Women who have had a complete hysterectomy, please help me!?

I have severe Endometriosis & I have tried everything from all different birth control pills, the depo shot, D & C, hysteroscopy, & laparoscopy, physical therapy, & strong pain meds. My Doctor says there is basically nothing else to do but a total hysterectomy (ovaries removed too). I am deathly afraid of the side effects & pain. If you have had a hysterectomy I'd love to hear you're story (good or bad). What types of side effects did YOU have? Did you get bad hot flashes? If so is there something they gave you to make them go away? How long did it take to recover? Do you have any problems with (I've read it could be a side effect). Are you glad you had it done & why did you have it done? It's just such a major decision to make. I am 38 & know I have a good 15 years before I hit menopause judging by all the other women in my family. One of my sisters had a baby at 44, my Mother had me at 42. The pain I get is excruciating & the bleeding during periods very heavy but I guess I am just scared to have the procedure because then I kind of feel I'm opening up another can of worms of side effects? Please let me hear you're story. Thanks so much.