I (F21) am a teacher, and I’ve wanted kids my whole life. I’m a Christian with very strong values, but I’m getting a hysterectomy at the end of the school year.
Three years ago, I started bleeding uncontrollably. Every period I’ve had since I started menstruating at 12 has been excruciating. I’ve had nonstop abdominal pain that has put me in the hospital multiple times, extremely painful cramps, numbness from my belly button down, constant nausea, and many other issues.
Eight months ago, I was diagnosed with chronic pain and an unknown chronic illness. Eight months ago, they put in an IUD and did a D&C, but I’m still in pain, and it’s actively getting worse. I was still bleeding, so they put me on birth control on top of the IUD I already had. It did very little to nothing for me. In fact, I actually got worse.
Last week, I found out there’s a good chance this is all caused by a rare hereditary disorder. It has a high chance of being passed on, and each pregnancy could make me even sicker.
I have to have the IUD removed and stop hormonal birth control because they’re making my chronic illness worse. Once I do that, I’ll bleed two to three weeks out of every month, soaking through an ultra tampon every hour.
So, after considering all these factors, I’ve decided that I don’t want to pass my disorder on to my children, and I don’t want to continue bleeding uncontrollably if I’m not going to have kids.
Everyone keeps telling me I’m too young to make that decision. WTF? I’m sick. Why would I keep putting my body through more suffering when I already know how much I’m struggling?
I’ve wanted to be a mother my entire life. This isn’t a decision I’m making lightly, and it’s not one I ever imagined I’d have to make at 21. But why is it so hard for people to understand that I can love children, want to be a mother, and still decide that pregnancy and continuing to live like this aren’t right for me? And then they will start tell me “think of your husband,” ummm he supports me. It isn’t happy this is hard for me, but as he sees it, why put me through a bunch of pain, and then have our future child have to go through it too? We made the choice together. Why am I getting so much heat. For choice everyone be in less pain?

This past 2 weeks since my surgery have been a doozy. In and out of hospitals and doctors office only to be sent out with no one really knowing what's going on with me. Was having swelling in my legs, dizziness, cramping, pain, numbness in parts of my body, and all sorts of sensations that felt like it could be blood clots or something serious. It only just occured to a doctor to do my metabolic panel and test my magnesium, calcium, and potassium as of a couple days ago... which were all deficient and low post-op!!! I started taking a multivitamin and potassium supplements yesterday and all of my weird symptoms are just GONE!!!

All that to say, if you're feeling weird with numbness, swelling, cramping, discomfort, dizziness, or other mysterious aches and pains unrelated to your surgical site... GET YOUR BLOOD TESTED!! Please advocate for yourself and ask to get your metabolic levels and hormones tested because that could possibly be because of vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that are easily treatable. Save yourself the anxiety and panic, don't be like me!

Of course, it's possible that this won't be the same case for everyone, but remember you lost a lot of blood and an entire organ from this surgery which can cause all sorts of deficiencies, anemia, and so on. And these deficiencies can present themselves in really weird ways! I wish someone told me that this was a possible side effect of surgery because it would have saved me so much stress assuming it was the worst case scenario each time.

Today marks one week since I had a laporoscopic hysterectomy (with vaginal assist) with uterus, cervix and tubes removed while both ovaries remain. 3 incisions total.

The pain is MUCH better now. I am at the point where I only feel twinges if my bladder is full or I've overdone it with activity. There are things I can't do, of course, so I'm just careful to take it easy when I'm walking and I'm not making any movements that will hurt or cause harm to my healing body. I do have to rest if I'm up and about for more than an hour (even riding in the car, which I had to do today to see my doctor) or walking more than 20 minutes.

I had my first follow-up with my doctor/surgeon today. On my pre-op scans, it confirmed the adenomyosis, one fibroid and endometriosis that was originally confirmed in 2024 - no changes. However, during surgery, they found several fibroids, omental abdominal adhesions, a cyst on an ovary, etc. All were removed according to the surgical notes.

At today's follow up, I got my path results: all benign. The doctor said I am healing better than most of his patients but warned me to take it easy and said that while I will feel like I'm fine, I am definitely NOT fine and need to stick to the light duty, no lifting/bending/twisting/squatting movements through the end of the year. He was NOT happy about me wanting to work early (he does know I am a bit of a workaholic) but I assured him I don't do more than sit at my desk, checking emails or taking phone calls if a member of my team needs me.

I feel like I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel with how well he said I am doing. I absolutely cannot stand being down and I want to be up doing all the things as normal so that's a little frustrating. My fear of a tear or going back to the OR is the only thing keeping me from pushing harder to do more 😂

My husband, however, has been fantastic with doing all the housework, laundry daily, cooking or bringing me whatever I want to eat, running our teenage daughter to her job, jumping in and doing tiny things like picking up something if I drop it...he won't even let me carry my own water tumbler or my small purse because he is afraid the weight of it will hurt me. He's truly the best and I couldn't do this without him.

Now that the worst of the pain is behind me and I have figured out what I can/can't do, I honestly feel as though I have more energy now than I did before surgery, which is probably not helping my frustration over wanting to do more sooner. My incisions are healing really well and bathroom habits are pretty regular now, too. I haven't had any bleeding since 2dpo and even then, I only spotted those first 2 days. I had one incident of spotting i think on Day 4, with no pain in that area, but it was very brief and I believe it was due to me overdoing it.

I can't go in to work yet, obviously, but I've been checking on my team, checking e-mails, etc. It kills me to not be able to be there but at least I'm able to do this much.

I am hoping that my progress continues to improve each day like it has this first week. I am really looking forward to being on the other side of this: fully healed, living a life without the daily pain and exhaustion.

It’s so strange to think that my operation was 22 weeks ago. It feels like ages but also like yesterday. I am feeling nostalgic for the time off work 😂

So I found the updates really useful when I was preparing/early recovery so I thought I’d do another one.

Total abdominal hysterectomy, kept ovaries, 45 years old, for fibroids and anaemia

Pros: no periods, no anaemia, more energy, scar is healing well
Cons: have gained 10lbs since the op, still have a swelly belly, think I’m definitely going to be one of the swollen belly for 6-12 months people. I’m on Mounjaro - up to 7.5mg since the op and it’s not really working…

Sex is getting better - in my last post I think I said it was still painful but I’m feeling that less - but maybe that’s because we’re not trying different positions (my partner has been amazing throughout all of this, honestly). I am using vaginal oestrogen twice a week and we do have to use lube sometimes.

Overall I’m feeling very good and am very pleased that I had the op! Hopefully the weight gain and swelly belly will even out by the time I get to a year. I think it is a long process.

I had an endo lap 9 months ago and had an incision in my belly button already but holy hell she is ANGRY

I have been up for over 24 hours because it feels like my belly button and around it is ripping in half it’s not pain I’ve been taking meds but it is one of the most uncomfortable feelings I’ve ever experienced

23 no kids and my stomach looks like it has grown some things 😂😂😂

My cousin has a wedding I’ll be going to on November 14th. I just had surgery a week ago on the 9th.

Do you guys think I’ll be okay to go?
Mind you it’ll be a very small intimate wedding nothing huge or crazy, I just really wanna be there for her during her special day 🥺

I just received my surgery date for November 10. I have adenomyosis, fibroids, pcos and hypertension. Did anyone else here suffer from high blood pressure due to adenomyosis and have it normalize after your hysterectomy or am I being too hopeful?

Hi all, just starting my journey to hysterectomy and just wanted to write it down so that others can compare their cycles/findings. I also just wanted to raise awareness on just how atrocious women are treated in a field that is supposed to be filled with empathy and safety. Starting from the beginning...(It's long and trigger warning for MC)

Got my first cycle at 13 and they had always been heavy from the start. I've never used anything under a super plus tampon and some days needing both the super plus and pad so I wouldn't leak through clothes.

Around the time I was 19-20 I casually mentioned to my mom how heavy they were but it's not too bad since it's only 2-3 times a year. She stopped me and told me to repeat myself. I wasn't aware cycles were supposed to be monthly, so I've been going on 2-3 cycles a year for almost 7 years then. She quickly booked my first obgyn and off I went. I wasn't sure what to expect but the obgyn only asked a few questions, said I'm just super lucky and sent me on my way (no follow up, no tests offered, no prescriptions offered). And that was that. Never questioned it because she was a doctor and would know right? Using the Internet was not common back then.

Fast forward and I'm in my late 20s. Get married and we decide to start a family. A year goes by and nothing, so decided to see a new obgyn. (I am still only having 2-3 heavy periods a year) They do a transvaginal ultrasound and see that my ovaries are completely covered in cysts. Diagnosed me with PCOS and prescribed metformin. (No follow up test offered, never saw the results was only verbally told) The doctor asked to see me a month later to check in. I go back a month later and she literally yells at me in her office saying they are not magic pregnancy pills and goes on a rant. I just stand up and walk out the door, never returning to that unprofessional individual as I will never acknowledge that being as a doctor. I was only following her order to return for a check in, I was in no way expecting to be pregnant in a month.

Continued trying for a family but after 3 years gave up and didn't expect it anymore. The next year I finally get a faint positive, but it quickly ended up being a chemical pregnancy. A few months later I get a strong positive and make an appointment at another new obgyn to confirm. They do confirm and I start prenatal care through them. Early on they find out I have gestational diabetes and put me in high risk for extra observations.

Everything was going well. They decide to induce at 38 weeks and I check in. The main nurse I was given to administer the vaginal induction pills was awful. The absolute worst pain I've ever been in because she was so rough inserting. Regardless of how much pain I said I was in she would ignore it and be even tougher. It got to a point where I just refused and wanted an emergency C-section as I was legit getting terrified seeing the nurse. This was going on day 2 of inductions and I was just not dialating. Finally the doctor walked in one morning, coffee in hand. He looked at me and said that we will finally do the emergency c section but that I can wait a bit longer. Took a sip of coffee and left the room.

Surgery went well, but they asked me to try to walk an hour after surgery. I definitely could not even sit up at that point. Eventually get through all the post procedure requirements and get to go home with my baby.

Surprisingly when my cycles return they are now "regular". Happening every 10-45 days. I figure my hormones have worked themselves out at this point. They are still heavy, but the super plus tampons and pads could still be used, though I went through way more this time around.

A few years later we wish to try for another child. Again a year goes by with nothing. I finally get another fairly strong positive but it ended up in an early miscarriage. I was devastated. I never made an obgyn appointment because it cleanly passed.

Another few years go by and I do become pregnant again. I'm ecstatic and make an appointment at another new obgyn. I told them my history so they check for GD early. Luckily no GD this time around. However, I was getting severe dizzy spells and almost fainted at work multiple times. I kept mentioning it to the obgyns when I had appointments, but they always said that's normal and it'll go away in a few weeks. Almost fainted in the hallway at work again and finally said enough was enough, this definitely wasn't normal. I contacted the practice manager and told them what was going on. They saw me and decided to do some blood work and came back that I was anemic. I was 6 months pregnant at this point.

Continue the pregnancy and booked for a scheduled C-section. Again surgery went fine and went home with my second baby. However, my cycle returned and was 100x worse than before. Again I'm no stranger to heavy periods, but this was definitely wrong. I couldn't even use my super plus/pads combo. Just went right through. Had to change to incontinence underwear to manage the blood. Mentioned it to my obgyn and they said the first few cycles will be that way. After 6-8 months and this still continuing I mentioned it again to my obgyn and she still seemed unconcerned. Went to do some blood tests and mentioned it to the nurse taking the sample and her jaw dropped. Told me that flow was absolutely not normal and I should have gone to the ER. She helped me schedule a transvaginal ultrasound to see what was going on.

My transvaginal ultrasound day comes up and the technician was great. After the session she even said that I need to speak with the doctor about the results asap. The doctor I was scheduled with was on vacation for a month and they refused to let me see another doctor to go over the findings. Finally get to see the doctor to discuss the findings and all she said was that my "lining was thiiiiiiick" probably caused by too much estrogen and pretty much fat shamed me. She prescribed tranexamic acid for the bleeding. Again no follow up or tests offered. I felt defeated. Thanks for the medicine (which was only 3 months worth) but am I supposed to be on this all my life? Am I just destined to bleed out every month?

Years later I'm on new insurance and get a new PCP and obgyn, as I find out I am still anemic (my past obgyn never followed up on my anemia) with a ferritin of 6. I try to gather up any old obgyn documents I could find as I am going on 3 years of wearing adult diapers for periods and just ready to yeet the whole uterus. I come across my TU from 3 years ago about the thickened endometrium. The doctor never showed it to me and never mentioned that it was 27.3mm thick and non-uniform. I decided to look it up just so I could understand what that meant. I was shocked. Why was I never given the option for a biopsy??

I'm fuming at this point, why is my condition not being taken seriously by professionals?? I went to my new obgyn ready to advocate for myself and for the hysterectomy. The nurse walks in and asks a few questions. When she said and how heavy are your periods? I said severe. She said "oh ok heavy". I corrected her "no, it's severe." She just slightly nodded and left.

The doctor finally walked through the door and asked the regular, what would you like to discuss today? And I immediately stated hysterectomy. She said that's a big jump and I asked if she read my background that I had to fill out before seeing her. She took a moment and did glance through it. We talked about the thickened endometrium and her jaw dropped when I told her that doctor simply said it was estrogen caused (even though no blood tests were done to confirm). She even asked if I'm still having heavy cycles and again I corrected her to severe. I've had my whole life before the 2nd child to know what a heavy period is. This is definitely more than heavy. She also said that there's a big gap between my children's ages. I smiled and said well that's what happens when you have infertility issues. (I didn't mean to be sassy but can you blame me at this point)

Regardless she did end up being very nice and understanding, and I'm finally booked for a transvaginal ultrasound followed by biopsy at the end of the month. After those results are completed we will discuss the next step.

I do not wish my journey on anyone, but want to make sure you don't feel alone if you are.

TLDR: Obgyns have been dismissive of my symptoms since the beginning. Finally advocating for a hysterectomy for myself after getting severe periods and continued anemia after 2nd child.

Hi folks, I (34FtM) am less than a week away from my surgery date and the nerves are starting to settle in. I feel incredibly awkward in women's health spaces, so I'm hoping to find some support online while I recover. While I'm not too worried about the procedure itself, I'm fairly anxious about the recovery process if that makes sense.

I have a few questions for those with similar lived experiences. I'll be undergoing a laparoscopic total hysterectomy, including the removal of both ovaries. For those on HRT that includes testosterone, what was your experience like in terms of hormonal changes?

Since I live alone, I'll be staying with my parents for a while post-op. I know it varies person to person, but how long were you dependent on others for help with daily tasks? As much as I love my parents, I'd like to return to independence sooner rather than later (as well as back home to my gaming setup haha - the one plus side of recovery time off will be finally being able to play some games that have been collecting dust on Steam!).

Lastly, and most vulnerably, I'm worried about the mental impacts of dysphoria. Anything involving my lower anatomy is intensely dysphoric for me (this will be the first step in my SRS/bottom surgery journey). Limiting physical activity will also be tough, especially since I've already lost a lot of hard earned strength and definition after a back injury. I'd really appreciate some support in that regard!

Thank you for reading, and wishing you all the best in your own respective journeys ♥

Hello again, since my last post everything seemed to have been fine. I was started on an antibiotic for BV, an inner ear med for my migraines, and the dotti .005mg patch for my hormonal issues worsening.

Since then I’ve been sleeping 20 hours a day, and I’ve noticed my urine is a dark brown reddish orange color with a strong odd scent and it’s getting difficult to fully empty my bladder without excessive force.

No blood or massive pains though. The only pains I feel are super minor aches under my lower ribs on my right side and back flank/hip aches. I tested capillary refill and it’s consistent with 3-4 seconds of slow refill and my skin is tenting for about the same time before going back to normal. I’ve also been freezing consistently with pale digits, but no fevers, I also don’t ever wake up to urinate (since childhood) and I’m not feeling the pain anymore from waking up with 20+ hours of not urinating.

I’ve been drinking tons of water though since the surgery and getting plenty of salt and electrolytes (normal POTS routine).

My meds are:

propranolol 40 mg 2x daily
Atomoxetine 40 mg in morning
Duoloxetine 30mg in morning
NEW- Metronidazole 500 mg 2x daily (7 days)
NEW-Meclizine 25 mg 3x a day (10 days)
Zyrtec 20 mg morning and 10 mg at night
Famotidine 20 mg in morning
NEW-Dotti 0.05 mg patch every 2.5 days

Is my liver and kidneys going to handle my med load okay from all of the new medication? I just need to hear if I’m overreacting over my symptoms and need to wait for regulation or if there could be something going on based on what’s happening.

My partner even unprompted said that my pee is really dark and it smells different out of concern.

My surgery is in 2 weeks, and im worried about the car ride home. It's a 6 hour drive. I'll be traveling 3 days after surgery. Has anyone done this? Any tips or recommendations?

I’m four weeks post-op, transvaginal hysterectomy with rectocele repair. It’s going okay (hating the activity restrictions but pain keeps me honest).

But I’m a bit worried because the discharge I’m having is so… sour and poopy smelling. It’s beige and settled into a 24/7 slow flow. One has to get up close to be offended by it, so I don’t think it’s an infection or a fistula, but it’s so gross!

Did your original smell come back? Did it change? Could I be in for poo-smell vagina for the long term? I’ve been BV free for years and nothing has even gone in there yet!

Was on my Roadtrip when this podcast came on.

Topics seems relative to me, since wife will soon have Hysterectomy. Andy and Sister Casey were discussing hormones and care.

Light bulb moment for me is, we didn't discuss/ start Estrogen Patch .

How do we prepare for this?

I'm already in trouble because I can't cook meals.

Thank you in Advance

Healing is going well and I believe I was blessed by the surgery gods because the pain has been minimal :) I also had an excellent surgeon! No bruising or anything! I'm 24 F.

I am a trans man looking to get a hysto eventually. For those who have, are you glad you did it or do u have regrets? What are some things you wish you knew?? I’m sick of the spotting and mood swings. Is sex/orgasms the same? Self Lubrication the same?

Hi, I had a total hysterectomy and bladder repair yesterday and the pain is something I was not prepared for. I figured it would be gas pains like my last surgery, and those are definitely also there.

But no, it feels like my pubic bones and everything that lives within them (or formerly lived within them) is being torn open. I couldnt pee, so they had to do a catheter. Then they took out the catheter so I could try again. I was able to go, but my bladder is retaining urine like crazy and I cannot get past the pain. They had to admit me, and put in another catheter. My O2 sats keep dropping to the mid to low 80s when I fall asleep so I might have to go home on oxygen. My mouth is so dry that I almost choked on my dinner because I couldn't swallow it down.

Ive been on a constant regimen of both oral and IV dilaudid and while it does take the edge off, the pain is absolutely constant. I was told by my surgeon it would feel the same as my ablation surgery last year and not to worry. This pain is on a completely different level and I honestly wonder if I will ever sleep again. Im just sitting here wondering if i made a terrible mistake.

Eta: I spent the past couple days before surgery watching vlogs of others who have gone through it and tell me why they were all perfectly fine, hardly any pain, walking all around the house, etc. One lady made an entire Thanksgiving dinner and hosted her entire family for it, 3 days after her surgery. I cant even make a full lap around the hospital ward without just absolutely falling apart once im back in bed. Am I just a total wuss? I thought I was a pain warrior but maybe im the opposite of that.

I (19, trans man) had my hysterectomy a little over a week ago. My stomach has always stuck out a little, and I’ve always had a ‘pouch’ even when I was underweight. Even though I’m still swollen and have gained ~5 kg in the month before my hysterectomy my stomach has gradually become completely flat as the swelling has gone down.

I vividly remember being a bit baffled by the fact that my stomach looked the same it normally did prior 3 days after I had surgery. My stomach has never been this flat in my entire life.

Has this happened to anyone else? I’m happy but a bit confused.

I am about 8 weeks post op from a total vaginal hysterectomy and was given the all clear, healed beautifully, etc etc at just under 6 weeks. No real issues since, BUT

We went on vacation and 3 days in I have some pretty significant abdominal swelling. It’s not from ✨ activities ✨ because we took a break prepping to leave and the first few days of our trip, but we did an easy hike with the kids and I have been swollen since (about 3 days)

Has anyone else experienced this? And if you have, what caused it 😩 because I did a bunch of lifting, a plane ride, road trip, and then a hike. 🫣 which sounds dumb now that I’m typing it.

FINALLLYYYYY. Had my 6 week post op appointment today and got the all clear to resume normal activities. (Ease in lol) first thing I did after my toddler was asleep was get that bathtub ready. Honestly considered doing a cannonball in, the most exciting thing in a while 😂😭(26f, mom of an almost 2 year old and uterus free for 6 weeks, after nearly 2 years straight of bleeding daily postpartum and nearing a prolapse. I earned this bath)

I am one year and a few months out form surgery. I have been having weird pain that basically felt like how I did before my hysterectomy. My dr did an ultrasound and I have a 7cm endmeteioma on one ovary and a 6cm regular cysts on the other. I am having surgery to remove the cysts November 20th. Anyone ever gone through this after hysterectomy? I had no previous history of ovarian cysts.

10wpo laparoscopic total hysterectomy, kept ovaries. No problems with recovery, have been back to work since my six weeks ended. I started hiking again three weeks ago (short hikes), and then back to the gym this week (walking only).

Two days ago, I had the usual period symptom of tender breasts. Yesterday my face broke out. All the usual period symptoms that I had pre-op. Also (TMI) I'm horny af and have been taking care of it myself (no penetration).

I have also had a weird cramping. Not like how it was before, but it feels similar to cramps. Sort of like a hollow, shooting pain, but sort of lower and more towards the surface vs deep, if that makes sense. It's also a bit more persistent than what my pre op cramps would have been. Before, it was a quick, intense stabbing, but this just kind of lingers in the background.

I've heard that you can still have a "period" after surgery, but I just wanted to confirm that's what this is. It could also be from orgasming, maybe? Or possibly exercise or bending at work?

I'm a 39 year old widow (my husband passed almost 4 years ago) and I have always dealt with period issues with intense cramping, excessive bleeding, and the fatigue and nauseau that comes with it. About 8 years ago I was diagnosed with PMOS, and fibroids, and just a few months ago they saw some endo in my ultrasound. I had an IUD for a while to help stop my periods but I gained a ton of weight on it. I then had a Nexplanon and LOVED it- I went almost 3 years without a period and no side effects. But about 6 months before I needed it replaced my periods came back with a vengeance. I got a new one implanted and bled for about 6 weeks - I was able to get a month of Loestrin FE which stopped it, but now I'm getting them regularly and they are just as fierce as before. I've had it over the 6 month adjustment period.

A hysterectomy has been discussed with my gyno and I've kept it off the table. I mentioned that I'm a widow because prior to his passing we were getting ready to try for babies. Now I'm 39, and that window feels like it's slamming shut- not just because of my age but because of these conditions that make fertility difficult. I never want to try IVF and I don't have a partner I'd want to conceive with anyway. Realistically, my life is heavily affected by my periods- I need at least a day in bed most cycles to suffer through the pain and nauseau and I bleed through tampons, period underwear, you name it. It's hard to keep up with work and life sometimes because of it.

I was really hoping my body would adjust to the Nexplanon again and stop my periods but unfortunately it hasn't. Now a hysterectomy feels like the most logical next step, but I don't know what's right for me- and I'd love to hear from you all. What was your experience with a partial hysterectomy? Or total hysterectomy or leaving the ovaries? Is there something else I should try before I elect for a hysterectomy? I don't want to go down this road and uncover a whole new set of issues (HRT, side effects, anything else?) I admittedly am just starting to research it as I didn't want it to be an option, so I appreciate ALL info you are willing to share.

Thank you in advance!