Are these legit concerns about a TLH?

[Rabbit27]

Hi guys,
I'm looking into getting my total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy soon because I've recently reached five years on T and my family has a history of ovarian and uterus cancers. Before I even attempt to contact an OGBYN I have so many questions/concerns.... I'm wondering if you guys could help answer them for me and anyone else who shares them! If you could please share your experiences to help me better understand what I may go through, I'd SO GREATLY APPRECIATE IT! (You have no idea how much I would!) xD

1. Which type of hysto did you have and what was the pain like? How did urinating/going #2 feel during the days just after surgery? (Total, subtotal, abdominal, laparoscopic, ect)
I believe I'll NEED the laparoscopic approach because I'm a trumpet player (it's what I do for a living - have degrees for, ect.) and I've heard horror stories of women on hystersisters.com who have had the abdominal kind and could never support their air to play the flute again... And from what I've read vaginal is usually only an option to people who've had children before, so that's also out...

2. If you're a wind instrument player, whether professional or just play as a hobby, did you find any permanent changes to air support/ pain after your dr. approved you to play again?
Honestly, I'm absolutely petrified because I NEED my abdomen for my career...

3. Will I be forever prohibited from doing ab exercises post-hysto? I've read a lot of things that say sit-ups are prohibited once someone has gotten a hysto... Any guys out there who have maintained abs post-hysto?

I'm honestly not worried about the potential "post-menopausal" symptoms once my ovaries are removed, I am however concerned about an overall feeling of being healthy afterward.
4. Did you take estrogen after your hysto? If so, did it keep you feeling as health as before the surgery? If not, did you feel as healthy as before while just taking T?

Okay, okay what's all this I hear about prolapsing?? I've read many medical definitions and personal advice on this subject and am dumbfounded at the contradictions. I've read that people can prolapse before and after a hysto. If I understand correctly, pre-hysto prolapses are usually the uterus falling into the upper vaginal walls, and post-hysto prolapses can either be the bladder falling backwards, the rectum shifting forward, or the upper vaginal walls falling downward. Please correct me if I don't understand properly.. I'm terrified of this happening...
5. Did you prolapse after surgery? If so, what type of prolapse was it and how was it corrected? And if you have or haven't, what interval of time did it occur (or did not occur) post hysto? (I'd like to know that you've made it "4 years post-hysto without prolapsing, or "I prolapsed six months after", ect.) 
This is my LARGEST FEAR of having a hysto for two reasons: 1. The fact that organs can shift after the surgery. 2. Corrective prolapse surgeries are done through the abdomen, endangering my career as a trumpet player...
a)If one gets a total hysto- is there ALWAYS an underlying possibility of prolapsing?
I've read that people who have them must always make sure their stools are soft because it would potentially cause a prolapse if not.
b)Does having a total hysto affect your life forever, or would you be able to finally move on and do normal activities like working out your abs and not worrying about keeping your stools soft?
If you have to constantly worry about not applying pressure to your abdomen, then does that mean I would never be able to play the trumpet again? According to this document: http://www.utswmedicine.org/conditions-specialties/obgyn/urogyn-pelvic-floor/pelvic-organ-prolapse/faq.pdf , it says that to avoid having a prolapse people should be concerned even when they have a chronic cough since it puts pressure on the abdomen wall... So does life after a hysto consist of numerous restrictions and constant preventative measures?
I'm sorry for all the questions.. I just have a lot about hystos racing through my mind currently.
Thank you in advance!

[FTMax]

1. I had a total laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. One incision in my belly button, one over my pubic bone, and everything was taken out from downstairs. No pain whatsoever. A little soreness and some cramping, but that is pretty normal for this surgery. Peeing stung the first 2-3 times after surgery due to the catheter, but that quickly went away. I was constipated for about a week due to anesthesia, but had no issues or pain going once things started moving again.

Your info about vaginal hysterectomies is flawed. I've never had a child or even penetrative intercourse, and had everything taken out below.

2. N/A. I don't play any instruments. I do work out fairly regularly, have a need for decent cardio and general fitness in my job, and had no issues returning to full duties at 3 weeks post op with my doctor's approval.

3. No. I was told not to do any physical activity beyond walking for 3 weeks, but after that I was able to resume full activity. I can do crunches, sit-ups, run, do martial arts, etc. with no issues.

4. No, I just take testosterone and I'm doing great. I would never have agreed to taking estrogen.

5. I did not. My doctor cited a 1% complication rate for the surgery that I had, and roughly all of that was related to the bladder. Prolapse is very rare and as I understand, a result of pre-existing conditions. I was told in my case it was extremely unlikely if not impossible.

I had surgery on a Thursday and went back to work the following Monday. The constipation I had from anesthesia was the worst part of this surgery for me. I had no issues post-op with healing and at the three week mark I felt just fine to resume all the things I used to do.

I think you would benefit from talking to a doctor who regularly performs these instead of doing too much reading online. Every doctor is going to be a little different in their approach and what complications they see most often, so best to get it straight from the horse's mouth.

I don't think these are legitimate concerns based on my experience, what I was told by my doctor, and the experiences I've read from other folks. A doctor would be best to ask about your specific concerns related to hobbies/work though.

[Jacqueline]

Welcome to the site.

FTMax has given you good information.

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