Surgery or No Surgery?

My doc has given me a choice regarding a hysterectomy. I will be having repair work done for a rectocele and cystocele and she suggested I have a hysterectomy when I asked about tubal ligation (she would leave the ovaries and remove the uterus and cervix). Her recommendation was that since I do not want more children and we would not want to undo any of the corrective surgery that she could easily do the hysterectomy.

What she wants to do sounds like it could be a good thing, face it who likes to have a menstral period and cancer of the cervix or uterus would never be an issue... but

it is the only part that is not sagging and in need of repair. I also am very regular and have never had any problems with my uterus. (I'm 41 and my cycle will end on its own eventually.) There is also no family history of problems that would warrant the removal. I also am concerned about changes in my sex life.

I am scheduled for surgery on 11/14/02. I have to let her know this week if I will include the hysterectomy.

I just wanted some honest opinions on whether other women would have the hysterectomy if given the the same choices I have to make. (Kinda a looking back kinda thing)

Thank you.

What a decision for you to make!

My motto...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Keep all of the healthy organs that you were born with until they endanger your life or have you suffering with intolerable pain.

Just my

s

Hi PaperPrincess,

Wow! This is a big decision for you to make. I do agree with Maralyn.

If I were in your position, I would look into a second opinion. To get a different doctor's opinion on this.

I wish you the very best, PaperPrincess.

Take good care, Gracie

Echoing the others:

Read all you can, ask questions, get a second opinion, and think it over carefully. This is YOUR body!!

Wishing you all the best,
Cat

Please do go for another opinion, even a 3rd if you have to to help make yourself more comfortable with any decisions.

Echoing yet again, this is your body and you should have the last say as to what stays and goes.

It is always a good idea to keep healthy organs. Thank the Lord you have not had any problems.

As far as your sex life goes.....alot of us (me included) will tell you that it is just as good or better than before so please dont worry about that just yet.

I have to say that I am sorry you have been put in this kind of decision but if there is nothing warrenting removal, dont let her take it if you are not comfortable with it. It is ultimately up to you tho.

I wish you the best of luck darlin.
Keep us posted.

s

If agree, if it ain't broke don't fix it. The Doc thought he's was going to have to take all mine, but I got very lucky only lost one ovary (left) had 12cm cyst, lodged between uterus and back pelvic bone. I think because I had less done, it helped my recovery speed. Still get very tired but, no other problems.

Get as much info under your wings as much as you can. It will help in making your decision. I had waited 3 months before making my decision. Wanted to make sure I knew all my options before signing that agreement for surgery. There are a lot of links in this forum, one of the first few at the top. Check out those web sites too. They are very helpful!

GOOD LUCK!

I want to thank all of you for your honest answers. I have been so unsure of what to do. I have read and read information on the internet and am grateful for access to such wonderful input from all of you.

I am scheduled on Nov 14 and have decided against doing the hysterectomy. I agree, if it's not broke don't fix it.

Thank you again for all your support.