Article: Are4Power - HysterSisters

HysterSisters Hysterectomy Support Resources - http://www.hystersisters.com

Article: Are4Power
Greetings from Dayton, Ohio.

My name is Shirley and I am married and have a severely asthmatic son that I have home-schooled. I am a Minster's daughter. I am a hostess on the Prayer Forum and Resources. I am so glad to be a hostess on the Prayer Forum, because I believe strongly in the power of prayer! I also enjoy being the *Lady Behind the Desk* for Resources.

I love reading, especially my Bible, working in my garden and helping people. I have experience in tutoring college students, running computer lab, office asst., teacher asst., Librarian and Volunteer Coordinator.

I had fibroids and painful bleeding during my periods. I was told by my GP doctor that, when I start menopause, my fibroids would shrink. Well, after waiting a whole year, taking different medications to help with the pain and control the bleeding, I started to have more pain, and the bleeding got worse. I even became dizzy from bleeding so much. That is when I also had a detailed talk with my DR and told him something has to be done. He scheduled me for a sonogram ultrasound and when I had it done, I found out that my fibroids had increased (more of them) and had grown and caused my uterus to become enlarged, so right then and there I decided I wanted to have a hysterectomy, and the DR agreed.

The best thing I did was have a detailed discussion with my doctor.

My surgery date was originally scheduled for August 14 and I went home to prepare for my surgery. While I was waiting to have my surgery, I started searching the web for information on Menopause and HRT. After searching for quite a while I came across a menopausal chatroom, so I decided to check it out. I kept going to the menopausal chatroom, talking about my upcoming surgery and asking questions about hormones and who has had a hysterectomy. I was looking for answers anywhere I could find them. I had become friends with one of the ladies in chat and she referred me to the Hystersisters site and bragged on how supportive and great the ladies are there. I told her I would check it out. Well, I did and saw that the Hystersisters site had a chatroom too! I decided to check it out, and I entered. I was greeted with a heart warming greeting by a Hystersisters Chat team leader, she then said, "Any questions?" I said, "Yes!" It really made me feel special that I could talk to other women who had been through what I was going to have. I made sure I came back every night!

One week later I got a phone call that my surgery had to be rescheduled due to a scheduling conflict. I was so upset and shocked. I couldn't wait to get to the Hystersisters chat! Well, when I got there, told my story, they gave me encouraging words and made me feel better. I got my second date for my surgery, August 7, and got ready for that date. Well, I had to go in for the usual test before surgery, the next day I had my pre-op, talked to my doctor, discussed what will happen in surgery, walked out of his office as he said. "See you tomorrow morning." Before I could leave, the nurse comes out running to catch me, all I could say was "what now?" She told me "the doctor needs to talk to you," and my heart jumped in my throat. As I sat in the empty room, wondering what has happened? The doctor finally came in and took my hand and looked at me like he wanted to cry, I started to tear up too, he then said,"Shirley, your EKG looks funny and I am going to have to cancel your surgery." I started to cry, he put his arm around me and continued to say, "I will schedule you with a heart DR and have you take a stress test and you will have to do the treadmill." Through my tears I said, "OK," thinking, "oh no, here we go again, should I have this surgery?"

I went home, and later that night got on the computer, entered the Hystersisters chatroom and told the ladies what happened. Then I was going to leave, but the Chat Team leader that was so kind to me talked to me until I felt better. That, to me, was dedication and so sweet. They crowned me the *Queen of Waiting*. When I left, I was laughing and in better spirits.

Well, again my surgery was rescheduled for September 25, 2001. I took the test that my DR requested, and had my second pre-op. My DR was smiling and said, "You can have your surgery," I was so happy, I hugged my DR and I am happy to say I finally could have my surgery. I got on my computer and went to chat and told the ladies the good news. They all shouted for me, and wished me the best.

I hope you find the same comfort and support I have found here on the Hystersisters site. I am glad that I can now give back what was given to me.