"Laparoscopic Hysterectomy"

On 31st July I had my first ever operation, a laparoscopic hysterectomy, due to the discovery of a large ovarian cyst when having a Mirena coil removed in February.

After an MRI scan showed that it was low risk and that nothing looked sinister, this was classed as elective surgery. I decided to go ahead with the operation because the alternative was to have regular scans to check if the cyst had changed and if travelling, I would have had to arrange special travel insurance in case the cyst twisted or burst, resulting in the need for emergency surgery.

I was very impressed with professioalism and kindness of all the staff involved. The anaesthetist reassured me that he would be taking care of me throughout the procedure and I didn't come round until being returned to the ward in the Womens Health unit.

My pain was well controlled and the following morning, I was visited by all the team of Drs involved with my proccedure to check how I was feeling.

I spent 2 nights in hospital, the 2nd night was just because of difficulty passing urine after the catheter was removed, which is not unusual after having a general anaesthetic.

My recovery time was good because the operation was done by keyhole and any discomfort from the procedure was kept in check with simple analgesia i.e Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen.

For the first 2 weeks after the operation I felt very tired but I was able to go for short walks after one week.

I have now had my 6 week check and feel back to normal. It's good to be driving again.

I was very impressed with my consultant. They kept me informed throughout and gave me the space to make my own decision as to whether to have the operation or watch and wait. I also had quite a severe prolapse which was likely to get worse with age. My age was 59 and so I had already had my family and gone through the menopause, negating the need for HRT after the operation.

I chose to have surgery so that I could put everything behind me, move on and have the freedom to travel without worrying about getting special insurance cover.

I have no regrets about the choice I made and would recommend Basingstoke hospital for having this procedure done. The staff were excellent and always very kind.