I've been told I need a hysterectomy. What do I do first?
HysterSisters recommends that you get more than one opinion when your doctor suggests a hysterectomy. You may have a trustful long-standing history with your doctor and feel horrified that we suggest such a thing! This isn't a slap in the face for your personal physician but a smart thing for every patient to do.
Set up an appointment with a different surgeon in a different practice and even perhaps in a different town. Take your records with you but also ask for an exam. Ask if the first recommendation is appropriate. Ask for alternative suggestions.
Get a third opinion. You might find the third suggests an even less invasive solution.
Explore these questions:
Have I tried all the alternative treatments?
Are my symptoms so unbearable as to make my life a misery?
Will the operation relieve all my symptoms?
Will there be any unexpected consequences - am I prepared for an earlier menopause?
Do I still want to have children?
What will happen if I decide not to have a hysterectomy?
The key is for you, the patient, to get all the information you can before you agree to surgery. You cannot change your mind once the surgery is done. There are no money back guarantees if the surgery is not the cure for your problem. Be smart. Do your homework.
HysterSisters always suggests that a hysterectomy is your last resort after you have explored all other options and treatments. Be well!
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
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