Considering Hysterectomy

I have suffered for 5 years now from the affects of having endometriosis and adenomyosis. I had a laparoscopy back in August 1999 and endo was diathermied out. I suspect at the time that I also had adeno but by gynaecologist did not diagnose that. After the op I still continued to suffer from severe pain during my period and also mid cycle and terrible bleeding. I have in those years also suffered from nausea, bowel problems, depression and generally not feeling well. I believe that this all connected to my adeno which was finally diagnosed in January this year. I have found a wonderful gyaneacologist who has finally given me some answers. My adeno was diagnosed through an MRI and it is severe adeno to the point where my uterus is double the size that it should be.

I have been on zoladex injections for the last 5 months (just had my last one) and Livial (HRT entry) to try and counteract the side effects of the injections, which have not been pleasant at all. I have also started on a natural therapy track (acupuncture and herbs) but whether this will help, I have no idea.

Basically the only way to rid me forever of the "beast" of adeno is a total hysterectomy. I am struggling to make the decision as to whether to do it or not. I have not had any children yet but at this stage I think that the pain, depression and desperation is overwhelming any rational judgement. My husband is at a loss. He has told me to just simply get the hysterectomy because I have suffered too much for too long and there is no guarantee that even if we tried we would be able to conceive and have a risk free pregnancy or that even after pregnancy my adeno and endo will have disappeared and I will then be in the position of having to make the decision then.

I just don't know what to do. I cannot handle the pain and feeling unwell anymore. Then I am also scared about having the operation - don't like going under "general anaesthetic" and really don't like being sick. I sometimes feel like I am just valueless and that my husband would be better of without me as all he has experienced is me being sick and in pain. I feel so sorry for him having to endure all this. Is there anyone out there that is going through the same thing?

Sounds as though you are going through hell. I am sorry that the zoladex has caused bad side effects for you. My prostat injections have been reasonably side effect free apart from those awful hot flushes and a bit of sleeplessness. But to substitute pain and all those other things for it has been worth it.

I have had a child but in your circumstances it cannot be an easy decision to make. If I were in your shoes I would rather get rid of the pain and have a happier life together with my DH and maybe consider adopting a child if I felt that my need to have a family was that great. Not the same as giving birth I know but I have a friend who has an adopted child (now grown up) and they didnt regret it.

Talk to your DH if you can and express your fears and concerns. That may help even if he does the "man thing" and doesnt really listen.

I wish I could be there so that I could give you a hug and reassuring words.

Take care

Thank you for your kind words and support. I think that my mind is leaning towards having the operation. I know that adoption is an option, but I just worry that my husband will regret the decision. He says now that he will support me whatever decision I make, but there is always that feeling in the back of my mind that he will regret the decision later on and will blame me.

I am happy that you have been able to get relief through your prostat injections.

S

At the top of this forum the very first thread has links to all kinds of alternatives. Perhaps you can find something that might help there.

Also check out Resources - click <resources> at the top of the page. There is lots of info about endo and adeno.

Best wishes with your decision.

If your DH is that supportive then your fears are just normal ones. I have some worries too and know that some are just silly nervous related ones.

Why should you regret making the decision to having an end to pain? The fact that I have little pain at the moment has made me feel like a different person and has even raised the grey cloud that must have been hanging over me for years. I hope that my op will continue this and it is not just a side effect of the injections!

You take care of yourself.

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