Hysterectomy
I never thought I would be preparing for a hysterectomy at 42. Life was chaotic, working in the corporate sector as a Business Development Manager, travelling the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.
Just when I thought life was being kind to me, I had previously struggled with stress, anxiety depression and low self-worth and, I was finally moving forward with my life. Now I was being told I had stage 4 endometriosis and I needed a hysterectomy.
Wow. I was 42 at the time and had no children. My consultant suggested I take some time to consider my options. Another ten years (roughly) of agony for three weeks out of four. Mental health issues worsening and mood swings like you wouldn’t believe or, have a hysterectomy and hope that the pain subsided and I could go on and live a relatively normal life. (What is normal now?)
After having lived with 30 years of agony, ten more wasn’t an option for me. I opted for the surgery. Three operations 18 month recovery time and the menopause later. (Oh, and HRT). I never even considered I would go into an induced menopause or that I would have to take HRT until I was the ripe old age of 51. I have no regrets.
What did I do?
In the first place I read books, watched videos, joined groups, meditated and spoke to my GP, but, in all honesty, I already knew what decision I was going to make. My consultant tried to talk me out of the surgery, but I knew I had to go through with it.
Grateful for having actually done a lot of inner work around mental health already. I know that’s what helped me cope. Just one of the catalysts for change throughout my life.
So, here are some tips for preparing for a hysterectomy and adapting to life through the menopause if you find yourself having to make the same decision I did.
Do Your Research
- Read as much as you can.
- Watch videos
- Speak to medical practitioners
- Ask for support from others who have been in the same situation.
- Join a support group.
Indeed though the decision is ultimately yours.
Prepare Yourself Mentally
It will challenge you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It will change your life. If you have a full hysterectomy, you will no longer have your periods.
- Your body will change and your mental health needs to be strong
- Seek help from your doctor or a therapist or counsellor.
- Find a relaxation class or try a meditation
- Listen to soothing, relaxing music
- Make a list of positive mantras you can recite such as… I am mentally, physically and emotionally strong. I can cope with this.
Keep Yourself Fit
- Make sure you exercise daily to keep your body fit
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get plenty of rest
Try this:
Exercise:
Until I had my hysterectomy I used to reject most forms of exercise. Once I was discharged from the consultant (the second time,) he told me to go an get an exercise bike. (Ha, I couldn’t ride it as I was in too much pain still.) But I did join a gym, I worked with a personal trainer for 2 years and I’ve never been fitter. Now I prefer to swim. I’ll be back to it when I can, hopefully in the deep blue ocean. Exercise is one of the best ways to help you recover from a hysterectomy and cope with the menopause. What’s your favourite form of exercise?
Keep doing as many positive things which you enjoy as often as you can to support your mental health whilst preparing for a hysterectomy and adapting to life through the menopause.
How I help others
Mainly through my writing. My first novel, Katie A New Chapter was published in November 2020. The intentions of it were to help me release the past and continue to live a life I loved and to help others release their past and live a life they love. Judging by the messages I’m receiving and the reviews, it’s doing its job well.
If you are struggling to find your self-worth, why not start your journey with me here and grab an paperback copy of my novel for just £8.99.
Also available are coaching and intuitive reading sessions. If you would like to work with me, please email me on lisa@test.lisambillingham.com
You can read more about my novel here. Or download the free meditation from the book here.