Total Hysto at 42, HRT, 40 pound weight gain, a stomach that hangs over the scar and ZERO INTEREST in sex and I used to be oversexed! Evidently, we aren't failures, but it feels like we're letting ourselves and husbands down, and no one has a solution it appears

I think weight gain is because we feel sorry for ourselves and I will agree the scar is a pain in the neck...But we are alive...You let your husband down only when you get into a rut...I had my ovaries and everything taken out at 47....But, I didn't want another woman having him so I got it together...He loved sex and I went back to our old hot sexual ways with some added imagination and some hot ideas....My solution is I am a 10 as you are a 10...We are both "hot babe's"....Now it is up to you to keep him from aging and find your way home....

If I can help in any way, ask...

Love,
Caroline

I had my uteris removed, then one year later had to have one ovary removed and another year later had to have the other ovary removed. All of this done by the age of 29. I have all the same problems as everyone above. I only gained 12 and 16 pounds with my babies. Now I have no control over my body. I have to see my Dr. about every 4 weeks or so. With these Dr. visits he changes my hormones. I have the horible hot flashes, no sex drive, overwieght, and major depression. I just feel like it would be better to not bother any longer. I feel like my husband and children are the ones that are really suffering. They are what keep me going because they don't give up on me. I also have gained 40 pounds. I exercise every day. With no positive side effects. Almost wasted time. I eat celery and gain weight. Please help me. I need to know if my hormones are what is hurting me.

I am far from an expert but I think a lot of this is in our heads....I did not have mine out until 47, but it was a shock to my system too...Gaining weight can be done out of depression....This is a "you" thing as it was a me thing....Count your carbos and calories and you will lose weight...I think it is our mental make up that needs adjusting...

I figured it this way...My sexual parts worked...I could be stimulated...This, to me, was the big thing in our marriage...My husband was hot and this was important to me...Many women would have jumped in if I did not do and be what I used to be....So I found myself again...Maybe it was from picking up a Porn magazine and either looking at a naked woman or man to turn me on, but I did this....It was important to me to get the motor started so I found ways to do this....

Up until about three years ago I only took Premarin....Now I am off of this and use the Estring Disc insert which I change every three months....It sweetens my vagina and keeps it juicy....This helps me and sexually I am at the top of my game....

I believe feeling good about yourself and your abilities in life helps you keep your weight under control....I always had many hobbies and still do...I guess I didn't give myself time to get depressed....

Mine is only a story about me and I am sure many women can help you here, but I am adding my two cents....

If I can be of any help feel free to PM me or ask me it here....

Regards,
Caroline

A hysterectomy is an absolute last resort. I'm 38, had one a year ago. Kinda wish I waited even though I was very uncomfortable with LARGE fibroids.

Caroline, the post-surgerical symptoms are very real. I'm glad to hear that you were able to get over this but I do think you're dis-counting the experiences of many of us out here.

The lack of libido is an issue after this major surgery, the extra belly fat is also an issue. These are bonifide medical issues. I think that women
should seek treatment and professional help for these medical issues.

I'm doing the HRT (estradiol) to keep my hot flashes in check and I use lubricants such as Lubricare ovules and KY. It is still a work in progress...and I'm still working on this WITH my husband's understanding thank goodness.

I believe a lack of libido is very obvious in many stages of a woman's life...After my Hysterectomy, I made my own libido...I had to...I had no choice...I was so anemic before the surgery that I had to wait 4 months for them to build my blood count up to have it...I question if treatment (whatever it is) or professional help (again whatever it is) can help...It is your mind that dictates your actions...

Had a hysterectomy for severe bleeding and clotting that nothing would remedy back in 1997. The estrogens made my blood pressure skyrocket, caused me constant nausea and vomitting and blurred vision. Progestone sent me into an almost suicidal depression (did the same things tto both my sisters, too). I'm a nurse practitioner, and knew that weight gain can be a problem due to hormonal shifts post-operatively, and also knew that eventually a "pooch" would develop. I've had to change the way I dress because of the change in my body shape, not because of a ten lb. weight gain, and yes - it's annoying. Nothing but plastic surgery to the tune of approx 10K will undo this. Watching what I eat and drink and remaining active helps keep any any additional weight off, but hysterectomies change things because the uterus itself actually produces hormones also. But I'm glad I had it done and would do it again in a heartbeat. No more fainting from blood loss while driving on the parkway and possibly killing myself and/or someone else, no more fainting and falling down stairs. Sex? What's that? You need to find other ways to stay close. I married my best friend, so it wasn't hard. If you have a physician or a Nurse Practitioner who is not listening to you, for God's sake, folks - get a second or third opinion. It's your body and your life, so insist on someone who will take your pain, concerns or discomfort with anything seriously!

i am going to have a hysterectomy-including the ovaries and tubes. In a few days. This is due to a large mass on my ovaries, as well as a thickened uterus, and a bunch of other gross things inside of me. I am looking forward to NOT HURTING ON A DAILY BASIS, and heavy bleeding, and cramping and bleeding after intercourse.
This blog makes it sound like I am headed for the same if not worse! Have anyone had improvement of symptoms?

If you go into this surgery feeling negative, you are accepting defeat before it starts...I never had these posts to read...Only good thoughts...And all has been well....

Caroline

I agree with Caroline. It's amazing what the power of positive thinking can do. Yes, there are some people who need medication, but for many women, their thinking will dictate how they are going to feel as they age and go through surgeries like this. Having a hysterectomy will not change you as a woman, and neither will menopause, unless you let it, or there is a definite medical problem.

Thank you both for the positive thoughts.

if they leave an ovary, will i still have weight gain? im scheduled for next monday...........

I am saddened to read how many of us have similar woes. I am a pharmacist who had a total hysterectomy due to endo and pcos in 2004. I had not been married for an entire year when I was left no other choice but to have the surgery. I am still experiencing abdominal swelling and weight gain in the stomach (and not really anywhere else). I also have low libido and painful intercourse which has taken a toll on us and our marriage. The only thing that has restored many of my pre-sickness qualities is BHRT (bio-identical hormone replacement therapy) and the discovery of the importance of hormone balance. This includes the thyroid hormones and adrenal hormones working properly with the sex hormones (estrogen - all three forms, progesterone, dhea, and testosterone). I had significantly worse symptoms on the synthetic estrogen replacements prescribed by the surgeon who did my hysterectomy. She effectively put my body back into the exact same state that caused all of the endometriosis pain and infertility when I was intact. I researched the applications of natural hormone therapy administered in doses and combinations made specifically for my body's needs by a doctor who was well aware of the balance our bodies require to work properly. Even though I still have lingering issues with bloating and swelling, I have lost 30 of the 65 pounds I gained after my surgery. I wish you all luck and will keep you posted in my endeavors. God Bless!