Having a hysterectomy!

[long time crohnie]

Hi all! Having a total hysterectomy this month after many years of issues w pain during my period. I've always had bad cramping and increased D even when a teen. Was dx w Crohn's at 20 and had been on the pill to help w pain when having my period. For many 15yrs(?) I was on the pill without taking a break for a period because the pain and D was so bad and I seemed I'd flare due to this. My GYN and I thought it was time to get off of them due to age and I smoked at that time. In 2011 I had a uterine ablation, that basically scars the inside of your uterus to help w pain during menses and w hopes that it will stop my period altogether. After about 6mos my period returned periodically and then became monthly and all the symptoms returned! Finally, at 46, I've asked for a hysterectomy and she agreed. She will be removing everything, and do to possible scar tissue issues from past abdominal surgeries, we will be doing it abdominally. Anyone else have these issues, exhaust all other possible ways to subside cramping and end up going down this same path? I asked for the surgery, and have wanted to do it for years, and now that I'm having it done I'm worried about a lot of things, like menapause for one :eek2: Help!!

 

[theOcean]

I'm going to move this to the Support section in the hopes that someone responds to you. I hope that the hysterectomy helps you! :hug:

 

[valleysangel92]

Hello there, I'm sorry I've not seen this sooner

I've had issues with my periods for a while, and have resorted to using birth control meds to try and stop them for now. However, I don't have experience with anything on the scale that you are describing, so I'm going to tag some members who I know have ended up having this type of surgery in the hope that they will be able to answer your questions better.

Astra and Kero do you have any advice?

 

[Kero]

I had a hysterectomy in January 2011 due to having extremely painful periods. I was told this was due to having endometriosis. Well when the OB/GYN removed everything he didn't find any sign of endometriosis. I felt fantastic for about 2 years. Not having to dread that week a month when I would be quite disabled by pain. To me it was very much worth it It does take 6-8 weeks to heal, make sure you take it easy and DO NOTHING!

It's good that you have a Dx of Crohn's already. I am currently undiagnosed and having many of the same bowel issues I had before when on my periods. Only thing is, the doctors are saying it may not have just been endo all these years causing me issues....

 

[mama21princess]

No advice or experience, but I hope the procedure goes well for you. Hugs!

 

[Astra]

long time crohnie, Hiya

Yes I had a total hysterectomy in 2001 and it changed my life forever! Once you have your ovaries removed you will have what's called a 'surgical menopause' over 10-15 years worth of menopause in 2 days!
I started HRT - Hormonin and have been taking it ever since. I'm 50 now so over the next 2 years I'm starting to wean off the HRT.
IMO it was the best thing I've ever done, my Crohns defo eased and any endos that were there were binned. I was off work for 6 months.
Good luck
xxx

 

[long time crohnie]

Thank you all for your input and support. Tomorrows the big day. Hope the surgery goes well and they are able to keep me comfortable. I have a very high tolerance for pain meds. Will let you all know how it goes.

 

[Fififluff]

Hi, hope all has gone well. I had a hysterectomy in 2011 followed by removal of ovary 2012 and also 2013. The hysterectomy was due to endometriosis mainly and I was off work for 6 months. I am 48 and don't take any HRT except for over the counter red clover. No ill effects except I feel the heat much more now.
Good luck

 

[mama21princess]

How did the procedure go?

 

[long time crohnie]

Hi all! I made it through the surgery ok. Took a bit more than usual to put me under but that's to be expected. Pathology found no cancer, whew! Did find endometriosis and cysts in my ovaries and fallopian tubes. All were removed. Had quite a scare in the hospital....My second night at 3am, i was still on IV dilaudid for pain. I went into cardiac arrest from too much in my system and was given a shot of Narcan, a drug that counteracts all the pain medication and stops an overdose from happening. Holy **** was that painful!!! Apparently they couldn't rouse me from sleep and my oxygen level was super low and I was breathing only 3-5x a min(? I've got a request of my med reports coming so I have the facts). I had a seizure, shaking uncontrollably and lost my bowels all over the bed!! Not withholding the extreme pain and fear of ripping every stitch I had. I almost died and it scared the **** out of me! (literally) I had wonderful nurses that helped my through the embarrassment of it all! I cried for two days. I know that my higher tolerance to opiates is when taken orally. I still don't believe I absorb half of what i take, but taking them IV, it just built up in my system and and was too much. Other than that scare.... I've healed well, off the pain meds and having just a bit of "hot flashes", but who knows cuz its getting hotter out. Thanks for all your help and concern!!

 

[mama21princess]

Oh goodness, how scary!! I am SO glad you are okay!