I posted in the newbie forum but thought I'd start my second post in this thread since I finally scheduled my hyster for the end of March. I'm filled with emotion already and am feeling nervous, sad, and anxious. Here's the backstory on me:
I am 48 yr old and have had 'period' problems pretty much since I started at age 11. In my 20's, and in my 1st marriage, I tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant to term), had 13 IUIs (intra-uterine inseminations) and one miscarriage. I had "unexplained infertility" but was told I had mild endometriosis.
Fast forward to early 30's (and a divorce) and I started having huge issues with bleeding, huge clots, cramps, etc. I was diagnosed with fibroids and had my first myometectomy in 1998 (thinking that I might try to get pregnant again). Well, that never happened as I resorted to the fact that I didn't want to go through the roller-coaster ride of infertility in my 2nd marriage as I was approaching my late 30's. The first myomectomy seemed to help for 10 years...then I had a second myomectomy in 2008 to, once again, remove plaguing fibroids. I wasn't emotionally prepared for a hyster at the time and my doc thought I would be entering menopause any time and that my periods would subside. Well...the fact that I'm posting here means that didn't happen. And, my doctor warned me after my 2nd myomectomy that she was unable to remove all of my fibroids and they could possibly rear their ugly heads again which is the case as of late.
Since October of last year, I've been having periods from hell - heavy bleeding and extreme, debilitating pain in my sides and lower back. The gushing is unbelievable and the pain is crazy. I can tolerate some pain but this is horrible. I've had two ultrasounds and the fibroids are multiplying as I have seven. My doc also thinks my endometriosis is getting worse too hence the pain.
So...yep, the hysterectomy discussion has begun with my doc - it's time.
She wants to do a DaVinci lap hyster and I have 5-6 weeks to mentally prepare. That's the thing, I've had surgeries before (myomectomies, thumb surgery) but this surgery is...different.
I'm a bit nervous and scared and I think it's because I feel like I'm losing part of my womanhood as funny as that sounds. My uterus has been nothing but trouble for the past 20+ and for lack of a better word, has disappointed me. :sad: I guess because of the fact that I never was able to have children.
As mentioned, I have time to mentally prepare for letting go of my uterus. Hopefully my nerves and anxiety will turn into relief at some point knowing I don't have to endure the painful periods anymore, just not quite there yet.
I'm also a runner and am bummed that I won't be able to run for 8 weeks, however, my doc said after 4 weeks I can at least start on an exercise bike to start ramping my cardio up for when I can return to running.
Sorry for the long post - just wanted to introduce my story more and am glad I found this website.
Finally letting go
