l am having an abdominal hysterectomy on Dec. 23 and am wondering just how painful it will be!I've read everything l can about it but other people is experiences would be really helpful.Thankyou so much!

oh poor you, l have nt had one myself but knw a few ppl who have and as long as u do wot the doctors tell u it is nt too bad

REASONS FOR HYSTERECTOMY — A hysterectomy may be advised for a number of conditions. For some of these conditions, there may be alternatives to hysterectomy, which r described below.

Abnormal uterine bleeding — Excessive uterine bleeding, called menorrhagia, can lead to anemia (low blood iron count), fatigue, & contribute to missed days at work or school. Menorrhagia is generally defined as bleeding that lasts longer than seven days or saturates more than one pad per hour for several hours.

Irregular uterine bleeding, called metrorrhagia, can also occur in women with menorrhagia. Metrorrhagia is defined as bleeding or spotting that occurs at times other than during the expected menstrual period.

Menorrhagia & metrorrhagia r generally treated first with medication or other surgical alternatives to hysterectomy. (See ''Patient information: Menorrhagia (Excessive menstrual bleeding)''). However, abnormal uterine bleeding that does not improve with conservative treatments may require hysterectomy.

Fibroids — Fibroids (also known as leiomyoma) r noncancerous growths of uterine muscle that occur in up to one-third of all women. Fibroids may become larger during pregnancy, & typically shrink after menopause. They may cause excessive & irregular vaginal bleeding. (See ''Patient information: Fibroids'').

Pelvic organ prolapse — Pelvic organ prolapse occurs due to stretching & weakening of the pelvic muscles & ligaments. This allows the uterus to fall (or prolapse) into the vagina. It is usually associated with pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, genetic factors, chronic constipation, or lifestyle factors (repeated heavy lifting over the lifetime).

Cervical abnormalities — Hysterectomy is rarely needed for carcinoma in situ (CIN 3) that does not resolve after other procedures (such as cone biopsy, laser or cryosurgery). (See ''Patient information: Cervical cancer screening'').

Endometrial hyperplasia — Endometrial hyperplasia is the term used to describe excessive growth of the endometrium (the tissue that lines the uterus). It can sometimes lead to endometrial cancer. Although endometrial hyperplasia can often be treated with medication, a hysterectomy is sometimes needed or preferred to medical therapy.

Cancer — Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries may require hysterectomy.

Severe bleeding after childbirth — Hysterectomy may rarely be required in women who have uncontrollable bleeding after childbirth.

Chronic pelvic pain — Chronic pelvic pain can be due to the effects of endometriosis or scarring (adhesions) in the pelvis & between pelvic organs. However, pelvic pain can also be caused by other sources, including the gastrointestinal & urinary systems. (See ''Patient information: Chronic pelvic pain in women''). It is important for a woman with pelvic pain to ask about the probability that her pain will improve after hysterectomy.

PRE-OPERATIVE PLANNING AND EVALUATION — Before surgery, there r two main decisions that need to be made about the procedure: whether the cervix should be removed, & whether the ovaries should be removed. If the ovaries r removed, a woman may need to decide if she should take estrogen replacement therapy.

Supracervical/subtotal hysterectomy — A standard abdominal hysterectomy includes removal of the entire uterus & cervix. However, there r situations in which the entire uterus is not removed. A supracervical, subtotal, or partial hysterectomy refers to a procedure in which the cervix is left in place, while the top of the uterus is removed. Supracervical hysterectomy may be done if difficulties arise during surgery, making removal of the cervix complicated.

An emergency supracervical hysterectomy may be done in rare cases for women with uncontrolled uterine bleeding following childbirth. Because of the excessive bleeding, it may not be possible to accurately identify the point where the cervix ends & the vagina begins.

Women who undergo supracervical hysterectomy must continue to have routine screening (Pap smear) for cervical cancer. Some women may continue to have menstrual periods since the retained cervix is attached to a small remaining portion of the uterus.

Prior to planned supracervical hysterectomy, a Pap smear should be performed to exclude cervical abnormalities. In addition, the woman should discuss with her doctor the risks & benefits of leaving the cervix in place.

There was initial concern that removing the cervix would interfere with sexual satisfaction. However, studies have demonstrated that sexual satisfaction does not appear to differ between women with & without a cervix, after hysterectomy.

Removal of ovaries — The ovaries may be removed during hysterectomy, a procedure known as an oophorectomy. Oophorectomy is not always required; the decision depends upon several considerations. A list of questions to help make this decision may be found on the following table (show table 1).

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l had one two years ago. l was hospitalized 2.5 days. Had a pain pump. You will be asked to at least sit up 6-8 hrs after surgery, it will be hard & painful but not too bad, tolerable. Next they will want u to get up & walk the halls a couple times a day while ur there. It will hurt but again its not that bad with the pain meds. They will discharge u with oral pain meds & depending on if u work & how physically demanding it is suggest u take 4-8 weeks off. l had to take 6 because Im an EMT & do a lot of heavy lifting. l got tylenol 3 for pain. l found Ibuprofen worked better. Get a large ice pack, ones used for backs for ur stomach. l slept pretty much 3 days straight once l got home. But l healed very quickly pain was minimal. Hopefully u have someone who can help u out at home, cleaning, ect so u can rest, the biggest thing is not to over do it, & believe me u will be tempted. Who thought something as simple as sweeping could hurt like crazy!? Rest- Ibuprofen- lots of ice! Best of luck,you will be fine.

Good luck to you!

Every woman is different with regard to recovery. Some recover in a couple of weeks, some take a couple of months before they r feeling better.

Firstly, after surgery do NOT overdo it. Too much walking & going up & down stairs & lifting can prolong ur recovery & cause complications.so take it easy if u can. You do need to get out of bed, but do not overdo the physical activity.

If u r also having ur ovaries out, u need to give yourself a full year after ur surgery before u will be ''back to normal''. Your hormone levels r gonna be wacky for awhile, but will straighten out in time.

you have my sympathies dear friend and by the way wish you all the best!!

ah dont worry love. l know how u feel. l was terrified, but l lived to tell the tail. well l went in to hospital early one morning went down to theatre at about 9 & was back in my bed before 12. when l woke up l was attached to a morphine drip & another one giving me antibiotics, l slept most of the day,, the nurses got me up early nxt morning gave me a bed bath & sat me in a chair. l was uncomfortable but not in agony, l asked for the morphine drip to be removed as l dont like the itchy feeling it gave me , l managed with only oral pain rlief, stayed in hospital about 5 days, as l has a urine infection, told by my surgeon not to do anyting for 6 wks, lift nothing heavier than a cup,, sufered a bit due to lack of hormones initially but thats settled down now overhall its the best thing l eved did, no more having to wear black trousers just in case l leaked , no more running to the loo every 5 mins just to make sure all was well, walking past the tampax in asda was brilliant , good luck love u will be just fine xx