I love to write, so this is really nice for me. Writing help me clear my mind and figure things out.
This whole ordeal really started about a year and 1/2 ago. I felt a small lump in my pelvic region just above my pubic bone (walnut sz)and I went to a doc to make sure it wasn't too major. I was told when I was about 23 that I had fibroids, but they weren't a problem. I knew my mom had them, too. So last year, that doc had me get a transvaginal sonogram--and the fun began. They found cysts on my ovaries (one on each). I wasn't having any real problems, so they told me to just have another sonogram in 6 wks. I've always had painful periods, but I could live with that.
Well, I'm not a very good patient. I didn't go back until 6 months later. I had another sonogram, and the cysts were still there, not really doing anything. But the doctors kinda freaked out over it. They also said that my uterus was the size of a 8 wk pregnancy. That was in March of this year. They also had me do a CA125 test which came back elevated to 107 (35 and less is normal). Then they had me do a CAT scan. The CAT didn't show anything, so again, I was to get another sonogram in 6 wks.
OK...me bad. I didn't go back until just this past August. I was having heavy rectal bleeding during my periods. I got a new doctor, didn't care for my old one, plus she was in a different city and not on my new insurance. I actually like the one I have now. He sent me to a gyn, who said that my uterus was now at 14 wks size. Wow! It's growing a week's worth a month. I was also having very, very painful periods, bloating and swelling in my stomach area which was very tender, a lot of clotting in my menses blood, the rectal bleeding, and trouble going to the bathroom (both ways). I know I should have went sooner, but I don't like doctors. I had been having the rectal bleeding for 3 months.
The gyn sent me to get a colonoscopy. Those are fun, not. They didn't find anything at all. (Most of the time they don't with endometriosis.) On top of that, the colonoscopy doc says "Well, maybe you have a clotting disorder."
I totally blew him off because I was only having the bleeding during my periods!!! They just don't listen. Also, I don't have any problem stopping the bleeding when I cut myself. What a dork.
I go back to the gyn. They do blood tests. Nothing wrong. He says maybe I should get another colonoscopy. It had only been 2 wks since the last one. I told him No Thankyou.
Finally, I start my period, and the rectal bleeding starts again. A lot. More from there than from where it should be coming from. Not good. I'm weak and tired all the time. I go in right away to see the gyn and he exams me and says "Oh, you really do have rectal bleeding. It must be endometriosis." I had told him that the first time I saw him almost a month prior!!!! I just wanted to scream. I have been having periods for 28 years. What makes them think all the sudden I can't tell where the blood is coming from????
He also said I might want to take Danazol for the endo, I said NO. I read about the side effects and that stuff turns you into a man.
Now, he says that he wants me to go to a gyn oncologist for a 2nd opinion. I thought how odd, but I made the appointment. I had already done a ton of research on my symptoms, what may cause them, and how to fix them. With all the problems I had, and a huge uterus plaguing me daily, I decided that a hysterectomy would probably be my only choice. No amount of natural herbs was going to shrink that thing. I went to see the gyn oncologist, and turns out that he is a surgeon. I told them everything. THEY LISTENED! I was amazed. The doc was caring and gentle with me. He couldn't even find my cervix during the exam because my uterus was sooo tilted. Also, he said that my cervix was pressing up against my rectum. That explains the blood in the stools. He said I most likely had endometriosis because my uterus barely moved and normal ones move easily, plus it's up to my bellybutton. We set a surgery date that day.
I went back to see my primary doctor, whom I also like, and gave him the lowdown. He's a great doc who also listens and cares. He told me that he appreciates that I keep him up to date and that I educate myself on things. He also agreed that a hysterectomy was advisable.
So, now, I have my date. Tomorrow is my pre-op appt. I'm 12 days from surgery and probably about 3 days from my last period. I'm apprehensive, but not terrified. I feel in control of my desision. I knew this had to be mine and mine alone. I feel confidant that I'm doing the right thing.
The insurance company has been a pain, but they have paid for almost everything so far. (Thank you, Lord.) I'll be glad when this is done with.
I am so thankful for this website. It has truly been such a blessing to me. The love, support, and advice is priceless. My mom never had a hysterectomy, so she can be sympathtic, but can't really offer me advice. I don't really know anyone who has had one in the past 10 yrs, so this site is just what I needed. God bless every one of you that work so hard to keep this site going and help so many women. It really is a sisterhood.
He's really such a wonderful man. I feel for the women that don't have that kind of support. All in all, I'm very blessed. Tomorrow, hopefully, is the last part of my pre-op. I pray it goes smoothy.
