Hysterectomy scheduled 8-30-04

I had 3 abnormal pap smears showing severe dysplasia. After the first pap the dr. waited 6 months thinking my body would get rid of the dysplasia. The 2nd pap still showed the dysplasia. So I had a colposocpy & biopsy done on my cervix. These results came back with no dysplasia on the cervix. So I had another pap showing dysplasia, the dr. took biopsy of the vagina and brushed out the cervix, still no dysplasia showing. Then I had a leep cone biopsy done on the cervix, this still showed no dysplasia. The dr. told me I could wait 2 months (healing process for leep) and have more of the cervix removed or a hysterectomy. I am 42 done having children, was definitely thinking about the hysterectomy. A week and half ago I started bleeding really bad, went to the dr. and we decided the hysterectomy would be best. Then I had to think about the ovaries. With the help of the stories on this site and cancer (breast and ovarian) running in the family, I think I will will have the ovaries removed. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank-you!

Are you taking birth control pills or anti-depressants? A few months ago it was all over the news that either one of those can cause false positives for dysplasia. The error is in the test the doctors administer (type of testing, not Dr. error); would could explain your conflicting results as well.

As for removing the ovaries... for me it was the worst thing that has ever happened and has plunged me into multiple health problems. Not to mention, ruined my sex life. There is a LOT to know about the ovaries, much of which has just been discovered in the past few years and has yet to trickle down to the average OB/GYN. If I were you, I'd start learning all about them. Then you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to take the risk involved with oophorectomy.

A good book to start with is, "Your Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal, & Hormone Replacement" by Elizabeth Plourde.

There are many other good books and lots of medical abstracts from the actual researchers; which you could read and share with your doctor, then together, you can make the decision. Although I would NEVER, EVER, have surgery without first getting a second opinion from another, NON-affiliated doctor. (If I had done this, I would still be whole and have my good health.)

Im a lot like you. I had an abnormal pap, had a culposcopy and cold knife conization. 3 months later still having an abnormal pap and the HPV test is positive still showing abnormal precancerous cells. Im 35 and scheduling a hysterectomy, dont want to wait around to see if it turns into cancer. Scared to death!!! I havent ready anything good about having this done, scared about weight gain, and lack of sexual desire. I live with my boyfriend and Im sure hes worried about that too.

Having second thoughts but I know I have to go through with this but doesnt make it any easier. Im keeping the ovaries unless he sees a problem with them but still reading about people having hormone problems even with them.

Yes, Lucille I am on birth control. I never heard about that may causing dysplasia. I do plan on researching that. Thanks for the information. I've talked to several friends, with mixed remarks about keeping or removing the ovaries. I was thinking more about removing them because of cancer in my family. Don't want to take that chance of ovarian cancer! Thanks for the info on the birth control and the book.

I am scared too. My sister had a hysterectomy done a year ago, she had problems getting her hormone pills regulated and had the weight gain. But like you, don't want to wait around for the cancer. I had an aunt that died from breast cancer and one that died from ovarian cancer. That is why I'll have my ovaries taken out. Everything I read so far leans toward taking out the ovaries with breast and ovarian cancer in the family. Don't know which is scarier cancer, hysterectomy, or the post hysterectomy problems. Hopefully everything goes well for both of us. When is your operation scheduled for? GOOD LUCK! Thanks for your response, I really appreciate it.

The more I read, the more I am considering a second opinion. Since I dont have any other problems, no symptoms, etc. The only reason I decided to have that done was more of a preventive measure to not get cervical cancer in the future. Still debating.

My sister thought I should get a 2nd opinion. I talked to my family dr. about my problem. She looked over the paperwork from the abnormal pap smears and my ob/gyn remarks. She thinks I should have the hysterectomy done, especially after having the abnormal bleeding a little over a week ago. My ob/gyn said the bleeding could happen again with no warning. That kind of scares me. Not knowing when or where that could happen. For a 2nd opinion I would have to wait like 4 months before I could have another pap done. With you only being in your thirties I think I would have a 2nd opinion. I'm 42 have 1 child, my husband and I are done having children.

You went to your family doctor for your 2nd opinion? I was considering going to a surgeon but wasnt quite sure. The more I think about it, I just might do that. All this thinking about it is giving me a headache!!! My family just wants me to get it done but for some reason, Im not totally comfortable about it but it could be because Im just freaked out about all the problems afterwards.

Hi girls, I am right in there with you. I'm 42 as well, with a history of lots of bad pap smears, cervical biopsies, uterine biopsies, cervical cryosurgery for the dysplasia, D&C, etc. My surgery is scheduled for 8/17. Very scared and nervous, but happy to have a date set.

They are taking everything. I have a family history of cancer as well (ovarian, breast, uterine, cervical), so I want it all gone. I think that I've known since I was a teenager that I would have this done, it was just a matter of when. I have a son and I went through menopause 2 years ago, so it's time.

Definitely get a second or third opinion. I found a oncology gyn for a 2nd opinion that made me feel a lot better about the choice. I went to Uro/Gyn for a 3rd opinion and switched to her for the surgery. I have a lot of urology problems to be fixed to.

Lucille, thanks for the book title. I'm also looking for more info!

Keep us posted on what you decide...

Katie

What kind of info have you gotten about the dysplasia, history of cancer, etc?? I really dont have any info and am only making my decision on the fear of having cervical cancer in the future. Im not sure if this a good decision or not and I dont want to do something Im not totally sure of.

Better to get 2nd opinion from a surgeon or family doctor?