About
Surgically diagnosed with endometriosis five years ago, recurrent pain has recently led me to consider a hysterectomy. As a 42-year-old career woman, I had just started to think about last-chance babies. But in a moment, everything shifted. Time has run out, and plans are radically changing.
Welcome to Exile From Hysteria.
NOTE: I had a complete abdominal hysterectomy, including removal of one ovary, at 11:30 a.m. March 14.
Exile From Hysteria 
i wish you lots of luck and peace. i recently had a hysterectomy at age 35. i was diagnosed with stage 4 endo this year, after having an initial diagnosis at 17. i am learning to create a new beginning in this body. it’s a challenge some days, but i’m learning.
Thanks so much for your note. Everything is still so fresh for me, and I’m doing my best to get up to speed. I appreciate your kind words. It’s so nice to know I am not alone.
have you explored other options? like medical menopause? i tried it before going full board hysterectomy. it didn’t work for me. it might work for others. i have kids, so i didn’t care at a certain point if they took all my bits. if you want children, it might be another option.
My doctor has been aggressively treating my endo for about six years now. Since my pain level recently has skyrocketed, she felt a hysterectomy was our best shot at relief. I am feeling much better about it now that I have done some research (and cried my eyes out a bazillion times!!)
ah, well, i’ve been to the church of “cry my eyes out” and it can make all things clear. seriously. i think it’s the only way i came to the decisions i came to. the recovery and all that jazz is not as bad as i thought. the decision making process was the most insane part. once you get there and are solid, you’ll be great.
Oh my! You are like my personal Yoda! Thanks for your wisdom. And for sharing your experiences. I am totally a believer in the cathartic cry. The day I found out I kicked my boyfriend out of the house for the evening, sobbed while watching “Housewives” and magically started feeling better the next day. It wasn’t instant, but something shifted. Today I told someone I was getting a hysterectomy, and I didn’t burst into tears. It’s definitely a process, but I call it progress… 🙂
[…] 3. CrankyGiraffe 4. TishMoon 5. Jet @ SustainablySinlgeParenting 6. WhiskeyInTheAM 7. ExileFromHysteria 8. Rarasaur 9. J.E Lattimer 10. FrontRangeScribbles 11. MerBear74 12. Rohan7things 13. Jaschmehl […]
I love the crocheted angry uterus (complete with ovaries and fallopian tubes!). Did you make it? Is there a pattern?
Isn’t it so cute?? I did not make it. But it gives me a smile every day. 🙂
Jenny: I could not find a pattern, but I did find the original artist on Etsy. Here’s a link to the site: http://www.etsy.com/listing/85447381/crochet-uterus-softie
I just bought one today!! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
So glad I found it. Big hugs to you!!!!!
After hysto life will be different, please don’t think you will bounce right back in a week or two, it cannot happen. The best advice I can give you is to give your body all the time in the world to heal, it took be a good year and every day will be different, better, new. You are about to restart you, with this I mean that you are going to learn to enjoy life free from pain and the bathroom. When things get tough, remember life before and all the little issues won’t matter, because you are free.
Thanks so much, Grndma Chris. Your words really helped me refocus. I can’t help but be a little nervous about it all. My best to you!
Hey to an inspiring blogger! I wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Amanda and Katie do not want you to feel obligated to go through the acceptance steps, as there are a few steps and we understand how crazy things get in life. We were eager to share your blog with our readers because we love it so much and wanted them to see your message, too. However, if you’re interested in accepting the award, the details are here:
http://belowtheradar002.com/2013/03/25/we-humbly-announce/
Amanda and Katie: Thanks so much for this nomination. It means so much to be honored, especially during my recovery from my hysterectomy. My best to you both!!
Cheers,
Jillian