Comments | ftm: hysterectomy question

genderfuct in ftm

hysterectomy question

Jan 23, 2013 17:44

4 years on T, I still experience cramping on a weekly(!!) basis that I just can't tolerate anymore. I'm looking into getting a hysterectomy covered by insurance but it looks like I won't be able to schedule it until March or April at the earliest due to the hoops I have to jump through first to get it paid for by my insurance. I'm an athlete and ( Read more... )

surgery questions, surgery-hystos, surgery-pre-op questions

Comments 14

grumpyoldmen January 24 2013, 02:07:25 UTC

Hi Jacob ( ... )

genderfuct January 24 2013, 03:04:37 UTC

thanks for your reply. it would be laproscopic so hopefully the recovery would be smooth since I am otherwise pretty healthy. And I have a couch in my office so I could definitely schedule time for naps, etc. sounds like I shouldn't schedule anything work related for at least two weeks, if not longer though. thanks for your feedback.

idlehander January 24 2013, 02:48:15 UTC

1. This depends on the technique the surgeon will be employing for your surgery. Typically, the abdominal technique has a longer recovery time than a laproscopic technique due to the large incision made through the abdominal muscles. I had a laproscopically assisted surgery and I would say that at 3-4 weeks post op I was almost back to normal. I found that even though I wasn't in pain, I got tired really easily for the first few weeks ( ... )

genderfuct January 24 2013, 03:09:42 UTC

I have had my testosterone and estrogen levels tested. From what I understand, my testosterone levels are in "normal male range" and my estradial was at 80.4pg/mL my estriol was 0.02 ng/mL. I don't entirely know what that means except that my doctor said it was normal for someone who has not yet had their ovaries removed. I'm assuming that means it's higher than the average male but much lower than the average female which is why I wonder if it could impact weight gain/loss, metabolism, etc. Mostly, it's wishful thinking as I have been working my ass off for a year now with not much noticeable change to my body fat. I know the last 10lbs are hardest but I also know that I've lost weight more easily than this in the past so I'm not sure what's up other than getting older, perhaps. anyway, thanks for the feedback.

idlehander January 24 2013, 03:21:19 UTC

I hear ya, man. I'm 29, and my metabolism is not what it used to be. I'm pretty avid about the gym, but I've yet to lose the bit of fat I've got hanging around my lower abs. Another thing my gym-buddies tell me is that "abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym" so no matter how fit I am, part of my problem is I'm totally not disciplined about my diet.

So a quick google search for male estradiol levels lead me here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estradiol#Ranges
According to that, you're definitely above the top end for males (55 pg/mL), so maybe the hysto will change that.

sneakersjay January 24 2013, 03:57:46 UTC

The six weeks is pretty accurate and I recover quickly. I think you will be able to go back to work; you will need to rest more and you won't be able to lift much. I went back to work after 4 days. Not smart, but necessary. Working out? Not weight lifting, for sure. When will definitely depend on whether you have abdominal or laparoscopic or vaginal. I also traveled 3 weeks post op and carried a small laptop: also not a good idea.

If it were me I'd just get it over with and get on with my life. Then you have your whole future to get into shape.

(The comment has been removed)

genderfuct January 24 2013, 14:38:22 UTC

yeah, makes sense. the reason I'd wait would be because I do a lot of triathlons and summer is the only season to do them so I might miss many of the races, which would be a bummer.

nolovelost January 24 2013, 17:28:11 UTC

hold up, you're cramping every week???? what causes that?

genderfuct January 24 2013, 18:20:26 UTC

not sure but I can't take it anymore! I've had my hormone levels check and I had an ultrasound done. nothing abnormal to report. just unlucky, I guess. I hadn't planned on ever having a hysto as I don't feel emotionally bothered by having those organs but I just can't handle the near constant cramping anymore. pre-T I only had monthly cramps with a period. Period stopped right away with T but cramping has persisted. ugh.

nolovelost January 24 2013, 18:42:13 UTC

is this a common thing? i just started T. it's the same type of cramps like being on your period? urgh. i am not looking forward to that!

genderfuct January 24 2013, 20:58:43 UTC

no, it's not common. you'll probably be fine.

beyondmountains January 25 2013, 11:32:45 UTC

I had a laparoscopically assisted hysto, and my surgeon told me to not do any kind of high impact sports for 6 weeks (in my case, it was snowboarding in particular that I asked about), because even though I was back to normal after 2 weeks, he said that I would be increasing my risk of opening suture lines at the top of the vaginal canal. which then could lead to really unpleasant consequences (the details of which I've subsequently blocked out of my brain). I personally felt okay enough by around 2 1/2-3 weeks that I was itching to go snowboarding and cursing my decision to have a hysto in January (although there really was no good time for me to do it - I would've missed doing something no matter what time of year I chose). But my surgeon was clear that just because I felt okay, did not mean I was in the clear for doing that type of activity ( ... )