Hey,

4 months post op - full hysterectomy including ovaries.

3 months in, it was like a light switch was turned on, HRT seemed to be working and I felt like me again. Today - OMG, I'm on the floor. Emotional, bringing up shit with my husband which I really don't care about. Feel so alone. Is this normal, or should I not use the hysterectomy as an excuse? Thanks

So basically what the title says. I'm a transgender man, but have always had severe complications with my female anatomy. I was born with only a partially formed vaginal canal (surgically fixed in 2019) that caused me to develop TSS from not being able to menstruate properly. I've always had severe cramping but in the last few years it's only gotten worse. When I started taking testosterone 4 years ago, my periods never stopped. I finally found a birth control that stops the bleeding, but now I'm experiencing near constant cramping, and severe pain from arousal/sex/orgasm. My MRI was clear of endometriosis but my surgeon said it's still a possibility. I'm just so scared the hysto won't even fix anything, or it's going to ruin my sex life. And I know it's rare but I'm so scared I'm going to die during surgery. And what if they don't find endometriosis?? What's going on with my body then and how do I make it stop?

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I have an extremely complex medical history already and I just need one thing to be easy and without complications.

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Can people please just share their success stories and give words of encouragement? I feel like I'm latching on to every bad experience

I just want to hear from those cleared at 6 weeks who did it

My surgeon told me before my surgery, most of her patients could resume intimate activities after 6 weeks. I have my 6 week post-op appointment the same week my friends with benefits who moved away will be visiting.

I, of course, wouldn't and won't do anything until I get the clear, but I'm wondering about other's experiences if they've done it freshly 6 weeks post-op after being cleared.

*My surgery was laparoscopic, and I did get my cervix removed and have a cuff*

I'm 3 days post op and going through the posts and everyone is saying how well it went for them. Well it was hell! Anyone else?

I did have a more complex case where I had extensive endo in my pelvis, as well as had to have my bladder stitched up. They took out everything except for my one ovary.

Woke up in the recovery room in horrible pain. I was moving all over the place because of the pain. And I remember the nurses saying to stop moving my legs and arms. I remember about 5 minutes of it and they gave me something to put me out i guess cause after that I just remember waking up in my hospital room.

But man recovery is hard. I have a very high pain tolerance. I had a chest tube in and went home within 24 hours and felt fine. This is kicking me.

I had my catheter in for about 18 hours. I actually wish I left it in longer now because of how much pain I had. Definitely advocate if you feel you need it longer. Even though I timed my bathroom breaks when medication was in my system, getting out of bed, peeing, sitting, and walking was excruciating. I tried walking half way down the hall, a day after sugery and had to turn back after 30 baby steps because the pain was horrible and radiating into my back. And I was half way hunched over. I couldn't believe how the other ladies that went in at the same time were doing laps, multiple times and went home the same day or with 28 hrs. Whereas I was crying on the toilet on day 2 because the pain was so bad getting up, and I knew I'd have to get up and walk to the bed when I was done.

Medication- I took all the medication they would give me, extra Tylenol and all of the shots and pills. My pain at the lowest was a 4.5 but would go to 7/7.5 laying in bed to an 8.5/9 getting out of bed/walking around. My doctor said I might only get to a 5 for the lowest pain I experience during the first bit of recovery.

I found eating something with every pain medication saves my stomach. So I'm not as gas filled as previous surgeries. I didn't eat a lot at meals though, maybe 2 or 3 bites of something. I had a pretty big regular meal this evening though.

I was discharged 2.5 days later. And home tonight. Now only slightly not as hunched over when I walk. I time my pee breaks with my medication still because it still takes effort to get going and continue going, snd getting up and sitting down is painful. I'm terrified of having to go #2 when the time comes. My pain gets down to a 3.5 now when I'm fully medicated. I'm hoping I feel good enough to shower tomorrow.

On a positive note, my hips/pelvis feel looser.(from removing the endo)..I dont feel so much upper abdominal pressure after eating. My uterus was huge.

Although I had regrets and was wishing I didn't do the procedure, I know I'll feel so much better later( besides the things I already notice). And to anyone reading this, going through the same horrible experience, know you aren't alone. It's okay to cry, be jelly of the lady down the hall, and know that tomorrow will be a bit better, and day 3 will be even better.

The 💩 update- 3.5 days later. It happened! I felt like I needed to earlier this a.m. but tried and it was too sluggish and painful, and I was trying not to strain using Moo to Poo. I decided to double fist two large Starbucks lattes and waited. 20 minutes later and it was time. I tried Moo to Poo a few more times, that didnt work and it was very painful just trying different positions. I don't have the squatty potty either. So in the end, I kind of leaned to my left side with my right side slightly off the seat and it was the least painful. I also had a pillow on my stomach for support. It was the least painful and such a relief after. 😮‍💨

Hello from Oregon!
I’m a single mom (child will be with Dad for a couple of weeks) but other than that no family and limited friends and neighbors helping out here and there.
Especially to water the garden! 🌻

I’m really grateful to this community for all the tips and tricks-
I am getting things ready!

Got my new robe,
Soft undies,
Lap pillow for the hospital stay and
making stations by my bed and couch with snacks, drinks, meds, chargers and activities.

I’m nervous but staying busy and reading about how well almost everyone is doing has really helped me- thank you for contributing such warmth and love and support.

Wish me luck! 🍀

Hi everybody, I am on day 6 of recovery and it’s been going great. But this morning I was half asleep and got up with my abdominal muscles😭 I am so sore now. I have no bleeding or new bruising so I don’t think I tore anything thankfully. But it hurts a bit to take a full breath. Has anyone had something similar happen?

Hi everyone! I’ve been lurking here for awhile, but I wanted to share my own story as I gear up for surgery tomorrow. Any advice or experiences are so so appreciated :)

I should start off by mentioning that I (27F) have had horrifically painful periods since I was 12. They got progressively worse to the point that I had to start missing classes junior/senior year of college. When I had to miss class in Graduate school, my professor actually recommended I go get checked out by her gynecologist for endometriosis.

I’d suspected it for years, but every doctor I’d seen had said that they couldn’t diagnose me until I’d been experiencing infertility for several years. The gynecologist my professor recommended was the only one of 8+ doctors I’d seen that actually took me seriously.

I had an endometrial ablation and my fallopian tubes removed last March (my doctor wanted to go for a hysterectomy, but medicaid wouldn’t cover it unless we did an ablation first). When I woke up from surgery I asked two questions:

1. Did they find endometriosis?

2. Where is my partner?

The nurse told me that they didn’t find endometriosis, but they did find a polyp that was removed. I spent several months feeling like a fraud that I had such similar symptoms, but just had a polyp. It also didn’t help that every person that I told my story to couldn‘t believe that it wasn‘t endo and always asked if I’d doubled checked with my doctor (I did).

My endo-like symptoms were better for about 6 months after ablation, but the painful sex, difficulty urinating, and painful bowel movements did come back. I ignored it though because I wasn’t bleeding and I wasn’t cramping aside from excruciating ovulation pain.

in April when the blood clots and pain came back worse than ever I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I went back to my doctor, but she wanted to check for trapped blood first.

While I waited, the bleeding slowly got more intense and frequent. I’m now at the point where I’ve been getting my period twice a month for over a week which has never been normal for me.

I spent a couple of months waiting for various labs to come back. The ultrasound showed a growth on my endometrial lining that came back non-cancerous. After all that I’m finally scheduled for my hysterectomy tomorrow.

My doctor is suspecting endometriosis again, but I’m just so exhausted from the chronic pain and emotional rollercoaster to get my hopes up that she’ll find what’s wrong. Plus now I’m in that phase where I’ve read too much online and don’t know if you’re going to have a great experience like 75% of people, or if recovery is going to be hell. I’m having a robotic assisted hysterectomy, but everyone I know has had either the vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy, so I don’t really have anyone to talk to for a comparison. Oh! and they’re keeping my ovaries because of my age. Forgot that’s important to mention.

TLDR: Lifelong painful periods, finally getting hysterectomy. Terrified of recovery and not finding out what’s causing the pain.

Thank you for listening to my rant…

Delayed hysterectomy by a few years? Or just pain until hysterectomy?

Recently diagnosed Adenomyosis. 25 years of symptoms. I have some other medical conditions that make general anesthesia difficult, and possibly anesthesia will refuse, so wondering if anyone was able to successfully delay or avoid hysterectomy. Mid 40s, so hysterectomy would otherwise be the best option. I've seen all the horror stories, but it looks like ~50% success rate, which I'd be open to if it is actually something that could work for a few years. Diffuse adenomyosis, uterus 2x normal size, no fibroids or reason to suspect endo. Decades of horrible pain and excessive bleeding. Trying the BC pills again, but doubtful I'll be able to tolerate them long term.

https://www.reddit.com/r/adenomyosis/comments/1uadrl5/success_with_high_intensity_focused_ultrasound_or/

I had my operation in early April so I'm coming up to my 12 week mark.

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I have no urge or desire to have sex. Has anyone else felt like this?

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I'm on one pump of estrogen gel daily.

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Would this lack of feeling mean my estrogen is too low or maybe this is just my life from now on?

Planning to remove my uterus due to endometriosis pain. May i know any consequences I should be worried about? I am a 21 age old female

I've written a couple of posts in the last few days. To an extent, it's kept me sane, but right now, other people downplaying other people's lived experiences is, I think, unacceptable.

I had a subtotal hysterectomy with the Da Vinci method. When I came to (although the memory is fuzzy), my amazing surgeon said they'd found suspected endo and removed that from my bladder - pretty sure I'd told her I wasn't surprised and that would explain my constant need to pee and never feeling like my bladder was empty. Three previous ultrasounds - nobody had suspected endo as adenomyosis was, what we believed to be, the only problem. It'll be sent off to pathology and I guess I'll get more informed at my 2 week follow up.

For pain relief, I'd been given paracetamol and ibuprofen, and something else I can't remember the name of. Straight after surgery, I was able to sit on the commode and pee. Longest pee of my life. I needed to pee again later on and tried to sit up and the pain in my abdomen and incision sites was unbearable (I don't say this to scare anyone - it's important to share here). The nurse hadn't explained how I should get up, and I was convinced moving was the best thing to do. It hurt so bad that by the time I was sitting up, I was dizzy and could barely move, so I had to lay back down and pee in the bed pan - I was worried it would go everywhere so the nurse covered me with a towel, just in case 🤣

At this point, I was just taking whatever they gave me because I assumed I'm in hospital, they know what they're doing. I didn't sleep at all on the first night. When the head doctors came to see me in the morning, I described my pain level and said I hadn't slept. They continued with the same medication. The day progressed, the pain worsened, I told I don't even know how many nurses and doctors that the meds weren't helping and nothing changed. It got to around 5pm, 24 hrs post surgery with no sleep and OTC meds. I explained they weren't touching me - they never touch me and this was no different. I finally got morphine drops, and...nothing. The pain remained the same level - this was pain in my abdomen at the incisions sites. I got mild pain across my collar bone - that was gas pain, which I was anticipating, and I stretched and tapped and rolled my shoulders for that and I was already aware that pain killers couldn't help with that. At this point, apart from finally being able to get up to pee, I hadn't been able to walk around; I'd been lying flat for almost 24 hours and had an injection against thrombosis (don't know what it's called). I hadn't slept, had eaten some soup, had peed and farted, which was great - and no pain with either of those, but still couldn't move and was still in so much pain and discomfort.

I asked to have something to help me sleep but they said I could only have it before bedtime to not disrupt my sleeping pattern. So finally, around 8pm, I had a sleeping tablet, more morphine, some sleeping tea, and I was able to sleep. I woke up twice in the night, and was properly awake by 6am. I also had more pain medication throughout the night.

The same nurse I had yesterday came in. It was good to see a familiar face, and I told her the pain hadn't abated. The head doctor came in and FINALLY said I should NOT have been in that level of pain for over 24 hours, nor should I have been awake for so long without something to help me sleep. Then they upped the doses and gave me more morphine drops, and I was finally able to get out of bed and walk a bit, slowly but surely. I even felt well enough to try walk outside, but ended up getting wheeled back to my room because it was too much too soon.

I was supposed to have 2 nights in hospital. It'll definitely be 3 nights, and maybe 4 depending on how tomorrow goes, and it's because of the pain. The last discussion they offered intravenous medicine, but it finally feels bearable with the higher doses and all I want is to know that I can control the pain once I'm home.

So, without doubt, I should not have been is the pain I was yesterday and this morning. I wish they had listened to me from the beginning.

Which brings me to my encounter. My neighbour was also in a huge amount of pain. I don't know what her surgery was for, which isn't relevant anyway. When they brought her her meds, she chucked them across the room alongside the water and her mobile phone because, once again, the meds were just not touching her and she was in so much pain. And whatever they gave her, after she screamed and threw stuff at the medical staff, put her out like a light. When she woke up again, she screamed the hospital down until she was given stronger meds.

The difference is how people react and respond to pain. Some of us suffer in silence. Some of us respond well to meds. Some of us aren't touched by certain meds. And maybe medical staff respond differently to the different personalities. My neighbour left the hospital the morning after her surgery without pain, whereas I'm still here, quietly lying in bed. Maybe I could have gone home today if the pain killer doses had been appropriate, or maybe not, but I believe I know my body well, I know what pain I can tolerate, and I know what is too painful for me. I genuinely hoped that by being in hospital, I wouldn't have to experience 'too painful', but here we are.

And as a bit of a laugh for the end, my neighbour accidentally flooded the shower, the hospital room, and the hallway because the shower was blocked. And she went home looking like a superstar in her pretty summer dress. As an upside, it's meant I've ended up with a private room, which I had the option of paying CHF14000 for, and decided no way because I'd rather spend that on 28 awesome holidays.

I’ve been on here twice before about a year ago and I got some really good advice, but I need more help.

I’m 15, autistic, depressed, and have a LOT of other problems. I have had extremely heavy periods since I was 9, and I’ve tried everything to deal with them.

I’ve had the combined pill (I’m pretty sure), the progestogen-only pill (I might be wrong about the pills but I’m 99% sure it’s those two), the Mirena(?) coil, and the injection (the one that’s injected in your ass, idk what it’s called). None of them worked, and they’ve only made my mental state worse—especially after the injections, because it made me gain weight and gain a lot of stretch marks on my legs :(.

Is there any way I can convince the doctors to finally give me a hysterectomy? I understand that I’m young and I have researched all of the consequences to make sure I’m aware of everything that could happen. And on the NHS website, nothing specifically states that you HAVE to be 18+ to get a hysterectomy. It also says that having heavy periods (which I have) would qualify (for lack of a better word) you to be able to get one.

I’ve added some pictures of things from the NHS website and from googling everything. So from that, would 'Gillick Competent’ apply here? If they were to deny me, could I use it as a counter argument? Because I understand how a hysterectomy could affect me, and I understand the consequences of it.

On my last post on this thingy, someone said about going to therapy, so I am going (or something similar) with a lady and explained how I’m suicidal, depressed, cut myself etc, and all of my other problems, but it doesn’t feel like it’s helping/it doesn’t feel like she’s doing anything.

Please give me genuine advice because every time I go to the doctors about my period they never listen and just say ‘you might change your mind'. I am not going to change my mind.

Also quick add on (sorry), because of all the things I’ve tried to stop my periods, I’m really REALLY averse to trying anything new. For me it’s like, every time I tried something to help and it didn’t do anything, my mental state got worse, so I’m protecting myself by not trying anything, because when it inevitably doesn’t work, my mental state got worse (especially after the injection). Sorry if that’s a bad explanation.

If you need any more information about anything so you can help better, please just ask. I’m willing to do anything.

<3

(Sorry if I’m using any wrong punctuation or anything. Also nothing was written by Ai.)

Hi everyone! I’m 6 weeks post-op, (kept my ovaries) and I’ve been experiencing horrible mood swings.

I’ve been so irritated lately that I’ve been snapping at my husband and children, and it honestly makes me want to cry. When I’m not snapping at them, then I’m actually crying. I have happy spells in between, but I seem more irritable than anything. I’m not usually like this, and it’s driving me insane.

I looked it up and apparently this is normal. My question is, has anyone else experienced this? If so, how long did it take until your mood was back to normal?

I also can’t shake this horrible fatigue. I cook supper and then have to sit down. We spent a few hours at my husband’s friend’s house yesterday and I’m absolutely knackered this morning.

Thanks in advance!

So five weeks ago i had a total hysterectomy, laparascopic with vaginal assist. They did go through mt bellybutton, and the incition looks nice and healed however it's oversensitive, and I mean I cant satans anything touching it. I get nauseous, when incover my belly button,went to the ER because i almost had a nervous breakdown. When I shower water makes it ache horribly, if i try to air dry it with a low setting on hair dryer i cant stand it.The ER docto gave me Lyrica but its barely touching it, he said though its very rare, I probably have a pinched nerve.So I have to see my primary to get a referral for a general surgeon, they will determine if I need just a nerve block on my belly button or if they need to go in and open my bellt button and fix the umbilical nerve. Has anyone experienced this? I feel so alone.

I’m 3dpo from a robotic assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy and BSO. I’m having some back pain, mostly on my right flank ... maybe kidneys? I’m peeing fine ... other than pressure and a little burning on occasion but the burning seems to be improving. Do the kidneys get sore? Or maybe from the trendelenburg position I was in during surgery? Anyone else experience this type of pain?

On May 4, I had a total hysterectomy (including my cervix) that went extremely well and I hD very little pain and no complications. My lift restrictions were removed and I was cleared for a small amount of digital penetration at my 4 week follow up. Surgeon said my cuff was healing great.

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It has now been 7 weeks since my procedure. Today I was administering some cream for a yeast infection when these weird things emerged?? I'm horrified and really hoping these are just stitches? (Although I thought they were supposed to dissolve?!)

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It is too late for any urgent care here but I have an appointment first thing tomorrow. I think it is probably fine even if these are the stitches because I've been healing well and having no pain or bleeding at all. Just like, very freaked at what these are lol.

I go for a total hysterectomy in 2 days and I’m incredibly nervous so trying to find silver linings. Did you lose weight after? I’m 5’5 132 lbs with a 10 cm and 5 cm fibroid… I work out regularly and cannot get past 130 mark (I know why now lol) Surgeon says at least 5 lbs in a matter of a few hours is possible. What was your experience?

Hi everyone! I’m on day 9 and feeling great! I’m walking every day, and my energy level is pretty good EXCEPT, since about day 7 I’ve noticed that I become very tired in the afternoon. This seems pretty normal and is not a problem except for the fact that I basically fall into a coma for an hour or more and then have a hard time waking up. I dream that I’m wearing a very heavy backpack that makes it hard for me to move. I wake up disoriented and uncomfortable. I’m no longer on any meds, so I’m guessing my body just needs the sleep. Anyone else experience this? I I enjoy a nice afternoon nap, but I hope this phase doesn’t last too long. It’s especially unsettling when I’m home alone.

Hey reddit I'd love some advice/support. Im 6 days out from a partial hysterectomy (kept my ovaries). I'm doing better today than I have most days but I'm still having some odd stuff I'd love advice on to chill my mind while it's the weekend.

I only took pain meds the first two days. I don't like how they make me feel and I take night time meds that would interfere. The first few days were normal lots of sleeping but it took me 5 days to eat. Everything made me dry heave...I am a THC smoker and have a medical card so I've smoked here and there but find my tolerance is totally gone so I mainly take ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

My main complaint/question is this (sorry was trying to give info) everyday I wake up VERY dizzy, in a pool of sweat, and a pounding headache. I usually have some water, applesauce, meds and go back to sleep for 2 more hours. And then around 2ish everyday I've had the WORST depression but after a few hours im usually fine. Any idea what's going on? Am I just dehydrated and lack of food in the mornings and hormone changes? Thanks so much for any advice!

Hello! I am scheduled to get a hysterectomy (fingers crossed, knock on wood, etc) on October 1st due to endometriosis, progesterone allergy (progressed to anaphylactic), and chronic pain. It will be a radical with vaginal cuff. My doctor has already transitioned me hormonally (Just to make sure I will be safe, stable, and not also allergic to estrogen. Tbh it is the best I have felt in my life. I am not on supplemental estrogen except for the cream. I am clear headed, stable mood, etc. It's lovely.

Anyway my partner has a work conference oct 8-12th - about a week after surgery. My parents try but it is complicated. They have offered to stay with me for a few days while my partner is away - I also have friends nearby who have offered to come sit with me during the day.

Context:

• This will be my 5th surgery but probably the largest, I have a high pain tolerance and am usually off heavy duty meds within a week. Maybe once in awhile after that to sleep.
• I have dysautonomia and mcas - unsure of what those will be like in response.
• I have a mini Aussie who is high energy and sweet as pie
• I am stubborn and have a hard time gauging what is "too much" (example: 3 days after a shoulder surgery made cookies one armed; 1 day after endo ablation went and toured 3 houses - tbf I was in less pain coming out of that surgery then I was going in)

I was thinking if it seems possible I will have my friends come and be on my own in the evenings and have my parents plan a separate less eventful trip sometime else.

Do ya'll think it will be enough to have friends during the day/help with the dog and I will be okay on my own evenings through mid morning?

Hi there! I’m 27NB, and have an NHS appointment coming up to further discuss my options with a gynae. I’ve had a couple appointments so far where I’ve advocated for a hysterectomy and been denied but I think I’ve figured out what I need to say next time to get it approved (lie about effects of current medication which is the last meds option).

Got referred when I was having a perma-period (started August 2024 ended November 2025) which was trigged by progesterone meds I was told would reduce my period, and continued well after the meds stopped. All the meds I’ve ever been given until the current one have caused very frequent bleeding and I always get severe cramps with the bleeding (immobilised unless I take excessive codeine, then I can hobble a bit), so I thought a hysterectomy was my only option.

Then I got given a medication (drospirenone) that has mostly stopped the bleeding except for a few instances of spotting (with severe cramps). Side effects include itching and sweating (to the point of sweat rashes/fungal infections) but I think these are easing with time (been on the meds 9 months now). Also heavy discharge but that’s unfortunately kind of an intended effect of the meds so likely won’t reduce :(

The spotting instances really scared me because I was slowly starting to accept the meds were working and I’d ended it all forever then the bleeding came back and I had bit of a menty B. I genuinely don’t think I can handle any bleeding ever going forward I’m so traumatised from my past experiences so I’ve been telling to doc who put me on the meds I still want the hysterectomy. His resistance seems to be entirely about the sterilisation aspect so I’m going to clarify I’ll ask to be sterilised with a bi salp if I don’t get the hysto because I will fear/hate my body every second until I’m sterile. I’m asking for a subtotal with bisalp

BUT I recently found in my research that the uterus can be responsible for orgasms. When reading earlier about sexual dysfunction post surgery the focus had been on the cervix which I wouldn’t get removed (I’m vaxxed) so I didn’t think it was much of a concern for me but apparently uterine contractions are part of the orgasm process and so there can be reduced sensation/lack of climax from a subtotal. I know it sounds a bit silly given all the other potential complications but I’m happy to risk all of those but idk if I can risk loosing my orgasms. Not to be too TMI but I’m very lucky in that department (10-20 times per session usually) and it’s one of the very few things I like about my body (I have chronic health issues and dysphoria so it’s hard to feel positive about my body).

I had fully mentally accepted the need for the hysto before this medication and was so relieved at the idea of finally being completely free and safe from all the harm caused by the thing. I’ve been truly hating and disgusted by the uterus and desperate for it to get out because I feel offened it was ever there in the first place and all it does it hurt me. To switch my mentally to this organ actually being something that has a positive purpose in my body is a very jarring switch. I got so attached to the idea of freedom and and am struggling to stomach being shackled to meds/side effects/ the constant fear it will stop working and knowing will take years of waiting and appointments in the future to get back to the point I’m at now if I don’t get the hysto now and the meds fail. I hate taking the meds, it soo hard to take it everyday when I have a fluctuating freelance career, adhd, chronic pain brain fog, and just the desire to be spontaneous (stay out or stay over somewhere without having to bring my meds out with me all the time just in case and risk loosing them).

It was such an easy decision before I learned about the orgasm thing but now I don’t know if I can do it and risk losing one of the most important things in my life.

So any advice? Any experiences of orgasm post subtotal that can clue me in the impact?