On 28th February 2018 I had a LAVH & BSO ( full hysterectomy including cervix, tubes and ovaries) at only 37 years old. It was to be the end of a long suffering issue with endometriosis, PCOS and a bulky uterus which I'd battled with for nearly 20 years. I'd undergone 7 laparoscopic surgeries over the years to remove the endometriosis and adhesions which had stuck my womb to my bowels and abdominal wall but it kept coming back, there were many other complications along the way too. Over the years I think I'd tried every tablet, injection, implant and surgery there was and still I suffered. In the summer of 2017 I had further complications and a full hysterectomy was the only option.

The Hysterectomy association helped me to prepare for surgery with their helpful free booklet and during recovery with helpful supportive emails.

Recovery was harder than I thought, I faced pain like I’d never known, infections, emotional heartache, depression and of course the start of the menopause, I was physically and mentally drained. Its still only the start of my full recovery journey as I have more tests to face but gradually as I started to feel better I needed something to re focus my mind, help improve my fitness and aid recovery and give me a reason to push through the rough days and carry on. I used to be a keen swimmer but because of the problems with endometriosis and it’s side effects had to give it up.

So it leads me to the reason for my blog, I decided to make a positive out of a bad situation and what better way to do it, than to help raise money for an association that helped me through the most horrendous time of my life.

On Saturday 23rd June 2018 at 11am, only 16 weeks post op, I will be taking part in a 1 mile open water swim at Alton Waters, Suffolk as part of the Great Swim Series. I know I’m not going to get any personal bests, I’ll just be thrilled to pass the finish line. I am doing this not just for me but for other ladies like me so that the hysterectomy association can keep as much of their helpful information and support free to those who need it.

I couldn't have got through this without the hysterectomy associations helpful hints, my fantastic family & friends, you're all awesome ! Thank you to Mr Haloob, Basildon hospital nurses on the gynae ward, my Doctor and nurses at Claydon & Barham surgery, your expertise and help has been wonderful. And finally to all my hyster sisters out there.....the sense of loss, the hurt, the heartache and the scars fade ... you can finally be free from the things that held you back, stay strong, rest, listen to your body .... you are amazing!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I hope you are able to support me by making a donation to this great cause. Every single £1 counts.