Nicky boo. No I do not have my ovaries. When I had the hysterectomy last year I had everything removed. When the fibroids were confirmed in December 2017 through ultra sound scan and a hysteroscopy I was told that as I had one fibroid on the outside of my womb (10x8 cm) and a slightly smaller one on the inside of my womb, a vaginal hysterectomy was impossible. As the fibroids were so big, I would have to have an abdominal incision. I wanted to keep my ovaries and cervix. The consultant said that this would not be possible due to the adhesions of the fibroids. I was shocked and upset to say the least. At this appointment I was put on the NHS Waiting List. Two weeks later I had an MRI Scan and a CAT Scan. I was also booked for a second hysteroscopy which I attended but the procedure was cancelled and I was sent home. I knew the NHS Waiting List where I live has a 30 week lead time. I pay into Beneden Health and considered having my operation through them most days, but me being me put up with the bleeding and other symptoms. I did ring the hospital at week 20 to find out where I was on the list but no-one could tell me anything constructive. By week 38 well overdue I rang Beneden for help. They required a consultants report so I rang the NHS hospital and the secretary could not have been more apologetic. Within 6 days I had had the operation. By this time I did not care that my womb, ovaries and cervix had been removed. The bleeding, abdominal pain and general discomfort had gone.
Prior to discharge from the hospital I was offered HRT which I declined as I had read on the Hysterectomy Association UK website that in some cases women who have experienced endometriosis in the past may still have a tendency towards developing endometriosis within other parts of the body cavity for up to 12 months after the removal of the ovaries/womb. HRT may be a contributing factor to this but it is not fully researched. I do not take any medication but do take additional vitamins C, B3, B6 and additional minerals zinc and magnesium. I also take calcium to help maintain bone density. This is all in addition to a healthy diet and exercise.
Nicky Boo as you are in your mid 40s it is your decision as to what you feel is the right course of for you. I was offered a hysterectomy to remove the womb only when I was about your age, thus keeping my ovaries, I declined the operation.. When I had my appointment in December 2017 I mentioned my gynae history and the consultant said that the removal of the womb 20 years earlier would not have prevented the removal of the ovaries at this time as my ovaries were affected by the fibriods. It is a difficult decision, but by going private you do get more consultation time and a longer recovery time in hospital. The NHS tend to discharge you after 48 hours providing you have no post op issues.
Endometriosis is no fun. Since my operation my overall health has improved, I feel fitter and more energetic and would say intimate relations have improved. There is still love and romance after a hysterectomy providing you do this at your pace with an understanding partner and GP.
Wishing you all the very best. Krystal xxxxx
