Hysteroscopy Results Back and Not Conclusive- Hysterectomy Booked, Surgical Menopause, Nervous

I am 49 and had surgery last October, I had confirmed cancer going into the operation, discovered by the hysteroscopy in September. I wouldn't worry about the medical menopause, the hot flushes are not nice, but they are manageable. I also find I sometimes randomly forget words, but it is not too bad. Feel free to ask any questions. I was told they could not promise keyhole, but I had robot assisted laparoscopic surgery and the surgeon confirmed in my pre-op assessment that he had no plans or expectation to have to change to open surgery. 

How old are your children?  Do you have a partner to help during recovery?

Hi there, thank you so much for taking the time to reply.I'm sorry that you've also had to go through this. I'm aware that I'm very fortunate that there's a chance that my hyperplasia hasn't progressed to cancer yet, but given that they've mentioned it as a possibility I am trying to steel myself. 

That's so reassuring, both that you were able to have keyhole and that you haven't found the menopause symptoms too bad. I'd love to ask some questions, thank you. How long were you waiting to go into theatre for your surgery after you arrived? Having the cannula in my hand is one of my worst things, as ridiculous as that probably sounds! Was your cancer dealt with by surgery alone, or did you need additional treatment? My kids are 7 and 12, I have a very busy (self-employed) work life and a very lovely supportive husband who is also freelance so I'm very fortunate on that front.

I have sent a request to add as a friend, then I can answer without clogging up the public feedback

Thank you :)

There is, apparently, a 40% chance of cancer being found in the histology following hysterectomy where atypical hyperplasia is present in a biopsy. I was diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia in a polyp last year, I’m post menopausal so didn’t have to go through that once I’d had my hysterectomy in September…I hav3 a real fear of having a general anaesthetic but the surgery team were brilliant, I didn’t even feel the cannula going in, they were too busy keeping me distracted and I was under mid conversation! I hope you have a similar experience x I had a Mirena coil put in for 3 months because my first date for hysterectomy I was sent home with high blood sugar and rescheduled for September. My histology was all completely normal, no cancer and not even any hyperplasia, my consultant said at the time he was very confident the hyperplasia was contained in that one polyp. Wishing you a speedy recovery from your surgery and hoping you get normal results and don’t suffer too much from the menopause symptoms (no help at all but I was dreading the menopause and found it no problem at all, just a few hot flushes, so it’s not always a bad experience x)

Hi Mifster16, welcome to the group and to this emotional rollercoaster ride that all of us here have either been on or are on currently. Well done for getting this far. I’m older than you and am post menopause but can answer re the operation day etc. Unless the surgeon has decided from the start that it’s to be open surgery, it’s pretty standard to say hopefully/probably laparoscopic (or robotic) unless he/she considers otherwise once in there. Mine was predicted laparoscopic and stayed that one and it was great - just three small incisions, two an inch long and the other I don’t know as it was in my belly button. 

On the day I arrived at the day theatre (where UHS do their hysterectomy ops) for 7.30am with a number of other women waiting for gynae procedures or ops. The order is decided on the day - I knew this from when I’d had my hysteroscopy under GA. So I just sat in the chair or on the bed and used the hospital Wifi and spent the time on my iPad - even posted on here with a pic of my legs in the Norah Batty stockings they give you. I was free to get up and walk around, eg to the loo and back. I was last on and walked down to theatre with the anaesthetist just before midday. I was given the little mask to breathe in the mix of oxygen and anaesthetic and I went off to sleep as the cannula (which I also hate) was inserted and I was asleep within a minute. Next thing I knew I was awake in the recovery room and it was about 3.30. I was up on the ward by about 5 (could have gone earlier but I was enjoying the peace and calm of the recovery room). Stayed in hospital overnight and went home lunchtime next day. Feel free to ask any other questions! 

Thank you so much, that's so helpful to know that the meno wasn't too bad and that the cannula experience was bearable, you've helped put my mind at rest a bit! Sorry you had to go through all this, but hope you are out the other side now xx

Thank you so much, that's all really helpful to know and sounds like it went just about as smoothly as it could have. I'm so hopeful for keyhole. I'm sorry that you've also been on the rollercoaster but I hope you are now out the other side and I really appreciate you taking the time to respond :)

Hi Mifster16 

Of course you are scared of all this news - an understandable reaction. Things will move quite quickly and you will soon have some answers. Cross fingers it is positive news.

I too had a traumatic experience of surgery in the past. When I went for my total hysterectomy last September, I spoke about it to the Anaesthetist. He was very understanding and the whole team went above and beyond to make it as stress free and comfortable as possible. I advise you do the same and let them reassure you.

The great news you are fit, healthy and all that is brilliant news for any surgery. I had laparoscopic surgery and I recovered well. There is lots of support available here for op preparation tips and afterwards. If I could post the links for what to take to hospital I would (I don't know how!).

Wishing you all the very best and in the meantime enjoy the Spring days with your family.

 What to pack for hospital? 

Hope this works xx