My Emergency Hysterectomy- Andrea’s Story

I would like to share my story as my hysterectomy was such a shock and perhaps will help others in the same position. I underwent endometrial ablation in March after suffering extreme pain in tummy and severe bleeding for years. The operation I was told was a success and my periods stopped.However I never felt quite right after it and still had pain in abdomen and especially my lower back. I was tired all the time and just generally miserable.

In June I went to doctor in unbelievable pain and got sent straight to hospital. After tests and scans the next day I was told I had a massive cyst and was asked about cancer in the family! So imagine my shock when they said they could not rule out the possibility it may be cancer. I was told it would be best to have a full hysterectomy to prevent ovarian cancer. Such a shock lying all alone in hospital surrounded by medical staff and trying not to cry. Anyway the operation went ahead everything taken away except my cervix which they could not remove as it is stuck to my bowel.

Turns out my operation was not straight forward and took 5 hours to complete. It turns out I was riddled with endometriosis! ! All those gynaecological appointments and not one of them suspected or investigated endometriosis, so angry all those years of pain and lethargy.

So after operation attached to morphine press button to self administer. Was able to talk to visitors and felt quite good after operation and then the pain hit that night. The effects of the anaesthetic and the morphine yuk yuk. Catheter came out following afternoon and scary getting up . Was painful to walk to toilet and scared to go to toilet however wasn’t as bad as I thought was harder to walk.

Had the operation Friday and asked to go home Sunday much rather recover at home. First week passed in a blur of pain killers and sleep, oh and a terrible cough which was ouch on my stomach!

Second week felt bit better but still pretty immobile and still annoying cough ( apparently common ) ….staples now out which was no problem at all…still not wanting to look at wound but did eventually long scar but hidden. Had to take some senna to help bowels but toileting ok. Have had no bleeding. Third week felt awful sore and very tired.

My psychological frame of mind not good, think the shock of it all and the worry of still not knowing if I have cancer taking its toll. Find out at end of 3rd week I don’t have cancer what a relief.

Week 4 still exhausted and sore. End of week 5 and just begin to feel human again can walk better and feel bit better.

I am now week 6 and can do some housework and small walk however still exhausted mid afternoon. Have terrible insomnia since operation and night sweats. Waiting to see gynae for HRT. I’m sure the hysterectomy has been the right choice but I wonder if any others have had an ablation then ended up with cysts and a hysterectomy?

Update 25 August 2014:

Underwent emergency hysterectomy removing everything except cervix. 10 weeks post op the pain is almost gone unless I lift anything bit heavy or on my feet to long. Don’t take any meds. The only thing still struggling with is fatigue, really frustrating. Still not back at work but hope to return gradually.

Insomnia has been my biggest side effect however this may be due to surgical menopause or trauma from surgery or both.

Finally on HRT this was delayed due to my doctor not following up on surgeons letter grrrr!! The hot flushes have reduced considerably.

So to all the women who have just had their hysterectomy, hang in there it gets easier but please please rest when you need to, try set a goal to do each day to give you a sense of achievement. Do not underestimate what a major operation it is.

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