I didn’t think that I would be writing about this topic, at least not for years to come. But, here we are… 29 years old and preparing for a hysterectomy. There are a lot of reasons why I have to get one, and I will explain those to you in case some of you are going through a similar situation.
Why Do I Need A Hysterectomy?
I shared because during my postpartum from our twins that they had found a fibroid present. Well, I have lived with that for almost four years now, and it has caused me nothing but pain, anemia, lack of fertility, and anxiety.
The fibroid that I have is too large to remove on its own. For reference, it is causing my uterus to measure the same as it did when I was 6 months pregnant. It is embedded in the lining of my uterus, from what they can see, and a myomectomy (removal of use the fibroid) is the case with smaller fibroids or those with different placement, mine is not a candidate for that.
The type of hysterectomy I am getting is different from what others can normally get, because of the size of the fibroid that I have. I have to get a vertical abdominal incision, from around my bellybutton to my pubic bone area.
It’s going to be a great upside-down “T” scar thanks to my c-section scar that’s already there.
The doctor will be removing all of my uterus, my cervix, and my tubes. We are hoping to be able to keep my ovaries… but they cannot see anything in the ultrasound because the fibroid covers everything, so it is one of those “wait and see” situations.
Preparing for a Hysterectomy
- Give yourself time to prepare. I you are an anxious person like I am, this is crucial. I am still spending nearly every day with this surgery in my mind. Thankfully, I also know it’s going to be planned and non-emergent (unlike my c-section which was the opposite, read their birth story here), and that allows me to really take the time to think about it and prepare myself mentally, as well as physically.
- Ask any and all of the questions. As someone who suffers from anxiety and extreme PTSD from my birth experience with our twins, I needed a doctor that would answer all of my questions and one that would take the time to understand my feelings. Y’all, I went to 8 doctors before I found this one. Thankfully, he put up with all of my questions, no matter how absurd they may have sounded to him.
- Get your body ready. I have been taking all of the steps to get myself as healthy as possible before going in for such a major surgery. There is a wonderful nutritionist I have been working with to get my eating goals on track, and you all know (if you follow me on IG) how much I love going to Crossfit RVA. I want my body to be in the best physical condition so that my surgery and recovery have the best chances possible.
- Make amends with the end of your baby making years. This is one of the hardest things for me. Thankfully, I have four beautiful kids that I am so thankful for. Saying “you will be my last baby” like I did in this letter, is now totally real and it is a hard pill to swallow at my age.
- Find a support team. This. Is. Crucial. If there is one thing that I can say, it is to have a group of people who know what you’re going to deal with before and after the surgery, and let them help you. I know that I have my sister here to help with my kids, my mom is coming to stay with me for a while after… don’t overwork yourself and allow the people who want to be there, to be there. This may not only be supporting you physical or with your needs, but also mentally. My amazing sister sent me this, and I LOVE IT in the times that I am anxious about this.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:5-11
Have you gone through a hysterectomy? I would love to hear about your thoughts and experience.
*Here’s to saying goodbye to our uterus, when it isn’t doing us any good anymore*
I have not had one and currently 41. I am deeply sorry you have dealt with this and it’s causing you issues. Will pray you can keep your ovaries and the surgery goes great.
Wow, this is very very valuable info right there. Sharing it for sure. Thanks a lot.
Sounds like a very difficult time both physically and mentally! I’ll be sure to support my wife as much as she needs it if/when the time comes
Wow that must be a massive fibroid. I hope you have some serious relief when this surgery is over.
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I wish you all the best and that after you can be much more serene and healthy.
My mom had to have a hysterectomy when I was in jr high. She was way beyond her baby years, but I know it was still somewhat upsetting for her. At least the surgery is not as invasive as it used to be.
I had a hysterectomy in my 30s, for the same reason. I was in crippling pain for over a year, my periods were all over the place and had 3 laparoscopic procedures and an MRI. The doctors all said, “oh, you’re fine, there is nothing there that would cause this sort of pain.” That last part was the key “…that would cause this sort of pain.” Finally, I saw a doctor who specialized in gynecological pain. He told me there was a fibroid larger than my uterus sitting on top of my uterus. He asked if I was done having kids. I was, since it took my 6 years to get pregnant with my son and I never managed to get pregnant again after that. He scheduled me for a hysterectomy. Took the uterus and the cervix, left the ovaries. The pain almost vanished after that (I still get painful cysts on my ovaries, but not nearly as bad as it was before). He ran tests on the uterus, I also had adenomyosis.
So, here’s the thing about keeping your ovaries: you will still have some PMS. Not the pain or cramps, but the hormonal mood swings. I forgot that would happen, and couldn’t figure out why I was so moody and depressed every month, lol.
I linked to a post I wrote on recovering from a hysterectomy in the URL section because a lot of women chimed in on it, and it may be helpful to read their stories. Mine is kind of a horror story. The hysterectomy went fine, but the recovery went wrong. I am the queen of adverse reactions and rare complications. I will say this: DO take the time to recover. Do not overdo it, especially since you’re getting the big cut vs the laparoscopic procedure.
Good luck and take care. If you have any questions or want to talk about it, feel free to email me.
I’m sorry you’re having to go through all of this and I hope you feel much better after the surgery. I admire you for turning this into a post that can help others.
This is great and very helpful I think for anyone who is thinking about or about to go through this procedure. More and more people are getting this nowadays.
My aunt and my grandmother have had to have hysterectomies. I may have to have one as well. Won’t know for sure until next month. This was good advice in preparing for one. I will keep you in my thoughts for your surgery.
My mom had to have a hysterectomy earlier in her life too. She had developed cancer, twice. I’m sure she was scared, but she had already had three pregnancies and had her tubes tied, so she had already made peace with not having anymore kids. I hope that everything goes well for you and pray for the doctors hands, that they be steady and knowledgeable and that you will have a quick and easy recovery.
You are so brave and thank goodness you already have kids. I am not a brave person and this really scares me because I am dealing with a similar issue. I hope everything will be okay.
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You are really brave, and I’m glad you have decided to share this experience with us, I believe that your surgery would go perfectly well and you would do great. Your story is a great source of inspiration to many women who are also going through this struggle. Thanks for sharing.
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so courageous of you to share your story. This is wonderful way to make others feel like they are not alone.
surgery is never fun, but we get through it like anything else in life! I’ve had many procedures due to my Wilsons’ disease and cancer scare… What I can say is, staying positive and having someone there to help in recovery makes it much easier. Take naps, do your physical therapy exercises, and picture yourself afterward feeling awesome and treat yourself to something you love.
I wish you the best… You got this!
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This is really helpful for people who are going through the same situation and its great that you shared your experience. Thanks for sharing.
Hi. Im only a year and a half late at reading this but I am currently preparing for a hysterectomy myself because of fibroids. Do you mind my asking what size yours is? I have 3. One is just bigger than a golf ball, one is the size of a lemon, and one is the size of an orange. I read in another post that it weighed 5 lbs! Thats amazing. Hope you’re doing well and thank you for writing about your experience. Glad I ran across it on Pinterest.
Mine was 11 cm, so it was larger than a softball when I had it removed. Over 5lbs:)
Thank you for your blog post. I can relate to your story. Our twin pregnancies correlate in so many ways. Now in couple of days I will be saying goodbye to my uterus. I wanted another baby. However fibroids and God said that’s not gonna be possible. I was hard pill to swallow, but through prayer, and support from my mom and pain my body has been going through it’s time to say bye to my baby making days.
Hi Jonanna, Thank you so much for sharing your stories. Especially the bible verse which gave me comfort. I’m blessed with three wonderful Boys. And on my Journey to surgery in the UK. I surely know God knows best and so thankful for Motherhood.
Peppy.
It is one of my favorite verses!