I am 44 years old and currently recovering from a transabdominal hysterectomy Both ovaries remain as they were healthy in appearance. I opted for the hysterectomy after 4 years of managing chronic anemia I am 10 days post-op. I spent 3 days in the hospital. The first 24 hours were virtually pain free due to having an intrathecal injection of pain meds in the OR prior to anesthesia After that wore off my doctor encouraged me to use the PCA pump that delivered Dilaudid. Although it relieved the pain, my blood pressure dropped so low that I decided after 12 hours to discontinue it. I then used 600 mg Motrin every 4-6 hours for pain. This was sufficient. Overall the pain and discomfort are completely tolerable. The staples were removed 4 days post-op and the 4 inch incision is completed healed. The only real issues I have had are mild low back pain and painful urination and bowel movements. I use a fiber laxative to help things along. I am hoping to regain much strength and energy after a few months of no menstrual cycles.