My hysterectomy (and endometriosis) story.
Hi everyone (this is my first post, so I hope this is the right place/way to do it)
After months and months reading your inspirational posts I thought it was my time to give back.
I am 44 - For years, I endured painful periods, painful sex I never spoke of, even more painful ovulations.
I never said anything, because I thought it was normal — part of being a woman.
I became bloated and often looked pregnant, it triggered my body dysmorphia and eating disorder so much! SIBO, IBS, GI was a mess.
My HPV test was always high and positive, and even after years of procedures, my cervical cells kept coming back abnormal.
Two years ago the pain became a chronic nerve one, left leg numbness, tingling — we thought it was MS.
In December things got worse, and we noticed left labrum tear — surgery didn’t help.
I finally asked my OBGYN for an ultrasound, and discussed undergoing a hysterectomy, being at higher risk of cervical cancer.
I also had a scarred and blocked fallopian tube, so we decided to move forward.
It was then, that I met one of the most amazing doctors I have even come across, who uttered the word endometriosis, and who believed me.
He was right. I was right. I wasn’t crazy or dramatic— my pain was real.
Two days ago I had a full hysterectomy and salpingectomy, ovaries saved. They found endometriosis and adhesions, a uterine vein has to be removed because it was engorged, and my entire peritoneum removed because full of endo.
MRI did not see my endometriosis, by the way.
Relief, validation , gratitude (plenty of trapped gas 😂). That is all I feel today.
It was not an easy decision to remove the uterus that gave me my beautiful daughter, but the excitement I feel for the new phase of womanhood that is ahead of me is proof I did the right thing.
Recovery is going very well and pain is very manageable. I was very fit at time of surgery, and the bloating is minimal, I have to say — I feared worse, but nothing is worse than the way I felt before surgery.
I was kept in the hospital one night because my blood pressure dropped too low in recovery, and because I couldn’t pee on my own and needed a catheter overnight.
My advice is: Trust your body. Advocate for yourself even if they think you are a drama queen, making it up. I felt that was for so long that it’s hard to shake. But your body knows.
I am so glad I can give back to this amazing community that has helped me immensely with every story, for so long.
Sending love and strength to all.