Hi Tracey,
I can identify with your fear and the indecisiveness.
I had this op done in Feb 2014. I was afraid and fearful when making this decision but I had no choice as the pain I had was severe and eventually there was infection. The night before the op, I was very nervous. But I had to tell myself this had to be done in order to live well again. Before the op, the doctor told me what was to take place during the op. I had the total hyst, My ovaries are still intact which is a good thing as I hate to be on HRT.
I was sedated for 2 whole days right after the op. The drips I was on had painkillers and it made me drift into sleep off and on and I could not open my eyes for 2 days as when I did I got dizzy and started to puke. The painkillers was necessary as I had a C section op. It is major as u know.
There was no pain while I was on drips. I requested the doc to remove the painkillers from me as I wanted to feel alive and not sedated all the time. I wanted to feel the 'pain'. Once the drips was removed, I threw up as I was able to boldly open my eyes LOL. I had to hold on to the wounded area and puke which of cos nothing came out as I didnt have food intake the last 2 days. Yup it was painful but a natural thing the body had to do.
So I was given nauseous jab to control my puking. Yup not easy. After half a day, I was better.. I was able to sit up and eat normally. Doc then instructed me to start walking. Oh for that 2 days I was on that urinal tube. Once it's removed I had to walk to the loo with the help of nurses as getting off bed was not easy with such wound.
To get off from bed, place yr legs down first and push yrself up, sideways, Never get up like doing crunches.
Getting into bed, place yr right elbow and half yr body on bed then slowly bring legs up.
My first steps after the op were uncomfortable, light headed and tiring.
So here comes the main side effects which doc wont tell u (i am not sure why he didnt tell me this, maybe didnt want to scare me lol) The first 2 weeks after the op, I had nightmares, mainly unusual dreams, out of this world LOL. I also experienced insomnia and when I could sleep, I dreamt of nonsense. I was told our brain is trying to get used to the organ that's been removed. I forgot that psychologically it does have an impact. I googled to find what causes this and it's proven.
Into my 3rd week, backache crept in. Not to mention chronic constipation and always going to the loo to pee. I have never pee so much before the op lol.
I also experience blood watery discharge. It's normal as doc told me to expect this, Doc mentioned to avoid sex for the first 6 weeks. I have not had it since my op so I cannot tell you how it is 
Once the womb is removed, no child bearing is possible.
My experience may not necessary be the same as yours. Each of us has different way in bolstering this operation I guess.
Sleep and rest more for recovery. Avoid shell seafood and peanuts in order for wound to heal (this will make you itch at the wounded area). Take a lot of fish and fruits/veggies and water of cos.
I was afraid at first. Now that it is over, it is a different lifestyle and without the time-bomb womb, I feel better and from here on it can only get better.
Give yrself time to recover. Dont rush. If ovaries are removed, then it is a different thing as the main female hormones not present and it does have a tremendous impact on us thus hormone replacement therapy is necessary.
I wish you well and if u have to remove it, dont be afraid. You have 3 beautiful kids so you are good! I have none!