I don't know anything about the bladder lifts, but I've had a complete hysterectomy.

After the surgery they put a hormone patch on me. After a couple of weeks I took it off so I could see what the hot flashes, etc., were like. lol. I didn't get ONE symptom of menopause! Still haven't and it's been 6 years.

I have heard that the organic hormones are fantastic though.

What I do know is you need to find a bed in the house that's easy to get off of. I slept in the guest room.

Get a LOT of bed pillow and especially one to help you lay on your side & one to put against your tummy when you need to cough. Sleeping is uncomfortable the first week or so, even with the pain meds.

Buy a couple of inexpensive "house dresses" so you won't have anything putting pressure on your tummy. They were a life saver! It took me 4 weeks before I could wear elastic shorts!

OH..the most important thing I can tell you is to buy a gentle laxative like Phillips Milk of Magnesia. The worst pain I had for days was gas, and I finally bought some and boy was I "relieved." hee.

I had a total when I was 45 (1995), and have had no problems - no hot flashes, etal. I have never taken any hormone-replacement medication.

I did have a minor case of urine incontenance when I was studying jujitsu (martial arts), but other than that, no issues. Life and love (no personal encounters since my husband died 3 years ago)have been normal since the hyster.

I had both done at the same time. I was around 35. And doc said the suspension should last about 10 years. He was darn close.
I never had any problems with my Hyster. first week was sore, but never felt better in my life after that.
My bladder is still ok, not so bad, I do use a lite liner every day, that's about it.
Menopause started about 8 years ago, but from others stories, I am not bad off. I think I got lucky, never took any kind of hormone therapy either. Nada.
I am 53 now.

Trin

Just had the TAH/BSO (total abdominal hysterectomy, and removal of both ovaries) for cancer on March 12th (yes THIS March 12th). No Bladder suspension. Surgery was pretty OK...VERY hard to get up from bed (you literally get out of bed to roll over...just stand up and turn). Pain..I was off the pain meds after 2 days. I'd say I had "discomfort" after that, but no need for pain meds. There is a WONDERFUL SITE..I'll post the link. It's hystersisters. Answers just about ANY question you could have. WALK...it'll keep the bowels moving. I thought I was doing OK, then my bowels shut down. Worse pain than the hysterectomy! I also got an open wound where the incision opened up a little..but deep (5" deep, about 1/2" wide), that was more of a PITA than anything else. Nurse had to come in and pack it daily. I waited 8 weeks to go back to work, and was still tired. You can E-mail me at vickey1709@hotmail.com if you have other questions.

vickey

Here is a link that might be useful: Hystersisters

I had an abdominal hysterectomy, along with cystocele and rectocele repair at the same time. My surgeon chose to leave part of one ovary, to keep the hormones going. I was 39; this was back in the dark ages and most of that memory has faded into oblivion. After 13 years I was put on premarine, which eventually I was taken off of. I will say the surgery was a great improvement in my life.

What I really wanted to mention is that during my surgery my surgeon also removed my appendix, eliminating the possibility of another surgery in the future. I thought that was a smart thing to do. So mention it to your surgeon as a possibility.

I'm sure the procedure is much different now than it was back then. I'm sure your doctors will do what is best for you.

Take care.

Sue