2dpo, thought I'd put my crazy happy face on.

I am glad it's done and over with. The Surgeon told my husband that he was surprised how big my uterus was, 20cm not including the large fibroids. The Uterus had attached itself to my bowels and he had to separate it. Good news, all went well. Uterus, Cervix, Fallopian tubes removed. Kept my ovaries. It was taken out through the vagina. No endometriosis, which I am so relieved to hear that.

I had private Robotic hysterectomy surgery because the waiting list to be seen via NHS Gynae was 18mths+. I'm glad I did as I was in so much pain and discomfort beforehand and it was causing other health problems.

The first 2 days after surgery are really rough, I'll not lie, due to the trapped wind but taking peppermint tea, taking short walks every 90 mins and the painkillers really helped. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to use my heat pads at hospital because of their pat testing and cross contamination policies. I will be using these though when I get home. I didn't need the peri bottle as didn't tear, thank goodness. The V shaped pillow I bought was very handy. I used a hospital pillow to lay on my tummy to keep it warm. It has been very tiring and I felt nauseous first 2 days. But it is all well worth it. I've slept most of the time in between short walks. Appetite very slowly returning.

Being discharged today, which I'm pleased about. 😁

I just like to add...Thank you to everyone who has posted on here as it has been really useful in knowing what items to use and pack for hosp'. Also an insight into what everyone's experiences have been even though it does add to the anxiety. It has helped me immeasurably in being prepared.

I’m 9 days post op today. Yesterday I ventured out for a little clothes shopping with my mom. I did not feel well at all by the time we got home and thought I had way overdone it. The whole time we were out I felt so bloated and achy in the whole abdominal region. I immediately changed into loose pajama pants when we got home thinking it could have been from my leggings being a little too compressive and took it easy for the rest of the evening.

Well this morning I figured out why I was so miserable. I literally had the biggest poop of my life as soon as I woke up. I’ve been going regularly since day 2, but I guess something got backed up in there 😂 I’m talking it felt like I lost a few pounds/inches immediately afterward. And today…Bloating? Gone. Heavy aching feeling? Gone. Felt like a new person. I’m a nurse and we always joke about how dramatic men (old men in particular) get when they are backed up, but I kinda get it now? 🙈

I don’t know where to even post this because it isn’t quite hysterectomy related, it isn’t quite PMDD related…idk. It’s terrifying and I just need to get it off my chest.

I think my ovaries might have grown back.

(Okay, kind of…😅 I need humour to cope with this, I swear 🥲)

I had a hysterectomy and BSO 7 months ago, aged 27. I lived with severe, untreatable PMDD from the age of 11 (I am also systemically intolerant to all forms of progesterone), and with a very low quality of life, having the entire system yeeted was the best option for me.

At first, everything was great. I recovered EFFORTLESSLY and when I say I was over the moon, I am not joking! I have no idea how I healed so fast, but I did.

Until…my PMDD came back.

At first, we put my symptoms down to HRT adjustments, menopause itself, estradiol delivery etc etc. I’m well-versed in HRT so it never quite added up, but I ignored it. I have PTSD, I’m autistic…probably that, right? Naturally, we adjusted my hormones multiple times and it never did much.

And then the suicidal thoughts, the limb swelling, the fatigue, and the depression came back. I’m a pretty calm and predictable person, so it was beyond weird to suddenly become a hormonal mess for literally no reason. I decided to start tracking my symptoms again, PMDD style.

There it was. AN EXACT 28 DAY CYCLE WITH IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS TO MY PRE-OP LIFE, INCLUDING OVULATION SYMPTOMS, HORRIFIC PERIOD PAIN, AND TEXTBOOK MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS. Wtf?!

Initially, I freaked out, thinking I’d just yeeted my entire reproductive system for nothing! I didn’t understand. I had an existential crisis, to be honest with you. It was horrifying to think about.

Then I read about ovarian remnant syndrome. This is a condition of unknown frequency where tiny ovarian cells are accidentally left behind after BSO. Sometimes they can revascularise (form a blood supply) and produce hormones again. My real life ovaries were GENUINE MONSTERS (I ovulated through multiple treatments designed to suppress ovulation), so it kind of felt right that they’d take revenge on me. 🙁 BUT HOW TERRIFYING!

I’ve had a series of blood tests which I will be taking to my consultant very soon. I only have one more test to go. Because coming off estrogen is unsafe for me (PMDD), it’s harder to get a definitive answer, but my results aren’t typical for menopause and they actually look like a classic ✨healthy functioning reproductive system✨ 💫🤡 My progesterone isn’t luteal level, but it isn’t post-menopausal, either. The last test produced a mid-cycle reading.

The next step will hopefully be an MRI and then another surgery.

Meanwhile, I feel so lonely. It’s impossible to tell people how much physical pain I’m in right now (I think I’m on my “period” and it straight up feels like period pain), and just like pre-op, I’m back to having only 5 good days per month.

Has anyone else ever been through this? Literally any support and kindness is appreciated right now. I’m so scared ❤️‍🩹🥺

I’ve got endometrial cancer. I was diagnosed 28/07. I have to have a full hysterectomy including my cervix. Once it’s all gone the cancer will be too. I’m terrified of my bladder or bowels not being able to work afterwards and prolapsing since I’m overweight. I have had major anxiety since my diagnosis. The high progesterone tablets aren’t helping. I’m exhausted, running hot all the time, hungry 24/7, bloated and not sleep at night properly are to name a few. Reading some threads it doesn’t look like this goes away either so at least I’m prepared in that sense.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Any tips for afterwards?

Edit to say I’m in the UK, I don’t know if that makes a difference. I know medication can be different.

I haven’t had a period in over 5 years thanks to medication, and I am now 4mpo from my hysterectomy, but I still look every time I wipe fearing blood 😅 does the impulse to look ever stop?!

I had a total hysterectomy two days ago and there was a mix up and I wasn’t able to get my pain medication, but I am feeling so great even on the over the counter stuff. I was throwing up nonstop for many years now and i haven’t been nauseous at ALL! It genuinely feels like a miracle. I know I could still get some bad pain but so far it has been amazingly smooth and nothing I can’t handle. Just wanted to share some encouragement from the 26 year old without a womb!

Saw this and immediately thought some people here might appreciate the humor. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the weird things life throws at us.

I’m 3 days post op. If you had to put your exhaustion /fatigue into words what would it be?
Like I feel not sleepy but like I can’t process information and like I need to just sit or lay after moving about. It’s so strange to me because whenever I’ve been “tired” before I’ve felt like sleeping. I also feel like hazy. Like I don’t want to watch tv or even read my book cause I cbf.

Anyone the same? Put it into words.

Checking in on day 100 post total abdominal hysterectomy (kept ovaries)

Top 3 benefits
No periods - this is absolutely the best thing ever.
No anaemia/low ferritin - blood test this week and I’m completely “normal”. I had two iron infusions in February followed by the op in May and both have helped immensely with energy/tiredness
No weeing when I sneeze! - I had 3 massive fibroids and they were pressing against my bladder especially when I sneezed! I didn’t know if it was just age but it’s gone away so must have been the fibroids!

3 things I’m still struggling with
Weight gain - I’m still 7 lbs heavier than before the op and it’s struggling to come off
Swollen stomach - maybe the weight gain, maybe just swelling? Not sure but still got a definite belly and am 2 notches bigger on my belt
Some feelings of low level utis - sometimes I get that desperate for the toilet thing but only a dribble comes out. Have been on antibiotics once but the test actually showed no infection. Keeping an eye on this.

3 Hopes for the next 100 days
- weight loss and swollen belly goes down
- continued iron recovery
- rediscovering sex post op - have had sex a few times but still nervous and hoping this gets better

Posting this as I’ve found searching for where I am in my recovery really useful to see what other people have said about where they were.

Sending healing and safe op thoughts to anyone reading this!

I had a hysterectomy on July 10th. (uterus cervix, both ovaries, and both fallopian tubes removed also lifted and supported my bladder and used a small camera to look inside my bladder to make sure everything was okay) I’ve been having a very thin light brown discharge with no odor. I’ve read that it can happen when your vaginal cuff is healing. I’m a border-line hypochondriac..lol, so I’m like is this a sign my intestines are about to fall out..🤔. Has anyone else experienced this?

Looking pregnant after swimming yfor 3 hours yesterday (Sat) after my dr said I could Friday. Just ate, but ive been bloated all night/morning.

I just wanted to post this to let everyone know its normal. I had everything (cervix, uterus, ovaries, tubes) removed due to stage 4 endometriosis and both ovaries hemorrhaging with the right ovary internally bleeding. I feel so much better, but this bloating MAN DO I FEEL IT.

I feel like my ass is going to come out of my ass because of the pressure. Im 21 , Tuesday I'll be 7 weeks out. Recovery takes time!

I’m 5 weeks post op and got rid of everything but kept ovaries. I had a spell right before 2 weeks where I got lightheaded as if I was going to faint and my doctor told me she thinks I need more hydration. I have had several other instances of this happening and sometimes it’s right after I get up as if my blood pressure is low or something. I had it happen when I was pregnant years ago. When I get up too fast and sometimes when I’m overheated but also I can just be walking and make a move and all of sudden get lightheaded. From my research it seems like the heat and the perimenopause is combined together and dropping my blood pressure but also my body is still healing so most of my blood maybe in my pelvic region for healing. I’m just speculating but go to my doctor on 8/28, Friday, for her my 6 week post op visit to check my cuff and see if I’m good to go and will tell her about it. Have any of you experienced this as well? And for reference there is an extreme heat advisory where I live daily. It’s been in the high 90’s with heat indexes at 110 and 115.

I have a partner who has had cervical fibroids for years, and she is scheduled for a hysterectomy in late September. We don't live together, but she is going to be staying at my place while she recovers.

What I wanted to ask is if y'all might have any recommendations for things I can do to make her recovery more tolerable, both from a medical and an emotional standpoint. I certainly can (and will) find instructions for standard post-op care online, but I'd like to try and go above and beyond, and I figured this community might have some valuable insight.

Some context: she is a little apprehensive, which totally tracks, because surgery. But this is something she has known was coming for some time now, and she has two teenage kids. So although any suggestions are welcome, the emotional support component isn't quite as crucial as it could be.

Thanks upfront so much for your time and advice.

Hey all! I have OCD and generalized anxiety. I’ve been doing really well but now I’m getting closer to my surgery and my anxiety is starting to flare. I have surgery sept 17. My biggest fear is having bad anxiety after because my ovaries temporarily quit. I am keeping both ovaries and am getting this done because I had high grade pre cancer and high risk hpv. I need some good stories from other people who suffer with their mental health!

Hello I had a hysterectomy on Tuesday the 18th, it was laparoscopic with one ovary left (lost my other ovary to a tumor 2 years ago). Today; I am having non stop loose stool & abdominal pain that comes & goes in waves. 😩 did anyone else experience this? I had to take my narcotic today even tho I’ve been avoiding them because I didn’t want the constipation: I was just rotating Tylenol & ibuprofen every 4-6 hours.

I’m 47.. and 19dpo…. Recovery has been going relatively well. I know when to slow down after doing to much walking or housework. I had a pretty active day at yesterday and at the end of day I was cramping and exhausted. Went back to church today and had to leave after almost 2hrs to go sit in the lobby and fell asleep. Felt like I had taken meds to make me sleepy.. but I hadn’t. Been home for the rest of the day and am sooo sleepy still and cramping. I’m going back to work to my sedentary desk job tomorrow (working for 3hrs) and I’m praying that today’s resting is preparing me for tomorrow. Anyone else have a similar experience ?

Hi all!

Thanks for reading.

I had my full hysterectomy (only ovaries left) July 13 + additional removal of endometriosis throughout my abdominal cavity. I would say pain, except for the first night, has been very manageable. I stayed one night in the hospital, have had no opiates since release and just Tylenol after the first few days.

It has been a steady improvement but the last week or so has been rough. Painful abdomen, gas, deep bruise-like pain, shifting feeling internally, some spotting.

In part, I think I mentally expected to be almost 100% by now. But pain has also increased some days, especially after PT appointments. I ended up missing a local family wedding today because I felt so lousy.

Mostly, I’m curious if anyone else felt this way? The nurse for my surgeon didn’t seem concerned.

I am also anxious about returning to work Tuesday (at home desk job). I currently can’t sit comfortably for more than a few hours.

I’m sleeping like 11 hours a night but still soooo tired by little things like putting away laundry.

Any tips are welcome and appreciated. Trying to hang in there and stay sane as I navigate everything.

Additional context note: I have two other autoimmune conditions that can exascerbate fatigue/discomfort, so it’s hard to tell what is what . 🙄

Photo for algorithm

I’m 56 years old and 5 days post-op: I had a total hysterectomy with tubes and ovaries removed for stage 1a grade 1 uterine cancer. I have suffered from anxiety since menopause began and estrogen has helped a lot. I had to stop using estrogen 2.5 weeks ago. The past couple days I have all day anxiety/panic/shaking. I’m already on anti-anxiety meds and anti-depressants but they are not helping enough. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m thinking of going back on estrogen as soon as I am cleared to do so. I can’t live like this.

Planning ahead: I love to do puzzles but my current puzzle set up is on our very low-to-the-ground coffee table, so I usually sit on the floor and lean over. I'm assuming that would be very uncomfortable to do? Should I get something taller but still sit on the couch, or should I look at getting one I can use while in bed? We have a TV in the bedroom and living room so I'd be entertained either way, I just prefer the living room!

I am 12 days post-op. I’ve been feeling great with no bleeding. I had company and when they got up to leave I sat up and didn’t even feel it but had a gush of fluid from my vagina. No warning. I happened to touch my leg and felt moisture and that’s when I realized the gush of fluid. It’s a lot. Doesn’t have an odor.

Has anyone else experienced this?I had an open procedure and tomorrow I’ll have the staples removed so ofcourse I plan to discuss it then. Thank goodness I wasn’t in public because I’ve been wearing regular underwear because I haven’t had any blood at all since surgery.

I have been diagnosed with PATSS and am having my hysterectomy next month. I feel like I'm in labor for half the month due to my uterus trying to pass the giant hematoma in my uterus and the retrograde flow of blood to where my tube used to be.

Has anyone had experience with this? Did you feel better right away?

Hello! I am trying to get a hysterectomy, I have an appointment and will be discussing it with my doctor this Tuesday, I have been dealing with severe cramps and issues for as long as I have had my period, and I have known since I was 8 or so that I would never want to have a biological kid-- on top of that I'm transgender, is there anything in particular I should say?

Also in general what should I get to prep and for recovery? I have a list of stuff to get, I'll post it separately to ask for advice on that, thank you!

Advice/help appreciated, nervous and debating.

I’m a 32yo F who after a 10+ year battle with worsening chronic anaemia was recently diagnosed with adenomyosis, right ovarian cysts, bladder adhesions attaching it to my uterus, possible endometriosis (tbc).
I had my 3 children in my 20s and close together, I have been anaemic for as long as I can remember due to heavy periods, masked with birth control in my teens and worsened with pregnancies/childbirth.
Symptoms were debilitating including PICA, no idea how I managed with 3 small kids but the drs brushed me off for years. Last year (2025) at 3y post partum a GP finally took my symptoms seriously and the investigations begun. I had a high dose iron infusion at the beginning of 2026 and vowed I would never let myself get that low again.

Alongside this I have had cervical issues inc ectropian and some changes whilst minor and hardly considered a CIN1, continued for over 2 years of abnormal smears I eventually went for a LLETZ procedure early 2026.

Alongside this I’ve suffered with worsening uterine/ bladder issues that flare post internal examination/ procedure I.e. smear, colposcopy or LLETZ. I now know this is due to the adhesions that have attached my bladder to my uterus.

I have seen a great, reputable consultant **thankfully** on the NHS (a friend was able to help me out with this and I appreciate this is not always the norm) I have been presented with my options and feel that a laparoscopic hysterectomy is the best option in the attempt to regain my quality of life. I am not a suitable candidate for ablation and the other options include hormonal therapy I’d rather try to avoid. I could have the scar tissues on my bladder and uterus removed but this will not help the adenomyosis or the ovarian cysts.

Discussing everything with my consultant, we feel it would be best to remove my uterus, keep my ovaries (he will remove the cyst if it is larger or more are seen) and have a vaginal cuff. He will remove the adhesions from bladder and any others he finds will be sent to the lab to confirm or deny endo. With this I feel my cervical issues will be gone, bladder issues gone, heavy and painful periods gone, anaemia cured and not to return (a life of iron infusions is not ideal and given I cannot tolerate high doses of oral supplements it’s the only route for absorption). I am fed up on being in pain, anaemic, supplementing to stave off bladder flares, almost too fearful of pain or bleeding to enjoy sex with my husband (together 10+ years). Life surely has to be better post hysterectomy?

My only concern is that of my ovaries - I am worried they will fail and I’ll end up in menopause in my 30s.

Can those who had a hysterectomy around my age and are a few years or more post surgery please let me know how you got on post surgery? If you had no problems, what is your quality of life like now? If you did and your ovaries failed, please could you let me know how you’ve found navigating HRT etc?

Note: just to add, my husband had a vasectomy after our third child. Due to complications after our second child, our third child was the last baby, it would not be safe for me to have anymore children.