Pre-op w/ Lupus

Hi everyone out there. Glad to have found this site. I have a pre-op appointment for a "complete" hysterectomy on August 29th, but just recently was diagnosed with Rectocele, which needs repair. Also newly diagnosed with Lupus; I've known something was wrong for a couple of years. I also have a 5x larger than normal platelet count, which we can't find a cause for. My ObGyn is willing to go ahead with the surgery. I am 35, and do want the surgery. They are taking my uterus because of the almost chronic bleeding I have, and taking the ovaries because I have chronic, hormone induced migraines. My Estrogen levels are way too high. I tried Progesterone to counterbalance the estrogen, but it cause severe, acute depression almost immediately. My ObGyn has voiced concerns, because she has never given hormone replacement to a woman my age with Lupus. If ther's anyone out there that has dealt with this, please let me know. Even though I really want this surgery, I am frightened about bleeding problems and how it will affect the Lupus. If there's anyone out there that has dealt with any of the issues I have, I'd love some input. Thanks!

Bless your heart. You sure have been going through a lot. I'm sending lots of big s. I don't have Lupus, but I have seen posts around here abou it and you're aren't alone. I hope someone will come along and share their story with you.

Hang in there and keep us posted on how you're doing. We're so glad you joined us! I know you'll find a lot of great information and support here!

s, Deb

Hi There BoSOxLover.........

I have LUPUS ....I was dx in 2003 but have evidently had it for some time they suspect.

In the fall of 2006 it was discovered that I had huge fibroids about a 5 mo. pregnancy size....I was in denial and had NO INTENTION of a surgery. By February I was having colon symptoms and as it turns out I had two huge ones the size each of a babys head pressing on that area.....numerous others also...... needless to say I didnt have much choice in the matter.
My Gyn-o was a female Dr and she put me thru the hoops BEFORE she would do any surgery. First was CLEARANCE from my rheumatologist........which he gave and said no problem AND THAT IT MIGHT EVEN MAKE ME FEEL BETTER !! Next was a colonoscopy from the Gastro Dr........I flew through that .......they DID find a tiny polyp so I am glad I had it done.............NEXT was the hardest part and that was clearance from cardiologist and that entailed heart tests one which was nasty for me. I passed though which was good as I do have a valve defect and they were concerned over this.
I had surgery April 26......TAH/BSO=vertical incision. I am still recovering......my DR is taking me slow versus some gals who were released at 8 weeks but that is OK with me. I go back again AUg 7th. I think getting all that diseased stuff out of me has even helped the hormones and my lupus as I feel better even. Yessssssssss I am on HRT.......a very low dose of premarin 0.625..... they wanted to do patch but I had a drug reaction while in the hosp. so I was switrched the next moring to the pill and I am doing fine. I had a few days of head aches at first but I think it might of been sinus.

I think your DR should be consulting with your rheumatologist on the surgery and you didnt mention if you ahve been DX with the Lupus blood clotting problem "APS"??? If you do have that might change the mode of surgery. I am assuming you have a good rheumy ??My rheumy did say that they have now discovered that even tho women have lupus that it has been studied to be ok for some HRT and or Birth control pills in cases to be taken. Now I am not sure if you ahve the APS problem...I assume you CAN NOT take it if in fact you have THAT.

I go to a famous university hosp and chose to go to the gyno dept there and I am thankful I did as they were VERY cautious with me and people who do have lupus need evry caution taken.

I am so relieved that I had the surgery and my recovery has been ok.......slow but Ok......

Feel free to PM me......or email me.

Kathi