Hysterectomy and BSO for older ladies age 67

mollysue, you’ve asked this question already in a few different threads,, and several of us have replied, all positive, and, though it’s fine to ask it again, I’m wondering what it is that you feel hasn’t been answered already. Recovery in what sort of terms? What would you be able to want to do again that you could do before?

PS - I’ll say it again: 67 isn’t old! 

Hi Mollysue

You seem to be quite active so I'm sure you'll be fine, just prepare yourself ahead and do most things like stock up on essentials and  cook and freeze meals, get yourself up to date with things so after the op you can concentrate on yourself. I had Laparoscopic surgery and was amazed how quickly I recovered. Yes you feel fragile first few days, I didn't get much sleep, took naps in the afternoon etc, but take it easy and  also be mobile, gentle walks everyday helped me with the constipation. I also did do the injections, myself. They're ok, but I was glad when they were over. From memory , I went out with my husband in the car shopping about a week or so  later just for a quick shop, no walking around big supermarkets or carrying anything, hubby did all that.Two years on now and I can say I'm back to normal and have been for a long time. 

I know you're looking for assurance, but everyone has their own personal experience of this journey, I hope yours will be a positive one and that you'll be back on here to tell us all about it.. wishing you well with everything. Take care, x

Sorry just worried 

Yes I know, I'm 66 soon and can honestly say that it wouldn't be any different if I were to have surgery now, I would expect to recover just the same, you seem to be quite active so that's a big bonus, you'll be fine I'm sure. X

Hello mollysue 

I had robotic surgery and my recovery was good. I found out I was having robotic on the day of surgery.

I followed all the instructions the hospital gave me. That is the important bit - to not overdo it. It is tempting to do more but this is the time to think of yourself. You will need 6 weeks rest and a gradual build up to your usual level of activity. 

It's a good idea to let family around you know that you will not be able to fulfil any usual tasks you do for them fir 6 weeks. Obviously you can wave a duster around and put meals in a microwave.  But lifting heavy things - even a kettle - and bending is to be avoided.

My scars (four of them) were small and have healed well. I felt physically recovered at six weeks. 

The only bleeding I had was getting slower and slower over 5-6 weeks. Some people have hardly any bleeding at all. 

I'm a bath person - not shower- so waiting for a bath for six weeks was hard. Having a shower is ok but when I was able to have a bath it was heaven. 

Everyone's story is individual and we may have recovered slightly differently but hopefully your recovery will go well too and will be raring to go! 

Also Mollysue, you will find that womb cancer is very common in the 60's years.....and I suspect many women that have replied to your posts are in their 60's, this paragraph was found from cancer.net page:

The average age of diagnosis for uterine cancer is 60. It is uncommon in people younger than 45. An estimated 69% of people with uterine cancer are diagnosed at an early stage. This is largely due to the presence of abnormal vaginal bleeding as an early symptom, particularly when it occurs after menopause.

So being 67, I would say is an average age for the type of cancer we have, therefore we can safely say that an average recovery would be probable. Hysterectomy is a safe surgical procedure for women of many ages, including those over 60.