Happy Wednesday, friends!
I don’t know about you, but this week seems to be flying by for me. In fact, the whole month seems to be flying by. We’re going to blink and it will be July!
Today’s post is a little update on how I’m doing post-hysterectomy. I have had several emails/comments/DMs asking for more info about how life is going post-op as well as how I’m doing with hormone replacement therapy now that I no longer have girly parts, so today, I’m answering all of that.
Many of the questions I received on Stories for me can be answered in my original posts. If you want to know why I had a hysterectomy, what symptoms lead up to it, what the actual process was like, make sure you read THIS POST HERE.
If you want to learn all about my road to hormone replacement therapy (I’ve been doing it for years and years even before my hysterectomy!) you can read the most recent HRT post RIGHT HERE.
And then following both of those posts, I did a combined Q&A post that you can read HERE.
Basically, I’ve probably over-shared, ha! There is lots of info about all of it because I didn’t take it lightly, but now that I’m on this side, I want to be as transparent as possible regarding the process as I know SO MANY OF YOU are considering it.
Let’s get started!
On December 6, I had my hysterectomy, so these are my answers about 6 months post-op…
Hmmmm…I really didn’t think it was bad at all, but I said it many times in my original post, I made sure I went to a doctor who had a reputation for doing amazing hysterectomies with little recovery after. I had heard from many friends that they had a hard time post-op and so when talking to OBGYNs about this surgery, I made the decision to leave my own doctor (who I loved!) as I really loved someone else’s method/strategy and heard from multiple sources that they made recovery easier. I was sore after but didn’t lie around nearly as long as I thought I would. I even walked a lot immediately after the surgery. I had it on a Friday afternoon and by Saturday afternoon, I could walk a mile with Andrew outside. The very worst part was lying down and then standing back up. Once I was down or up, I felt really great.
No, I did not.
That’s in THIS POST HERE.
Yes! I had already been doing HRT for six years because my body wasn’t producing the right amount of several different hormones. Now, I do it because I no longer have a uterus or ovaries but still want my body to function with the correct amount of hormones.
Gosh, no! I really think (and this is only my experience) but that my reproductive organs were slowing me down. My HRT doctor told me that was the case before my surgery and geez, I totally believe him now post-op! I think not having them removed a lot of stress from my body and freed it from having to work so darn hard. I feel much more energetic on this side!
I’ve never experienced a hysterectomy without HRT, so I’m not sure what that would look like, but my hormones have stayed so stable that it hasn’t negatively affected my sex drive one bit.
I was up and walking the morning after my surgery and then continued to walk as part of my recovery. I would say that I was walking pain-free after five or six days. For me, the pain always came when I tried to lie down and then get back up. That pain probably lasted closer to three weeks. I would think I was completely back to normal and then it would be time for bed, and that would remind me that I wasn’t.
I wish I would have had it done in January when things weren’t so busy, but that didn’t work for us and I ended up having it literally during the busiest time of the year…so that was hard because despite me trying to scale back, it’s nearly impossible when your calendar is filled with so much.
I had hot flashes before I started HRT but now, I never do. I am post-menopausal now and haven’t had a single one since my surgery. I give all of the credit to HRT.
Yes, yes, YES! This was the worst part! I don’t think people talked about it enough before my surgery, so this really caught me off guard. When you have a surgery like this, they pump your tummy full of gas to make room for what they’re doing and it took a solid five or six days for that to go away. It was kind of maddening because I wasn’t used to feeling so bloated and full, but my stomach was visibly extended and I was uncomfortable (more so than the incisions!). I only called my doctor one time post-op and it was because of that. All of a sudden though, one morning, it was gone.
Yes! It’s a running joke now with all of my friends. Here’s the deal…my friends who have had a hysterectomy say that it happens to all of them too (bladder leakage, etc), but my friends who haven’t had one BUT have had vaginal deliveries, say it also happens to them and that I just wasn’t used to it since I’d only had c-sections. So, I don’t know? I’ve never had any issues AT ALL with bladder leakage until my hysterectomy, but my funny friends tell me that they’ve all suffered since childbirth and it’s about time I join the club. It’s not a super big deal, but it’s the only thing that ever reminds me I’ve had a hysterectomy. I had zero side effects except for that one.
Other than bladder leakage? Not one!
That can be answered HERE in my most recent HRT post!
I mean, I guess maybe they could be? I’m not sure. Mine wasn’t. It wasn’t an emergency…but my doctors and my insurance company thought it was a medical necessity.
I haven’t! I do know that HRT can help with that though too.
I know I sound like a broken record, but because I didn’t do this without HRT, I don’t know what it would have been like otherwise. HRT is amazing for many reasons, but number one is probable that it keeps your hormones level so that you don’t experience the highs and lows that affect your life including your sex drive.
You guys know me, I like to be Miss Independent. I had my surgery on Friday and Andrew brought me home Saturday around noon. Kensington had a volleyball tournament that I wanted him to attend, so my dad came over and took care of the other three kids (they went to a movie, dinner, etc) and my mom stayed with me that afternoon/early evening until Andrew was home. On Sunday, Andrew took the girls back to volleyball and Smith stayed with me while his SUPER SWEET AND AMAZING violin teacher (she’s basically family now!) came over and checked on me too. I could get up and down by myself, eat, go to the bathroom, walk…I was doing really well. On Monday morning, the kids all went to school, Andrew went to work and then popped in a few times throughout the day to check on me but I was fine. I was really doing okay. My two worst days were Tuesday and Thursday that week. On both days, I just felt exhausted. So very tired. On Friday that week (just one week post-op), Erika drove me to the mall to see our kids sing at their choir concert and I was able to walk around pretty fine (in leggings, I wasn’t buttoning my pants). On Saturday, the girls had their dance recital and we had the McKinney Light Parade in one day…
…and I was feeling great!
Other than the fact that I NEVER EVER AGAIN HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PERIODS AND/OR FIBROIDS (WHOOP! WHOOP!)?! Nothing. I feel so good!
Well, you all know that I love Dr. Riegel (oh my gosh, I love him!), so he did a great job changing up my HRT prior to surgery to make sure that when my parts were out, I wouldn’t have to adjust to much. I take one shot a week and that’s it. One shot is all the hormones I need to live a really healthy life without a uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.
…I took this pic just now for you! I have four little incisions. Three on my stomach and one inside my belly button…
My stomach has stretch marks and hysterectomy scars…I know so many women would give anything to get pregnant so I don’t take any of it for granted.
Nope, I feel good! I don’t have any pains, any empty feeling, I can’t tell that it’s gone…in fact, I don’t think about it at all.
I did not.
No, I wouldn’t have done this if I couldn’t do HRT. I don’t know why it’s not an option for you, but I would ask Dr. Riegel about it. He’s brilliant. Even if you can’t do HRT, I would ask him for options.
I didn’t!
I feel very stable. During the month, I don’t get any highs or lows like I would when I had a cycle. There isn’t any PMS or really sad days due to hormones…all very stable.
With my new self injection method (that I’ve been doing since September), I would say I felt really energetic, stable and great after the first two months. I was already feeling good (since I had been doing HRT for years), but I would say after two months of this cocktail of things, I felt really fantastic by the beginning of November.
I had restricted workouts until the six week post-op mark, but after that, nothing!
None!
I wasn’t expecting the bloating. It was very short lived, but very unexpected.
I think there are probably a lot of them if you don’t have a good HRT regimen, a great doctor, etc, but for me, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I have zero regrets.
Whew! That was a lot of info!
Okay, don’t forget, you can catch all of my other posts here:
If you want to know why I had a hysterectomy, what symptoms lead up to it, what the actual process was like, make sure you read THIS POST HERE.
If you want to learn all about my road to hormone replacement therapy you can read the most recent HRT post RIGHT HERE.
If you have specific questions about HRT, you can reach my doctor (who sees patients all over the world virtually) HERE.
I hope this helped some of you out there today! xo
Erika Slaughter says
It seems like both yesterday and years ago all wrapped into one!
Paige says
I had a hysterectomy 6 years ago. I still have my ovaries. My biggest and really only issue is weight loss. I’m not on HRT. Do you mind sharing what HRT you are on?
Elspeth says
Thank you so much for being so open and honest about your recovery. So happy it all worked out for you!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jami says
I would like to comment for all those that HRT is not an option. I’m going on almost 2 years post op.. my 6 month check up is today. Since mine was due to a cancer scare I go see my OBGYN oncologist every 6 months. I too had a robotic surgery and recovery wasn’t bad at all. Kids were in school so I enjoyed that extra time off. My biggest side effects right now are hot flashes and night sweats, which actually aren’t too bad, and of course low sex drive. I just did an appointment with a nurse practitioner for strategies to help with that. I do want to give women some encouragement… not everyone had do HRT, especially if you’re hysterectomy was due to cancer. I was 39 when I had mine, that’s a huge deal to be pushed into menopause. Both physically and mentally. Although I’ve managed well, it’s also not a walk in the park either.
To help won’t long term side effects I take a Vitamin D supplement for bone health and I try to walk everyday as well. So to anyone facing this… good luck. It can be done without HRT.
Good news of all this… I do actually feel better now than before.
Lindsey says
Thank you for posting this – I needed to hear it, as HRT is not an option for me either. I have had a hard time finding information about how it will REALLY go and this was hopeful. Thank you so much.
Jami says
You’re welcome!! It’s so scary but I just try to have a good attitude.. we found it early, and almost by mistake, so I just try to have a good attitude. Also, there are a lot do other symptoms I don’t have to deal with now that makes up for it. I joke that in 10-15 years when my friends are complaining I can tell them.. been there done that 🙂
Kathy Wood says
I’m going through the menopause symptoms now. Oh, the hot flashes!! How did you go about finding the right doctor to help with HRT or do you know if your doctor has recommendations to his method in the US?
Mix and Match Mama says
I would contact my doctor to either see him virtually or give you recs of someone else. Word of mouth is the best way to find a physician in my opinion!
Teresa Cotton says
Bladder leakage-HELP!!! I know this is another topic for a different post but….. I’d like to know what you and other people are doing for this.
Shannon Leyerle says
There are actually weights that you can buy from Amazon to strenghthen your pelvic floor. I ordered Intimate Rose Kegel Exercise Weights, and they really help because they make you use the right muscles.
Robin says
Yes!! Do a post on this for sure. I had a c-section and have had bladder leakage since, which was a surprise. Apparently as the incision heals it can attach to the bladder and cause leakage.
Carrie says
Go see you doctor of course but look for a PT that deals with pelvic floor issues. Bladder leakage is not at all normal, even though it’s common. In other countries pelvic floor PT is a given after child birth!
Joanne says
This was such an informative, positive post. I have so much respect for you being so candid; you will help SO many women with this post, in tackling issues so many women have or will have to face. These are often scary topics because of a lack of information and you’ve busted that wall down. I only wish that here in the UK we had the medical choice you do over there – we get things free but ‘get what we are given’ – so if a hospital has bad consultants you are stuck. I feel that after reading your article should any of these issues come up for me I will feel more empowered – thank you Shay! Joanne (new reader).
Katie says
For the bladder leakage a pelvic floor physiotherapist maybe able to help you resolve those symptoms.
Lucy says
Yes! Highly recommend a pelvic health physical therapist. Your OB should be able to refer you (varies by state but in Texas requires a referral similar to an Rx). It is NOT normal to have bladder leaks forever after childbirth, surgery, etc – very common to have these issues short term but it’s often a muscle issue that a PT can help! PT after my 3rd baby was enormously helpful.
Shannon Leyerle says
There are actually weights that you can buy from Amazon to strenghthen your pelvic floor. I ordered Intimate Rose Kegel Exercise Weights, and they really help because they make you use the right muscles. Maybe a good, easy first step for women to try!
Stacy says
This was so helpful! Thanks for putting yourself out there and being so honest and kind! I couldn’t even see the incisions until you circled them so there’s that!
Mix and Match Mama says
Happy to help!!
Janet says
I think I remember you saying that you have an increased risk for breast cancer? I do too and if there was one thing my oncologist stressed, it was to never, never do HRT of any kind. I’m glad I listened because, ten years later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but it was caught early and I am doing well. Are you worried about taking HRT and the increased risk for breast cancer? What does your doctor say about this? Thanks! Janet
Mix and Match Mama says
That all depends on the type of HRT you use! Dr. Riegel would say that the right kind actually reduces your chances of breast cancer.
Rechelle says
PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY!!! Seriously life changing. Bladder leakage is common for women, more than 50% of women suffer from it, but it is NOT NORMAL. Makes me so sad that as women we just accept it as a fact of life from having children and then even worse that we joke about it to make light of the situation. It is never too late to seek pelvic floor physical therapy and it can be such a wondrous solution to incontinence.
Brooke Richardson says
Well as you know my recovery was rough. I have had 3 c sections so I felt prepared but my recovery after my hysterectomy was hard on me mentally and physically. Even my doctor said, it really took a toll on me more so than her usual patients I think. Not sure why, I just had a lot of pain that was pretty substantial for the first 10 days but by week 3 I had really turned a corner. However even though it was much more difficult than I anticipated, I am 100% happy I did it. I have no idea when my cycle would even be anymore. It resolved all my issues I hoped it would. I did leave my ovaries though but I have zero regrets and so glad that I did it.
Annie Waters says
Is HRT a big big out of pocket expense. I know that is a personal question and not asking for numbers, just curious if it is costly?
Mix and Match Mama says
It can be! I hear from different people that sometimes, insurance helps cover part of it, sometimes, it doesn’t. It all depends on what you do and who you do it through. It’s probably worth checking into!
Ann says
I went for years with bladder leakage after my hysterectomy. I couldn’t enjoy running or playing soccer. A new gyno suggested a TVT, bladder tack. It is a minimally invasive surgery much like the hysterectomy and recoup time about the same.
It was the best decision I ever made. I can run, laugh, sneeze, and cough with no fear of leakage. Wished I had done it sooner.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you for suggesting that!!!
Kathy says
I believe your post is helping so many women out there. I know your HRT posts helped me tremendously. I started taking hormone pills about 3 years in TN, and while it helped somewhat, I still felt like my quality of life just wasn’t as good as it could be or should be at that time. We moved to MD at the beginning of May because my husband got a promotion and I contacted Dr. Riegel. It was the best decision! I have been taking hormone shots for a month now and I definitely feel a positive difference. I’m sure that the longer I’m on this HRT regimen, I’ll feel even better!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so happy you reached out to Dr. Riegel!!! I hope you continue to feel even better!
Molly Nolan-Jones says
This is for you and all your postpartum friends—Bladder leakage/urinary incontinence is NOT NORMAL! Many women experience it, but it can be fixed. Go see a Pelvic Floor PT and they will help! Everyone who has a baby or hysterectomy should get a referral. Glad you’re doing so well!
Christine Munoz says
Having a hysterectomy was the best thing I’ve ever done for my health. I had many issues that led up to needing one. During my hysterectomy my doctor also did a bladder lift to get ahead of the bladder issues he warned me about. I feel like that saved me. He also did it because it boys were 10 lbs and 11 lbs so they screwed up my insides in a big way. Lol I go as soon as I get the urge but I’m no longer in a race to the bathroom because I’m leaking. I’m glad it was such a good experience for you!!
Sandy Blitch says
I had a bladder tack too after my hysterectomy, really helps with bladder leakage….as a 67 year old. It has helped so much. I am sure it would be a minimal procedure for you. I love having all my bits and pieces removed!
Melanie M says
I had a full hysterectomy 20 years ago when I was 40. I had to laugh at your response about never, ever having a period again. That’s exactly how I felt when I had mine. I do, however, have a daughter and so I still experienced monthly periods and some of them were painful (moods), too. LOL….you have 3 of those to look forward to.
Sheaffer Sims says
Wow! This post will help so many people!
Chane says
So you got home the Saturday, Andrew went with you for a walk but he also took Kensington to a game… Or do you go for a walk the following Saturday? Trying to figure out how much downtime I should schedule. You are very fortunate to have such an easy experience, same as your adoption stories. Love your light hearted approach to everyone. Keeps me motivated!
Mix and Match Mama says
We walked as soon as I got home and then her tournament was later that afternoon/early evening (when my parents were there for dinner and a movie time). I think I was home around 12:30 or so and we walked before I got in bed to rest. Things are hard sometimes, but my parents always taught me to look for the good in every situation, not complain too much and stay upbeat and positive.
Joanne says
I had no idea your doctor would see patients all over the world virtually! My only concern with the hysterectomy is HRT because my body went completely haywire on birth control pills (which they were only using to try and regulate my hormones since I had a tubal years ago). Well, that and if they encounter any sort of complications during surgery. I will definitely be keeping your doctor in mind though! Thanks so much for sharing.
Cathy P says
You mentioned the only side affect was bladder leakage, do you still have it? or did it the bladder leakage go away? or is this a permeant thing? Did they tell you, you might experience this or was it a surprise? Thank-you for all your posts on this subject.
Mix and Match Mama says
For me it’s random and sporadic, not a daily thing, but it’s still happening at the 6 month mark.
Bri Cole says
Just want to reiterate what some other people have commented, bladder leakage is not normal!! Even after childbirth. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help resolve it— I highly recommend seeing one. Your OBGYN can write you a prescription. No surgery necessary! Please do not “just accept” bladder leakage as a side effect! Best of luck!