My Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A real account for those experiencing this too

My journey has been complex but I wanted to share my story with answers and questions that someone may ask me to break down the hard questions with raw honest answers also helpful suggestions for what to take to hospital, after care and impacts it had on my life you may have if you too are facing the surgery and not finding the answers you need searching every corner of the internet because its scary when you feel unsure and anxious about this major surgery.

Firstly, before I carry on further this is why I had my hysterectomy and a little background after my third baby I continued to have Chronic Pain it just got worse so bad it left me in tears and I couldn’t understand why this was happening to me. My cycles where so painful and heavy. I found by Pelvic Ultrasound that I had evidence of Adenomyosis (The evil cousin of Endometriosis)

Adenomyosis is a gyno condition that causes endometrial tissue in the lining of the uterus to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. It enlarges the uterus, this will lead to heavy and painful periods. This can range from extremely painful to mild pain for some woman with a whole range of symptoms mostly with your cycles and period it may worsen the. Ease off time to time but it doesn’t get better it will affect you in one way or another (which can be experienced differently from woman to woman) the best way to diagnose this is to firstly get a Pelvic Ultra Sound or MRI Scan, but the only way to really truly understand what your dealing with (especially if its causing you chronic pain) is to request a Diagnostic Laparoscopic Surgery to diagnose Adenomyosis Properly. Invisable pain is tricky sometimes I felt like I was making it up with the reactions from professionals, but I pushed for the diagnostics and the truth in my scans you have to be willing to do the work to get the answers with a-lot of self belief.

My Adenomyosis was found and confirmed. After this Diagnostic Lap Surgery one year later I ended up getting a hysterectomy this is my story Q & A I hope this may help other woman out there.

This Is My Journey…. “Having a Hysterectomy”

How Did You Feel When You Got The Go Ahead For A Hysterectomy

By the time I got offered a hysterectomy it was one year after my Diagnostic Laparoscopic Surgery which turned into what was called a Major Surgery by the time they had finished they had removed my fallopian tubes (which where inflamed and in really bad shape another symptom of my pain which was a surprise sadly they took them out. I was anxious as I didn’t feel I had healed properly from this, but I was in so much chronic pain I had to take this opportunity given to me.

I had to think about everything, my uterus and I share a deep history of pregnancy, cycles it was apart of my feminine nature to have my uterus there its apart of me my life. I felt grief at the thought of losing this important part of my make up from my body. I felt saddened to lose this part of me and up until this point in my life I never thought I would have to go through this ever. It was a huge decision more then people understand it does cause grief because you are losing a big part of yourself forever.

The reasons I decided to take the Hysterectomy

I suffered from severe chronic pain in the bum, lower back and pelvic region

My periods where insanely heavy and painful

I had burning and stinging

Inflammation was out of control and bloating it was bad by the time my operation came about

My hormones where crazy compared to my usual more relaxed state

I had growing Adenomyosis (through regular pelvic scans) it was not going anywhere.

I had to wrap my head around the positives when I felt sad about having the hysterectomy. 

It was such a difficult time, let yourself feel sad, you won’t feel sad forever and you will find comfort when you begin to heal.

Why did you have to have a hysterectomy?

My hysterectomy was due to Adenomyosis, So as much as I did feel devastated and upset, I was also happy it was found. For some women with painful conditions like this or endometriosis, it can be a huge relief to hear you are having this operation as it was for me.

What type of surgery did you have?

I had a Laparoscopic Partial Hysterectomy (where they leave your ovaries intact unless they where damaged mine where okay so they left them so my hormones would remain normal and I would eventually naturally go into menopause. I had four scars left from this surgery. They used my pervious scar areas from a prior Diagnostic Lap Surgery I had had over a year before my Hysterectomy.

I had my surgery done via keyhole which I was very relieved about as it is a relatively less risky procedure as compared to open abdominal hysterectomy with less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, smaller incision, and many other advantages to a painful long surgery. With keyhole you have are back on your feet after just a few days. 

I spent most of the first week on the sofa. So, do save up some good Netflix shows! But that does not mean that all you have to do is stay in bed. You must rest as much as you can but also start standing up or walking for a few minutes at a time in 1-2 days after surgery. You should be active to better your blood circulation but avoid strenuous exercise and lifting more then 5kgs at any given time (I struggled with that with three young children I did my best). Your Hysterectomy Surgery Recovery with a lap operation patients may resume their activities in 2-3 weeks. I felt more able and back on my feet after around the second to third week but each woman is different and cope differently so go by how you feel not by text book listen to your intuition, listen to your body’s cues and take care of your self you have literally just had an organ removed!

There are still lots of restrictions such as having a bath or any penetrative sex for around 6-8 weeks, but your doctor advises you on this based on your checkups.

Have a medical professional advise you as recovery from tears of the ‘vaginal cuff’ (where after the removal of the cervix, the vagina is closed/sown as a blind-ended tube) can take longer to heal than the hysterectomy itself. It’s just not worth the risk! Plus prolapse is not something you want happening on your healing journey this will be something a medical professional will advise you on.

Recovering from a Hysterectomy with three children (Seven years old, Six Years Old and Two years Old)

It was tough not being able to pick up my baby give him big cuddles (my favourite 🌼). I was naughty after roughy two weeks I had to pick him up but as little as possible my partner was at work and we have steps to get in and out of the house, I had to pick him up to put him in the car seat, high chair, change table these things cant be avoided unfortunately so realistically it was just that I took my time and rested after and checked in with myself a-lot I didn’t race around he was a-little house bound with me in that period of time. He wasn’t quite two years old so when I didn’t have help I was on my own with him it wasn’t easy but I managed. My older two boys became very aware mum was out of action and in pain seeing the rawness of my operation and pain was inevitable they where kind and helpful they understood it was tough on me I wanted to be more for them but I was doing my best.

Has it affected your sex life?

Yes, with a wait time of six to eight weeks healing and such a Major Surgery it really took its toll on my body and my lady bits. I had more than normal pain it was horrible for me some walk out of hospital on Panadol and Nurophen but I didn’t I was on strong pain relief for sometime this wasn’t because I didn’t have the same procedure as everyone else getting a hysterectomy, eight months later (and another Lap surgery) I found out I had Pedendal Neuralgia. This made Sex extremely painful so I have had sex just not as often as I would like. I had an above normal sex life before this, it has been tough but with a solid relationship that goes beyond sex we are dealing with it a day at a time (make sure to look out for a blog post about Pedendal Neuralgia this can happen with Pelvic Surgery sadly and many don’t even know they have it).

The groups I joined on Facebook were amazing at answering very personal questions on this subject, the women are so honest, open and understanding and there are no boundaries! Also, it is a private group so it won’t share with all your friends and family on Facebook like it does when you put something on Marketplace…!

What was your biggest worry?

Healing was my biggest concern and what life would be like after such a major surgery. What would my cycles be like now, I had cycles and all the pms and sore breasts also hormonal changes like anyone else but no period. So big picture I still get all of this but I am more prone now to get menopause earlier than the normal the ovaries will deteriorate quicker because of my hysterectomy but its a time will tell kind of deal. You can request hormonal blood tests to see where your sitting in regards to menopausal symptoms. But the healing was my biggest concern I suffer from chronic pelvic pain sadly this hasn’t improved and Im still investigating why with currently a diagnosis of Pedendal neuralgia.

What Supplements Do You Take

Swisse Ultiboost Magnesium, Calcium + D3

This is a premium quality formula which contains Magnesium to help reduce muscle cramps and relieve mild muscle spasms when dietary intake is inadequate.

Magnesium

This helps the body convert food into energy, supports healthy functioning of the nervous system, and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. The formula also contains calcium which is important for healthy bones, and vitamin D which helps calcium absorption.

Bio Practica Rejuva Calm Fort

Combines a blend of anxiolytic and nervine herbs – lemon balm, passionflower, lavender, magnolia and ziziphus

Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to

Promote body relaxation

Relieve symptoms of nervous indigestion

Support healthy stress response in the body

Organic Botanical’s Cucurman Excel

Anti-inflammatory formula

Combines high-strength curcumin from turmeric with ginger and a standardised extract of boswellia

Containes piperine from black pepper to enhance curcumin’s bioavailability

Curcuminoids may help to relieve

Inflammation

Mild rheumatic pain

Mild aches and pains of the joints

Ive tried many things I go by how I feel I had a general all rounder blood test done to see what my body needs at the time every six months.

Did You See Anyone Apart From Your GP After Your Hysterectomy?

I went to a very highly recommended Natropath she is incredibly kind and very intuitive compared to the medical professionals that seem to lack empathy and listening skills. I also went to a pain clinic the only chronic pain clinic in Brisbane the Tresmond Persistent Pain Clinic. They had been seeing me for ten months after my hysterectomy I had seen a physio, pelvic specialist, therapist and Pain Doctor not one appointment out of a hundred I went to helped me. They infact made things worse by not examining me thoroughly. I ended up going to a Private Gynocologist Dr Morris in Brisbane who did one examination and we discovered my very severe Pedendal Neuralgia in a moment. I opted for a steroid injection and it made a difference but Im still in pain.. the search is still very real very much the present.

Make sure you research your options for care I couldn’t recommend a Natropath highly enough and searching for a good gynocologist to give you follow up care with concerns.

Hysterectomy Recovery and Mental Health

I think having this surgery has a huge impact on a woman. I honestly don’t think I will ever fully come to terms with it. At first I felt like I needed to tell people I was fine, maybe I was fine as I hadn’t fully accepted the implications. But now I feel I can admit, I’m not fine with it and I don’t think there is any shame in that. It’s a long road of recovery when grieving anything and just a year is not enough time.

There is a lot of research around how removal of the uterus affects a woman and the impact on your mental health. It’s linked to long term issues around depression and anxiety. I think it’s really important to be aware of these things, not to worry yourself but if you’re aware of it you can monitor and control it. Talk to people, especially your Doctor and don’t ignore how you feel.

If you’ve had this surgery and are feeling down and not quite like yourself then just remember that’s okay. I think women that go through this are incredibly strong, we should remind ourselves of that even when we don’t feel it, stay strong.

What have your emotions been like since having the hysterectomy?

I would describe myself as a positive person, who always tries to see the best in every situation. So much so that when I knew I was having a hysterectomy and wouldn’t be carrying another child or losing the very place my pregnancy’s where held, right down to remembering my first period and how sometimes it was the reason I got that one week a month hall pass to everything and be left alone. I don’t know how to describe my grief from my hysterectomy but it is saddening and its filled with feelings of personal raw emotion detachment.

I wasn’t okay after my surgery, I haven’t been traveling well with other pelvic issues and I probably won’t ever be okay again Ive had three major pelvic surgery’s every year since 2021 and with every surgery even though I had to have those surgery’s, it has left me with a multitude of issues with my pelvis and severe nerve damage (Pedendal Neuralgia) its been a rollercoaster ride and makes it hard to even exercise and be even three quarter’s as active as I was but I have a small business I create decor and jewellery and I have my blog, I also have a loyal loving hubby and three young children my cup is full my days are busy.. this platform is a great way to speak of my experience in a sense to help others. By owning my emotions and feelings on what Ive experienced and using it as a drive to help others and continue to learn I will get through this one way or another.

I want woman to know how important it is to feel every emotion and just let yourself feel it cry randomly, ride the wave of emotion you will feel after sometime it will feel okay again and you will pick up the pieces again

I did approach therapy after my hysterectomy and my therapist said I lacked compassion for myself and I needed to give myself more of it as I have been through an incredibly tough time as the same year I had my Hysterectomy I also lost my mum (my best friend my confidant) to Stage Four Stomach Cancer I was still Nine Months into grieving my mother as well as recovering from losing my home to a flood Eight Months before having my Hysterectomy therapy was absolute.

I find my sadness and tears happen at the strangest of times, I still don’t 100% know my triggers but they are there like losing my mother and seeing a mother and daughter having coffee together it triggers me, like seeing my brand new sport car (dream car) drive past when we lost it in a flood as well as personal items I realise I just don’t have anymore just lost, I feel lost somedays… and that is okay nothing is off the table to feel when you lose your uterus.

I think accepting the fact you’ll be sad, angry, frustrated and literally any other feeling is the first and a positive (sorry, I can’t resist!) step to getting life back on track after a hysterectomy.

This is how the hysterectomy has impacted my life but my story is still being written we fight to be here alive and kicking and Im grateful Im here and I send love and hope to those who have fought or still fighting the fight of Pelvic Pain, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Chronic Pelvic Pain… the list goes on but believe me when I say You are perfect, you are going to be okay, stay positive you are not alone in your battles you are apart of the woman around you secretly suffering of something similar don’t be afraid to reach out or speak your truth speak up about your story..

If you have an questions nothings off he table message me anytime I will be happy to answer your questions or hear your story.

For Essential and Practical before and after Hysterectomy Check Lists I have a blog especially dedicated to it you can find this here – https://gypsyjoicreations.com/2023/11/19/laparoscopic-hysterectomy-checklist-the-only-one-you-will-need/