It just occurred to me that it’s been six months since I had a hysterectomy at age 29.
Time flies.
I forget I ever I had it done. I am doing that well.
No more monthly debilitating cycles.
No more constant stress over when the next horrible cycle would begin and ruin plans.
No more exhaustion from anemia.
Thank you, Lord!
Side Effects
There’s always concern about side effects and I worried about that before my surgery. A LOT. But I knew that – for me – the benefits of having a hysterectomy done at my young age would outweigh the odds.
I have only had two “side effects” happen to me. One not even directly related to the surgery.
The first thing was that I had 3 or 4 bladder infections and frequent bladder “twinges” within the first 2-3 months post-op. Since I could count on one hand the number of UTIs I’ve had my whole life (before last fall), I knew it was related to my surgery. I didn’t know exactly why, but maybe my bladder was just irritated and getting used to having more space in my abdomen. Who knows?
The good thing is that’s gone now. I’ve had no twinges or concern since early January.
The other thing was that I’m dealing with adrenal fatigue again. I dealt with that after I had Luke so I’m prone to it. All the pre-surgery stress last summer and fall put a strain on my already-tired adrenal glands. Then I major surgery and that’s more stress and strain. When December and January came, I felt like I hit a brick wall. I was so tired all the time. I would sleep 8 hours at night and still wake up exhausted.
After consulting with my doctor, we realized it sounded like adrenal fatigue again and sure enough, after watching my diet and taking the recommended supplements, I’m doing much better.
Bliss
Did I mention how fantastic it is do not have to deal with a monthly period every month? Especially when mine were so horrible.
Technically I do still have a monthly cycle (I can track it based off how I feel) because I still have my ovaries. Just no more periods. Awesomeness, I tell you.
Literally I feel great. I don’t have any concerns. I’m not naive to say that nothing would ever crop up in the future. Of course I know something could happen, but I’m happy that now I’m doing so well. And I have no reason to think I will have issues in the future.
Six months out and I have no regrets. Going through with a hysterectomy was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
If you’re interested in reading my story, please click here: My Hysterectomy
Read My Complete Hysterectomy Story here:
- Girl Talk in Too Much Detail
- Hysterectomy at Age 30?
- A Surgery Date – Hysterectomy
- I’m Afraid
- Two Days
- Home and Resting
- On the Mend
- My Story: Hysterectomy at Age 29
- Healing
- 7 Weeks Post Hysterectomy
- 6 Months Later…After My Hysterectomy
- 5 Years After a Hysterectomy [2018 Update]
Questions or comments? Feel free to email me at erika at livingwellmom . com (no spaces). I’ve received countless emails from women with similar stories to mine and I love hearing from you!
shelly says
Glad you are doing so well Erica!
Erika says
Thanks, Shelly.
Bobbie says
I am so glad to hear you are doing well! I had mine at age 25 ( I am almost 39 now) and back when I had mine they still cut you open. I got a horrible infection and was sick for 3 months. As terrible as that was though it was AWESOME once I got better and didn’t have any more monthly periods! One thing to watch out for about 10 years from now is your bladder dropping. Mine has already started and my Mom had one when she was 30, and hers dropped also. It may be hereditary, I am not sure, but it is still something to keep in mind.
Erika says
I’m sorry you had such a hard recovery, Bobbie. That would be awful. But that’s good to hear you’ve done well since then.
I will definitely watch for future bladder issues. I have no family experience so I’ll see what happens for me. I also kept my cervix because I’ve heard that can help prevent future bladder issues (theory is more support there) but at the same time, I’ve heard there’s no evidence to support that. So who knows. Thanks for sharing!
Roxie says
Thank you for writing about what happen with you I am 31 an in a week now a hAlf I will be having a hysterectomy done I 2as so scared an didn’t know if I was making the right decision but after reading your story I feel so much better about the choice I made
Erika says
I’m glad to help, Roxie. Hugs! You will get through this! The light is at the end of the tunnel now. 🙂
Aqsa Nadeem says
Do u have any weight gain issues after Hysterectomy. I have read alot about that and all the articles are in gavor that it may cause weight gain.
I am having placenta previa issue. Its my 4yh pregnancy. As per my doctor there are chances of excessive hemmorage and it may also end up in Hysterectomy. I am really scared about it. Though i am orayibg for well beibg of my baby. But i am too scared.
Erika says
I’ve gained a few pounds since the surgery, but it wasn’t from the hysterectomy – it was because I have hypothyroidism. (Weight gain is one of the common symptoms of an under-functioning thyroid because it throws off the metabolism)
Good luck to you! I’ll be praying for you and your baby.
Sally says
Hi Erika,
Thanks for your blog..it’s inspiring and a positive story. I had my hysterectomy 2017 aged 29 and am doing okay. Have you had any major complications?? Please email me.
Erika says
Email sent. 🙂
Sally says
Hi nadeem,
I hope your delivery went well.
I too had placenta previa grade four. My doctor did not mention chances of ending up with a hysterectomy. Anyway during delivery in August 2017, I got complications as the placenta was attached to my uterus. It was life threatening n he had to take out my uterus. My baby is now six months n the hysterectomy was the best thing that happened to me. No more periods, av lost weight n my face is way younger. Something happened that I can’t explain n although I am 29 years everyone now says I look 22.
I hope ur placenta previa will not lead to excess bleeding n a hysterectomy but if it does b encouraged that u will be just fine n someone else has been there too. Mine was my second pregnancy
You r in my thoughts.
Millie says
I to had placenta previa I did hemorrhage and end up with a hysterectomy at 31 unfortunately mine has come with every pain known to man and it’s just a little harder to get use to as it wasn’t planned
Bell Q. says
Hello ladies, I had hysterectomy in November 2017. It’s nice to know everyone symptoms of tiredness and low energy is what seems what I experience as well. I am taking some supplements which is Protandim NRF2 and Vitamin C L-glutathione. Relumins brand. I’m able to exercise when I take them, but afterwards maybe like after an hour or so I go back to have low energy again. I by the way started taking the supplements 5 months after my surgery. I’m also getting chiropractic adjustment treatments for my lower back pain and stiff neck. But I still feel like the supplements are just temporary relief for me. I still feel very tired and unable to accomplish the house chores or activities I want to accomplish daily. Please let me know if the supplement I’m taking are safe to take. Or if you guys have any supplements that you take that really works and help your loose weights, gives you energy and are good for your nails, hair,a nd skin. Those supplements I’m taking is what is mostly for that.
Thanks,
Bell
Tammy s says
It’s nice to hear you are doing well. My doctor and I have been trying to decide if a hysterectomy is the next step for me. I am thinking it’s the best way to go. I am not to worried about the side effects. It’s more that I am worried about how long I will be down for the count. The kids have a lot on their plates right now. So I am kind of in limbo. Thanks for sharing you story.
Erika says
Tammy, I completely understand that. That was my biggest concern when I went into my surgery last fall. With four young kids, I couldn’t afford to be “down” for long!
I recovered so quickly I was amazed. But it’s almost important to remember that it is major surgery and you have to give yourself a break and not expect too much too soon. Also what type of hysterectomy you have will play a major factor in your recovery period. I had a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (meaning I kept my cervix) which is the least invasive and has the quickest recovery time.
We also planned a couple things that helped – we had family come help out for the first week so I didn’t have to worry about the kids and then my husband took a few days off work the second week. We also set aside money so we could hire someone to come in weekly or bi-weekly to clean the house for the six weeks post-op. While that’s never in our normal budget (I would LOVE to do that regularly but can’t), we knew that would be important for my recovery-time so we saved up the money.
Now I’m on the other side, I wish I had gotten it done sooner. I feel so free now and it’s amazing. I feel like I have my life back. Feel free to email me if you ever want to chat. I’ll be praying for you! ((HUGS))
Molly says
Thank You so much for sharing your experience. I am 28 (29 in August) and I had 4 kids in 4 years (no twins) my baby is 18 months. Like you (had), I have severe clotting with my cycle, and the bleeding is so so so much. My Dr dismissed it until I got a diva cup and measured. 2 cups in one day (sorry tmi) but then they thought it was serious! My iron has always been great, but right after my period I would black out when I stood up and feel sooo tired and weak. My Dr wanted me to do an ablation but I have uterine prolapse so my cervix is almost coming out, causing pain especially if my hubby and I are intimate. Because of the prolapse I know a hysterectomy is in the cards anyway. I am just done. Done with the bleeding, the pain, and losing my life for half a week each month. I am not glad this happened to you but it is comforting to know that I am not the only young mom to go though this. Your posts give me hope! Thank you!
Erika says
Molly, you are definitely not alone! I feel your pain. If it helps, I am now 18 months out from the surgery and it is still one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It is amazing not having to worry about that horrific time of the month. I have my life back and it feels great. Sending many hugs your way. I know it’s not easy. Feel free to email me if you want to talk more. ((HUGS))
Angie says
Glad you are doing so well. I’m still trying to decide if I should have one. I wanted to tell you that your UTIs after surgery were more than likely caused by the catheter. It happens a lot and it happened to me. One of the things you can research about a hospital is the number of UTIs reported after a patient has had a catheter. It occurs in almost all hospitals. Some more than others.
Erika says
Wow, I didn’t know that. It makes perfect sense. And thankfully I haven’t had any more since that first six months.
Good luck as you make your decision!
Risa says
I’m glad to hear that your doing so well after your hysterectomy. I too have VonWillebrands disorder and the same problems with my periods. I am 33 and facing the same decisions. I am just struggling with making a financial commitment to have it done. I would have it done today if it wasn’t so dang expensive. Having VonWillebrands only adds to that expense and the dangers of complications during surgery. Did you have any issues with bleeding during surgery or post op?
Erika says
I emailed you back. And yes, it’s super expensive these days. You’d think insurance companies would be more willing to pay more for procedures that are going to really help the patient and potentially save them money in future expenses later, but nope. 🙁
Molly says
Wow Angela, that was kind of harsh and unnecessary. I believe this page is a Place for women who have gone through a serious and very major life change to come together. No one here cares about your opinions on hysteretomies. No one here is interested in your rudeness. No one here thinks you have medical knowledge. Why don’t you just leave the way you came in and forget this place. I am sure you can troll somewhere else.
Maddie says
I am 4mths post hysterectomy, using Bio oil for my big scar, which is healing quite nicely. I am so happy all my drama is over, aneamia & blood transfusions due to fibroids & heavy excruciatingly painful periods. Doing yoga 3x a week to keep my core strong & my mind calm. Ladies, do not be scared of the surgery as it will change your life for the better. Thank God I live in Australia, where this surgery is free. Am looking forward to the rest of my life without turturous periods. Good luck to you all. x
Erika says
Thanks for sharing, Maddie! So happy you are doing better!
Heather says
Hi Erika, just found your blog post searching for info about still feeling really tired months after hysterectomy. This is where I am right now! 8 months post op but still really tired. You mentioned taking vitamins and supplements, I was just wondering which you used? Thanks!
Erika says
Hi Heather, for me it’s been a longer journey than vitamins and supplements. It turns out I have thyroid problems (undiagnosed before surgery and probably exacerbated by the stress of surgery.) Is that a possibility for you too? I always tell people who have prolonged fatigue to look into thyroid issues. Here’s a couple articles I wrote:
https://livingwellmom.com/2016/04/truth-about-thyroid-labs/
https://livingwellmom.com/2015/11/getting-healthy-baby-steps/
Christy says
Hello Erika,
Thanks for sharing your story.
I am a 45 yr old; 4 weeks post-op removal of uterus and cervix, ovaries in tact. August 23, I felt a small lump in my uterus about the size of a grapefruit so it seemed to me anyway. Went to Dr. on August 26, he immediately sent me to have an ultra sound done as I had only noticed it 3 days prior to apt. No issues with my cycle at anytime, no cramps or anything abnormal. He was very concerned it was not felt prior to that date.
On the 29th follow up, his measurements was the size of a 20 week pregnancy according to the feel and his tummy ruler. (No way I was pregnant tubes tied and burned in 2001). Ultra sound concluded it was a uterine fibroid. Return to Dr. on Sept 2 . only to find out it had grown more at a fast rate (now the size of a 24 week pregnancy).
Ultra sound come back with measurements the size of a professional football, pap come back normal so he was more concerned the rate of speed it was going. Pre op apt on Sept 9th, with surgery scheduled the 13th. Surgery went great other than the incision being from hip bone to hip bone due to the size of the tumor. Was told after surgery it was no where near the size of a football more like the size of a basketball, largest one at the hospital that had ever been removed. Sent off for a complete analyzation of the tumor (100% cancer free) Thank the good lord above!.
I spent two days in hospital, up walking within 4 hours of surgery on my own, which I walked 3 hallways at least 7 times day of surgery, plus alot more the day after , all pain meds totally removed with in 10 hours of surgery per my request to the Dr. (not a pain meds person) Nurse asked in recovery what was my pain level on a scale of 1-10 like they always do. My answer was a mild pain at a 9 but my pain tolerance is a lot higher than most always has been. (She laughed and said well when it finally gets to a 20 here is your pump) Used the pump only one time about 2 hours before the pump was removed due to the stress of an urgent bowl movement that was far greater pain than I thought it would be.
Things went well I was feeling great until on Monday almost 1 week post surgery. Sneezed, thought I had busted a stitch in my incision. Blood every where looked like a pint or more, called doctor on call that evening and he said put pressure on it and if it don’t slow down a trip to the ER was in order.
The rest of the night went well and the next day also, Dr apt on the 21st (where Dr. was extremely surprised to see all my stomach bruised to the point it was black almost all the way around my back and up to my rib cage. (My bad I guess I figured with as much as the did pulling and tugging bruising was to be expected.)
OH no! Here we go, hematoma in the incision (which was what the blood from Monday was it finally just opened up). Now we are making trips to Doctor 3 days a week to clean and pack the hematoma site that is the size of a golf ball. Tiresome in itself to set at the Dr for hours upon hours. As of this past week 21st, we are on the up hill climb to healing.
Now I am dealing with major fatigue. Usually happens everyday around 2-3 o’clock then again around 7-8 o’clock. However, I do not sleep well NEVER HAVE since I was 15. If I get 4 hours of sleep a night I have always been ready to go for the next 18-20 hours Oh not now I am awake every hour on the hour looking at the clock for the first 4 hours then wide awake after the 4th hour. I have tried every sleeping position know to get relaxed and it is not working. Dr says sleep habits will come back, come back when? I have only slept about 4 hours a night for the last 30yrs now the only difference is I am looking at the clock every hour in those 4 hrs.
Any suggestions on a sleep aid that might help? I have tried all the sleep aids known even prescription ones (that do not help). Or some really great make me feel myself again vitamins? I know I am only at almost 5 weeks post op but this is annoying as I am not a napping type of person.
Doris says
Hi Erika! :). I just found your blog while searching for 6 months post total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Been feeling quite weak as compared to before surgery. Started to gain weight as well which is making me down. I don’t know if I can go back to regular exercise routine yet. I remember my doctor saying I can do light exercise and gradually increase during my 3 months post check up. It’s not clear when I can really do regular workout including core workout.
May I know how soon did you went back to exercise?
Thank you.
Erika says
Hi Doris. I remember feeling weak and very low energy for a few months. I believe I started doing light exercise (yoga, at-home walking dvd) about 3 months post-surgery. But I was so tired, I didn’t keep it up regularly. I later discovered I had an undiagnosed thyroid problem. Once I got that worked out, I’ve been doing better.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly and you’ll get some energy back soon! It helped me to remember that a hysterectomy – even laparoscopic – is major surgery and it WILL take time for the body to recover. Hugs, Doris!
Doris says
*may I know how soon did you go back to regular workout routine?
Terri says
Hello. I’m 36 years old and just found out today that I will probably be needing to have a hysterectomy. I’m terrified. It’s not the surgery that scares me, it’s after the fact that I’m most worried about. Do you mind me asking if you are having any long term side effects? Is there anything you wish you had done differently? I have read all your post on this issue and I’m just wondering how you are feeling so many years later. Thank you for any information you can give me. Just in case your not able to reply on this forum my email address is tacree2@gmail.com
Once again thank you and God bless you.
Chaunte says
Hi! I just came across this article and I am literally in the same boat. I am currently 30 and am considering a hysterectomy for my menstrual issues. Literally everything you were saying you went through, I’m currently experiencing. While I only have 1 amazing child, I’m at peace not having another (biological) child. This has given me peace and confidence that I’m leaning in the right direction. Obviously, this was a few years ago, how are you now? Have you had any major concerns? Issues? I very confident that this is God’s will for me but I also want to be educated and prepared. Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward to hopefully hearing from you.
Cheryl says
Hello Erika!
Thank you for your blog! I’m a pretty private person by nature so to find a blog (randomly) with someone who has opened up freely about a topic so personal was something I needed……God works in mysterious ways!
I am 37 yrs old and was just told I need an immediate hysterectomy. My surgery will be in less than 5 days so with very little time to plan, it does have me pretty scared if I can be honest. Being a single mom, down time is not a option….or it least not a lot of it….and I too am not a good “rester” at all! Thankfully my children are teens so they are able to help and I do have family which is a blessing.
My story is much like yours…..chronic anemia is a daily thing for me, painful periods and symptoms in the past, etc. I’ve had 2 ablation surgeries in the last 2 yrs, excisions due to endometriosis growths, intense pelvic pain, and now a infection has developed between my uterus…..so a hysterectomy is my only option. I too am keeping my ovaries which I heard is better. Stress is a big factor and unknowns are more of what is the scariest which your blog has helped me with honestly. How are you doing this far out past your surgery? Is everything back to normal or better……energy, exercise, hormones, affects on your body, daily activities with your kids and life in general, any complications, etc. I’d love to get some more insight on what to look forward to/for!
Christine says
Hi Erika
I just read about your hysterectomy story. I just had a full hysterectomy a little over 4 weeks ago. Unlike you I had to have EVERYTHING out. I am 45 and suffered with endometriosis for years. It got so bad that large cysts (endometriomas) grew on my left ovary and basically shut it down. My other ovary had endo growing on it too. My uterus was all swollen. I was a mess!! I was like you I was terrified of having surgery but I did a lot of praying and I know God was with me in that surgery room. I am doing well now. I still have a little pain in the belly sometimes but my my biggest problem is fatigue if I overdo too much. Your story inspired me that things are going to get even better in the future and that I am definitely not alone when it comes to having problems. So many women suffer and then have to face this surgery.
Nicole says
Hi, 4 days ago I had a laporoscopic hysterectomy which was a 5 hour surgery. I was beyond terrified to have surgery but 7 day periods that caused severe anemia and very large fibroids led to my decision. I was in the hospital over night. I have both ovaries remaining. 4 tiny incisions one in the belly Botton and 3 others with are almost now not visible. I did not need to use any pain medications other than basic ibuprofen and Tylenol. The discomfort was from the air used as part of the procedure. Today I feel almost back to my self. My abdomen feels a bit tight but it is starting to come back. Do your homework before. I had very large fibroids 3 in total. If you can have this done laparoscopic, have it done this way. My fist gynaecologist told me they did not even perform them that way in our province which I knew was untrue. Keeping your ovaries if you can is also a great option because you will not enter menopause after surgery. Your ovaries also produce hormones into your 80’s that help fight heart disease. So take care of you and make the right decision for your lifestyle.
Erica Lockley says
Hi Erika, Erica here lol
Can you tell me what supplements you took that helped with the fatigue? I am fighting it big time right now.
I had my surgery in 2019.
Thanks!
Erika says
Hey Erica! Send me an email at erika@livingwellmom.com and I’ll share more. I hope you feel better soon. Ongoing fatigue is no joke. 🙁