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Fur 'n' Feathers

Recovering from hysterectomy

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Well, when the cancer word surfaces the NHS really does its job!!

 

Just mentioned some symptoms in passing to my GP who suggested an ultrasound. Didn't really want to go for it (too busy!!!) but capitulated. The us scan was on 14 April and triggered a rapid response appointment with the gynae team. To cut a long story short the diagnosis was "advanced atypical complex hyperplasia suspicious of endometrial cancer"! :shock: - had a total abdominal hysterectomy & bso on 19 June!! :shock:

 

Didn't really have time to process it - was told on admission that there was a 25% chance of cancer already being present & if no it would develop within a year.

 

4 weeks on & recovery is going well, although the old swelly belly is very much present & I'm still on painkillers (mild now). Get very tired, which is to be expected.

 

Why am I posting this? If anyone els on the forum is facing something similar, don't be afraid. It went well. Also I have found the info & support on the website for the Hysterectomy Association invaluable:

Click

Lots of info & support from before & right through the recovery period.

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Wow! What a shock for you - but well done to the NHS for sorting you out so promptly - they can get it right sometimes! 8)

The Hysterectomy association is very useful, until you start to recover - I found it was OK until then, I was feeling quite well, but the only people who posted post operatively were the ones who had major problems and I started to feel quite abnormal! :lol:

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Gosh what a shock that must have been :shock:

 

I'd echo what Snowy said about the hysterectomy association - it's great for info and support but it unavoidably gives an impression of lots of post op problems because those are the people who post looking for support. I had a hysterectomy and aside from needing time to recuperate I felt so much better post op and wished I'd had it done years earlier.

 

Keep taking things easy, it really does take time to recover and you can't speed it up by overdoing things!

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Glad to hear that you got it sorted in time, that sounds pretty dramatic.

 

I had a hysterectomy about 3 or 4 years ago now - best thing I ever did 8) Looked a a support forum a couple of times and decided that they were a load of whingers and didn't go back.

 

Take time to recover, take plenty of Arnica and stand up straight (use your pelvic floor muscles)! :lol:

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Get well soon - you will be tired.

Puts on nursing cap - I dont know what your symptons were but Ladies - if you get post menopausal bleeding - big or small after yrs of no periods _ IT AINT NORMAL! maybe nothing but it warants visit to GP - i still get ladies who 5, 10 20 yrs after stopping periods - get one and think its normal. It isnt.

Sorry to steal your thread but compare to breast and cervical cancer - Uterine cancer isnt much publized.

Take it easy F and F - I like the idea of a "Big chicks clinic" :wink:

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Hope your recovery goes well - remember it DOES take time no matter how frustrating.

 

I had total H a year ago - still get tired and a few surgical menopause symptoms - but compared to the big C hanging over me and endometriosis/adenomyosis its a no-brainer :wink:

 

Echo what has been said about the Hysterectomy assoc forum :D

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Get well soon - you will be tired.

Puts on nursing cap - I dont know what your symptons were but Ladies - if you get post menopausal bleeding - big or small after yrs of no periods _ IT AINT NORMAL! maybe nothing but it warants visit to GP - i still get ladies who 5, 10 20 yrs after stopping periods - get one and think its normal. It isnt.

Sorry to steal your thread but compare to breast and cervical cancer - Uterine cancer isnt much publized.

Take it easy F and F - I like the idea of a "Big chicks clinic" :wink:

 

Couldn't have put it better & glad you've made the comment. :clap:

I was virtually at the end of the perimenopausal phase & had a "strange" bleed after months. I only mentioned it in passing & was a bit surprised at the pressure the GP put on getting a scan! The whole episode has made me aware that, although women do talk, we don't talk about uterine cancer or the possible symptoms. there's a lot of awareness around cervical cancer, but not UC. I've made a vow that I will be open with people so that others can benefit from my experience. To think that if I hadn't been going to the GP for a routine checkup, or hadn't mentioned it, the outcome could have been much worse! There aren't even any leaflets out in general circulation to my knowledge that bring it to public attention.

 

I also echo the comments on the Hysterectomy Association that others have mentioned. It does seem to be more actively used by those who are having problems. However, there are some posts that are positive & indicating normal recovery. It's a bit like being in a union I suppose - if you don't vote only the extreme views are voiced!

I have found it very useful re. info. Just have to weigh the comments...but isn't that the same on any forum?

 

Thanks for the responses and the encouragement. Perhaps the "Big Chick" section might be a good idea 8)

 

Feathers

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Thanks Fur and feathers -i applaud you for bringing this up and hope that God forbid another woman is reading this and thinks - i might mention my funny bleed to my Gp or nurse - please do so.

I had a well done from the Gp I work for (doesnt happen much) a woman came with her shopping list (not for Tescos either) of worries _ upteen medical probs but the one I thankfully listened too and told her I had only 20mins and that was the one I would deal with - long story short shes just had same op as you for same prob. I didnt want to be right - I would rather it be a fibroid.

Get well soon - I think theres a place for help sites if you are struggling and some of these ladies may not have people to turn too. I think if you are pretty determined you will get on with it and be up and about sooner. But dont rush it - let your body tell you what to do.

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