Re: Partial Hysterectomy

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

On 5/29/2014 mousiegirl said:
Unless you "need" your ovaries, guessing you are in your forties, so this may not warrant it, but if you don't need them, and once you enter meno, you won't, I would have those removed also, but research this. It is just one less thing to worry about, but again, this depends on your age, etc. Generally, from 52 on, ovaries are useless.

Exactly. I am almost 57, and just had a complete DaVinci assisted hysterectomy in March. I feel great and have been since just a couple of days post op. Even so, I was still on certain restrictions during my recovery. My reason for seeing the gynecologist, in the first place, was for abnormal bleeding. I already knew I had a large fibroid, but testing found I had thickening in the uterus. After initial testing, she first suggested a D & C and hysteroscopy. When they did the biopsy, the results were precancerous, so she suggested getting everything removed because ovarian cancer can sneak up on you usually you don't find out until it's too late. At my age, the ovaries weren't doing anything for me anyway so I was convinced that taking them was a proactive measure. Same for the cervix. I don't regret my decision at all and would make the same choice all over again. Just and FYI, if you do experience a weakening of the bladder/sphincter keep up with your Kegel exercises.

You might want to check out the website hystersisters dot com Lots of articles and discussions you can read there about other womens' experiences.

luv my Golden · ‎02-03-2013

I implore you to have a total hysterectomy and this is why. I had a total hysterectomy in my forties and whenever I would go to my gyno I would have extensive other tests run as well because my mother died of ovarian cancer,her mother died of ovarian cancer and I had a growth on my left ovary and I told the dr. I felt like I was a sitting duck. I had my surgery with no problems except for hot flashes, but they eventually left. In 2002 I had breast cancer in my left breast and had a mastectomy done. I was unaware of the gene that connects the ovaries and the breasts. I found it in the first stage and it had not gone to my lymph nodes, thank God. When ovarian cancer is found it is usually in stage 4 and it is most likely in the lymph nodes. It is like a silent killer.

lovescats · ‎03-10-2010

I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

HULAGIRL · ‎03-10-2010

On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

I did not. The only thing I noticed was some soreness for about a week because I'm sure things were moved around a little when doing the surgery. The first time I urinated after catheter removal was slightly unpleasant, but that probably was because I was nervous. No problems at all after that and I'm fine to this day.

Ibby114 · ‎03-10-2010

That's why I mentioned you don't want to do anything to bring on incontinence issues- cervical cancer is easy to diagnose with pap smears. And also to discuss your family history with your doctor. Leaving one ovary still allows you to go through the natural progression of menopause, my dr explained that's much healthier for women in the long run.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

On 5/30/2014 hulagirl said:
On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

 a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

I did not. The only thing I noticed was some soreness for about a week because I'm sure things were moved around a little when doing the surgery. The first time I urinated after catheter removal was slightly unpleasant, but that probably was because I was nervous. No problems at all after that and I'm fine to this day.

My experience is similar. More than the actual operation, I was fearful of the whole catheter thing - never had one before. Fortunately, my doctor has it put in, in the operating room, after the patient falls asleep, and removes it before she wakes up. I was up and using the bathroom the same afternoon as my surgery. There was some minor discomfort in the beginning. The first time was the worst of all - a little burning feeling, which is normal. The internal discomfort was indeed from things being moved around, bumped, retracted, etc. Nothing I experienced was excruciating or unbearable and I felt absolutely fine within a few days. As I had gotten older, I did notice a little weakening (leakage), but that was LONG before my operation. I actually asked my doctor if she could tighten things up a little while she was in there. She said she doesn't do that, plus it could even make matters worse. She left it alone and it's no worse than what it was before. I do try to keep up with the Kegels, but do forget. They definitely help.

lovescats · ‎03-10-2010

On 5/30/2014 JeanLouiseFinch said:
On 5/30/2014 hulagirl said:
On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

 a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

I did not. The only thing I noticed was some soreness for about a week because I'm sure things were moved around a little when doing the surgery. The first time I urinated after catheter removal was slightly unpleasant, but that probably was because I was nervous. No problems at all after that and I'm fine to this day.

My experience is similar. More than the actual operation, I was fearful of the whole catheter thing - never had one before. Fortunately, my doctor has it put in, in the operating room, after the patient falls asleep, and removes it before she wakes up. I was up and using the bathroom the same afternoon as my surgery. There was some minor discomfort in the beginning. The first time was the worst of all - a little burning feeling, which is normal. The internal discomfort was indeed from things being moved around, bumped, retracted, etc. Nothing I experienced was excruciating or unbearable and I felt absolutely fine within a few days. As I had gotten older, I did notice a little weakening (leakage), but that was LONG before my operation. I actually asked my doctor if she could tighten things up a little while she was in there. She said she doesn't do that, plus it could even make matters worse. She left it alone and it's no worse than what it was before. I do try to keep up with the Kegels, but do forget. They definitely help.

I appreciate you all and ibb38 answering me because my bladder control is fine now. From what I understand though is if it gets worse because of the hysterectomy that's another operation they can do which I'm not interested in. Now my sister who has passed was a nurse and she did not believe in surgery unless you really had to because she said doctors don't really know what patients go thru.

Pickwickpapers · ‎06-24-2013

Please do yourself a favor and get a second opinion from a gyn surgeon that is not in your doctor's group. Most insurances will pay for the 2nd opinion and it is always a good idea. Also ask around and if you decide on the surgery find a surgeon that specializes in gyn surgery and has good recommendations. Good Luck on whatever decision you make!

Ibby114 · ‎03-10-2010

On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
On 5/30/2014 JeanLouiseFinch said:
On 5/30/2014 hulagirl said:
On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

 a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

I did not. The only thing I noticed was some soreness for about a week because I'm sure things were moved around a little when doing the surgery. The first time I urinated after catheter removal was slightly unpleasant, but that probably was because I was nervous. No problems at all after that and I'm fine to this day.

My experience is similar. More than the actual operation, I was fearful of the whole catheter thing - never had one before. Fortunately, my doctor has it put in, in the operating room, after the patient falls asleep, and removes it before she wakes up. I was up and using the bathroom the same afternoon as my surgery. There was some minor discomfort in the beginning. The first time was the worst of all - a little burning feeling, which is normal. The internal discomfort was indeed from things being moved around, bumped, retracted, etc. Nothing I experienced was excruciating or unbearable and I felt absolutely fine within a few days. As I had gotten older, I did notice a little weakening (leakage), but that was LONG before my operation. I actually asked my doctor if she could tighten things up a little while she was in there. She said she doesn't do that, plus it could even make matters worse. She left it alone and it's no worse than what it was before. I do try to keep up with the Kegels, but do forget. They definitely help.

I appreciate you all and ibb38 answering me because my bladder control is fine now. From what I understand though is if it gets worse because of the hysterectomy that's another operation they can do which I'm not interested in. Now my sister who has passed was a nurse and she did not believe in surgery unless you really had to because she said doctors don't really know what patients go thru.

I had a mesh sling inserted when I had my partial hysterectomy- right before the FDA banned them. I was in and out of the hospital for 2 months, fighting several infections and ultimately an abscess that almost took my life. When I mentioned watching for incontinence issues I speak from personal experience!