My Hysterectomy Story - From Menopause to Post Surgery Recovery

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[@maryhrabik2066]

Thank you for sharing your story. In 2009, I was having heavy periods and one day I was so weak. My husband took me to urgent care and the doctor said I needed to go to ER because I was losing so much blood. I had 2 blood transfusions. The gynecologist said I needed to have a hysterectomy. Then cancer cells were found. My diagnosis was "Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma." I had robotic surgery to remove my cervix and fallopian tubes. The cancer returned 2 years later. My 5-6 hour surgery was performed by my gynecological oncologist, urologist, and rectal surgeon. They removed about a foot of my colon, and part of my bladder. My recovery took 5 months. I'm cancer free and so thankful for my Cedars Sinai doctors.

[@LisaMonique]

😳😳😳. So glad they found it and surgery was successful ❤️‍🩹

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

YES!!!

[@BS-dq1kz]

I’m so glad you’re cancer free and hope you’re doing ok now!

[@noreenmountain9405]

I've heard many women say that the thought a hysterectomy or breast mastectomy made them feel like they we "less of a woman". That thought is sooooo upsetting to me! Our femininity is defined by our entire entities, not by just one part. I watched my grandmother lose it ALL and she remained THE most feminine, beautiful female creature I have ever known. You are so much more than the sum of these part! Godspeed sisters in your recovery😘

[@LisaMonique]

Best thing for me!!! I’m loving the no bleeding!

[@Haphappy298]

Thanks for sharing. My hysterectomy was one of the best things ever in my life. I was 46 and cancer screening and MRI scan showed stage 1 ovarian cancer. My fibroids were large and also had numerous ovarian cysts, all excruciating even with with my high pain tolerance. Also had endometriosis throughout my abdomen that they didn’t know about until they began surgery. My intestines were cut off in 3 areas from endo and would have ruptured. An hour surgery turned into 5 hours. Luckily, all was able to be removed vaginally. My oncology surgeon was amazing. Went back to work in 2 weeks and still have cancer screens every 6 months. But cancer never spread! He got everything out with surgery. I will take my hot flashes in stride now 💜and no more horrible periods.

[@LisaMonique]

Oh my goodness!! Glad it was successful!! What a blessing they discovered before anything ruptured!

[@bluemoongoddess2370]

You look good. I have been living with endometriosis for 21 years. I was diagnosed with fibroids almost 10 years ago. Now I have endometrioma on both ovaries . The endometriosis is deep in the pelvis.

[@LisaMonique]

@@bluemoongoddess2370 😳 I hope its not too painful!

[@bluemoongoddess2370]

@@LisaMonique very painful. I’m always in pain!!

[@liamsmom247]

Hi, thank you for your story. I am just going into 2nd week of hysterectomy recovery. I am 46yr. I went for a check up at my gynea and found out I had an enlarged uterus the size of a 4month pregnant woman. And l large fibroid size of a tennis ball with clumps of smaller ones all over my uterus. Also had cancer cells in cervix. So overall uterus and cervix removed, my bladder was adhered to uterus due to it been so enlarged. My cut is about 20cm long. It was a very painful surgery, had immediate pain as soon as I woke from anesthesia. But doc comforted and supported me through it, making sure pain meds were working for me and that I was comfortable. The 2nd day I had to get up and walk, wasn't for long but physio came by every day for a week while I was in hospital. I am coping at home with the help from my hubby and kids, moving around can still be painful. So not much I can do except walk at this point. But thanks again for your video.

[@barbarakosloski9260]

Lisa I could not find any non-medical information when I had my hysterectomy via laparoscopy in 1994 and had grapefruit size fibroid's! I was placed on estrogen after surgery but learned it "could" cause cancer in certain women. With cancer being prominent in my family, I switched to BLACK COHOSH herbal tablets for menopause relief (hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, etc.) and have had no menopause issues whatsoever. It does take about 30 days to notice symptoms disappear taking Black Cohosh. I too had fibroid's and was told they were non-cancerois. What I was not told was they DO turn cancerous. I'm the type I want to know everything and am thankful to social media to find information myself. I wish you well finding what works for your menopause symptoms. I have been taking (2:capsuls) Black Cohosh for 28 years and it still works.

[@LisaMonique]

Yes, cancer is a concern if it runs in your family. I'll have to write the BlackCohosh down in case I decide I want to try something else. Right now my estrogen decision is based more on preventing more bone loss, which is a big concern of mine!

[@user-mp9kh5rr8z]

I'm having surgery next week and after hearing all these stories I am glad they are making me do a bowel prep before surgery . Thanks for sharing your story.

[@LenaSheppard]

Thanks for sharing your story. It's very helpful. I appreciate you being here for us !

[@michellegray3781]

Fibroids are such an strange thing that women do not hear about and that so so many people have. I suffered with fibroids for many years and tried a couple of different proceedures before finally having a hysterectormy. Agree with many of the comments here - best thing ever! I certainly have never regretted it. Same as you, I was back to work after two days. Silly me...I should have taken 6-weeks for the heck of it.

[@jennasaisquoi73]

Thank you for being so open, honest, and thorough about your experience! Very helpful to many of us, I’m sure, and brave as well to talk about something so personal.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

Thank you for sharing! You are so right - very few people talk publicly about their personal experiences this way. I know it’s very helpful to others facing decisions to hear a variety of experiences so that they can see a pattern of of similarities and where things can differ greatly. With enough histories out there, the chances of finding someone with the same “differ greatly” part of the equation as oneself greatly increases. 🌟

[@melcsmakeupstyle5409]

Thank you for sharing your story Lisa. It's always nice hearing other people's experiences on this menopausal journey. 💖

[@beautybydez]

Gosh Lisa you have been through the mill! Thank you so much for sharing your story - really interesting to hear that you were told about the effect of HRT on your osteopenia - I wish I'd been informed about that as a reason to take HRT instead of being on Alendronic Acid. I'm now on HRT patches but only since June and I'm 67! Glad to hear things have regularised themselves for you.

[@liz.mcfaul6053]

Thanks for sharing your story Lisa. Been through the same , and your video will help other women as it can be daunting , so thank you 🙏. Love and blessings from Scotland ❤️❤️❤️

[@luiserenner7147]

This conversation is so important and too many women feel awful and even ashamed going through this all alone. THANK YOU!

[@juliasnow5854]

Wow Lisa, I was mesmerized by your story. I applaud your honestly and your willingness to share such personal details of your journey. It makes me feel less alone knowing that there are women out there who are going through, or have gone through, menopause hell. Very happy to hear that you are feeling well and have found the right balance of hormones. You’re awesome and beautiful, thank you! 💕🌻🇨🇦

[@tinabekay]

Thank you so much for telling your story with menopause and hysterectomy. I really apreciate your honesty and courage. Needed to hear this. Bless you Lisa 😘💚👏

[@mariacarrillo6249]

I learn so much from you. please keep making great content for women over 50. Many hugs!

[@juliewildbur5901]

Best thing I ever did was having an abdominal hysterectomy, my reproductive organs bar one ovary were extremely diseased. The pain healing from an 8 odd inch cut across my lower belly was far less than the pain I’d been in. Unfortunately a few years before I had moved to regional Australia where medical care was and still is seriously lacking, even for those of us with private health insurance and so why my health issues relating to gynaecological care had gone on for a few years. I was up the next morning walking, rather intrepid I admit. I was 49 my one ovary kicked in and I remained pre menopausal for about five years, I’m now post menopause. I’ve never looked back!!

[@MZ-arch]

Thank you for sharing your story. This will be helpful to so many women!❤

[@susanfink6860]

Thank you for sharing! I wish others would as well ! I had mine at 43 , I'm 53 now (they left 1 ovary) so I'm dealing with hot flashes but it truly was the best thing I ever did. I didn't have too many issues either after the bladder started working correctly 😅. We need to share with other women and be uplifting to each other. Have a Great Day!

[@robertabeatrice9931]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are a strong, marvelous woman. 🌹

[@HollyM3]

Thank you for sharing your experience. The more we can learn about this phase of life, the better.

[@StyleWithCathyOver50]

Very informative Lisa. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@vanessayurrita3724]

Thank You! It's so refreshing all of the other videos, maybe bc they had a radical hysterectomy, almost all of their stories are of terror.

[@christubbs2614]

Dr. Taylor is amazing and so informative. I looked to KZbin also for information!!

[@christymarks9586]

Thanks for sharing your story! I had a partial because of endometriosis in my early 40’s and the dr.’s just didn’t seem to have any good advice for me to handle everything post. The best thing I ever did was read some of Suzanne Sommers books on this, they saved my life. It’s different for everyone but I got on the HRT and I feel like a human being again!

[@LisaMonique]

Great! yes I definitely think we need to arm ourselves with information because it seems like so many PCPs don’t have the knowledge to provide us the relief we need and many women can’t afford to go to a specialist. I don’t think we necessarily should self diagnose, but we should be aware of options to discuss with our medical provider and if they don’t know anything about what we are talking about, it might be time to find a new one!

[@evabazan1966]

I love menopause Taylor- hopefully your journey will be more peaceful now

[@pamh7758]

Love rhe blue sofa! Thanks Lisa

[@emmat7643]

Thanks for this, very brave and helpful x

[@MsACC2011]

I'm not through this video yet, but I'm infuriated that doctors have no idea what is going on. This really shouldn't be that hard to figure out, if only someone would do so research. But, all the money has to go to things like long COVID, the "mystery" of obesity, etc...

[@mamacita6500]

God Bless You Lisa!!! xoxo

[@Alice080165]

Thank you for sharing your story, I’ve been dealing with fibroids for awhile hoping they would shrink, I’ve been eating lots of fruits and vegetables, but my weight will not go down. I live here in Houston, TX and need a gynecologist, will definitely check out her videos thanks!

[@andrea86421]

Thank you for this video! I'm thinking of switching from my regular doctor to someone more focused on menopause. Maybe then I'll have a little more help with health questions that come up in my mid-40s!

[@LisaMonique]

I have was so glad I was seen at the woman’s clinic because she definitely could answer more of my questions animal experience and then my primary care.

[@RanalynnNaipo]

This was very helpful and informative.

[@robyndoo3463]

Thank you for sharing your story. It makes me wonder if hormones would have helped me. I'm 57 yes. My period went away after my first chemo treatment at 44yrs. I had a dbl mastectomy. Cancer runs in my family. My type of cancer fed on hormones so I had to have my ovaries removed 10yrs ago. Sometimes I have breakthrough bleeding once or twice a year and need to have a D and C. So far tissue is benign. I'm afraid to have a hysterectomy because of all the surgeries I had. I went out of state for most of my care and reconstruction. Otherwise, I'm in good health and do alot of traveling. My sister passed away at 32yrs from metastatic breast cancer. and my mother at 63yrs from metastatic lung cancer. My father from 3 different types of cancer also passed. I do have the cancer gene. I am afraid to get cervical cancer so your story has helped me tremendously in not being afraid of a hysterectomy if my doctor deems it necessary. Thank you again!❤️✌🏼😉

[@LisaMonique]

Oh my! I’m so sorry for your losses! I understand your concerns! I’m glad my story helped lower your fear.

[@FastingStarChanelNo5]

Sorry to hear this happened to you. I;m in god health as post meno woman, almost 73 now, no issues, I sleep like a baby. As we age our melatonin goes down so I do supplement with that. If I get anxious I supplement with valerian caps or liquid. Fasting & dry fasting help me stay thin (sz 2 no2)and help control my temporal lobe epilepsy and I'm even putting on muscle without bioidenticals or HRT. Glad you're happy w/yr decision. Thx Lisa, sending you love and blesings. ~~Chanel

[@paigeprice3781]

Thanks so much for sharing!❤️

[@sylviaschnug3930]

Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@MsLizzy2010]

I am 38 and I am getting a hysterectomy next year. I have been in pre menopause for 20 years. I am so excited to get mine done!

[@MusicLover-sb7mo]

Thanks, Lisa. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in sharing your experience. We all need the freedom to share and not hide the dirty truth of how the reproductive system freaking rules our lives. It is an important information exchange to help each other. Women’s bodies are interesting but not for the faint of heart. My story literally starts in the beginning. I started my period a week before my 12th birthday and unfortunately it was beyond awful. I hemorrhaged on and off, weeks at a time, for months. I had to carry a large boxes of Kotex in brown paper bags to school to keep in my locker for frequent changes. So embarrassing at that age. I had massive blood clots. I was anemic and so young I didn’t understand why this was happening. I was put in the hospital and restricted to bed rest for a week with my feet elevated and a catheter. Things calmed down and I was released only to go back a week later for a D &C. I was not mature enough to understand the invasive procedure. But it worked. I had heavy periods the rest of my life but did not hemorrhage for 2 - 3 weeks straight like I had. I had 2 children natural child birth. The early days made me tough with a high pain tolerance. Leading up to menopause I gained weight as most of us do and felt depressed. I had such severe night sweats I would wake my husband up and say “feel my hair - if I am going to suffer you are going to suffer with me”. Lol. Fortunately he was/is highly supportive. At age 52 I had 2 periods every month for over half a year but the final period was 68 days shy of turning 53. 🎼Hallelujah!!! 🎼!!! Fortunately I did not have fibroids or need a hysterectomy. Now I am 64 and while I STILL have night sweats once in a while, not as frequent or severe. Lost some of the weight and feeling better than ever. Thank goodness I took care of my skin throughout my life so at least I don’t look 64 and young enough to enjoy life without periods!

[@LisaMonique]

Wow! I can't imagine! Glad you are finally through all of that!! No, you don't look 64 at all!!

[@MusicLover-sb7mo]

@@LisaMonique Thank you!

[@aundrealauzon]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I am just starting with menopause. The hot flashes are no joke. In 2002 I had endometrial ablation surgery, and then I had it again in 2003 because my period had returned. He said after the second time of having it, I would never bleed again, and touch wood, I haven't. But this menopause thing is like I said no joke. You get so hot and flushed and sweaty and then you get cold and then you get hot again and then you get cold. Lol. I really hope I don't have to have a hysterectomy, but we'll have to see what happens.

[@mldodge1249]

Thank you for this!

[@welshwitch2126]

I had a hysterectomy at age 45, over 20 years ago. I’d had heavy bleeding and some months I could go through an entire box of ultra plus tampons in a day, but me being me, I was 🤷🏻‍♀️. I went for a physical and the following day I had messages on my cellphone, landline, and then at work. I thought damn, my cholesterol must be off the charts. Turns out I was so anemic they didn’t know how I was still upright. They sent me for an ultrasound which showed many fibroids, but tried a conservative approach with iron pills for several months first. I never got up to normal range because I would crater again when I had my period. Finally I said just take it all out, ovaries included because they would be harder to palpate with no uterus. It was supposed to be done vaginally, but when I woke up I was cut from one pelvic bone to the other. Some of the fibroids had moved outside my uterus and started their own community with their own blood supplies, and some were reaching tennis ball sized. I was in the hospital for almost a week. After they took me off morphine, they started giving me pain pills, which made me throw up repeatedly. Then they started phenergan injections in my rear end, which didn’t help the situation cause they burned like a mother. They alternated butt cheeks with each injection. My tookus hurt for 6 months after! I had never been cut open before and it was awful IMO. To your experience with bowel movements, I had the same thing! I hurt so badly that I thought something had to be wrong. When I spoke to my doctor, she explained that the GI tract does a lot of re-settling when organs are removed, which makes a lot of sense, and reassured me it would resolve soon. Thank God it did, because I was terrified of food because it would have to come out eventually. It really was a horrible recovery. The anticipated 3 weeks off of work became 8 weeks off since I worked in an animal hospital as a vet tech and couldn’t perform my regular duties of wrestling with *sometimes* uncooperative dogs and cats. They started me on estrogen as soon as I woke up from surgery and stayed on it for 15 years before finally weaning off. Weaning off meant going through all the menopausal symptoms I’d avoided, and I kind of wish I hadn’t stopped it. It had kept me from aging somewhat. The PTSD I had gotten from the vomiting/phenergan experience carried over to my next major surgery. I had stupidly stood on chairs to hang something on a wall and fell off, rupturing two discs in my neck that impinged into my spinal cord and caused me to lose function in my left arm. A few hours into recovery from the neck surgery (metal plates and cadaver bone to replace the discs), the nurse came in and found me crying because I was in pain but didn’t want pain pills because I would throw up and they’d give me shots in my butt🤣🤣. She said “oh honey! You have an IV! We’d put your pain meds in that!” Good times!

[@LisaMonique]

Oh my goodness! What a journey! I don’t blame you for being nervous about pain medication after that. I hope the IV was “painless“. How are you doing now?

[@ACottageGirl]

Thanks for sharing your experience Lisa ♥️ I have no idea whether I’m thru menopause as I had an ablation several years ago. BUT I still get cyclical headaches, cravings, hot flashes and trouble sleeping. The worst part has been the terrifying mood swings. I feel like a crazy person sometimes. Also, really strong emotional responses… like puberty in reverse.

[@LisaMonique]

That’s exactly what menopause is! My poor husband, he had two girls going through puberty and a wife going through menopause at the same time🤪🤪🤪

[@DebbieDooo]

So glad that women are finally feeling comfortable talking about this subject. I am 54 and just started on the Combi Patch in March. I wish I had looked into it before now, but I do notice my symptoms are much better than they were. My follow up appt was last Friday and Dr increased my dosage since she started me on the lowest. I chose the patch because of the pill having to pass through the liver and I didn’t want to chance that, though it would be easier IMO. I had an endometrial ablation in 2010 due to insane bleeding during my period and it’s the best thing I ever did in that regard and it worked like a charm for me. HRT is not for everyone, but ladies, if you are having the day/night hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, headaches, etc, please do yourself a favor and look into it with your gyno. I also found Menopause Taylor last year and she is an absolute wealth of information on this subject. We need to stop sweeping this stuff under the rug and talk about it and educate ourselves and each other about options and benefits of HRT. Thanks for this video!

[@wrenleasure3497]

Thank you for sharing this.😊

[@woodlandmarket2459]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@MS-ku7tl]

Thank you for sharing and the great tip about clearing out bowels ahead of time. Hopefully my surgery will go smoothly.

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck with your surgery! I hope it is as a successful and pain-free as mine 💕💕💕

[@choney8125]

Thank you for sharing. I just had total knee replacement surgery and I’m 58, haven’t had period for 10 years, but just started bleeding clots etc yesterday. I’m concerned I might need hysterectomy so I appreciate you sharing what it’s like.

[@brookepowers2896]

I know this is an old response, but I do hope you went to the doctor for this bc any bleeding after menopause needs to be checked.

[@melissad7855]

I also watch Menopause Taylor, and got her book too!

[@jeanbeltz4226]

I have struggled with ovarian cysts, enlarged ovaries and fibroids since I was 18. I got a hysterectomy earlier this year and then just Friday I got my ovaries removed and I'm being thrown into menopause now. Thank you for the video.

[@jeanbeltz4226]

I wanted to ask if you could maybe give me any advice. I'm only 32.

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

Always check that formulary. Also: If you have a persistent doctor, he or she can push it through so you can get it with a regular prescription.

[@nooshinnojaba1044]

Thanks for sharing. I had my total Hysteractomy and removal of both overies 16 days ago. Everything was removed. I had no symptoms.The reason was because they found a baseball size mass on my left overy by accident,which was capsulated but had some blood veins in it and my dr. Though it was abnormal. My tumor marker blood test (I forgot what it was called) was 3 ,which is good and not concerning at all. But still, my dr. Believed I better be cautious and remove everything since I was already 55 and started having menopuese symptoms 6 years ago. He believed that at this point, I won't miss anything by removing both my overies and total Hysteractomy. So I did. It was a robatic surgery. Great recovery. My pathology report showed it was nothing concerning at all. I have a little mixed feeling now. I am very happy and grateful that it was no cancer, but I am not sure if I should have asked the dr. To remove only the bad overy with the mass and then wait for the report and if it was bad then go through the second surgery to remove the rest. Even though I statreted going through menopause since 6 years ago but I believe my other overy would still could have produced a little bit of estrogen, which could have helped with my bone and heart and memory health. It's too late to think about it now, but I am grateful for the outcome. I wish health and speedy recovery for all of women who go through difficult times and not so good diagnostics.

[@LisaMonique]

Even though I still have my ovaries, I still have to take estrogen. It’s a life saver preventing night sweats and 2 am insomnia! And I get the benefits that you mentioned.

[@queens6583]

I had a total hysterectomy with both ovaries and tubes removed and cervix remained. I was 50 at the time and never had menstruation problems growing up. I did have a ruptured ovarian cyst with hemorrhage when I was 23. I started having terrible abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding and when I went for a ultrasound I had multiple fibroids. I never had them before and I was so uncomfortable I could barely sit. We discussed embolization which can be painful and not necessarily successful. I also had a small cyst on one of the ovaries and I was afraid it could grow and burst again. That is why I decided to remove everything. In the O.R. when they opened me up my uterus, ovaries, tubes, bladder and part of my bowel were stuck together by adhesion's from previous surgeries I've had. It took 4 hrs, 2 O.B. surgeons, a trauma surgeon (there was a tear in the colon)and a urologist ( he put catheter's in my ureters so they wouldn't cut them accidentally )to get everything out. I almost had to have a colostomy I found out later. As if that wasn't bad enough, I then started to have low grade fever every afternoon for about 5 days which went away with Tylenol and I felt like there was fluid in my pelvic area just below my incision. I called the doctor and went in to see him and he sent me to the E.R. where his colleague who also operated on me was waiting to see me. He promptly, after giving me I.V. Fentanyl, opened my incision where pus poured out! Ends up I had a MRSA wound infection and was readmitted for strong I.V. antibiotic therapy and wound drainage. I had a visiting nurse for 6 weeks coming to my house 2x a day to dress my wound and I lost about 10 lbs during this ordeal. I never took hormone replacement therapy and didn't really have terrible symptoms and did fine without HRT. Now, I'm 68 and the only issue I have is the weight gain centered around my belly which I'm told is very common post menopause. I am petite and not overweight but I have pouch in the pelvic area.

[@LisaMonique]

Omgosh!!! Thank goodness they caught the MRSA in time! I'm glad you don't have any issues. I have that pouch too...though I think there are several causes besides just the menopause/post menopause. I had back surgery, gosh about 20 years ago, but they didn't fuse my back and always made me paranoid about re-injuring it so I tend to do things using as little of my abdominal and back muscles as possible. I'm on week 2 of a 60 day ab challenge with my girlfriend, at least 5 minutes of uninterrupted abs/back workout every day. I want to see if I can get some of my waist back (I know diet is a big part too). though I'm not sure if 5 minutes is enough, as I'm doing the exercises, I'm not motivated to go to 10 minutes. Maybe after another week....

[@queens6583]

@@LisaMonique I need to motivate myself to do some abdominal strengthening exercises and eat healthier. I hate water so I tend to drink fruit punches which of course has sugar. My weight is good but I have to try to not drink my calories. Let us know if the exercise is helping with getting your waist back.

[@gwenn1998]

L

[@chardelfleming2271]

I had a hysterectomy at 36! No fibroids or anything like that but periods from hell...after my 5th baby my body decided I needed to basically hemorrhage for 5 days every month. Best thing I ever did for myself. Phantom cramps were a bit weird but... I still have my ovaries so the monthly cycles still happened. With that said... Now that I'm in my 50s menopause has been very confusing. I don't have that monthly "reminder". I'm trying to tough it out not taking hormones.

[@LisaMonique]

I was opposite!!! Once I learned the benefits of estrogen, I was ready to start right away!! Not saying its right for everyone. For me, the bone density was the issue. I think it was like after 5 years of menopause, the estrogen can't reverse or prevent the bone loss. Since I have diagnosed osteopenia, I would much rather take estrogen now than some of the osteoporosis drugs later!

[@xcalabur18]

Thanks so much for posting this! Very informative. I'm actually getting surgery soon, too. I am wondering if you could explain more about what it was like to get put to sleep? This is the part that freaks me out!! Like, what does it feel like? How do they do it? What does it feel like when they put the stuff in, like do you get sleepy or is more like wide awake to instantly out? Could you have stayed awake if you would have tried or is it impossible? Haha. Basically whatever you remember about that part would be helpful. Thanks so much!

[@LisaMonique]

It's FAST! They put a mask on you and you breath in a couple of times and the next thing you know , you're in recovery!! I get the shakes a little as the anesthesia wears off, so they pile on a few blankets until its worn off enough to go home. Impossible to stay awake. I almost look forward to it because surgery in general makes me nervous, the wait is the worst part to me. Just put me out 🤣.

[@TheStorm36]

Thank you for sharing your story. I’m 49 and now beginning to experience mini hot flashes.... I’m like ... here we go.... !

[@LisaMonique]

Hold on tight 😂

[@sharonhardy7187]

Your story brings back memories for me. The details are different but some of it is the same. I was cut for mine but I was so relieved to stop bleeding and cramping I was tickled to death. I had not been through menopause so the only hot flash I ever had was the night of surgery. My brother was with me and when he saw how miserable I was he went to the nurses station and they found a fan in a storage room. It was wonderful.he directed the fan straight to my face and I was so in love with my brother. He was definitely my savior that night. That was the only hot flash I ever had. Thanks for sharing. We women go through some strange and awful things. I blame Eve for eating that apple In the garden. We have paid for it ever since, lol. Take care.

[@LisaMonique]

That was so sweet of your brother 💕

[@barbarasummers280]

Good story, Mine was a bit different, had to have a total abdominal hysterectomy, had had one child c section, so it was similar, but seemed larger and I have horrible scarring and pain in the scar tissue, I was only 49 when I had mine, and was nowhere near menopause, just perimenopause perhaps, or it was the Fibroids and I had Cervical dysplasia, which was called Cancer in situ, it is no longer called that, I think the Dr's I had were surgery happy, due to being in a rural area and them not getting much money from the poor people of the area, and I had my husbands Blue Cross insurance, which didn't help much, left me with a big bill...however, I was having 1 and 2 month long periods, and was very happy to stop having them...I had been on Birth Control earlier in life, and so did not want to continue any of that, have not taken any HRT or anything, feel pretty well, have been losing weight and it is helping a lot, I am now 62. and have a bit elevated cholestrol and a bit elevated BP, but my arthritis, which I have had a long time is getting much better since I started intermittent fasting and low carb diet, it really helps a lot along with movement, stretching, I do Qi gong and rebounding on a mini trampoline.

[@LisaMonique]

Diet is soooo important and has a huge impact on our health!

[@reneeburich9497]

I’ve always had light, not so consistent periods and started late (16). However, the average age of menopause is 51 and I was, for once, hitting it right on the head for menopause within days of my 51st bday. About a dozen hot flashes per day (only on my back and back of neck), no night sweats, but I swear I developed ‘menopausal ADD or ADHD’! Fragmented and scattered would describe it, and still does. Went on hormones and no hot flashes within 24 hours! Quit taking them after 6 years when I developed a fibroid and polyp. Hot flashes pop up here and there yet but nowhere near a dozen per day! By the way, I’m a retired postpartum RN and 63 now.

[@LisaMonique]

Yes I am waiting for the time with no more hot flashes! They don’t bother me during the day because they’re not so severe, but I definitely hate them at night. I don’t think I’m ready to go off HRT yet just with my experience the last couple of weeks. But I’ll wait until my doctors appointment to see what she thinks.

[@reneeburich9497]

@@LisaMonique interestingly, after being on HRT and then going off, I only have hot flashes every once in awhile - not every day. 🙌🏻 Also, unfortunately, just because we hit menopause, doesn’t mean any or all of the symptoms go away 😮

[@LisaMonique]

@@reneeburich9497 😩

[@rhillyermiles]

They made me take stool softeners and a laxative before my breast reduction and I still got a hemorrhoid that will not go away! Going to have to get it removed. Ugh. But it was worth it. I'm so sorry you've had to deal with this.

[@rhillyermiles]

Also, I love bio identical hormone pellets!

[@LisaMonique]

Oh my gosh I have a permanent hemorrhoid too. I didn’t realize they could surgically remove it!! The things we women go through🤪🤪🤪

[@rhillyermiles]

@@LisaMonique they can tie it off until it's dead or remove it. I have a friend that recently had this done after years of suffering, hers bled constantly!

[@Beyondsixty]

Lisa, I’ve done intensive training and treatments on menopausal skin. I’ve been an master aesthetician and holistic practitioner for over 40 years. I think I can advice you on some specialty products and holistic treatments. I hope you reach out. Kathie Aalbu-Ruward

[@bernadettemadrid8049]

Hi, l had similar issues. My fibroids were the size of grapefruit and two oranges. I believe the big one was like a hard ball. I also tolerate pain. I would have stomach aches at night. My feet were swelling up because of the large fibroid pressing on the one major vein. I could feel the fibroid in my adominon. That's what scared me. My mother had passed away from pancreatic cancer. Went to the dr. had an ultrasound and found out it was fibroids sent me to a surgeon that told me l had to have a partial hysterectomy and the fibroids out. Four inch scar below my belly button and a couple little incisions. l don't have children so this was my first time in a hospital. A coworker had hers a few weeks before mine and recommended a medicine that you go home with that was inserted in my stomach the medication was in a round ball. I can't remember if it was a push button, but was attached to my stomach they also prescribed me heavy drugs. Didn't take them. Might have taken advil. Getting up was not fun or to the bathroom. My surgery was in 2017, l was 49 at the time. I did get very emotional after the surgery and I do have hot flashes once in awhile. I tolerate them. I don't like taking medication. The problem l have now is my bladder, trying to hold it long enough to make it to a restroom. They did tell me to do kegals. No more periods yey!! Am l glad l did it, the answer is yes. I had heavy periods.

[@bernadettemadrid8049]

On-Q ball was the medicine

[@LisaMonique]

I can’t imagine fibroids that big! I’m glad your surgery was successful also. 💕💕💕

[@Ann-rd3ci]

Hi, Thanks for sharing your story. Did the hysterectomy have any effect on the hyperpigmentation?

[@LisaMonique]

Not for me. I did not get any pregnancy related hyperpigmentation so I guess mines not affected by hormones

[@diamondsandlipgloss]

Thanks...

[@ct1666]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m having my fibroid removal and hysterectomy via laparoscopic surgery on 8/22. Not to sound superficial, but did you gain wait in the belly area after your hysterectomy? I’m hoping my belly reduce once fibroids will be removed. Thank you in advance!

[@LisaMonique]

After the swelling went down, my tummy was so flat that I went out and bought three pairs of expensive jeans one size smaller than normal. Within a few weeks, all of my organs re-situated and settled lower and I couldn't wear any of them😩. So I ended up the same size.

[@ct1666]

@@LisaMonique thank you Lisa! I can live with that. I’m going to drink a lot of tea etc. and eat tons of protein🥰

[@kathrynwerst5695]

Did you use the purime collagen mask to firm your face. I see it on Facebook

[@LisaMonique]

No no no!!!!!!! They stole my footage 😫😫😫😡😡😡

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

When I was 18, my mom had a hysterectomy. When it occured, her uterus was stuffed with pre-cancerous fibroids, cysts on one ovary, and a lowered bladder. She was extremely lucky at this time. She realized how lucky she wasw, but my kicker was how my Dad realized HE almost lost her! When it comes to us women, we sure get it all!!

[@jacksonjackson4787]

😢 I'm really scared for my upcoming surgery on 4/26...

[@LisaMonique]

Oh no! I can’t speak for all surgeries but having mine orthoscopic it was pretty easy and I would say the postop recovery was fast. It felt like I just did 1000 situps so a little bit hard to get up from a laying down position but if I didn’t need to use those kiscled, it didn’t bother me at all. I just kind of rolled out of bed instead of sit up in bed

[@francisalvarez4240]

I wanted to ask about the hot flashes, because I been in summer hell for the past 11 years i be 59 soon and my doctor refuses to give me hormones replacement, I do get antidepressant which helps a little.🥵🥵🥵🥵

[@LisaMonique]

I wonder why he refuses to prescribe them. A lot of older doctors stopped prescribing them when that one study came out about 20-30 years ago because of cancer scare, but they have sent since done other studies That showed there were some flaws in the conclusions based on the actual test group size and age of participants so the doctor really need to look at your own risk factors instead of a blanket ban on HRT. I would definitely be asking some questions. You should check out Menopause Taylor‘s KZbin channel too. Again, it might be the right decision based on your personal health history, or it may be a doctor that isn’t up-to-date on the latest on women’s health issues

[@stellavolberg]

having this done in 2 days and I'm so nervous

[@LisaMonique]

Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery for your surgery!! If you are up to it you can send me an email and let me know how it goes! [e-mail]

[@ewaworonowicz2653]

All will be well 💗

[@daniv605]

How did it go? I'm looking into it now.

[@catherinesullivan3453]

Did they use a morcellator? I'm nervous about that.

[@LisaMonique]

I can honestly say I'm not sure what that is! I know I had 5 small incisions and they did have to cut the fibroid smaller to get it out, it was a little larger than they thought.

[@shopwithjen]

Did you have laparoscopic surgery or abdominal???

[@LisaMonique]

Laparoscopic 😊

[@debraroma4319]

Did you say you are living in Arizona? I thought you were in Florida?

[@LisaMonique]

Both! Spring and fall in Florida, summer and winter in AZ 😁

[@janicethrasher4003]

This lady has no wrinkles whatsoever!!! wow.

[@the2dreamers]

Did you have a partial hysterectomy?

[@LisaMonique]

They took everything out but the overies.

[@sandybailey3918]

Hysterectomy ruined my life

[@LisaMonique]

Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that.

[@camillebambi6449]

Why and how did it ruin your life? I want to know.

[@rhondanerren4797]

So timely, Lisa! I am 52 and in the same situation as you were…I really want to avoid surgery, but at this point, it is becoming more attractive. 🥹