Talk to me about hysterecomy's

[litskispeciality]

Obviously TMI warning ahead

I just got a call from the NP at my new GYN (thank you all of you for encouraging me to switch) that I have 2 new/possibly 3 fibroids, which they think (and hope it's not cancer) are causing my issues. Due to my age they've thrown hysterecomy (sp) where I keep my ovaries (hopefully) on the table. I can have a surgery to remove 2 fibroids and try an IUD, but I assume I'll end up with surgery again in a couple of years. If I go hysterotomy then I have to try Lupon (?) shots to try to stop the bleeding until I get surgery. Apparently there are risks such as hot flashes. I'd love to hear feedback if you'd been on it.

This is all too much. They think I won't be able to have the surgery until the summer (thanks COVID), so I could be recovering on a big birthday. It's a horrible time to be out at work, but FFS I can't do the bleeding anymore, my health has to come first. I have to wait to reschedule my biopsy with the surgeon to ensure it's not cancer, then wait for surgery. I don't do well with we'll figure it out, I need timelines, I need to know if this'll be vaginal or where you get cut open with the longer recovery. 

DH works 24 hour shifts and we have no one else around. They say "I can go home say day, and won't need to have home health or stay in a rehab facility". I was just thinking about a vacation, can I go on vacation after being out for surgery? They shouldn't tell you no, right? I know I"m way overthinking everything, this is just too much.

This is more a brain drain, but tell me if you had a hysterotomy are you happy post recovery? I'm so IUD shy it makes sense to take everything out, and god willing be period free before the end of 2022, but it's a BIG deal. DH thinks he can take some time off to help me recover, but he can't even start FMLA talks until  have a solid plan. I'm sure this will "all work out" but JFC it's too much.

Sorry for the long rant, and thank you for all of the support lately. (((HUGS))) to anyone who's been through this nonsense.

[SusanBAnthony]

I can't help with most of it but regarding vacation: when my mom had hers, she had 6 weeks STD for recovery. By 4 weeks she felt fine but got tired easily and still had lifting restrictions. We went on vacation when she was 4 weeks out (already planned prior to surgery). She was fine to go on vacation, she just didn't do any hiking and let everyone else handle all the bags and other harder work. She rested and took it easy.

[yaga]

I had one in May of 2020. I've posted before about my recovery - it wasn't ideal in the first week or so BUT I had a pretty bad situation going on with endometriosis and adhesions and scar tissue from an abscess the year prior. I had a total hysterectomy and salpingectomy, so the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes were removed.

You will have restrictions on lifting and exercise afterwards. Mine was 8 weeks, but I've heard of other people having less time. It's to ensure the incision at the top of the vagina heals, so even if you *feel* okay, it's still important to follow doctor's orders. You also can't swim or take baths for some amount of time after (I forget the amount of time.)

There is nothing I regret about having it done. Not having periods is amazing - no random spotting, no unpredictable bleeding, etc. There is a risk of early menopause, but it was a risk I was okay with.

[coconutbug]

I don't have any experience yet, but can share what my gyn told me, as I need a hysterectomy as well. I'm still waiting for my appointment to be scheduled. I have a large fist-sized fibroid, as well as a couple smaller ones.

My doctor said she would try laparoscopic first, which would involve a one night stay at the hospital and then 4-6 weeks of recovery. She would make three incisions, one in my belly button and two along the sides of it, like the size of a dime. But while she's doing it, if she can't get it all out, she would switch to going through my prior C-section incision. She said that would require 2-3 nights at the hospital, then 6-8 weeks of recovery. The least invasive option of vaginal hysterectomy, where you can return home the same day and recover within a day or so, isn't an option available to me.

[Bad Dingo]

I don't have personal experience but my sister had a hysterectomy because of fibroids and she said it was life changing and so worth it.

The Lupron will stop your ovaries from making estrogen which may briefly cause menopause symptoms like hot flashes.

Good luck!!

[Saudade]

I don't think you'll feel up to a vacation right after surgery.

I do think you'll be very happy with the hyst given your symptoms.

[dutchgirl678]

I had a vaginal hysterectomy a few years ago and kept my ovaries. The recovery was super easy as the scar tissue was on the inside. I felt fine after a few days but wasn't allowed to lift heavy stuff for 6 weeks. It was the best decision ever, I am so happy to never have to deal with bleeding again.

[litskispeciality]

Thanks all. I should clarify I meant to say if I'm out x weeks, can I take a separate vacation later, say hopefully October? I would hope work can't deny that as I wasn't out for fun. Thankfully I have a LOT of sick time.

PDQ

This is how things are at work right now, but I was giving my boss a heads up that something is coming. Summer like I said is a horrible time to be out. Half joking boss says "well so and so and another so and so will both be out in Aug (delayed honeymoons), what's one more person?" I'm sure they were joking, but I'm out because I'm having my insides taken out, not going to the frigging Bahamas!

I was glad my boss also said to advocate and say I need surgery sooner (for relief, not work volume), but yeah good luck with that. I'll be lucky not to get rescheduled at this point

[charlatti]

You might look into UFE — much shorter recovery. You’d have to be referred to an interventional radiologist and have an MRI to see if you a candidate, but it’s a much less invasive fibroid treatment. I had mine in December and have had great results so far.

[wildrice]

I'm sorry you are dealing with this!

I didn't have a hysterectomy so IDK if this is useful or not, but I had 1 ovary and 2 fallopian tubes removed last October. I went on vacation just over a month later and was totally fine, but I probably wouldn't have wanted to do it any sooner than 3 weeks out. I felt pretty good after a week and went back to work, but still was sore for a week or two when I did certain movements or if I was standing for too long. I imagine a full hysterectomy will be a bit more intense recovery since they'll be taking out more/larger organs, but I assume the surgery is done in a similar manner so may not be vastly different?

Your work may require you to use PTO to cover your medical leave, but if you have enough leave available to cover both your medical leave and a vacation, they should not in theory prevent you from taking both. I know the reality isn't always what should happen, but I would hope your boss would agree that having surgery isn't vacation and allow for both.

ETA: I might also just see if you can WFH after a couple of weeks. You can ask for an accommodation to be allowed to do so. Given that your work is mostly a desk job, I am guessing you won't be straight up knocked down for 4-6 weeks, you just might have to take it a bit easy for that long. So you might be able to get by with 1-2 weeks of total rest/off work and then WFH or work part time (or both) after that. This could help with the issue around taking vacation later if you aren't missing as much work. Even if your employer won't generally let you WFH full time, they could do a medical accommodation if your doctor requests it.

[Saudade]

Feb 18, 2022 14:19:48 GMT -5 litskispeciality said:

Thanks all. I should clarify I meant to say if I'm out x weeks, can I take a separate vacation later, say hopefully October? I would hope work can't deny that as I wasn't out for fun. Thankfully I have a LOT of sick time.

You don't have to give details. "I will be out for surgery"

[wise_rita]

Can I ask a stupid question? I'm going to ask it because I feel this audience is well placed to answer it.

Is a hysterectomy overkill for your run of the mill sterilization? People only do it for major medical reasons, right? Not just "no more babies for me".

I've never fully understood the various sterilization options but Yellowstone @@ spoiler alert @@ that show has got me thinking (and raging).

[Saudade]

Feb 18, 2022 15:09:45 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

Can I ask a stupid question? I'm going to ask it because I feel this audience is well placed to answer it.

Is a hysterectomy overkill for your run of the mill sterilization? People only do it for major medical reasons, right? Not just "no more babies for me".

I've never fully understood the various sterilization options but Yellowstone @@ spoiler alert @@ that show has got me thinking (and raging).

No. It will definitely depend on the provider you have. You should be allowed to do whatever you want. 

[pooh8402]

Feb 18, 2022 15:09:45 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

Can I ask a stupid question? I'm going to ask it because I feel this audience is well placed to answer it.

Is a hysterectomy overkill for your run of the mill sterilization? People only do it for major medical reasons, right? Not just "no more babies for me".

I've never fully understood the various sterilization options but Yellowstone @@ spoiler alert @@ that show has got me thinking (and raging).

Yes it is overkill. Insurance won't cover a hysterectomy just because "I don't want more babies." It requires a lot to get it covered for those who do need it.

And that plotline in Yellowstone has me furious as a fertility provider. So much wrong, and I have so many questions.

To the OP, one of the physicians I work with is a local expert in fibroids. He does everything he can to avoid hysterectomies, but most of his patients are still wanting children. He does offer Lupron (and the side effects are temporary, as this medication essentially shuts down your ovaries and induces menopause--I've taken it myself before IVF cycles). But Lupron is pretty expensive, about $1000/monthly dose, and insurances hesitate to cover it. If money/insurance was no object, I wouldn't hesitate to take it.

[litskispeciality]

I should add that I had a fibroid removed at the end of 2016. For a couple of years I went BC free and it was wonderful. Once COVID hit my periods started to be 3 weeks apart, and super heavy. They did an ultrasound (which now no one can find record of) and said "I only had one fibroid" at the time I could do BC pills, or IUD. As time has gone on my issues have gotten a lot worse, to the point that I've been heavily bleeding since mid-Jan with no signs of stopping. Sorry if that's repeat info.

@@@

Thankfully we don't want babies. DH had a V, and my big birthday is "old enough" for me to know I'm never having kids. Thankfully the NP did ask if I want any(more) kids, as a hysterotomy is permanent. Weirdly now this is making me go, "am I really sure I don't want kids?" but I think that's because this is the really last chance. The idea of not having a period, and not worrying about fibroids growing back again is appealing. Mentally/physically I don't think I can handle this happening in 2 - 3 years again, and worse as I age. My personality I'll also wait for the hyster shoe to drop so to speak, so just do it now? I know my mom had a hyster too, but I'm not sure why.

I'm also not sure if Lupron will be approved. I think I have to meet with the surgeon, then they have to approve it? The NP asked that I research it this weekend...but let's be honest that's a slippery slope.

[wise_rita]

Feb 18, 2022 15:20:05 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

Feb 18, 2022 15:09:45 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

Can I ask a stupid question? I'm going to ask it because I feel this audience is well placed to answer it.

Is a hysterectomy overkill for your run of the mill sterilization? People only do it for major medical reasons, right? Not just "no more babies for me".

I've never fully understood the various sterilization options but Yellowstone @@ spoiler alert @@ that show has got me thinking (and raging).

Yes it is overkill. Insurance won't cover a hysterectomy just because "I don't want more babies." It requires a lot to get it covered for those who do need it.

And that plotline in Yellowstone has me furious as a fertility provider. So much wrong, and I have so many questions.

100%

[pumpkin]

I had a hysterectomy almost 5 years ago now. My doctor also removed my cervix and fallopian tubes. My surgery was laparoscopic, but I had given permission for her to switch to a traditional surgical approach if needed once she got in there.

Honestly, I waited too long based on how ill I was, but it’s been the best decision and I’m so happy I did it.

My recovery wasn’t bad. I was super tired for a couple weeks but could get out of the house for short bits of time. I went back to work part-time WAH after about 3 weeks so that I could sleep in the afternoons. Overall my recovery took longer than most but again, I was really sick and my body was so drained before the surgery so I had more to recover from.

[dirtyred]

My hysterectomy was the best thing that ever happened to me.  I stayed over one night in the hospital and went home the next morning.  No pain, but I was tired from the blood loss.  I like to say that the first week after surgery was fabulous--I stayed in bed and watched TV, napped, and didn't have to do anything around the house.  I had no problems with mobility.

My doc told me I could increase activity as I was healing, but lifting restrictions/no laundry/no vacuuming stayed in place.

Hot flashes are no fun, but you can mitigate them by eliminating caffeine, spicy food, and alcohol.  A Chillow kept in the fridge during the day was a life saver at night.

[yaga]

Feb 18, 2022 15:20:05 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

Feb 18, 2022 15:09:45 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

Can I ask a stupid question? I'm going to ask it because I feel this audience is well placed to answer it.

Is a hysterectomy overkill for your run of the mill sterilization? People only do it for major medical reasons, right? Not just "no more babies for me".

I've never fully understood the various sterilization options but Yellowstone @@ spoiler alert @@ that show has got me thinking (and raging).

Yes it is overkill. Insurance won't cover a hysterectomy just because "I don't want more babies." It requires a lot to get it covered for those who do need it.

And that plotline in Yellowstone has me furious as a fertility provider. So much wrong, and I have so many questions.

@@@ and TW for medical violence against women

Vice made a documentary about the ~70k indigenous women who were sterilized without consent in the 60s, 70s, and 80s called Amá. I haven't watched it yet but I'm planning to soon. I don't exactly watch Yellowstone but my bf does and I had all kinds of questions about this when he explained the plot. I googled it and found an article about the doc.

[yaga]

litskispeciality I definitely could have waited or even opted not to have it done at all, but I was having surgery for the other stuff and figured I might as well take care of it now. Like you I didn't want to deal with the issues in a few more years again. It was a big decision but my doctor supported me (we had previously discussed it as a possible intervention down the road, but I ended up having to have surgery urgently so I just decided to do it then).

Years ago, I had heavy bleeding that didn't stop for about 25ish days. It was awful. I feel for you and hope they can get you into surgery soon!

As far as surgery and vacations go, my work didn't have any issue with me taking my earned time off despite being out for surgery that year. I think a good employer would recognize the difference in time off (one being an FMLA-covered leave, the other being planned vacation time) and just accept that it is what it is.

[mofongo]

Truthfully I need one, I have endo and adenomyosis. I see a specialist, I had a uterine biopsy/hysteroscopy and IUD placement in the OR instead. Things are ok, I know I’d feel better if I did it, but I’m functional and better than I was.

To whoever asked about a hysterectomy for BC, I think it’s overkill, however, you can def get your Fallopian tubes removed. More and more women are choosing to do that.

Lastly, Lupron was offered to me by my original gyn, I talked to the specialists and a few friends that are GYNs and they were all in agreement with not taking for my issues, even though it’s marketed for such. I mean, it simulates menopause, so def not without side effects.

GL

[Whitecaps]

I was on a regimen of Lupron a few years ago to treat the symptoms of stage 4 endometriosis and hopefully reach a period of relief so that I would not have to have surgery. This medication is no joke and very, very powerful. It's used to treat some types of cancers, too. It puts your body into "medical menopause" and for me, that meant my internal body temperature rose significantly. Not flashes, just hot all the time. The pain reduction I experienced only lasted as long as I was getting the shots, but the residual hormonal side effects stayed in my system for much longer. After I went off of it, it took about a year and a half for me to notice that I could sleep in weather-appropriate pajamas again.

If you go this route, I would strongly suggest working with a hormone doctor to see if there are any other, less harsh options to reduce the bleeding in your situation. I didn't know I had options, and after reading more about Lupron after the fact, I don't think I would have taken it if I knew there were other solutions.

For me, I have not yet had to have a hysterectomy because my hormone physician has been able to stabilize and reduce my symptoms with other medication. I fully realize that my endometriosis is different than what you're dealing with, but want to offer both hope and my story.

[rubytue]

I don’t have any first hand experience on the hysterectomy front. But I will tell you as soon as I can get one, I will. I’ve been asking for one for years, but they wanted (or my insurance required) trying less invasive first. So I did an ablation and fibroid removal. I suppose medically “they” are probably happy with it. But 18 months later it’s creeping back up to unreasonable bleeding. I’m in a weird place medically, and I need to get done with gyn oncology (august) and then I can go back to the regular gyn. And beg.

FWIW, uterine biopsies are not sedated and pretty painful. But it’s over pretty quick.

[foundmylazybum]

I had a complete hysterectomy and oophorectomy to remove cancer. At first my doctor identified that I had a fibroid and my first option of discussion with her was ablation. I don't know if that's something that you have talked to your doctor about or are considering?

I agree that it is nice to not have anymore bleeding issues. I had really heavy, messed up periods with spotting in between, but if you get a oophorectomy too--it's not a "risk" or menopause it's happening. I have moderate hot flashes and mood swings and I have a lot of issues with vaginal dryness and lowered sex drive. I had to see a pelvic floor therapist. These are real and common side effects of hysterectomy/oophorectomy. I'd check into exactly what type or surgery you are getting.

As far as the recovery, laparoscopic tends to be you can go home the same day and you start to feel better within a week, but need to take it easy for 6-8 weeks--no heavy lifting, no hard workouts etc. I think I started doing cycling again after 5 weeks but still took it easy and did absolutely no ab or core work for 8 weeks and even after that still took it easy. I traveled after 5 weeks--not on vacation but you can travel.

[babsbunny]

Everything you want to know about hysterectomies is at the website hystersisters. There was also a thread on GBCN last year (I think).

I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago, also removing my cervix and fallopian tubes, and it was laparoscopic. In at 7 am, home by 9 pm (had been preapproved for overnight observation but did not need it). Had 2 fibroids found 4 months earlier, no kids, and was about to ask for my 3rd IUD, so a hysterectomy was a valid option (DH was good with it too). Minimum short term disability leave at my company is 6 business days off, which I took, but then I had enough energy to go back to work (had to be careful carrying my laptop stuff due to weight lifting restrictions). I generally took it easy for 6-8 weeks (ETA: we did fly for xmas at 4 weeks). I was very lucky in everything going well.

I have always hated having periods and stopped having them with my first IUD 14 yrs ago. My mom had a hysterectomy when I was a toddler (she had even worse fibroids) and I hated being the only menstruating person in the house.

[sadlebred]

As for having someone around, you can hire a CNA or a nurse to stay with you for the first 24-48 hours or just stay with you at night, etc. I doubt insurance would pay.

[letsgetweird]

I don't have personal experience but my mom had a hysterectomy due to fibroid about 8 years ago. She kept her ovaries as well but I believe for surgery did cause her to start menopause. She was happy she had the surgery done. They did it laproscopically (sp?). I believe her recovery was fairly easy!

[basilosaurus]

I've not had one, but I was the point person (ie stayed in hospital with her) for someone who did when we were stationed in Korea. The doc called me down to show me the goods as explanation why it took double the time expected. Um, thanks? Lol. She was in hospital for a week, then on home rest for another 6. She was active (military), and it wiped her out.

My MIL had one with the robot surgery. She of course told us about a month later. Hers was due to cancer, and she was post menopausal, so they took everything. Later, she told me recovery was pretty easy.

Regardless, it shouldn't affect vacation time off. 2 separate unrelated issues. Listen to wildrice since she seems the hr expert.

I agree with seeing if you could do wfh during some of the recovery. The woman I was with was going crazy not working! Admittedly, she was living in barracks with almost no non-military around, so it's understandable.

[foundmylazybum]

I took fmla to recover and if you are doing that, you absolutely cannot work. I did and got in trouble.

[aliciabella]

You will file for FMLA and disability when you go out. FMLA just protects your job for 13 weeks a year and disability is the pay portion. Your doctor will write you out medically and under FMLA you can't be fired so you don't need to worry about that.

If you have short term disability most places have a waiting period where you need to use sick time or vacation time to get paid. Some companies make you use all your sick time first before your STD kicks in but your hr can help you with that. Your doctor and/or insurance will dictate how much time you will be out and when you can return to work.

If you get six weeks but feel well enjoy at 4 weeks to travel as long as your doctor is cool with it go. Absolutely go.

And it may not affect you going on vacation in October but like most jobs they need to be approved.

Best of luck.