Hysterectomy before children? Anyone else?

Hi,
I posted in another thread earlier... I've been doing some soul searching and the biggest hold back for me is knowing that having this surgery means I will NEVER ever have children naturally. Husband and I have tried for 5 years and our last IVF round didn't produce any embryos. We have started the adoption process and have been told there might be a potential baby soon. My fertility doctor believes I am still able to go for IVF post hysterectomy with the view of surrogacy. This was always the plan as we ll discussed pregnancy and thought the risks of late term miscarriages and pre-term labour was too risky.

Yet now that I am days from the surgery I am doubting myself.. maybe I haven't tried hard enough. Maybe I should keep it and live with the pain...maybe a million things.

I have adenomyosis. Did a laparoscopic surgery about 8 years ago and was diagnosed then. My period cramps and bleeding have progressively gotten worse over the years to a point it's debilitating. I know a hysterectomy will improve my condition tremendously.... yet now am feeling the burden or guilt. Like I should somehow preserve it. I know it sounds silly... anyone else felt like this?

Let me start by saying I can't even imagine were you are at emotionally, but I can guess it's an emotional nightmare. Have you sought emotional counseling? If you are struggling this much perhaps you might consider postponing until you have come to terms. This is about as permanent as it gets. You didn't mention cancer so I'm guessing that it's not life threatening to postpone. That would change things a lot. Big hugs to you in coming to terms with whatever you choose to do.

Hi Pussiefoot! I understand your 2nd thoughts you are having
22 years since my complete hysterectomy. Never had an opportunity to have children. It was hard to accept for quite awhile, but I came to terms with it and am thankful for the life I have been given.

Hang in there, it gets easier both physically and mentally.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Pussiefoot Hi, I posted in another thread earlier... I've been doing some soul searching and the biggest hold back for me is knowing that having this surgery means I will NEVER ever have children naturally. Husband and I have tried for 5 years and our last IVF round didn't produce any embryos. We have started the adoption process and have been told there might be a potential baby soon. My fertility doctor believes I am still able to go for IVF post hysterectomy with the view of surrogacy. This was always the plan as we ll discussed pregnancy and thought the risks of late term miscarriages and pre-term labour was too risky. Yet now that I am days from the surgery I am doubting myself.. maybe I haven't tried hard enough. Maybe I should keep it and live with the pain...maybe a million things. I have adenomyosis. Did a laparoscopic surgery about 8 years ago and was diagnosed then. My period cramps and bleeding have progressively gotten worse over the years to a point it's debilitating. I know a hysterectomy will improve my condition tremendously.... yet now am feeling the burden or guilt. Like I should somehow preserve it. I know it sounds silly... anyone else felt like this?

Hi Pussiefoot to HysterSisters -

I am so glad you found this site, but I am so sorry you are going through all of this. Your emotions are not silly - it is how you feel, and that is never silly. Having a hysterectomy is an overwhelming experience and it can be a very difficult decision.

Here are articles that may provide some information:
Adenomyosis Basics
Adenomyosis and Pain
4 Reasons to Have a Hysterectomy
5 Reasons to Seek a Second Opinion.

If you wish, you can cancel your surgery and get alternate opinions - you may have other options. You should consult your other doctors regarding pregnancy risks, etc.

You also need to do what is best for you health, and sometimes that means having a hysterectomy. I did not want a hysterectomy, but it was the best solution, given my condition.

Whatever you do, make the right decision for you. We will support it.

Hi all,
Thanks so much for all your support and replies. I had some quiet time, talked through the pros and cons with a close friend and have decided to go ahead with my SAH.

I have been on alternative treatments for 5 years and they always had some kind of side effect that made me feel like I was only coping, not really living. The last treatment has been months of Zoladex injections but was told that I should not continue as it reduces bone density. I've been on the injection on and off for about 1.5 years, longest continuous period being 6 months.

I am now calm and relieved that I am going through with this. My family and husband are so incredibly supportive. Looking forward to ticking off books on my to-read list and catching up on movies.

For everyone else who are having your op this week, good luck and all the very best!!!!

Big hugs and fairy dust! Xx