do post whenever you need to - as you can see there are several members who have had this operation and can support you though it.
Hurdity x
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Thank you guys. Hate this awful feeling of anxiety about it all. Wish I could feel a little better and stop crying.
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Anxiety and tearfulness were part of my journey too, it's perfectly normal. I think it's the unknown that makes it seem so scary.
I thought I'd wake up after my op with my bits shrivelled, not fancying my hubby and drenched in day/night sweats but I didn't. Since I started HRT my nether regions feel more comfy, I love and fancy my hubby more than ever and I've had a few really small hot flashes.
Just take your time, read as much info as you can on HRT. If you decide you'd like to try it post op, put arrangements in place beforehand so you're good to go once the op is over. It'll save you from having to get to docs while you're recuperating.
There are so many HRT preparations to try and I'm sure that you'll find one to suit.
Sending love xxx
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Feeling slightly better today. My anxiety about it all is still there but I haven't cried today.
Am I correct in thinking that as I'm having a total hysterectomy(ovaries removed) estrogen is all I should need? HRT is a mine field.
Should I go to my go before surgery, the gynaecology clinical nurse says they would look at HRT 4 weeks after surgery.
Lastly can anyone who is taking estrogen advice if they had virginal dryness or lack of clitirol sensation or did this really make a difference.
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Glad you're feeling better :)
Yes you'll only need the estrogen unless you suffer with endometriosis. You won't need any progesterone because you're having your uterus removed. In my experience I was placed on it 5 days post surgery and I know of other ladies who had their estrogen patch placed before they woke up after surgery. I would maybe go and have a chat with your GP to get some advice or maybe even your consultant?
There are lots of HRT types to try. I chose patches because there is less chance of tummy upsets etc. I change them twice weekly. Or you could try oestragel (sp) which is a gel that you rub into your thigh. Lots of ladies on here are on it, it's so easy to tweak the amount that you need.
I had a bit of vaginal and urethral soreness before my op but since I've been on my HRT things are much improved. My clitoral sensation hasn't changed at all since my op xxx
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Still anxious and tearful :( :(
Have done loads of reading on HRT.
Think I'm going to ask about the Evarol 50 patches and testosterone. Does that sound about right?
Is it correct that testosterone isn't licenced in the U.K. but they will give you a smaller dose of male.
From what I've read the evarol is bio identical? I don't fancy anything derived from pregnant mares urine. I have 3 horses 🐴 >:(
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Hi Caroline,
Re the Evarol50(sp), yes i think it's one of the bioidenticals. Any of the hrt preparations that start with "pre" are derived from horse urine.
My GP told me it's best to start off low and work your way up. It's much easier to gradually increase the dose if you need to. You should try and allow about 3 months before swapping and changing to let your body get used to them. Some women also find that they need some vagifem to keep atrophy at bay but I've found the hrt enough at the moment.
I don't know anything about testosterone but maybe someone with more knowledge will come along and help.
Try to keep as busy as you can with post op preparations. It'll keep your mind busy and stop you from "dwelling" on things too much. An hysterectomy is a huge decision and it's bound to take its toll on your mental state. But I decided to think of it as a new chapter in my life and began to plan for any menopause symptoms beforehand. That way allowed me to keep some control over my situation.
Hope this helps xxx
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Hi claireylou. Thanks again for replying.
Yes I've done nothing but read up on HRT . I think also Hurdity had also said I should be taking a small amount of testosterone. Going to make an appointment with my go tomorrow and hopefully will get to see him before my op.( hope I get a date soon)
Yes when I'm busy it's easy to forget about everything that's on my mind but i work for myself and my mind tends to start working over time.
I've read mixed reports about vagifem and some of these other gels. I'm hopeful for the testosterone and that should hopefully help with that.
We have had some fun with durex tingle in the past though 😂
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I could have had testosterone too but have decided to get my estrogen levels sorted first. Didn't want to throw too much into the mix to start off. If I feel I need something in the future I'll hot foot it to GP.
Some women may never have really bad atrophy, some suffer terribly. There are some really great threads on here to read. Again, we are all so different. Like I said to you before, my bits were a little sore before HRT and feel much comfier now but I won't say no to Vagifem if I need it at a later date.
In my moments of panic and despair I found it easier to say to myself that I should just go with the flow of things, that my op was for improving my overall health. It helped me to override my panic a little bit.
The waiting is by far the worse part of the whole process. I do hope you get a date soon. Keep us informed and ask if you're unsure of anything.
Xxx
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Thank you . You must think I'm a right looney ( feel like one) I'm normally such a strong, independent woman and this has hit me hard.
I guess because I'm not in any pain, I felt the lump in July and just thought that they would remove it and that was it..ignorance is bliss! My life has been turned upside down completely in this last fortnight since seeing the consultant.
Anyway on a lighter note. Pjs or night shirts for hospital wear ? I need to go shopping. Anything else you recommend I take.
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My hospital list was:
Dressing gown and slippers
Couple of comfy nighties(nighties are better, in case you have an urethral catheter for first 24 hours)
"Bridget Jones" pants a couple of sizes too big in case you get a bit of a swollen tum(really common)
Sanitary towels, you'll probably have very light bleeding for a while
A comfy bra
Bath and hand towel
Hairbrush and hair ties
A cushion(great for the car journey home to save the seat belt pressing against your tum)
Peppermint tea bags and polos for wind which is quite painful
Lip balm, hand cream (air con is really drying)
Magazines
Shampoo and conditioner(travel size ones are great)
A really gentle, mild baby body wash(I used dove baby) so your scars won't be irritated
Deodorant
Phone charger
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Wet wipes, lovely for a quick freshen up
I put my toiletries into large ziplock freezer bags. Bathroom stuff in one and everything else in another. It saved having to bend and rummage in your bag if you need anything. I wore loose fitting joggers and a hoodie into hospital and wore the same home, easy to put on. Also my faithful old ugg boots.
If you have a look on the hysterecyomy association website, they have a comprehensive list of hospital items to take in. Also great recovery tips. Doing nothing for 6 weeks is a lot harder than it looks!
Of course I don't think you're a "looney"! I'm happy to help. I can remember how frightened I was xxx
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Yes that's right re the testosterone. I'm not sure what the protocol is for giving HRT after a total Hyster + BSO - but the info was on the link I gave. It may be that you won't need it but I would have the discussion sooner rather than later so they are aware. T takes some time to work so it could be beneficial to start straight away so that it has time to work as the effects of T reduction are also slowly (or even quickly) felt?
Yes no T preparation available for women any more ( not sure about the implants - maybe they still are ??? ) so we use T gel for men off licence at much reduced dose with the aim of keeping within physiological range for women.
Yes as Claireylou says - all oestrogen patches and the gels contain estradiol - which is the main oestrogen we need to replace. The PRE- horse urine ones don't come as patch or gel (maybe cream in US though?).
Where did you feel a lump? I think I missed that, sorry.
Hurdity x
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Me again!
Did anyone have problems after their catheter was removed, I remember after they removed it the last time not being able to pee and they had to put it back in this is really worrying me.
Also when should I expect my date for surgery. My consultant said 4 to 6 weeks and that was two weeks ago.
Lastly came across a thread about how you are positioned in the theatre. He is hoping do my tvh and remove remaining ovary with keyhole but said he wouldn't really know until he saw how "stuck down things were" his words. Is this because I had my ovary removed years ago with abdominal surgery, is that likely to happen again.
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Hi Caroline,
I had my catheter out the day after my surgery. First few days my wee stung a bit but it soon went.
My consultant was unsure about whether she could do mine via keyhole but she managed it despite the fact that I had tons of adhesions from previous surgery.
Maybe give your consultants secretary a ring to see if a date has been provided for you?
Best wishes, Claire
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Hi hurdity thanks for the reply, I've got all this noted down can't get a go appointment til 3rd of November. My go is a horsey man also so I expect he will understand and from what I've read I definitely want the testosterone as well.
Felt a huge movable lump in my lower abdomen one morning but could/ can only feel it when my bladder is really full.
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No date as yet but the list is still to be made up for the 31st October (god I hope I'm on that list) pre op assessment is tomorrow and they have put me on a cancellation list too. All feeling very real now .
Is there anything I should be asking at my pre op.
Managed to get a gp appointment for nxt Tuesday also so will ask all my questions on HRT.
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Hope the appointment goes well!
Hurdity x