"Newby" in search of answers

Hello all,
I have an appointment Tuesday, April 2, to discuss the option of hysterectomy.

I have been battling endometriosis since 1991 (I'm 34). I have had lap. surgery 3 times for this. I have had a c-section, and a tubal ligation.

It seemed after I had my tubal ligation my periods were worse and heavier than I ever imagined possible. I have always had really bad cramps but managed!

I went to my Dr. in November because of the heavy bleeding and bad cramps and he offered an endometrial ablation. I always thought this wouldn't help the endometriosis, which is what I thought was causing my pain. Well, it didn't help. I am still having periods every 18 to 21 days. They are lighter but it seems like the cramps are worse.

I called him last week because my cramps were so unbearable that I was nauseated and had to go to bed. He told me to come in next Tuesday with my decision of either another ablation or hysterectomy (which we have been discussing for a while because of the endometriosis.)

I am leaning toward the hysterectomy because I am tired of this taking over my life a week out of every three. The cramps are getting unbearable and the pain associated with the endo. during the month is also.

Isn't endometrial ablation to treat heavy bleeding? Does it help the endometriosis at all?

I'm just really confused about all the different types of hysterectomys and which would be best for me. Is this something that is decided by the Dr. or me?

Also, this may seem like a trivial question and I'm almost embarassed to ask, but I will anyway, is there certain organs that I should request not be removed to continue to have a good sex life?

I am going to devote my weekend to studying up on this and have good questions so that I will be prepared Tuesday.

Any help is welcome!!!!

One thing that helped me decide was the possiblility of facing more surgery if an ablation did not work. The ablation is only a heat cauterization of the inside of the uterus and does nothing for whatever endo is outside of it.

Doc told me I could have the ablation, but it's not always completely effective and I could face a hysto later anyway. Also, they monitor the amount of fluid used during the ablation, how much goes in vs how much comes out. If too much is not coming out and is being absorbed into the body, she'd have to stop the procedure even if she wasn't done. A second procedure would have to be set up at a later date, even then, it might not be successful. I decided 1 surgery was better than 2.

Keep in mind the ablation is less invasive with a shorter recovery time, but it may or may not work. Read other notes on the boards here to see what may be best for you.

Hi, jpfree00,

I'm sorry to hear you're having problems with endometriosis, heavy bleeding, and cramps. I know how these problems can affect a woman's life.

Here are links to websites which discuss endometriosis and types of treatment. These websites are not associated with Hystersisters:

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1680.51162

http://www.endometriosis.org/index.html

Please note that hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. Some women continue to have problems with endometriosis after a hysterectomy. There are several theories as to the cause of endo, and the bottom line is that nobody knows for sure what causes it, or how to cure it. There's also controversy about the use of hormone replacement therapy after a hysterectomy, in women with endometriosis.

If you do decide to pursue a hysterectomy, it may be helpful to know that many women choose to keep their healthy ovaries. There's also a lot of controversy about keeping your healthy cervix. There are several schools of thought on these two issues.

If you are considering a hysterectomy, I'd advise getting at least two medical opinions, before making a decision.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if we can provide other information for you. Good luck with your research.

Best wishes,
Helen