Pre Op today/still not sure/Please help

Last night I asked my DH if he had any questions he would like me ask for the pre op appointment today. (He had to work, or would have went with me) Well, he expressed his deep concern of the removal of organs that played a major role in my hormonal balance. He also wanted to know if there are other options. I was starting not to fear the hormonal roller coaster, which really scares me. and this is why I was having second thoughts. Then BOOM! I am questioning my decision again. My complete history is Laparoscopic surgery in 93 to remove endo adhesions, Hormone induce menopause to suppress endo in 96 for 10 months. Then, BC pills everyday since for the last 6-7 years. As far as I am concerned I have already been through the other options. . L I was told in 97 that I would eventually need a hysterectomy. So, I knew when I went in for a tubal, what I would be facing. So I went to the pre op, wonderful woman understanding, talked with me for an hour, willing to work with me so I am taking the right HRT treatment after surgery. Discussed other options, i.e., taking BC until I reach menopause age. No, way, I would still have the bowel related endo problems and cysts on the ovaries.
I work full time and everyone at work is supportive of me taking leave. I have even had other employees donate leave to me. I feel that this is the right time to do this. But I have all these lurking fear, especially since the new reports on HRT. I like to be very informed when making decisions, and have read everything I can get my hands on, even some book or articles that do not support hysterectomy’s for endo at all. I have 12 days before my TVH. I have new sheets for my bed, new pjs, books and craft kits ready! Please be honest and tell me what to expect. I am torn in half over this decision…

Can't give you any answers - but I know exactly where you are coming from. My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 2 and now I am having second thoughts on ovary removal. Even having second thoughts on the Dr. I chose.

I am rather concerned about ERT or HRT - natural or other alternatives. All the people I personally know that have had hysterectomies - all have their ovaries. So I am relying on feedback from our sisters here. Good luck to you on your upcoming surgery - and you are not alone in feeling confused or having second thoughts.

I also understand your fears. In fact, they are so normal you'd have to kind of wonder if you didn't have them. It sounds like you are knowledgeable and informed and not making a snap decision, so my guess is you will be comfortable with going ahead with your surgery. However, there's still time to change your mind. Just think about why you decided to do it and what your life will be like if you don't. Consult whoever you need to consult.

As for HRT, for me the lack of it has not been a nightmare. As my doctor said to me in the first place, you can take it or not, stop if you want to stop, restart if you want to restart. I think you'll know what's right for you when the time comes. Maybe a little fiddling around will help you decide, but you'll know. The unknown is scary. Once you get there it's not the unknown anymore, if that's any consolation.

Joselle

((Shelley)),
Here are some very informative links that might help you and DH better in what to expect:

http://www.hormonejungle.com/privacy.htm

http://www.hormonejungle.com/

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/surgicalmenopause/

http://www.surgimenopause.com/

http://www.helioshealth.com/menopause/surgical.html

http://www.menopausehysterectomy.com/Menopause.htm

http://health.yahoo.com/health/encyc.../000894/0.html

http://www.project-aware.org/Experience/premature.shtml
http://webmd.lycos.com/content/article/1680.50792

http://my.webmd.com/content/dmk/dmk_article_5963052

http://members.tripod.com/fiona_51/faq.html

http://www.surgimenopause.com/NoFrames/surgi_4.html

https://www.hystersisters.com/surg.php

http://www.holistic-online.com/Remed...t_surgical.htm

Are you positive this is the best choice for you?? I just worry that yout not being sure might cause you to 2nd guess your decision
I'm glad you are doing your research, Knowledge is power, you have to be positive that you are making the right chice for you, this surgery cannnot be reversed so there is no going back, Please weigh the pros and cons then you can make a well informed desicion that is best for you Best wishes Shelly, my thots and prayers will be with you....((hugs))

For anyone out there have second thoughts don't do it.

I had second thoughts and now I regret the decision I have made and I can't undo it. Look around the internet at other internet sites under hysterectomy and its problems it can/may cause.

I had second thoughts about my surgery and I didn't listen to them, I believe it is your inner voice speaking to you - please listen to it.

I didn't think it would be that bad reading a lot of the posts here but believe me it is. I have had a look around other internet sites about the effects of hysterectomy and if I had of done that properly I would not have had this done.

Please listen to your inner voice. Remember you can always reschedule at a later date and definitely get a second opinion.

Good luck in your decisions.

Hi Shellgirl---

I'm so sorry you are not happy with your decision to have a hysterectomy. A lot of women decide to have this operation to improve their quality of life. I am one of them. My life is so much better now without the pain and heavy bleeding that left me debilitated for several days a month. While the majority of hysterectomies have no complications, there are always those exceptions where a woman feels she didn't do the right thing. This is why I think it is always prudent to get a second, third, or even fourth opinion before having a hyst.

I know there is a lot of stuff out there on the internet that is scary and anti-hyst. I read some of that prior to my hyst and it scared the jeebers out of me. But, bottom line for me, is I had to look at my quality of life and how my sick uterus was affecting me, and I did my research, and...... my life is so much better now. The great thing about this website is that it is neither pro or con hysterectomy. Each woman facing a hyst needs to talk to her doc, get a second opinion or even third opinion, weigh out the pros and cons and ultimately decide what is best for her quality of life.

I read your responce and, if you don't mind, would like to ask, why you feel you made the wrong decision? Please let me know soon......
Thank you so much for responding.

Shelly

I don't mind sharing at all. The reason I regret having my surgery is that I didn't get a second opinion and I feel I rushed into it.

I was telling you about that nagging feeling of doubt, well believe me it is there for a very good reason.

I am not sure how old you are, and perhaps if you are older it may be easier, I don't know. I am 35.

The worst things I find are:

* Vaginal dryness
* Loss of sex drive
* Loss of sensation in the clitoral area
* Feeling like a stranger in my body
* Breasts that disappeared and are now cystic
* Fighting depression and anxiety

I am probably scaring the pants off you right now, and I am sorry. However, I do believe it is important for women to know all the negative things that CAN happen to them. I am not saying you will not have a great outcome and I hope you do if you decide to go ahead. Please remember one thing and that this is a life changing operation.

Also it is a trade off, you don't get something for nothing.

Good luck

Hi there,

It IS very important to get a second opinion, particularly if you're not sure *why* your're having this surgery --- there are a lot of options available, but for some of us (like me) having a hyst was the right thing to do.

This is not a decision that should be made lightly; by the same token, there are many more women who are happy with their decision than those who are not.

(((Shellgirl))) I'm so sorry you are suffering --- have you been to the hormone jungle on this site, or perhaps the no hormone desert oasis if you can't take HRT? There are many women who are successfully dealing with symptoms just like those you mention.

I hope this helps!

z

I struggled with responding to this thread...but after reading that another post op has regrets, I have to say that although it seems rare, I too am dealing with my regrets. I only had BSO,trying to deal with what is now a reality,and it isn't that I am currently having any greatly noticeable menopausal effects(so far so good), it is the pain,the "What was I thinking", and the not knowing what lays ahead.

I have so many differing opinions,I know everyone is different,the doctors seems so indifferent as to what effect this can have on our bodies. I am fightiing the feelings of this decision every day, it will be two weeks tomorrow. I had a second opinion, but wish I would have taken someone else with me, to hear what I may not have heard. If I went to the trouble of getting a second opinion, a second set of ears would have been a help to..either way.

Ultimately the decision is ours, but I don't know how to be too informed. Prior to surgery I had NO pain, no symptoms,just the growth on my ovaries. Dr. says, "Now you don't have to worry about ovarian cancer." Well I wasn't before, they just weren't sure about what was there.

Okay, I'll stop now...thanks for listening.

Kathy