Nebraskim, the uterus can be removed through the vagina quite easily, but they have to take the cervix with it. They can, however, do laparoscopic surgery and remove the uterus in pieces through a small hole in the abdomen (as long as cancer isn't suspected, because chopping something up inside your body gets bits everywhere), which also has a short recovery time. This gives the woman the option of keeping her cervix (which may, on a case-by-case basis, be desirable for sexual function -- sorry probably tmi !) and not have any stitches at the top of the vagina.

Sorry, Una, I just can't leave this thread alone. I am fascinated by surgery and this one is personal because I've been through the process!

I'm all for it! I will be checking in with you again after my surgery consult.

Una, I am so sorry to be so late to pop in here; I'm not on the forum much. Huge hugs to you for all you have endured and sending support your way for what is to come. I have not had the hysterectomy but I did have ginormous fibroids as well as multiple little ones. They might have been interfering with fertility and my iron was persistently and dangerously low from the horrid periods. They did hysteroscopic surgery first to examine what was going on and then a laparoscopy to remove what fibroids they could as well as the virulent endometriosis that they discovered. Oh, um, so that was what all that pain was about!! Anyway...I did not have the full hysterectomy, as I say, since I was still hoping to become pregnant (which didn't happen). And perhaps recovery differs, but FWIW in comparison, I did not find it bad at all. Emotionally I was a little shaken, but I was back at ordinary non-strenuous activities within a week or so and fully functional within a month. Maybe not cross-fit ready, but I had very little pain. I do heal quickly as a rule, so your mileage may vary. Oh, and I was 40 at the time...

Bottom line is that however the recovery goes, you will be so glad to be rid of those fibroids. Honestly, even though they couldn't even get all of mine out, they managed to get some of the worst ones and the endo and it made such a difference to me. No more horrid bloating and pain, no more anemia, constant exhaustion, etc.

Suz, thanks for chiming in -yes, the anemia and bloat and pain is all too much especially since I'm not getting pregnant again. The fibroids are to the point where removing them is basically the same as a hysterectomy so that's that! Glad to hear your recovery went smoothly. All the positive comments are reassuring. Miss you!

Missing you too Suz!

Always good news to get diagnosed and treated. Sending wishes for a fast recovery. X

Good luck with the surgery, AG, and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Una, I had the same thing and had surgery in 2010. Best thing I ever did Due to the size of the fibroid I couldn't have keyhole surgery but my recovery was brilliant and I have never felt better. All the very best to you, you will feel like a new woman!

Sorry to learn you have had to deal with so much discomfort, but glad to learn a solution is imminent. Take care of yourself.

Hi Una, I had one when I was 35. Pain was gone in a week but my energy level didn't return fully for 7 weeks. Your activity schedule sounds realistic to me. I think you will be really happy with your results. Of course ask questions if you like!

Just a whiny moment - between iron levels and schedule I'm not going to have surgery for at least 6 weeks, probably longer. Meanwhile I am in AGONY. Cramps so painful I can barely walk, swelling, headache, backache, flu-like chills, exhaustion. I am by no means a complainer generally and have a really high pain tolerance, but this is getting ridiculous. I wouldn't wish this on men but I kind of wish they had some idea of what it's like to spend a quarter to half your days this way....

I'm SO sorry things have gotten this bad. I hope that you will find much relief after the surgery...

Oh Una, am so sorry things are that bad.

Are you having the surgery up there.? I know a lot people come down to Seattle for all sorts of medical issues

How can it be??

Yes, I have a fantastic doctor who is also my climbing partner's husband so I feel in good hands. Ugh, it's like a wolverine chewing through my inside! I can't imagine what women who don't have surgery options must live with....

Really sorry to hear this Una - hoping you get some relief soon. Did they offer any suggestions in the meantime such as a heating pad to relieve pain?

Una, I remember those days. I am so sorry it is happening to you.

Una, I hope you are able to get the surgery soon.

Una thinking of you. Im assuming your iron levels are low? Something I have battled with all my adult life is low iron and it's awful. I am better since my surgery but apparently my body struggles to absorb iron so I do take supplements as a matter of course:) Your symptoms are much more extreme than mine were so I really feel for you. Hang in there, know we are all praying for you and thinking of you and surgery is not far off. xxx

HUGS!!! This sounds really hard.

Hugs to you, Una. I'm in the watchful waiting stage with a baseball sized fibroid, so I know what you mean. It's just so frustrating.

I recall that there is a medication (Lupron) that's often prescribed to shrink fibroids prior to surgery. Wonder if that's something worth asking about to see if it can help you get through the next weeks more comfortably?