Hysterectomy

[PandaValentine]

I have an appointment mid July with a gynecologist. Where I live hysterectomies are covered as long as your still legally female, and find a doctor who deems it necessary, which it is in some trans guys cases. Basically in Canada you have to have it done if you want to change your sex on things like birth certificates. My inner junk causes me physical pain so it's more than necessary that I get rid of it. However I am freaked about getting this sort of operation, any operation really, but somehow more with this than chest surgery, I'm not as freaked for that.

Now because of circumstances it could happen before the end of this year, which is why I am concerning myself with it now. I want to know everything I possibly can, which is why I've read up on them, but I kind of want to hear from a trans guys perspective what it was like. I've only heard one, and it didn't seem that bad, though the healing time is long. I'm going to be getting the abdominal incision since I really dislike the other options. And this will also be the removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well, oophorectomy I think it's called.

So if you got stories please share.

I want the best results myself, none of those complications so I'm doing everything to ensure my body is in good condition before than. I already had an EKG and the doctor told me I have a perfect heart. I was like XD I also have had a few blood tests (not ones for hormone levels) and I've always got normal to perfect results (doctors tend to use the word perfect for a lot of my test results), and a recent chest x-ray has proven to also have been normal. The only thing I got is bruising in my brain from excessive bleeding because of these really bad headaches I got every day (not anymore though!), but that's nothing that can complicate a hysterectomy. All in all, I'm in great health except my painful inner 'female' junk.

[JohnAlex]

If you don't mind me asking, why do you have that condition where your inner 'female' junk is causing you pain?  what caused it?
I'm sorry if you don't want to answer that just ignore me!


And I'm sorry, I can't say anything about the rest because I've never had one.

[Mr.Rainey]

As far as surgeries go (I still need my hysto) I can give you some pointers.

Wear comfy clothes and bring warm socks and PJ pants (especially if you have to stay in the hospital)

Ask for anti anxiety meds, I have panic attacks so those help a great deal. You are never forced to take them if you don't want to but just having them helps.

If they ask you if you get motion sick, say yes even if it is a lie because they will give you some anti nausea meds in your IV. The last thing you need when your incision hurts is to be puking.

This guy also makes some good points

[PandaValentine]

If you don't mind me asking, why do you have that condition where your inner 'female' junk is causing you pain?  what caused it?
I'm sorry if you don't want to answer that just ignore me!


And I'm sorry, I can't say anything about the rest because I've never had one.

It's quite all right.

Well Pre-T, along with every dreaded one week of the month I got this really bad back pain, which I guess happens to more people than I knew, it has something to do with the uterus, they are basically contractions, so it's like being in labour, without the baby. So from what I assumed, being on T, and no longer having that monthly menus pay a visit, it would go away, my doctor thought the same. But instead now I get random back pain which can be to the point of not being able to get out of bed, and sometimes pelvic pain which I've never had before, and sometimes this can last weeks without an end. I personally think it's from my ovaries over reacting from the testosterone. They've done ultrasounds and have no idea what's wrong. They told me the only way to even find out is to have the surgery. They said sometimes Doctors just can't see it until they cut you open. So to be honest I, nor my doctors have any idea what's going on inside, but it's a pain in the ass...or well actually my back.

[PandaValentine]

Well I know you stay in the hospital for a few days at the least. I know my dad was out of the hospital like the same day of his hernia operation, but they take hysterectomies a little more seriously I guess.

Oh I can't wait to have an actual reason to sit around in PJ's all day! I am going to buy all new ones before the surgery so I can be as comfy as can be.

I really like the idea of anti-anxiety meds, but I'd probably only take them the day of because I'd be really freaked out. As for after the surgery I don't think I would because I think they give you morphine, so that's alright with me, and from what I heard, they let you control it!

I do get motion sick though, so I guess that's a bonus...in a strange way.

Thanks for the tips and the video. XD

[PandaValentine]

After watching that video I'm more terrified than I've ever been! But still thanks. I just cannot imagine being examined. I'm sexually active so I've NEVER had to have it done, and I cannot imagine having doctors shave me around that area. I was like freaking out when they kept asking to drop my pants lower during an ultrasound, I thought I was going to have a panic attack. I wish they could just knock me out first. I am going to not take that like a man, I'll probably cry.

[JohnAlex]

It's quite all right.

Well Pre-T, along with every dreaded one week of the month I got this really bad back pain, which I guess happens to more people than I knew, it has something to do with the uterus, they are basically contractions, so it's like being in labour, without the baby. So from what I assumed, being on T, and no longer having that monthly menus pay a visit, it would go away, my doctor thought the same. But instead now I get random back pain which can be to the point of not being able to get out of bed, and sometimes pelvic pain which I've never had before, and sometimes this can last weeks without an end. I personally think it's from my ovaries over reacting from the testosterone. They've done ultrasounds and have no idea what's wrong. They told me the only way to even find out is to have the surgery. They said sometimes Doctors just can't see it until they cut you open. So to be honest I, nor my doctors have any idea what's going on inside, but it's a pain in the ass...or well actually my back.

Oh, wow, that kind of worries me because I am in a similar situation. 

I don't have back pain, though, I have full body pain.  It's completely unbearable and the doctors don't know why either, they want to do a pelvic exam, which I'm not comfortable with.  So right now I just take birth control and two prescription pain killers together to get the pain under control. 
So I have no idea what's going to happen or what they're going to tell me when I start to go on T.

anyway, thanks for sharing.  that was exactly why I asked, because I don't know what's going to happen for me. 

After watching that video I'm more terrified than I've ever been! But still thanks. I just cannot imagine being examined. I'm sexually active so I've NEVER had to have it done, and I cannot imagine having doctors shave me around that area. I was like freaking out when they kept asking to drop my pants lower during an ultrasound, I thought I was going to have a panic attack. I wish they could just knock me out first. I am going to not take that like a man, I'll probably cry.

Omg, this is me exactly!  Despite all the pain I may be in, I would rather have that pain than have an exam like that. 

Now I'm really afraid to even start T....
Although, who knows, it could end up fixes everything for me instead of making things worse.

[PandaValentine]

Are you thinking of having a hysterectomy as well, or no? Because if it is caused by that there's a chance that it will stop with T and a chance it could get worse. For one week straight I had to go to the hospital twice because of bleeding and serious pelvic pain. They told me it was probably just my hormones getting used to my body but I was on them for five months at that time and that  time of the month had stop coming round. Still, doctors at hospitals have never listened to me, they can be real ->-bleeped-<-s where I live!

My doctor asked if I wanted to have that examination done but I told her no way, same with my endo so they referred me to an gyno who has had trans patients before and she'll just double check with an ultrasound and hopefully start planning the surgery, which I really want to get over with this year! I really hate waiting. Like I wouldn't get this surgery if I didn't believe I absolutely needed it because I'm personally always scared of dying on a table, especially in this body. I at least want to die male and not have a bunch of ->-bleeped-<-s saying SHE!

[JohnAlex]

I would consider having a hysterectomy if it weren't for the fact that I can't stand the thought of someone examining me down there.  Maybe someday in the future I can deal with it better.  but for now, no. 

I'm also not out to my doctor.  So, I'm sure she's not going to recommend me to have a hysterectomy either, lol.

But wow.  now I'm just really scared to go on T.  I already wasn't planning on doing it soon, but still.

[PandaValentine]

Yeah, I've got months to prepare with the thought of that so I think I'll be okay, I'm going to request a male doctor since I'm less anxious around them. Having a woman do that is going to send me to a whole other dimension of crazy.

Well there's no guarantee it will make it worse or take it away, I guess that'd be something you'd have to take to an endocrinologist with, maybe figure out a special dosage. I guess it is better to know these things though than be surprised by it happening. With the way your pain sounds though, if that's what causes it you may just need to have a hysterectomy anyways, I've heard lots of stories of people getting it done (non-trans people) for that sort of reason. It must suck to have full body pain though, I can barely handle it being in my back and sometimes in the front.

[JohnAlex]

Yes, I also feel a little better around male doctors.  which my family completely doesn't get.

Thank you for everything you've explained here.  It's true I have no idea how T will actually effect me and this problem of mine.  but it is nice to know possible or similar outcomes.   I suppose I shoudl jsut prepare now, and deal with whatever ends up happening when it happens.

That actually be a good excuse to give my family for getting a hysterectomy.  and it would be true.  But still not looking forward to getting an exam.  I've managed to avoid them so far.  If only I could get over it...

[PandaValentine]

Unfortunately the exams not all of it for a hysto. There is also the part of the catheter and then sometimes having to have the doctor take it out if you can't do it yourself. Then I think at least one check up after to ensure everything is okay, however I'm not sure if that one has to be invasive, it may just be checking of healing around scars, unless it wasn't done abdominally. Honestly if I didn't want this so bad, there is no chance at all I would get any of this, ever. But sadly for trans guys when they become sexually active or get on T, it can be a danger to them not to have it checked. If it wasn't for the pain and wanting this stuff out, I would be one of them, avoiding it for the rest of my life, despite the risks.

[PandaValentine]

Honestly I don't even think I'll take them before surgery anymore because I'm always very calm in situations where I need to be, I don't know. But I never take any medications unless it's absolutely necessary.

I have had one recently where I couldn't breathe, two in a row actually which I thought was an allergic reaction to something, and ended up in the hospital. They for me are the hardest to control when they affect my chest and breathing, mine usually only consist of shaking and a racing heart, as well as the thoughts that I'm going to die. I never really considered the fact I may get one of those after surgery, but I hope I don't. I didn't take any meds for it last time since I've had so much practice with controlling panic attacks when I know I'm having one. I've never once taken meds for it actually, and I've had way to many to remember. Since I refused those drugs that time at the hospital, they gave me benadryl to put me to sleep, which stopped me from getting my third panic attack in a row.

[LordKAT]

I got a hysto and also had back pain with mine but for usually longer than a week. The not able to stand upright during that time was common. T did not help me as it hasn't helped yours. I was in the hospital over night only. the pain of surgery was much less than a period and gone with in a week. I still had to be off work for 4 weeks while things healed.


I did not to the abdominal thing though I did also have ovaries removed.

Good luck.

[sascraps]

Panda, you sound a lot like me. I didn't know back pain could come from your uterus, but that makes sense to me because I have severe back pain almost all the time, and severe cramps before, during & after periods. So I've actually often wanted a hysterectomy because I don't really want kids and I'm tired of being crippled with pain so often. I have some moderate cramps going on right now as I'm writing this. And by moderate, I mean a sledgehammer to the gut. So I feel ya bro. lol Sucks!

I've also always been pretty weirded out by medical stuff and always thought that I don't want anything going in or out of me surgically. But I've had my gallbladder out and that wasn't so bad, except for the catheter thing. That was awful. They just stab ya with it!! And I'm very shy about my body and don't want people seeing the gross girl parts down there either. I had to see a gynecologist once before, and it took me like a year or more to feel like I could leave the house and show my face in public. It left me that embarrassed that I shut myself in for a very long time. So needless to say, I haven't agreed to go through that again. 

All I can say is good luck on getting what you want.

[Whitewing2202]

I would recommend the laparoscopic version. Had mine 10 months ago had 3 small incisions (only 1 can still be seen) was in the hospital for a total of 18 hours and went back to work in 3 weeks..the pain was very minimal. The worst part was the catheter.
The pain and recovery is worse with the abdominal incision also will have to spend more time in the hospital  up to 3 days. So I don't recommend that unless they don't have choice.

[Miniar]

I got my hysto in september (I think) and it went great...

I had mine with the incision method.
I had ovaries, uterus, and cervix removed.
They usually don't remove the cervix and I didn't dare ask for it, but he offered and I accepted, because it's something I did want to get rid of.

Anyway.
It took me three weeks to get back on my feet.
I expected it to take longer, but three weeks after surgery I was feeling completely back to normal.

The first week after surgery, I was weak, sluggish, sore.
My lesbian friend made me laugh and I cried from the pain and yet I could not stop laughing.
I had a hard time staying upright for long. It meant that I had a hard time cooking dinner and such, thus I found myself eating easy foods most of the time.
I suggest stocking up on such things. Aim for high fiber and high protein, it'll make things easier.
I didn't need any painkillers past the first week.

The bathroom gave me some problems for the first two weeks, it was uncomfortable as hell to sit down on it, but since 2 weeks after surgery it's been completely problem free.

I would have died from boredom at the hospital if I hadn't had two books and my laptop. I suggest the books at the very least.

DO NOT HAVE A LESBIAN AND HER FRIEND COME VISIT YOU!
THEY'LL BE LOUD AND AS YOU STUFF LIKE "HOW'S YOUR VAJAYJAY FEELIN?!"

[jmaxley]

I knew about the exam beforehand but...OMG, they shave you down there AND you're awake for it?  And a catheter?  Sounds like the seventh circle of hell.  If I didn't want those parts gone so bad...ugh.

[PandaValentine]

Yeah I never would have guessed there would be shaving, they don't like you ding it yourself to make sure it's properly done.

Honestly I can deal with a lot of pain so I'm choosing abdominal incision no matter what, the other ones are just too invasive! Plus with this one they get a nice good look around and can move around more compared to the other options. There are complications with every option but I prefer this ones, it doesn't scare me as much.

Ha-ha, yeah I remember when I was just at a hospital overnight visiting and I was bored out of my mind. My sister was having her baby, and I ended up being the entertainment, went through all the cupboards and began to play doctor on my sister. The only thing about having the surgery myself is being bedridden though I did hear they make you get up the first day and walk around. I was shocked, but it's to unkink your intestines because sometimes that happens during surgery.

Yeah I was surprised to that it was from that my inner bits. I've been getting them since I was 13, 5 months before I turned fourteen, and now I'm twenty. So honestly the thought of waiting longer just seems ridiculous and even for those who don't have them but had them before, I heard they can come round at anytime, even miss a few years and suddenly start coming back. I've been having them for the past few days. I really dislike them because no matter how I lie down the pain doesn't go away. Like I can't go my whole life with this thing which is why even though all surgeries are risky and having two is riskier than one, I know I've got to do it.

Thanks for posting guys, you've been a lot of help. I've actually found a lot more information since posting and found youtube has a few good stories of trans guys hysterectomies. I found one detailed story at trans-health.com which I found very interesting, especially appealing to me since I'm Canadian. Because of all this talk I've already picked out my exact meals I'm going to have during my hospital stay (brought in, I'd never eat hospital food)! I want this all planned to the very last detail, I'm usually one of those people. It's sort of like when I used to go camping, I'd be making lists and packing some things away even if it was weeks or months away.

[LordKAT]

I wasn't shaved for mine, but then I have no external scars either.