Should I Cancel?

Hi sisters!

I am now age 54. Had been taking "birth control" pills for years to regulate my periods. Was diagnosed with fibroids in 2007. Doctor said to keep on the pills to bridge me to menopause....In 2008, began having terrible cramps, heavy periods which just became worse and worse including clots. Still no menopause. Saw doctor in Feb 2010 and he said only option left is hysterectomy. Uterus is all the way up to my belly button. Told me to stop taking the pills. Surgery (total abdominal, ovaries and tubes, and appendix thrown in for free) is sked for April 26.

Now I'm rethinking it because guess what, after about 2 weeks of just spotting, I haven't had a period (been about 6 weeks now). I called the nurse and she said to still have the surgery because of my enlarged uterus. Am meeting with doc for pre-op on April 22......

Anyone think I should still have the surgery now that it seems I am in menopause????

Can you get in for another consult with your doc before pre-op?
I'm no doc, but even with you possibly being in menopause now, the situation with the location of your uterus might be an issue, if not now but down the road. Then again, I don't know, I'm not a health professional, I just play on on the internet now and again
You need to talk to your dr about this.
Best of luck!

Menopause isn't an overnight thing, its pretty unlikely you are done with periods after just one cycle, usually perimenopause takes years and cycles can get irregular, bleeding more or less or variable. At any rate you still have big fibroids. But should you cancel? If you really doubt your decision, or think you'd regret not waiting, cancelling is certainly an option. Only you know how you feel about the surgery and your symptoms affect on your life. If you have strong doubts now there is time to at least discuss it and then decide. If its not an emergency, it can be postponed, if that's your choice, but you can't reverse it once its done. Whatever your choice, good luck to you.

A person is not considered menopausal until they have not had a period for a full year. I am 51 and for the last 2 years would skip a month or two here and there. My uterus was almost up to my belly button due to fibroids. I had my hysterectomy as an emergency 5 weeks ago after I woke up with a hemorrhaging period.

I think you are wise to be asking questions!

My best advice is to get a second opinion before you undergo surgery. Another doctor could confirm that what you have planned is right for you, or could offer other ideas and solutions that could be better and less invasive.

If you have any doubts at all, at least postpone the surgery until you are 100% sure it is right for you. There is no going back. Weigh all of the pros and cons for you again.

A hysterectomy is a major surgery that is not without risks so you do want to be sure it is the right option for you and that you are prepared for those risks, just in case.

I wish you all the very best as you and your medical team determine what is right for you!

Update - saw my doctor today for pre-op. He says with the size of my uterus, it needs to come out. Plus, there is no guarantee that I won't start bleeding again because the estrogen could be building up and if I start bleeding again he said "Katy, bar the door!" which sounds to me like Niagara Falls coming out. SO....I enter the castle at 0515 on Monday! Now I can't wait to just get it over with...
Hugs to all my sisters!

I wish you the best with your trip to the castle and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how you are doing!