Can we talk about hysterectomies once more?

TectonicShift Thank you for starting this topic. I often feel that for all we've gone thru with treatment, I have experienced chemical hysterectomy. Sexual function is a biggy for me. Especially because my husband and I have always had an excellent and satisfying sexual relationship even after raising our 5 children, it has always been good for the both of us. Uhmmm, at least until breast cancer Lot's of issues to deal with now.

Also, Hysterectomy is something I'd like to learn about, too, because my oldest daughter is suffering from fibroids and endometriosis and infertility. She faces this possiblity at age 34, and I worry so much about her.

Oceana

This is my biggest regret about my cancer treatment.  I wish I had not done the prophylactic hyst/ooph as it has ruined my sex life.  I am young, fit, and married.  I used to be always ready for some: no have no sex drive and it is painful no matter what we do. 

TectonicShift - I realize this is a Stage III thread, so I hope I'm not trespassing...

In 1998, I was suffering greatly from HUGE fibroid tumors in my uterus. Every OB/GYN had wanted to do a hysterectomy, I always refused. But periods that lasted three weeks, the need for tampons AND pads, and ridiculous pain all made me change my mind. Plus, I'd started perimenopause already, and was already dealing well with the effects.

I was fortunate to be able to have an LAVH - a Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy. The entire procedure was done vaginally with the aid of three scopes. I had three tiny incisions - one in my belly button, and two down lower, where the ovaries were. I knew I wanted them to take the ovaries, so I would never have to deal with ovarian cancer. (One of my best friends was dealing with that at the time.)

I was in the hospital less than 24 hours. My recovery was so rapid, I found myself doing things I shouldn't... like running down the hall to answer the phone.

Initially, I had some bladder irritation, because it got bumped a lot as the surgeon was moving things out of the way to snip the ligaments that hold the uterus in place. (It really isn't much of an invasive surgery when it's done vaginally.) But that resolved, and I never had any bladder issues after that.

Even with everything removed, it didn't change my sexual activity at all. For a while, I did take hormone replacement therapy (looking back... NOT a good idea) but then stopped altogether because the menopause symptoms went away.

Even without the hormones, I still functioned normally, and sex was still pleasurable. 

It was only after my BC dx, and a year on Arimidex, that I found I was having issues. But my MO has helped me with solutions for that, too, and things are good again.

So in answer to your question "Anyone have a total hx and not have any problems?" Yes. I did. 

(In fact, it was the best decision I ever made. Of course, this was way before BC, but it was a huge relief for me to have it done, especially since I'd had a bout with early cervical cancer in situ.) 

Ladies - thank you for this thread. Can you tell me what the recover time is for a complete laparoscopic hysterectomy/ oopherectomy? How long until you were able to drive? 

Thanks Momine!

 I sort of hijacked this thread  because I found it in a search.  Sorry . . .    

Thanks lemon - good to know about the driving. I don't expect much impact from the loss of ovaries since I am 53. (If I have to have it done.) I have a complex cyst on the right side the doc is watching.

Thank you peacestrength. That is good to know.