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Facing a hysterectomy ...
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06-22-2010, 01:14 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 245
Hysterectomy: July 13th, 2010
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Facing a hysterectomy ...
I'm facing a hysterectomy, it is scheduled next month and I'm trying to make sure that I do my research and ask all the needed questions before hand. I've already had an exploratory surgery to see what issues I'm up against.
This new doc is great... but now I'm a wee bit nervous. My previous doc spent years trying to convince me to either do Lupron or have a hysterectomy... which I would have done but he wanted all or nothing. Uterus, ovaries, everything... I'm young enough that I don't want to screw around with hormone therapies if I don't have to. So.... the whole "remove it because it might screw up one day" is not a theory I'm real fond of.
So…onto new doc. He immediately did an ultrasound that showed that my uterus is enlarged….roughly 2 and ½ times larger than it should be and the “look” is off as well. I had the exploratory surgery in May to help him form a good battle plan to get me on the path to a pain free life. His diagnosis is a condition called adenomyosis (I really hope I spelled that right). Luckily all of the pathology scrapings came back to show no cancerous cells or anything in the scary bad category. But… the issues with my uterus cannot be “fixed”…so it really does need to come out. Then I learn that this doc only does vaginal hysterectomies and will *not* leave the cervix. Now…according to his nurse, the cervix plays no part in anything and I won’t even know that it is gone… but from what I’m reading online…. That’s so not the case for every woman. It doesn’t sound like there is a medical reason to remove it, it’s just his standard procedure. I’m going to call and talk with him tomorrow….I need to know why it has to be removed. Quite frankly the things I’m reading that indicate that …sensations during sex can be altered dramatically (and not in the good way)… it has me more than a little nervous. I’ve also read that removing it can leave the woman at risk for an open sore area where they take it out….which can only be fixed through multiple office visits. I feel like I’m kinda back at square one with the “remove it because problems can occur down the road”
I’m ready to call the whole thing off at this point but I’m going to talk to the doctor today and continue some reading of my own. Research on the internet can be a double edged sword ...so I'm looking for real life stories of whether this is something to worry about or not.
I'll be happy to answer any questions that may better help you to help me.
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06-22-2010, 01:41 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 114
Hysterectomy: July 13th, 2010
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
I am scheduled on July 13th for an SAH. My dr. told me that he can not leave the cervix in if it is done vaginally. I only need my uterus removed due to fibroids, so based on what i've read, i want my cervix and ovaries left in there. After reading on the sexual experiences of others on the web, and then paying close attention to my body, i believe that removing the cervix would personally alter my experience. I found a dr that will do an abdominal hyst and leave my cervix alone
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06-22-2010, 02:19 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 245
Hysterectomy: July 13th, 2010
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
Mine is currently scheduled for the 13th also. I just wish I was feeling more confident about the way the doc wants to do it. Does anyone know of a good doctor/surgeon in or around the Chesapeake VA area in the event that I want a second second opinion?
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06-22-2010, 02:37 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 58
Hysterectomy: June 1st, 2010
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
Hello sisters!
I had my TAH on June 1st. The surgeon left my ovaries, but removed uterus and cervix. When the pathology report came back, we both agreed that this was the correct thing to do. I, also, had adenomyosis. I'm not sure if your doctor explained, but what's happening is that the lining of your uterus is infiltrating the muscular wall of your uterus. This is causing the thickening and the enlargement and extra bleeding. Your cervix also contains the endometrium, or lining of your cervix.
It's a personal decision to remove the cervix, really. I didn't want any more bleeding, at all. I was so anemic pre op that I was on bed rest for a month and a half prior to having my surgery. So when my doctor and I discussed my options, the game plan was to remove the entire shabang. He said my ovaries are good and healthy so those remained inside.
I hope I've been able to help. The doctor that said "all or nothing" is as bad as the doctor I saw that told me, "you're bleeding like that because you're entering menopause. Get over it." Glad you went to another doctor.
Vaginal hysterectomies are easier to heal from. So that may be your best bet. By all means, though, if you're not feeling comfortable with your current doctor, get a second opinion!
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=gynec...f8b09982c85f48
That's a Google listening of gynos in your area. Good luck!
Rosie
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06-22-2010, 03:00 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 20
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2010
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
i have a question! i am scheduled on june 30 this month to have a hysterectomy, the doctor wants to take out my cervix and my uterus. i am 28 yrs old, i have 3 beautiful boys, and i've had a tubal already. the only real concern that i am having is my sexual experiences..... r they going to be altered drastically? i don't know how to put this without sounding ridiculous. can anyone help me with this concern!!!
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06-22-2010, 03:46 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 245
Hysterectomy: July 13th, 2010
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
Hi Rosie,
You mention that you didn't want any bleeding, hence your decision to have the cervix removed. The doc didn't mention the possibility of bleeding if it were to be left in... but since the game plan is to remove mine, it doesn't surprise me that he didn't bring that up.
Do you mind if I ask if the missing cervix has altered your feelings or sensations in the sexual department? I am a happily married woman with a very healthy sexual appetite. I want to protect that if at all possible, it might sound bad but I am only 31 years old .... just not ready to lose something that I enjoy so much.
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06-22-2010, 03:57 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 136
Hysterectomy: May 11th, 2010
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
Just thought I'd chime in. I'm six weeks post-op from a TVH, left my ovaries, and my orgasms are still great.
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06-22-2010, 08:12 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 20
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2010
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
thank you for letting me know that i wont have a decline in my sexual endeavors. i am happily dating hopefully the man i am to be with for the rest of my life, and i dont want to lose that. i also would like to know how long a typical recovery is. My doc says that its about 2 wks. others say much longer. i have 3 boys i cant be out that long, if you know what i mean.lol
how do u deal with the feeling of losing part of your woman hood. i mean i dont want to sound ignorant, but i have debated this for a while because i also feel losing my uterus and cervix will take a part of me as a woman. how do i deal with that? has anyone else experienced those feelings?
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06-22-2010, 08:45 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 136
Hysterectomy: May 11th, 2010
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
My experience is that I am still recovering @ 6 wks post-op TVH plus rectocele and perineal repairs. My presenting symptoms were uterine and rectal prolapse. With that said, I was going to lose my uterus one way or the other. My DH was concerned that I might feel less of a woman, but that hasn't been a problem for me. I still have a vagina and can still function sexually, and I am 54, long past child-bearing. I've thought that even if that were not the case, my identity as a woman is so much more than sexual function or body parts. I am a human being, created in God's image, who desires to live fully and healthily. I couldn't be anything other than a woman, even without my uterus.
Just some spur of the moment reflections on my experience. I've read about others who have needed to go through a grieving process as part of their surgery. I encourage you to process through these thoughts and feelings, and find the resolution you need. For me, the emotions swirled around fear, anxiety and panic re: the surgery itself (my first ever). I was grateful to find friends and this site to help me deal with my concerns.
I know you will be able to find your way and make the choices that are best for you. Praying for you. Hugs,
Debbie
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06-23-2010, 07:42 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 20
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2010
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Facing a hysterectomy ...
thank you for your thoughts and advice!! i greatly appreciate it. i go for my pre-op today so hope all goes well!!!
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