6 Month Post-Op Update

 I debated about even writing up this post because I'm honestly worried that my readers are sick of hearing about my health!  I know I was getting that way!

But it dawned on me last Friday that it has been 6 months since I had my hysterectomy and I am happy to report that I am feeling fantastic!  Those 6 months flew right by.  

In case you aren't a long time reader of my blog I had a partial hysterectomy back at the end of September 2020.  I had been seeing my doctor for problems with uterine polyps, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids for over a year at that point.  They removed my fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix. 

In December of 2019 I had a DNC outpatient procedure to remove the very large uterine polyp and by February I was back in his office telling him that hadn't done the trick.  Then the pandemic hit and everything shut down so that by the time I talked to my doctor again we both agreed a hysterectomy was my best course of action. 

I think a huge portion of why I did so well with my operation and recovery is that I wanted my surgery.  I know many women struggle with the decision to have such major surgery and I did too; at first.  But by the time the hospital was opened back up and they got around to my surgery I just could not wait to have it done.  I was in massive amounts of pain each month and so sick of feeling just awful all the time.  I also knew that I was DONE with having kids so I had no sadness over missed opportunities.  

Anyway, while my recovery wasn't always easy-- mostly because I was feeling so much better and trying to do much too much much too soon which would then land me back in bed with low grade fevers or massive body aches.  Looking back on those few months seems like it was a lifetime ago.

I feel so much better!  SO MUCH!  For the first time in my life my iron levels are normal and I don't need any sort of iron supplements.  That also means I don't feel nearly as tired and sluggish as I used to.  We have worked our way up to 2 & 3 hour hikes and the only thing that's sore at the end are my feet and legs.

I do not miss having a period at all.  I smile as I breeze right by the tampon and pad aisle and love knowing that I can't be caught unaware or unprepared again.  

I do get mild cramping each month since I still have my ovaries and they are still producing eggs (and those needed hormones!).  Without having any periods it will be nearly impossible to tell when I am officially in menopause or even going through peri- menopause but my doctors assure me we'll just go based on signs and symptoms and tackle any problems that arise as needed.  

From what I've read most ladies that have had a partial hysterectomy go through menopause within 5 years of the surgery; of course it's hard to tell if it's the surgery that causes this or the fact that most women don't have a hysterectomy until they're in their 40's and would therefor be going through "the change" within a similar time span anyway.  But for now I am good; a few hot flashes now and then but nothing I can't handle-- heck, they aren't even as bad as they were this time last year when my doctor tried me out on some birth control pills.  

I am so happy I decided to have this surgery as my quality of life has improved dramatically.  

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