Angie’s Vaginal Hysterectomy

Vaginal Hysterectomy
Age at Surgery 38
Location: Jacksonville FL

I had a vaginal hysterectomy plus cystocele and rectocele repair. I had bladder and rectal prolapse for 10 years and tried all non surgical options. I experienced a sudden and severe uterine prolapse shortly after moving homes. Could have been from lifting, but I literally woke up one morning could feel it. The doctor recommended hysterectomy along with the other surgeries because it was pushing down and making everything else worse. It was a scary decision to make, but I’m glad I was able to do everything at once.

I had a total vaginal hysterectomy along with bladder sling and rectocele repair. Surgery was performed with general anesthesia and I spent one night in the hospital.

Recovery for me was pretty par for the course. I seemed to be experiencing exactly what the hyster sisters said I would at each checkpoint.
Gas after surgery was the most painful part. I would just counsel women about to undergo this surgery to understand that it doesn’t last long. Pain pills were definitely needed during the first week.
I set myself back by trying to get too much at the grocery store just after my 2 week check up. I was swollen and sore and felt like I just had surgery again. I had to spend a weekend confined to my bed again. I cried a lot and was discouraged. Again, advice from hyster sisters said this might happen. I was more careful afterwards, but I still had a few minor setbacks that didn’t require as much recovery time as the first.
I had an array of aches and pains. Some were bladder spasms, and those were the most scary because I was afraid there were complications from surgery. They did not last long however and were a normal part of recovery. Thank heavens.
Anytime I did a little too much I would feel a strange sensation behind my belly button and my abdomen would swell. During these times the abdominal binder I received was the most help and I highly recommend having one of them.
It was easy to get swollen for the first four weeks. Even if I wasn’t lifting too much, bending over a lot caused me to feel badly. It was frustrating, but with each passing week, those will lessen until they go away. I was always afraid I was impeding the healing process, but I got there eventually. While I would reiterate to any women post hysterectomy to rest and walk, I would also reassure them that time is the best healer.

I am feeling very well now! It’s only been two months and I’m glad that the surgery is behind me. I’m also so thankful for our bodies amazing abilities to heal. I’m not completely back to normal, and having this surgery was quite a sudden decision. However, I’m surprisingly so happy that I had it done. This experience has also taught me to allow others to help me more, something that has always been so difficult for me. Any experience, including having a hysterectomy, teaches us lessons and makes us stronger. This journey has taught me so much about myself.

Having a hysterectomy is a scary decision to make, but I’ve not met a woman who regretted it, myself included. If you’re unsure about the decision a second opinion can give you peace of mind. That’s what I did. I’m such a believer in prayer and prayer is what gets me through everything, especially true with this surgery!
Connect with friends or relatives that have had a hysterectomy. Do not be shy about asking questions. Most women want to help! Aside from family and friends, trust me when I say, hystersisters was absolutely the best resource I had during this scary time.