The unexpected sight of blood when you're eight years post-menopause can trigger immediate alarm bells. That's exactly what happened to me in September 2024, launching me on a journey that ultimately led to having a hysterectomy at age 55.

This very personal episode takes you through my complete hysterectomy experience – from the shocking discovery of post-menopausal bleeding to my recovery two weeks after robotic laparoscopic surgery. I share the medical investigations that revealed my significantly thickened uterine lining (likely caused by previous Tamoxifen treatment for Breast Cancer), the decision-making process that led to surgery, and exactly what happened during my hospital stay.

You'll hear all the details about my physical recovery and my gradual return to movement and normal activities. I discuss my frustrations with vague post-surgery exercise guidelines and how I advocated for more personalised recovery information as someone who regularly engages in heavy resistance training.

Throughout this episode, I emphasise that while I'm sharing my story to help others, everyone's hysterectomy journey is unique. Your body, your choices, and your recovery will follow their own path. 

I've included practical tips about freezing meals before surgery, focusing on healing nutrition, and the importance of gentle movement in recovery.

This is the first in what will be a five-part series documenting my hysterectomy journey, with future episodes at weeks 4, 6, 9 and 12 post-surgery.

If you're facing a hysterectomy, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what this experience entails, I hope my candid sharing provides insight, reassurance, and perhaps some practical guidance for your journey.

You can send me any questions or share your story with me on my Instagram @sonyalovell or email [email protected]

Resources:

Sonya Lovell on Instagram

Tamoxifen and Uterine Lining ACOG paper

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology paper

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