dVH/RALH: Cold Feet? Cervical Stenosis. Failed ablation. Upcoming hysterectomy 2/11/15

Good morning! I am scheduled to have my robotic hysterectomy (removing uterus, cervix and tubes) on Wednesday (Feb. 11). I am not sure if I am having cold feet or if I really need to reconsider. I am praying and hoping that you guys might be able to set me straight.

I will try to make this short and to the point.

I had an ablation done Jan 2014. (1 year ago)
About 5 months post ablation I began with horribly painful (think labor pains) periods. I also began to have a constant leakage of foul smelling, brown discharge for about 20 days post period, each month. Took 2 courses of metrodiazonole and each time, the smell would go away but the discharge remained. Once off the antibiotics, smell returned. Went to surgeon and he said that I had a "failed ablation" and that my uterus was severely retroverted and the combination of the 2 was causing the blood/tissue inside my uterus each month to stay inside and slowly leak out throughout the month, causing my symptoms. Decided to schedule a hysterectomy. However, 2 weeks ago he put me on an antibiotic and the smell went away again. He also decided to do an "endometrial biopsy". I went in to have that done and he could NOT get into my cervix. He tried and tried to but I had developed stenosis of the cervix - likely caused by the ablation. He mentioned that my next period might be "normal" because he opened the cervix, which would allow the blood to exit instead of sit. WELL! He was right! My period last week came and went with out a single cramp and it all flowed out naturally and because it wasn't stagnant, it didn't smell. So, my question is this: would it be RIDICULOUS to just go and have my cervix dialated every month or two INSTEAD of having the hysterectomy? Is that any way to live? Would I be asking for infections? Should I even ask him about this? Would love any thoughts from anyone who can help me.

Thanks a million!

These are, indeed, only questions you can answer. I understand you have been on this journey for some time and have tried many things, but if there is a safe and do-able way to avoid major surgery, I would absolutely explore that. I suggest calling your doctor on Monday. Make a list of your questions and concerns. Ask if dilating your cervix is a reasonable solution, how often it may need to be done, if he's ever done that on a routine basis before, and what are the possible risks.

I didn't have cervical stenosis, but my cervix scarred shut after a LEEP procedure to treat cervical dysplasia. My period couldn't pass through and I couldn't stop it even when taking the pill non-stop. I began to cramp all month and my doctor was unable to obtain a single biopsy (and he required two clear biopsies) because the scarring was so bad. I asked my GYN if he could push through the opening of the cervix to create an opening again. He said no, when it gave way he wouldn't be able to stop from punching through my uterus. In retrospect, I really wish I had tried harder to find another solution, got a second and third opinion.

It is major surgery, and of course that comes with risks. And like many things in life a hysterectomy unfortunately doesn't come with a guarantee. When you're satisfied this is your last option, then your doubts will lift and your cold feet won't be so chilly.

I wish you the best with your decisions.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by kylaroy ...He mentioned that my next period might be "normal" because he opened the cervix, which would allow the blood to exit instead of sit. WELL! He was right! My period last week came and went with out a single cramp and it all flowed out naturally and because it wasn't stagnant, it didn't smell. So, my question is this: would it be RIDICULOUS to just go and have my cervix dialated every month or two INSTEAD of having the hysterectomy? Is that any way to live? Would I be asking for infections? Should I even ask him about this? Would love any thoughts from anyone who can help me!

Hi! I don't have specific experience with this approach or how permanent a solution it would be? However it actually sounds like a perfectly reasonable option and very worth the relatively minor inconvenience of a monthly or bi-monthly office visit in order to maintain an open cervix in order to avoid the risks of major surgery and keep all your organs intact!

I would definitely explore the idea with your doctor and try it...even get another opinion if you are still not feeling sure.

This is a major life decision and not something to rush into.

Even though I had a very good, complication-free hysterectomy experience myself, thankfully! I didn't have a choice and the fact remains this surgery is a really big deal and can be life-changing with many possible unforeseen changes that can result. It's very unpredictable case by case, so of course it is best avoided if at all possible.

There are so many situations where people must undergo regular procedures, exams, tests, etc. to treat/maintain certain medical conditions. And it can be annoying and inconvenient but it soon becomes just part of life and routine. Hopefully keeping your cervix open can be one of those pesky tasks that can be easily attended to on a relatively infrequent basis and an excellent option for you.
Wishing you the best! Let us know what you find out!!