Connect With Others Who've Had Hysterectomy

When I was considering having hysterectomy, I turned to one friend above everyone else. Not because she's smarter or kinder or a better listener (although she is smart, kind, and understanding), but because she's been there. She had a hysterectomy at a young age, for similar reasons... and she lived to tell about it! Even better, she's living a quality life now, far better than before the surgery. Without her support and her story, I might never have been able to face this surgery.

If you don't actually know anyone in real life who has had a hysterectomy, turn to the internet. There is a wonderful community of women online, all sharing their experiences. Friendships form fast in these forums, and the support is invaluable. I urge you to jump out there and take part in a hysterectomy forum! Here are some to try:

• Hyster Sisters. This is a wonderful resource! If you visit only one hysterectomy site (besides this one, of course), it should be Hyster Sisters. You'll find articles, a store, and a warm, closeknit forum.
• Hyster Hangout. Hyster Hangout features a message board of women facing hysterectomy, as well as women who have already had surgery.
• Hysterectomy Recovery Room. This forum is in its infancy, and there are few posts. While this might not be the best place to go for advice, it could be excellent if you're looking for a smaller, more intimate community.

There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!

Hysterectomy Glossary

When it comes to hysterectomy, there is a whole other language, and knowing the key terms is essential. Seriously, it could save your life... or your ovaries! When I went in for my pre-op visit, the surgical orders stated, "tah w/ bso". Hold up! No, no definite bso here. I was able to get the word "possible" added in, and ended up saving my ovaries! So, you see, knowing the key terms can be pretty freaking helpful!

• Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (bas): Surgical removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries.
• Cervix: The mouth of the uterus; a narrow canal that opens to the vagina.
• Complete Hysterectomy: Also called total hysterectomy, complete hysterectomy is the removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix.
• Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH): A hysterectomy which removes the uterus, but leaves the cervix, and is performed through three small incisions.
• Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. There are many different types of hysterectomies and different ways of performing the surgery.
• Partial Hysterectomy: Partial hysterectomy is also called subtotal hysterectomy. It is removing part of the uterus, but leaving the cervix intact.
• Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
• Radical Hysterectomy: Normally performed on women with cancer, radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, lymph channels, part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues.
• Supracervical Hysterectomy: Another name for partial hysterectomy.
• Surgical Menopause: Menopausal symptoms brought on adruptly by the surgical removal of the ovaries.
• Swelly Belly: A term coined by Hyster Sisters to describe the swollen abdomen many women have following hysterectomy.
• Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (tah): Removal of the uterus and the cervix through an incision in the abdomen.
• Vaginal Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus through an incision in the vagina.