7 months post op - I'm doing awesome!
I have longer posts about why I chose surgery and my immediate recovery, but here's the short version.
I had absolutely heinous periods for a few years. A transvaginal ultrasound found fibroids, so I decided to yeet my uterus. During surgery they also found adenomyosis and Stage IV endometriosis, and were able to excise some of the endo.
I never questioned whether surgery was the right choice for me, but now, 7 months later, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I'm pain-free.
The other day I was cleaning my bathroom and realized I could throw away my pain meds and Tums because I don't need them anymore. That really hit me.
The surgery also explained a lot of other health issues I'd been dealing with. My fibroids (and probably the adenomyosis) caused such heavy bleeding that my ferritin dropped to 11. I needed four iron infusions, and I felt noticeably better after the first one. My ferritin is finally in a healthy range.
I was also still having digestive issues after surgery, so I took a Trio-Smart breath test and was diagnosed with SIBO, which can be associated with endometriosis. I completed Rx treatment, made some dietary changes, and I feel dramatically better than I did before.
If I hadn't had the hysterectomy, I probably never would have known I had endometriosis. I also wouldn't have been able to correct my iron deficiency without stopping the constant blood loss. And while SIBO can recur, I feel like I finally understand what's been happening in my body and have a much better chance of managing it.
Right now my focus is on long-term management of endometriosis. There's no cure, but having the disease diagnosed and partially excised has given me a much better starting point.
As for sex, I'm a queer woman and penetrative sex wasn't something I rushed back into. When I finally did, months later, I used plenty of lube and everything was completely fine.
I also healed really well. I only have four tiny scars that are barely visible now. I didn't use scar tape, although a lot of people recommend it.
One thing I do recommend is pelvic floor physical therapy. No one automatically referred me, but it has been incredibly helpful, and I wish it had been part of my standard post-op care.
I went from actively dealing with fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, iron deficiency, and SIBO to mostly focusing on managing endometriosis and keeping my gut healthy. That feels really good.
I completely agree that we need better options. We need earlier diagnosis, better research, better surgery, and doctors who actually listen to women. Surgery and antibiotics were essential parts of my treatment, but nutrition, supplements, pelvic floor therapy, and lifestyle changes have also been important pieces of my recovery.
I hope this helps someone who's trying to decide what to do.