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Hysterectomy recommended have abdominal adhesions...
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01-12-2009, 08:48 AM
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Guest
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Hysterectomy recommended have abdominal adhesions...
I am 38 yo, and my Doctor is recommending removal of uterus and cervix. For the past 4 months I have been bleeding almost non-stop, which makes me want to have the surgery. BUT, I already have abdominal adhesions, which to the best of my knowledge has increased risk of surgical complications.
My history: I had a tubal pregancy burst in 1994, and it resulted in damaging right ovary and fallopian tube. In 2002 I was diagnosed with micro-invasive cervical cancer, had several LEEPS, and two cone biopsies. The latter removed all cancer, and I am happy to report that I have remained cancer free since. Also in 2002, my oncologist found a tumor on my left ovary which appeared to be cancerous, and it was removed, along with the ovary and fallopian tube via a abdominal incision (C-section). Also in 2002, my gall bladder was found to be diseased and was removed via laporascopic surgery. To add insult to injury, pre-op testing found hydronephrosis of Left Kidney, caused by a birth defect. The UPJ (essentially right tube to kidney) wass blocked, and a urologist scheduled an outpatient proceedure to remove the blockage. Unfortunately, this surgery went horribly wrong, and I laid in a hospital bed bleeding internally for several days AND in excruciating pain before someone realized I was bleeding internally. This ultimately resulted in the left kidney dying completely. No, 2002 wasn't a good year for me, AT ALL!
Fast forward 2008: I have had little complications save some abdominal discomfort, especially with my period. However, in August, I started experiencing irregular bleeding: Not bleeding when I should have: cervical stenosis (hardening of the cervix) to blame, and then bleeding every few weeks. So, in September, my Doctor recommended another LEEP (to remove scar tissue from cervix) and a D&C to hopefully reduce abnormal bleeding which was potentially linked to thickened endometrium. This surgery also resulted in the "potential complication" of a pierced uterus, as my uterus is fixed due to extensive adhesions. Unfortunately, since this proceedure, I have bled almost constantly, with no real reason given.
Previously, I had been diagnosed (?) or it was guessed that I suffered from endometriosis, and another menstrual disorder the name of which eludes me. Ablation had seemed like a good alternative to hysterectomy, but cannot be "safely" done because of my fixed uterus.
I have several thoughts and feelings concerning a hysterectomy for me:
1. This would be a VERY complicated proceedure because of many adhesions to bowel and bladder, and my case comes with increased mortality rate.
2. I am afraid, and my fears have been increased by the fact that several of my operations have resulted in "worse case scenerios" already. (I am not a cat, after all) Also, my fears are further fueled by the risk of vascular injury which could potentially effect my only remaining kidney. Also, I know 2 people who have had "worse case scenerios".
3. There seems to be a lot of "guesses" concerning my irregular bleeding, but few tests have been done to determine the cause.
4. So far, my doctor has started hormone therapy, not helping: still bleeding. But he did say he could prescribe something to force menopause: LUPRON.
5. I am concerned that my Doctor, though a good one, is not capable of such a complicated proceedure, and would like to have some feedback on how to choose a qualified surgeon should I decide to go forward with this operation.
Thank you ladies in advance for your help...
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01-12-2009, 10:45 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 18
Hysterectomy: November 24th, 2008
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Greetings to another PA Sista...
I'm located near Philly. Your post is so touching, you have been through it girl and my heart goes out to you.
I am not well versed in the particulars of your complications but might I suggest that you seek a second opinion...perhaps from a female physician?
When it was recommended that I have a hysterectomy I had the balance of a female gyn and a male gyn/oncologist. It was important to me to have that balance.
In Nov. I had a total hysterectomy and the recovery has been challenging as I had a staph infection in my incision but I am feeling so much better than before surgery that I just want to DANCE...every day!!
In Joy!!
Katy
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01-12-2009, 01:03 PM
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Posts: 36,890
Hysterectomy: November 14th, 2000
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Hysterectomy recommended have abdominal adhesions...
Because you have had a diagnosis of endometriosis, you could consider an endometriosis specialist. They tend to have exception surgical skills from needing to deal with all the delicate surgery excision of endometriosis can entail. Because women with endometriosis also tend to have adhesions an edno specialist generally has skills for treating those as well including adhesions and endometriosis involving the bowel and bladder. Another option could be a gynecological oncologist as they, too, tend to have tedious surgical skills specifically for women.
I would definitely suggest at least a second opinion before deciding what might be best for you. You can ask your current GYN for a referral for a second opinion. Many doctors feel that second opinions are very valuable and have no problems referring you. You should also ask any and all of your other doctors for their opinions and possible referrals. For instance, your GP could be valuable in sending you to specialists.
Some alternatives such as Lupron might be a better choice for you since surgical risks for you are higher than most. You will have to weigh the pros and cons for you for each option suggested, including a hysterectomy.
I wish you the best for the tough decisions you will be making! S
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01-16-2009, 07:23 AM
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Hysterectomy recommended have abdominal adhesions...
Daisy, Thank you for your kind words, and offer for support. I do not want to schedule surgery until I have exhausted all options. I do appreciate the advice about a female doctor for second opinion.
Weiser, thank you, too. I most appreciate your suggestions regarding "qualified" surgeons. I had considered the oncology Dr who did my tubal and cervical surgeries. I did not know there were endometriosis specialists, and will definately look into that. I have to admit I do not like going to "new" gynecologists, as I have had several who have been insensitive to pain issues. Because of the cone biopsies, and the bowels adhesions, pelvic exams are very painful for me. My cervix is tilted way back, and the pressure is enormous as they try to see the area. To make matters worse, I have nerve growth over the cervix, so even a pap smear is very painful. In office biopsies are not an option, but it is amazing how many Doctors will poo-poo this point, as if I don't know what I am talking about. Maybe I can "interview" potential Doctors.
Lupron may be a better option, but I am curious if anyone else has used this medication, it comes with a long list of side effects, too.
I am still seeking guidance for the irregular, no, abnormal bleeding. It seems to me more should be done to determine the cause.
Thanks to everyone again for your help.
Betty
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05-11-2011, 11:50 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 2,137
Hysterectomy: February 18th, 2011
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Hysterectomy recommended have abdominal adhesions...
I am so sorry for all of your troubles with your body and surgeries.
I would seek the help of a good teaching hospital that specializes in cancer.
I found one near Los Angeles, and he was a very good GYN Oncologist.
Your choice doctor may have to also specialize in Endometriosis.
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