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Am I crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)? (pregnancy mentioned)
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12-01-2007, 07:18 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 196
Hysterectomy: January 28th, 2008
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Am I crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)? (pregnancy mentioned)
I'm new here, been reading and am looking for some advice.
Saw my GYN yesterday and we decided it is time for a hysterectomy. My fibroids first started giving me trouble during my first pregnancy at 26. I was on bedrest then and during my second pregnancy as well, in quite a bit of pain. I had an ablation about 8 years ago and it kept the bleeding down until last year. My periods have become really heavy and long again and I'm in pain a lot of the time. We drive about 4 hours every week back and forth to a ski house in the winter and the ride is torture right now.
Right now I have several fibroids, the biggest being about the size of a grapfruit. It is located in or near my cervix (I can't remember what he said). My doc would like to do the procedure vaginally, but I would have to do a three month course of Lupron first to shrink the tumors. He says because the fibroid is so large, he won't be sure he can do the procedure vaginally until he sees where the blood supply is.
I've read lost of scary stories about Lupron and the side effects. Dr. A says he would give me some estrogen to lighten the side effects but it still sounds miserable. On top of that, I've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been trying to get those hormone levels where they need to be. My hair is falling out, I've gained 20 pounds, my skin looks like crap...SO, I'm worried about being puffier, balder, and more wrinkly. Is that selfish? The other thing is that I can't imagine living like this for another three months. Especially if I'm uncomfortable in other ways, you know?
So my question is, do you think I'm crazy to call him up and want to do a TAH sooner rather than later? I've been dealing with this for so many years, and I'd really like to be all better for Spring. I work as a waitress in the Summer and need to be ready to GO!
Sorry so long, I'm grateful for any suggestions.
Beth
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12-01-2007, 09:53 PM
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Posts: 36,890
Hysterectomy: November 14th, 2000
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Am I crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)? (pregnancy mentioned)
No, you are not crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). However, there may be less invasive options that might be better for you and your situation.
Have you sought a second opinion regarding whether or not a hysterectomy is right for you? Have you considered a myomectomy or a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?
I do know there are women on the site who did choose to use Lupron to shrink their fibroids and then had a less invasive hysterectomy. You may wnat to do a site search to read through those threads.
We have several Fibroid Resources you can read through to learn more about fibroids and some of the alternatives.
Additionally you will want to speak to whomever is treating you for the Hashimoto. Do you have an endocrinologist? Could you see a reproductive endocrinologist who would be both a GYN and endocrinologist and thus ay be a better choice in your current situation.
I wish you all the best as you weigh all the pros and cons for you. A hysterectomy is a major surgery and it is not without risk -- been there, done that! Keep researching and asking questions until you are 100% sure a hysterectomy is the best choice for you! S
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12-02-2007, 04:59 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 196
Hysterectomy: January 28th, 2008
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Am I crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)? (pregnancy mentioned)
Weiser,
Thanks so much for all of your great advice. I haven't researched too many less invasive options, mostly because I wsa convinced that this was what I needed to do. All of the women on both sides of my family have had the surgery. I will definitely be reading up on some options over the next couple days.
Great idea about the endocrinologist too. Mine is a fantastic woman who could easily recommend a reproductive endo if she felt it would help. I will call her tomorrow.
I have to slow myself down. It is almost like I'm SO happy to be moving forward, I just want to be done. Obviously I have a lot of work to do!
Beth
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12-02-2007, 05:58 PM
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Posts: 4,793
Hysterectomy: April 22nd, 2004
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Am I crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)? (pregnancy mentioned)
Hi BethP,
I had a less invasive hyst to remove my two large fibroids. In pre-op, my Dr. suggested I do (3) months of lupron shots to shrink my fibroids enough for my LSH, a laparoscopic hyst.
Lupron does cause temporary chemical menopause. I had hot flashes and night sweats...but in my case...I just made it a lifestyle for awhile with the lupron side effects. I just felt that the side effects were part of lupron doing its job and my fibroids were shrinking for my surgery.
Would I do lupron again?? In a second..because it allowed me to have a less invasive hyst. And...I got my quality of life back with my LSH.
Right before my hyst...my hot flashes and night sweats stopped and I have not had a hot flash or night sweat since...and it has been 3 1/2 yrs now. Also, when I was on lupron I did not gain any weight. I actually lost a few pounds. Also, I have hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed in 2001 and lupron was not a problem with my hypothyroidism.
In the end...do what is ~best~ for you. That is what is most important.
Sending best wishes~
Mary
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12-02-2007, 06:19 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 196
Hysterectomy: January 28th, 2008
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Am I crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)? (pregnancy mentioned)
Mary,
Thanks for your sharing your experience. It is so good to hear a positive story!
I'll keep up with my research and hopefully come up with a plan soon.
I love all of the great advice and stories I am reading.
Beth
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12-05-2007, 04:28 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 168
Hysterectomy: October 9th, 2007
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Am I crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)? (pregnancy mentioned)
Beth-
I had a TAH and part of the reason I chose this was because I didn't want to have something missed or unable to be removed, necessitating an abdominal incision anyway or an additional surgery.
Just my
Hope you make the right decision for you!
tw
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12-05-2007, 07:04 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 196
Hysterectomy: January 28th, 2008
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Am I crazy to want a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)? (pregnancy mentioned)
TW,
Thanks. I decided to go with the TVH as well. I went over and over my thoughts and just couldn't get past worrying about side effects. When a good friend asked what my gut said, I knew what I needed to do. The good news is that my doctor has a great reputation and I am really confident that I will be a success story! 20 years ago the same doc did the surgery on my mom. How freaky is that? :wow:
My surgery will be on January 21st. I just remembered I planned a party for my BIL the night before at our house in NH. Looks like my sister will have to do all the work. HA!
Thanks for all your great advice girls! I SO appreciate it!
Beth
So happy to have a plan!
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