Losing the Woman Within

By Linda Parkinson-Hardman

Losing the Woman Within explores the emotional impact that a hysterectomy may have on a woman; on her sense of self and her significant relationships. It covers the things that can create emotional distress after surgery, the types of emotions a hysterectomy can invoke and the effects these can have on such things as sexuality. It then goes on to offer simple suggestions to help a woman manage if it does occur. And throughout it is illustrated with the authors own story. It can also be used as a personal journal and has a number of activities included within it that may help someone suffering after a hysterectomy come to terms with their experience and move on in a more peaceful and self accepting way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Parkinson-Hardman
• Release date: Dec 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370342334

Linda Parkinson-Hardman

I am the author of eight books and the editor of 8 anthologies for the Hysteria Writing Competition.

Book preview

Losing the Woman Within

Published by the Hysterectomy Association

Linda Parkinson-Hardman

Copyright

© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2006

All rights reserved.

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This ebook is designed to provide information regarding the topic and subject matter covered as well as inform about one persons own personal experience. It is not intended to replace the services of your doctor or gynaecologist, nor is it meant to encourage diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease or other medical problems. Any application of the recommendations set out in this ebook is at the reader’s discretion and sole risk. If you are under a doctor’s care for any condition, then he or she can advise about any course of treatment you might need to undertake.

While all attempts have been made by the author and publisher to verify information presented in this ebook, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation on the subject matter. This ebook is sold on the assumption that neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering medical, legal or any other professional services. The purchaser or reader of this ebook assumes full responsibility for the use of this material. The author and publisher do not assume any responsibility whatsoever on behalf of any purchaser or reader of this ebook.

Cover image © Photographer: Judy Ben Joud | Agency: Dreamstime.com

First edition published by:

The Hysterectomy Association

www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk

ISBN: 9781370342334

Preface

A Hysterectomy can, and does, relieve many women of symptoms that are distressing and that have a very profound effect on the quality of their life. It can literally be a life saver and will probably mean a new lease of life, not only for you, but for your family as well. Depending on the condition that has led you to this decision, your life will be completely different after having the operation. You won’t have to worry about tampons and towels or pain and discomfort any more. However, the recovery process will involve not only your physical body, but your emotions as well and this book has been written to help you navigate your way to the new happy and healthy self you will be in months to come.

When I had my hysterectomy, I found myself lost in a sea of bewildering thoughts, feelings and practical necessities. I had imagined that as soon as the operation was over, I would be ‘a new woman’, just like the gynaecologist had told me and was extremely concerned, guilty, and angry – at myself - when I wasn’t. As the years have gone by, I have come to realise that what I felt was perfectly normal, that there is no ‘right way’ to have a hysterectomy – there is only the way we each individually experience it and there are so many shades of experience they make a veritable rainbow of alternatives.

Since I started The Hysterectomy Association back in 1996, I have been in contact with many women over the years, and as I listened to their stories I became more convinced than ever, that one important key – perhaps the most important one - to our long term health is a simple acknowledgement of