Lynn’s Vaginal Hysterectomy

Vaginal Hysterectomy
Age at Surgery 38
Location: Santa Cruz, California, USA

I just passed the 1 year mark of my surgery, and I wanted to post a story with a positive outcome. Having a hysterectomy was one of the best decisions I ever made. I have my life back after years of pain. My uterus did it’s job- I have a silly, amazing 4 year old, but I am glad to have my uterus gone! I used to have bad dreams of my uterus chasing me, swimming in on the Fallopian tubes and coming after me!

I had a hysterectomy because after years of pain, an endometrial ablation that worked for 2 years, and the failure of many other treatments, I was done. I couldn’t take care of my son, work, or get off the couch. The surgery went smoothly, my partner was supportive, and I was lucky enough to have my mother come for a month. It was hard to make myself rest, but I returned to work after 5 weeks because I was bored. As I recovered, I got my life back.

Before and after the surgery, I was concerned that the hysterectomy would affect my sexual relationship with my partner, but the opposite happened, since I am am not in pain all the time! Not having a uterus hasn’t affected my sense of myself as a woman, which I was also concerned about before the surgery. I always resented the pain related to my reproductive system, so the surgery was an unqualified success for me.

I had general anesthesia, laparoscopic surgery, and the uterus removed through my vagina. I had one ovary left, and so far have not had menopausal symptoms. I stayed one night, and since the pain was bad the first 12 hours, I am glad I stayed.

My recovery felt difficult at the time, mostly because I had an active preschooler. I wanted very much to be able to take care of him, and it was very hard to make myself rest, though I was fortunate enough to have a lot of support. My mother came for a month, but I didn’t rest enough. Once she left and I couldn’t take care of my son on my own, we had him go to preschool every day, and I healed quite quickly. I was able to go back to work after 5 weeks.

I am very, very glad I had the hysterectomy. I haven’t had any related health issues.

The only advice I have is to learn as much as possible before making the decision, but in the end make the decision yourself. This is your choice, your body, and your life. Getting a hysterectomy was the right choice for me but each person is different.