27yrs old scheduled for LAVH

Hi All,
I'm new here and starting to get a little worried. I'm only 27 yrs old, I'm married with three children. I've always had weird bleeding things happen with me, like excessive bleeding during surgeries, anemia, extremely heavy menstrual periods. (i.e. bleeding heavily for 15-20 days a month) I've taken all sorts of birth control pills/shots/patches to try to normalize and control bleeding without success. Even tried an IUD for a year and bled 330 days of the 365 I had it. Recently had the darn thing removed only to find myself in the ER hemorrhaging. They put me on high dose hormones to control the bleeding which it did....until I tried to go down on the dosage and it started right up again. Went to the ER, AGAIN, where they admitted me and scheduled me for emergency surgery. D&C with Novasure endometrial ablation. My surgeon wanted to do the hysterectomy right then and there but both my husband (whose an MD) and I weren't prepared for the just yet. Against her advice, she did the ablation saying it was only temporary.
She was right! I'm two weeks post-op and I'm still bleeding. She did all sorts of test on me to try to figure out if I have a bleeding disorder. I have a strong family history of various blood disorders but they cannot figure out what's wrong with me. Now Im being sent to a Hematologist to get me all sorted out before my surgery which is supposed to be done before Christmas.
I'm supposed to be an excellent candidate for a LAVH. What are peoples thoughts in regards to my age about leaving the ovaries and cervix? I always thought leaving the ovaries if possible makes things easier to manage, but I'm reading otherwise on this site.

I feel confused. I thought I was ok with this decision but the more I read and the more I talk to others the more I feel I know nothing. Any advice would help. Thanks!

I had my LAVH when I was 25, retaining both of my ovaries. I kept both of my ovaries as I was young and we felt that my own hormones were better for me and my overall health than HRT. Our hormones benefit our bodies in many ways including helping with our cardiovascular system, bones, skin, eyes, and libido.

If your ovaries are removed you will need to consider HRT for many years. If it turns out you do have a bleeding disorder, HRT might not be an option for you.

If you have an LAVH your cervix will be removed. There are lap hysts that would allow you to retain your cervix so you will want to specifically ask about the cervix and hyst type. There is a possiblity of mini periods you would want to consider and talk to your doctor about.

Have you scheduled a second opinion yet? It is wise to have a second medical opinion before having a major surgery. The second opinion may have some suggests that would be helpful.

I hope your appointment with the Hematologist goes well and s/he has some answers for you! Many best wishes and lots of s to you!

Welcome almostuterless!

I had an LAVH last week-- ovaries stayed, cervix went.

Some women prefer to retain the cervix because they feel it would affect their orgasms to have it removed. I didn't think it would make a difference to me.

Especially if you haven't gone through menopause, retaining your ovaries when you can is a good idea. Some women have great success with HRT but there are plenty here at hystersisters who have not. At age 27, you don't want to be going through menopause.

I understand about "not being ready" for the hysterectomy-- I tried other solutions (bcps, ablation, acupuncture) but ultimately this was the best way for me. At one week out I still feel it was a good decision. Weiser's right, look into a second opinion and a third if you need one. Good luck with your research!

Hi. I also had an LAVH and kept the ovaries (I'm 42). I haven't missed the cervix yet, but then I've not been cleared for sex either. Definintely get the blood disorder looked at before surgery. Don't need any other complications interfering with recovery. You and your DH sound like you are being cautious and asking the right questions. Even an LAVH is major surgery, you just don't have the big incision. My doctor recommended the hyst over the ablation for the same reason--the ablation would be temporary in my case (it works great for some though). I stressed big time about the ovary decisions (keep or take) and told the doc that if they looked good to leave them, if they didn't, take them out. She said they looked beautiful so they got to stay.

The wealth of knowledge and info on this site is great, but it can be overwhelming. Wishing you the best on this journey.

Hi

Here are links to some information Keep Ovaries and Keep Ovaries, One or Both

From what I have read that others have experienced here, it appears to me that if a woman has ovaries which are working well and meeting her hormonal needs before surgery, she is less likely to be happy with any form of HRT .

Our ovaries are capable of meeting the fluctuating needs for hormones. HRT is a steady dose, and even though I am balanced, there are days when that steady dose is not enough, or a little too much.

Having said that, my ovaries were not working well, and I am better with the HRT even though it is not perfect.

As for the cervix, here is a link to Keep Cervix? . If you keep your ovaries and your cervix, you will possibly still experience mini-periods. They are usually very light in nature. If this is troublesome for you then some women have had their cevix cauterized successfully, but it doesn't appear to work for everyone.

You are smart to be doing the research.

s and Best Wishes,
Kay

Hello and Welcome!! I too am 27 and about to have a hysterectomy.. It is scary. For me it is the right decision. I have not sched. it yet due to colon complications. I am about to have colonoscopy. Definently get the blood thing figured out.
It sounds like you and your DH are doing your homework and You will come to make the right decision. Good Luck to you and lots of !!!

I am 25 and facing a december hyst as well. I am going to fight to keep my right ovary even with the family risk of cancer. I think that keeping it and then keeping a yearly eye on it provides much more benefits then risks. I do have to let me cervix go but that thought does not bother me much.

I am also 27 going for a TAH on the 14th. I had a D&C with Novasure endometrial ablation, last November and it only helped with my excessive bleeding. My doctor told me last year a hysterectomy was a possibility but due to my age we needed to try some less evasive options first. I have been dealing with my problems since my tubal ligation in 2003. I am happy to soon be done with all the pain, yet scared of all the crazy things I have been thinking and worrying about. Good luck!

Thanks everyone so much. It really helps to hear from people in similar situations.

Hi,
I had LAVH - gave up the cervix & kept my ovaries. My gyn. did remove a cyst on the left one. I haven't missed my cervix at all. I had chronic pelvic pain before my surgery so it's been like another honeymoon for DH & I. He doesn't notice it being gone & the big "O" has been great! Hope all goes well for you! It sounds like you & DH are doing a good job of researching your options. Good luck with you blood situation!

Best wishes,
Sue