Top 5 Things to Remember when Having a Hysterectomy!

At the mere age of 31, I was told I would need a complete hysterectomy. I went in for a regular pap smear and came out with a date for surgery. Every imaginable thought entered my mind, but the only thing I could remember to keep me sane was, “I am going to make it through this!”

Through my struggles, trials and tribulations, I learned a lot about me and a lot about how much the human heart can handle. A hysterectomy is not the end of the world but it can feel like it is. Here are a few things that are important to remember throughout your journey.

YOU WILL NOT BE LESS OF A WOMAN

A woman is not measured by the sum of her parts. During a hysterectomy you will have various parts truly defined as “female” removed from your body. This does not make you less woman. It only cures you of the problems harboring your life and your health.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT IS GOOD

If you are keeping your ovaries, this part is not for you. Those of us who have had our ovaries removed will definitely have to deal with the idea of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) before we go in for surgery. Even for those who plan on treating their surgically induced menopause naturally, HRT is important during those first few weeks or months after surgery. Natural menopause occurs over time, but surgically induced menopause is instant and with the added stress of recovering from surgery, dealing with an instant lack of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone is not a struggle your body needs at first. By using HRT during the healing process your body will be able to focus 100% of its resources on recovering from surgery. Hot flashes and roller coaster mood swings can be a sever shock to your system and certainly not the battle you need to fight right away.

THIS IS NOT LIKE ANY OTHER SURGERY

I have had three caesarean sections and one abdominal cyst removal. I went into this surgery with a time line based on my recovery time in the past. None of my previous surgeries could have prepared me for the effects a hysterectomy had on my body.

The surgery itself is organ removal and your body will have aches and pains form your organs resettling. Taking care of yourself and your incision is a number one priority. Rest as much as possible for at least the first two weeks and follow the doctors guidelines to the letter.

YOUR LIBIDO WILL NOT DISAPPEAR

Very few woman know the uterus/ovaries control testosterone as well as estrogen and progesterone. If you’ve had your ovaries removed a common side effect may be loss of libido. But. . .wait! Depending on the situation surrounding your hysterectomy, you may be losing pain and not libido. Hysterectomies can cure many painful years of menstrual cycles leaving the women involved happier and more free to express their inner selves. If you find your libido is diminished after surgery, don’t fret. Talk to your doctor about testosterone replacement therapy and please remember that all women naturally make testosterone, so replacement will not turn you into a muscle-loaded man.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

There are women all over the world in the same situation as you right this minute. Hysterectomies are more prevalent today than in any other time in history. Finding support and friends who will understand is a simple click away. The internet is a fantastic source of both information and kinhood when it is needed most. WebMD.com and Hystersisters.com were two websites I frequented before my surgery and still visit today for support I cannot find anywhere else.

So, no matter the situations surrounding your hysterectomy you must remember you are not alone, listen to your doctor, hormones are good, and you will not be less a woman. With these tips and a lot of time and support, you will make it through. There will be tough times and crying spells. You will feel unloved and tap out your resolve. But each day gets easier and life moves on. Smile. You’re healthy.