While there are many reasons that bleeding may occur, women who experience it have one thing in common: a diminished quality of life. While there are alternative procedures available, Elise elected to have a hysterectomy after medication did not work.
This interview is with Elise, a married 51-year-old independent marketing and PR consultant. Her hysterectomy was performed within the last year, so her experience is that of someone who had surgery recently, rather than years in the past.
How old were you at the time of your hysterectomy surgery?
Elise: 50.
Why was surgery recommended for you?
Elise: Previous treatment (Lupron injections for 6 months) did not stop excessive and heavy bleeding (2 to 3 weeks each month) and severe cramps
What kind of symptoms were you experiencing?
Elise: Excessive bleeding (2 to 3 weeks per month, very heavy) and severe cramps.
Were any alternatives to a hysterectomy offered?
Elise: Yes, I had medication for 6 months (monthly Lupron injections) a year prior to the hysterectomy, but it was not successful.
Did you feel like you were being “pushed” toward a hysterectomy?
Elise: No, never.
Did your surgeon discuss the option to retain your ovaries, so that menopause would happen naturally, rather than immediately after surgery?
Elise: Yes, and I opted for this -– I had a vaginal hysterectomy, so I still have my ovaries.
Surgery Guide: The procedure to remove the ovaries, an oophorectomy, can be combined with a hysterectomy. In Elise's case, it was not necessary.
Can you tell us about your recovery?
Elise: Really easy, I was only in the hospital overnight. I was only a little sore for a few days, and had some bloating for about a month afterward.
Did you worry that you would feel less womanly or sexy due to the surgery?
Elise: No, in fact I felt that I would have just the opposite experience -– and I have!
Did you worry that having a hysterectomy would alter your sex life?
Elise: No, I knew that it would improve it, because I would be free of the debilitating symptoms.
Most women say that their sex lives are as good, or better than, before the surgery. Would you agree?
Elise: Yes, I agree.
Did the hysterectomy improve your symptoms?
Elise: Yes, it completely eradicated them.
How is life after hysterectomy?
Elise: Fantastic! Although I did have a small weight gain, probably due to limited physical activity for about a month following surgery.
If you could make the decision over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?
Elise: I would have had the hysterectomy earlier.
If a good friend was considering a hysterectomy, what advice would you offer?
Elise: Look carefully at the options for an abdominal vs. vaginal hysterectomy, and if you are a candidate for the latter, go for it.
What do you wish you had known before surgery that you now know?
Elise: That I had a big polyp in my uterus and signs of endometriosis, neither of which were revealed during two separate pre-surgery vaginal ultrasounds. It would have hastened my decision (and my doctor’s), I’m sure.
More Important Hysterectomy Information: All About Hysterectomy
More Real Stories of Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy Interviews
Editor's Note: This is a personal account of this individual's experience. Your experience with hysterectomy may be different, and the decision to opt for surgery is something that should be based on your particular situation and doctor's advice.
