Atypical endometrial hyperplasia

Hi Em,  I had my hysterectomy August 2020, everything taken out. My brilliant surgeon performed keyhole surgery. I had the added complication that in October 2019 I had to have a ruptured appendix removed. ( I know, what a great 18 months that was for me!,) They tried keyhole surgery but it was too difficult and I ended up having open surgery and was in hospital for five days with a drain in.

With my hysterectomy I  was very keen to avoid open surgery again if possible. My gynae surgeon explained that when they did the appendix op they would have had to push the bowel out of the way, and it can get dried up when moved and stick together. When he came to do my hysterectomy my surgeon said “it was a bit of a mess in there” from the appendix op, as bits of bowel had indeed got stuck together but he said he managed to sort it out. My keyhole surgery was a doddle compared to the appendix op. The appendix scar still gives me those “pulling” feelings even now.  I never have any trouble with the keyhole surgery area. 

 I was interested to hear that your bowel sometimes gets blocked, as  I have been experiencing something similar very recently.  I was beginning to worry that my cancer had sneaked into my bowel, so it is reassuring that it could just be the adhesions.

Sorry, that’s all a bit convoluted. What I’m trying to say is I don’t think my hysterectomy made my previous adhesions from surgery any worse!

Also, yes, we’ve all been in that limbo state before our ops. A feeling that you are outside of yourself, it’s all so unreal. And don’t feel guilty about not feeling lucky!! The possibility of them finding anything unwelcome in there is very scary, and friends and family try to be supportive but don’t know really the turmoil your brain finds itself in. It gets better once you’ve had the op, and any results. If there was anything nasty it’s been taken out, and if any further treatment is needed you can deal with it.  If you need to worry, rant or talk about it all just come on this forum, we all know what it’s like, and the ladies are very supportive.

I wish you good luck with your surgery and hopefully a good outcome.

Viv x

Hi Viv,

Thank you so much, for all your advice and kind words it makes such a difference to talk with someone that understands. I have been bottling my true feelings in and it’s a relief to open up xxx

I have been so worried about the op making my adhesions worse and you have reassured me  when you get pain try resting your bowel until it settles. I go on a low residue diet, white bread, chicken, fish and eat small amounts and really chew each mouthful of food well  When my bowel starts to settle I can slowly start introducing other foods again. My tell tale signs it’s going to happen are constipation and a pulling pain around my belly button and pain in my left side and a horrible sicky feeling. You really have been through it and  I so hope that helps you too  and again thank you so so much Em xxxx

Em, thanks for the bowel advice! I’ll give it a try.  To further reassure you, I was classed as Grade1 Stage 1b., so caught early.  After my op I was advised to have three sessions of brachytherapy. I am now on 3 monthly checks and am doing well, so most of those checks have been telephone consultations. The waiting is the worst bit I think, so having your op is getting over the first hurdle and for you that might be all that’s needed. 
Viv x

Craft Queen. Hi Em and welcome to our spot in the Online Community. 

When I was told by my GP she was putting me on a 2 week wait cancer pathway for Womb Cancer I couldn't believe it. No-one in my biological family had ever had cancer and surely a few pink spots on my undies a couple of days apart couldn't be anything sinister - could they? My body was harbouring an aggressive hitchhiker! My op and treatments were at the same time as Viv (Jigsaw33) last year. I'd no no other previous complications.

Don't feel guilty for anything, yes it's pre-cancerous but things do change and not always for the better. Although family and friends can be supportive to be honest the only people who know how you feel are us here. I look back on this time last year and can't believe it really happened.

It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) It’s helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. You can amend or update it at any time. If you’re not sure what to write, just click on my username.

If you want to ask any of us any questions please come back and do so. There's always someone around and we can offer a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold or listen to a rant, we’re here for you.

Click on the link I’ve created to find out more information covering diagnosis and treatments for Womb cancer.

You might also find this link to what to take in my overnight bag useful for when you have surgery.

It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear. It's free to call on 0808 808 00 00  8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look to see what is available by Clicking here .

There is also an Ask an Expert section, but you should allow two working days for replies from our expert team.

Sending you welcoming hugs, Barb xx 

Hi Viv, I am so pleased you are doing well after your diagnosis and surgery and hope the diet helps you when you have a flare up.

Thank you again so much for your support and reassurance it means so much.

sending hugs 

Em x

Hi Barb,

Thank you so much for your lovely email and advice , I really appreciate it and hope that you are keeping well , sending hugs Em xxx

Hi Craft Queen, I had an open total hysterectomy including my ovaries and tubes as I had leiomyosarcoma. The surgeon said that it was very challenging as I had so many adhesions from my two caesarean sections. For several weeks my bladder would feel like it was in spasm if I wee'd or poohed!!  My bladder and bowel hurt for weeks whenever I ate too and I would have to get to the loo urgently. I'm glad to say that everything is fine now. Good luck with the surgery. Deb

Hi Debs, thank you  Can I ask did you have to go on a liquid diet while your bowel and bladder hurt? I am so pleased that everything has settled now and hope that you are fully recovered hugs Em x

Hi Em, I just didn't really eat tbh. I lost well over a stone in in weight. My surgeon arranged another CT incase something was going on. It wasn't, it was just the adhesions had been difficult for her to separate them from the bladder.plus she needed to get the uterus out whole so she couldn't squash it down to remove it so I also had a big wound to facilitate that. I have liver disease so I can't take painkillers which doesn't help. Take care, Deb

You have been through it my lovely Thank you and I hope your adhesions don’t cause any more issues xxxxx