Rollercoaster tah bso – Caren’s story

I had my hysterectomy 10 weeks ago today and what a rollercoaster it’s been thus far! It was a tah bso (total abdominal hysterectomy and ovaries removed).

I had it due to a large melon sized fibroid that was sat on top of my womb and growing fast (did 2 years watch and wait with scans, blood tests, hysteroscopy etc.). I refused the coil due to 2 pregnancies with a coil in years ago in my 20’s. I tried tablets to shrink my fibroid but felt dizzy so came off them quickly. I had heavy painful periods due to the fibroid and a lot of discomfort from where it was sat pushing on my organs.

I was 44 and had my op end of August. I was so nervous and couldn’t see beyond waking up after the op! I had modified anaesthetic due to reflux and also epidural (was well out of it whilst imagining a Sunday afternoon on wine).

I asked to keep my ovaries but my gynae said no because I was peri-menopausal prior to op. When he came to see me morning after my op he said my fibroid was attached to 1 of my ovaries but took both. Was in and out of hospital within 2 days, last in for op so late back on ward and glad to be home as so short staffed.

My hubby and kids have done everything for me including school runs for my youngest at 12. I can now walk 7,000 steps plus, but 4 weeks after my op we went on holiday for my birthday and I was so tired and could only walk short distances. It felt like forever and very frustrating, but I feel so much better although I’m still suffering some fatigue and hit a brick wall many days.

Because I’m in surgical menopause it’s hard to know what’s the op and what’s menopause, although the flushes are awful and go on day and night. My gynae wanted me straight on HRT tablets but after researching more than previously (as was hoping to keep my ovaries ) am finding it a scary minefield!

I went back to my doctor who gave me gel instead of the tablets so hopefully less risks involved but still haven’t started them yet! I see my gynae next week for my follow up and intend to ask for pics of my fibroid to help me think this was worthwhile! Also to understand why he removed both my ovaries.

It’s been a lot harder than I imagined and I’m off sick with a 12 week note that runs out in 2 weeks. My job is physical so just hope I’m up to standing all day as I’m still not doing much round the house as it causes pain and discomfort. Walking is easier.

Good luck to anybody about to have their op and try not to worry and take it day by day. I’ve watched a whole box set but not read or watched as much as I would have liked as the tiredness is the hardest part. Enjoy being pampered and rest when your body tells you to – however hard it feels.

(image courtesy: Free-Photos @pixabay.com)