I was so happy to find this site before my hysterectomy. I had an LAVH - including cervix and ovaries (I just turned 40). Mine started 6 years ago - I've been having problems with long periods (lasting 60-90 days), pain, cysts the size of grapefruits. I've taken Thyroid meds for Hypo-thyroidism, hormones, you name it - all just to try to feel better. I was scared to death to have a hysterectomy mostly because of all of the horror stories I heard and read. My doctor suggested I try the Lupron shot for a few months sort of as a "dry run" on how I'd feel post hysterectomy. The Lupron shot was awesome, it really helped me to get a good idea of how I would feel after the hysterectomy. I did the Lupron shot for 7 months.

I had my surgery on October 7th and 5 days later I feel really good. I did all of the things I read about to prepare for the surgery, so I had no problems with bowel movements. I started the fiber drinks about a week before, ate light the day before and have kept to small meals after. I actually feel alot better in general just grazing (lots of small meals). I gained about 8 lbs of post-op weight, but as of today, I have lost all of that weight and a couple of extra lbs. I've kept my exercise to a minimum so far.

The most important thing is to listen to your body. If you are tired take a nap, if you are hungry eat, if you want to take a walk - do so.

I talked to my doctor's nurse right before the surgery (she had a hysterectomy 10 years ago) and she said she thinks the reason why there are so many stories about women feeling terrible after a hysterectomy is because the women that feel great don't want to be verbally abused - so they stay quiet. I have to agree with her on that.