I have already discussed this subject I know, but I really have a passion for getting a message across, having endured the long-term effects of having such a procedure.

Having suffered for many years with endometriosis, which included painful menstrual cramps, and heavy bleeding, I was both tired and depressed with how I was feeling. I really did not get much help as such, apart from reassurance that after having children it would probably rectify itself, of course this did not happen.

I must have visited the doctors hundreds of times, and It would be very interesting to read my medical notes one day to see what they made of it all.

Having reached the grand old age of 43, I decided I needed to do something. I had tried the coil with no success, so options were running out for me.

Luckily, I did have private health care and sought out a trusted gynecologist to help me.

I had only been in the room for what seemed a few seconds and it seemed I was already booked in for a sub total hysterectomy. (Removing the womb and the ovaries) I ventured to ask what the implications were and what would follow. More or less I was told, I would be fine, and would view life with a renewed vigor, and it was the answer to all my uncomfortable symptoms.

I went ahead. Maybe, I should have done a whole lot more research, but after all we tend to trust these consultants, and they are highly skilled. I do ask myself though, was I just another patient, willing to part with a significant amount of money, and fund a next holiday?

Literally the day after my surgery, the raw symptoms began in earnest. I could not sleep, I could not pass urine, I was boiling hot one minute and freezing cold the next. Headaches, fatigue, the list is endless. I can only describe my complete shock with what I was going through. I also felt an enormous sadness that my 'womanhood' bad as it had been, was no longer. I think I must of cried solidly for two weeks.

I dealt with the symptoms for a bit, but had to revisit the doctors, who then advised me that after three months I should start some HRT. This started a whole new chapter of questions, and having read the reports, and the links to Cancer, I was a little skeptical as you can imagine.

Having done some more research, I grudgingly decided to pursue the HRT route, I had dabbled in some homeopathic remedies, but nothing had helped. So, now I was being told that I would have to remain on HRT until the age of 51, this was to protect my bones from osteoporosis.

To say I have struggled with this is an understatement. Yes, I do feel better in myself, but my weight has crept up and up, and I feel less and less like my old self.  Now, I am scared to eat or have any fun. It is a constant battle.

If you are thinking about having a hysterectomy do your homework, listen to your heart, and think very carefully of all the implications before you take that life changing decision.