I completely understand what you are going through. I am also an abuse survivor and the tests before my hysterectomy were a nightmare.

Things to remember--

1) The surgery is painful; but given the pain we've had leading up to the surgery, it is quite manageable. After a couple of days, I was walking mostly normal again. I found the pain to be not as bad as expected and not as bad as my worst periods. Take it easy and don't push yourself.

2) Expect to either feel like you don't have any interest in sex or be hypersexual (depending on your mental health diagnosis) after the surgery. I cycled between these things, but was mostly hypersexual.

3) Expect some depression. Women who have been sexually abused typically have these kinds of physical problems. There is a direct correlation and doctors don't know why. Therefore, you might feel as if something was taken away from you. Some women who do not understand may make rude comments to you (perhaps I got more rude comments because I was 29 when I had it done). Take it with a grain of salt- they do NOT understand the pain we've endured (physically or mentally).

4) Rest and do not pick up anything after the surgery- even if you feel as if you can!!!! Listen to the doctors and absolutely no lifting or sex until they say so!!!!

5) It takes a bit of time for your body to re-adjust. You may have "phantom pain" during your period time. This is normal and the pain won't be as bad as your periods. You actually still get the munchies when you would be typically PMSing, but I find most of my cravings have vanished.