Questions about Hysterectomy?

I am 35, have 5 children, and am having a total hysterectomy in a few days. I'm having it done because since giving birth to my last child (2 1/2 yrs ago) I have had so many problems with my period..extremely heavy bleeding, cramping so badly I am down for 3 days in intense pain, ect, ect. My Dr. has done all sorts of tests and found that my uterus is enlarged, and I have fibroids, and since I am not having any more children and can't take the pain any more, we agreed that a hysterectomy was the best option for me. My question is, for women in a similar situation, (my ovaries are fine and not being removed) what were any problems you had afterwards, and did it help you with pms symptoms..ie: mood swings, migrains, bloating. Also, I have been getting alot of chin hair since last child, but dr said my hormone levels were normal, will this surgery make the hair grow more, less, or the same? I am having the abdominal surgery, same place I had 2 c- sections..is recovery the same? Thanks!

I had a partial hysterectomy in 1991 (left ovaries) as I had endrometriosis, causing endless pain. I know exactly what your going through. You probably have it to. After the surgery it took time to heal and lots of rest but it was so nice not to feel any pain anymore. The operation was a real god scent to me. I use to get mi grains before the operation as they were linked to the menstruation cycle each month. Thank goodness no more bad headaches either. I'm positive you will have so much relief from not having your monthly period that your life will change for the best and you will feel wonderful. The sooner you have the surgery, the better. Cocoa

I had a vaginal hysterectomy....I was up the next day, ( with pain killers), but no long term complications.Some people have complications, the lady next to me, ( who had the same proceedure), had bowel problems after. Her bowel was nicked during the proceedure, she had a lot of pain. But it all depends on the surgeon, and the amount of experience they have. It also depend on how you heal as well. Did you have any major complications with any other surgery??? But I have not noticed any hormonal changes in me, nor have I noticed any excess body hair....

Since you have already had 2 C-sections, the post-op pain will be the same. The recovery time will be similar. Since you are keeping your ovaries, you will not have the sudden onset of menopause as your ovaries will continue to supply your body with hormones.

As for the hair on your chin - this could be hormone related, but I doubt it will change. If this continues to bother you, there are laser procedures that will remove the hair permanently.

Good luck with your surgery and recovery.