Jaye’s Hysterectomy Story

Type of Hysterectomy: Total Hysterectomy
Age at Hysterectomy: 52
Location: NYC

I was in so much pain monthly, it colored my world in a really negative way, relationships, body image, I was not happy and really not healthy every 3-4 weeks when I would cycle. They found nodes on my lungs after a colonoscopy and masses in my abdomen. My uterus was the size of a 16 week pregnancy. I got a 2nd opinion and my gyno referred me to the oncologist who was very, very good.

Surgery Tuesday home on Friday. I had great anesthesia and the experience went well with the two doctors. A GI surgeon and oncologist did the surgery because they thought I might have cancer. I did not.

It was important to rest and take it easy and also keep moving. It was a balancing act I am not familiar with as I was a very active person. I was most worried about sex and sexuality. I was put on a bio-identical hormone and I felt totally normal after my first post operative experience. It was exactly 6 weeks recovery. After labor day I was back riding a bike and am more active than prior because I feel better!

I am SO GLAD I DID THIS. The weight gain has been challenging but I just keep moving! I feel like a new woman, I am in love and moving in with my boyfriend. So exciting!

Don’t believe or get caught up in the negativity. Do what is right for you. GET AN ADVOCATE, hopefully another woman or your partner if he is sympathetic to go to every doctor’s visit with you. It is a lot emotionally to deal with the grief. I had a going away party for my uterus and gave her a name. I do not miss her today. I celebrate her life with me and I celebrate the day I had surgery and said good by!

Almost always you will feel so much better on the other side of this. Celebrating two years today!