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 I was finally moving forward. 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.
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. Clicking this link will take you to the meditation from Katie, A New Chapter.
- 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
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.
Writing
Before I had my hysterectomy and went into the menopause, I had suffered with my mental health. One of the things my counsellor suggested was journaling. Described in the Cambridge English Dictionary as “a written record of what you have done each day, sometimes including your private thoughts and feelings”
I kept a journal on and off for many years. Mainly using it to release the negative thoughts I was having. Now I keep one for all the positive thoughts. If you fancy trying this, especially if you’re struggling with a hysterectomy or the menopause, try these prompts. If you prefer a written version, please click here.
How I help others through my writing
My first novel, Katie A New Chapter was published in November 2020.
In the story I use my experiences with poor mental health, domestic abuse and major surgery.
The intention behind the novel was to help me on my healing journey. Judging by the messages I’m receiving and the reviews, it’s helping others too.
Here’s a snippet from the Chapter “Meeting her Gynaecologist.”
If you are struggling with any of these subjects, start your journey with me here and grab a copy of my novel. The eBook is just £2.99.
Other Holistic Support Options
A very good friend of mine, Steph Pound, is a Wellbeing Coach and Herbalist. Although I didn’t have Steph’s help for my hysterectomy (she wasn’t set up in business then,) I did have her help for relationship issues later. As well as coaching she also provided a herbal remedy for me which worked wonders. To contact Steph click here or follow the previous links.
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.
If you would like to work with me, please email me on lisa@lisambillingham.com or book a call.
Thank you for reading. Lots of Love Light & Gratitude.
Lisa xxx