Gotta make my decision. Hyster or Myo HELP

Here goes...

I've always had heavyish and long periods. About 10 years ago my family practitioner found a fibroid, I got an ultrasound for comparison later on and life went on. In the last year I've been having heavier periods that have been causing quality of life issues and I went to an OB/GYN surgeon for advice. He suggested a myomectomy but I decided to try a natural approach and consulted a naturopathic physician who prescribed several homeopathic remedies. After several months of no apparent positive change (I can feel the beast and it wasn't getting smaller) I went back to the OB/GYN, taking my DH with me, and got the Dr's recommendations again. This time, he suggested either a myomectomy or a LSH (is that the right abbrev.?) because They have Grown and he said, no matter what I choose, I have to do something. I just turned 40, I've never had children, my husband has a 16 year old whom I adore and I think I'm ready to shut that door.

My DH thinks the LSH is the way to go. No more periods, fibroids, surgeries. I agreed until I did more research and learned about other possible after-affects. What have you all heard about depression, heart disease and sexual issues being possibilities? What have been your experiences? How many of you have had your ovaries quit working and never start up again afterwards, assuming with this question that they weren't removed? ARE orgasms different? Do you still want to make love? Is it painful? Pleasant? Alright?

I've been leaning towards having a myomectomy lately, not because I want to necessarily have children, but because I 1) don't know, 2) want to keep my organs as long as possible 3) am afraid of these possible after-affects happening to me. How many of you who have had a myomectomy around my age have had to have surgery again?

I'm scheduled for surgery August 16 and I need to tell my Dr what my decision is soon.

Help.

I have not had a myomectomy as I did not have fibroids, but I think you are wise to research both options before making a decision.

We have many resources that might be helpful for you in the resource database: Hysterectomy Alternatives -- Fibroids. There are links to sites with information about myomectomies and other fibroid alternatives. Additionally, here are two sites that deal specifically with fibroids: Hope for Fibroids and Fibroid Network Online.

We do have information about the various types of hysts as well: Hyst Types.

There are pros and cons to both procedures. Seeking a second opinion from another GYN may also be helpful. Do your research and decide what is best for you.

Hello, constantreader!

I'm a bit older than you (48), but I had a hysteroscopic myomectomy + roller ball ablation. My bleeding is very much improved. I had a submucosal fibroid growing on a stalk which was removed and my doctor also did an ablation to reduce the endo lining (to reduce the chances of heavy bleeding recurring).

What type of fibroid do you have, do you know? Does your doctor feel it could be fairly easily removed by myomectomy? Would he be able to do it via a hysteroscope (ie no need for any abdominal incisions)?

I didn't want a hysterectomy unless it was really necessary and I thought why not try something less drastic first? It's true that fibroids may recur, but I believe this is less likely with the ablation. Perhaps you could ask your doctor about that...???

If you think there is any chance you might still like to have a child, the myomectomy alone would be the better choice, of course. Pregnancy is very dangerous after an ablation.

If you have the myomectomy (with our without ablation), your recovery time will be much faster and easier than with a hyst. The hyst will give you more certainty, as your husband says, but myomectomy results are pretty good, overall. It's true that you may need to have a hyst down the road, but only you can decide if you are willing to live with that chance.

Hi Constantreader,

I might suggest you ask your Dr. what your ~rate~ of regrowth with your fibroid could be after a myomectomy. If it is low, I suggest opting for a myomectomy!!

If the rate is higher, there could be regrowth. You might think about a LSH, which is a less invasive hyst. I had my LSH at 46 and I am still very pleased with my surgery results. I went over the option of a myomectomy with my Dr. However, my Dr. said that in my case, my fibroids would in all likelihood grow back since they were fast growing.

I also decided on a LSH since I had a ~window of opportunity~ to have a LSH with my uterus size w/ fibroids. My Dr. told me that if my fibroids got larger I would only be a candidate for an abdominal hyst.

I kept my ovaries and they are still working 2 yrs. post op. I am not sure about post-op depression (have not had it) and the study I saw about heart disease related to when the ovaries are removed.

Here is an older Hyster Sisters thread on the subject:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...d.php?t=224039

Here are two LSH links for your research:

http://www.goodgyn.com/lsh.html

http://www.laparoscopicsupracervicalhysterectomy.com/

Best wishes. We Hyster Sisters are here to help if we can.

Mary

Thanks to all who posted. I kept fussing until my DH said, "Why don't you call your doctor?" Gee, what a brilliant guy! So I called the Dr and asked him ALL my questions...sex, heart disease, osteo, hairy chins...even asked him if he thought dr's advocate hysts for $! He said the odd thing is that he's had women who really need one fight it tooth and nail and other women who come asking for one and don't need one.

Anyway, he apologized for being wishy washy and not telling me what to do...which I appreciated...and that evening DH and I talked about it and I decided to go the LSH route. I called and told the hospital my decision and I am feeling peace about it. The fibroids have grown quite a bit in the last year and today I remembered one of the reasons why I am having this done. I was running across the yard, peeing as I ran. YUCK! And my last period is due to arrive any day so that will be another reminder WHY I am having this done.

I've been lurking on this site for a few weeks and I have learned so much from everyone. Glad I found this site!

God Bless,
Jolene