Hysterectomy was the best thing to happen

by Marlene
(Victoria, Australia)

I am 54 and all of my life I suffered badly with the symptoms of endometriosis, even between when I had a period. Back then no one knew what it was. I had a daughter at 29 and another daughter at 31.

After that it was awful, I just couldn't function. I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis. I had a total hysterectomy, including tubes and ovaries, when I was 34.

What a relief. It changed my life. It was the first time I didn't have any pain symptoms. I had hormone replacement therapy and it was the best thing out. My sex life was the best it had ever been. I didn't know how great it could be.

In 2006, I had bad cysts and adhesions and had them removed. 2010 the same again. 2012, I had them again but this time it was a god send because they found bowel cancer. If it wasn't for the pain of the adhesions they wouldn't have found it.

Apart from getting rid of the adhesions, they took bowel, tumour and lymph nodes. I am doing ok and see the specialist every 6 months and repeat 3 of the tests just before I see him.

I am glad I had a hysterectomy and would do it again in a heartbeat.