HysterSisters.com is a massive online community with over 475,000 members and over 5 million posts.
Our community is filled with women who have been through the
Hysterectomy experience providing both advice and support from our active members and moderators.
HysterSisters.com is located at 111 Peter St, Toronto, Canada, M5V2H1 and is part of the VerticalScope network of websites.
With free registration, you can ask and answer questions in our HYSTERECTOMY forum community, get our FREE BOOKLET, access Hysterectomy Checkpoints and more.
You are not alone. The HysterSisters are here for you. Join us today!
|
|
New with questions...
|
03-29-2002, 08:45 PM
|
Guest
|
|
Posts: 2
Hysterectomy: August 7th, 2008
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
New with questions...
Hi all,
My doctor diagnosed me with fibroids (about 3 month's pregnant-sized) about 2 years ago simply by feeling my uterus. She immediately told me to have a hysterectomy because I "don't need it anymore" because I'm "done having children". I'm 35 now. I haven't been back to any doctor since. I've had painful periods, but I can live with them. The worst is the pain and pressure during ovulation that has started just in the last year. Is this a symptom of fibroids, or am I just nuts? Anyway, my periods are getting more and more off schedule (anywhere from 36 to 24 days apart) and just this week something new: I've had just a bit of really dark brown blood. I'm scared to even ask the doctor about that one! - does anyone have any idea what would cause this? I live in a very rural area where there aren't a lot of doctors to choose from and I always feel like an idiot when I ask questions.
I'm really seriously considering just going ahead with the hysterectomy and getting it over with. I know several people that have done it and say it's the best thing they've ever done. What are the long-term negatives of the surgery? I've had 3 C-sections and a gall-bladder removal, so the surgery itself doesn't scare me. I'm worried about menopausal symptoms, mood alterations (I'm already on antidepressants), weight gain, and cancer risks, among other things. Also, is there any way you can have surgery without a catheter?? I've had terrible infections every time from those blasted things!
Phew! That's probably enough questions for my first post, eh?
Thanks for any info you can provide!
|
Sponsored Links
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
03-29-2002, 09:28 PM
|
Guest
|
|
Posts: 1,991
Hysterectomy: January 10th, 2001
|
|
New with questions...
Leigh,
Welcome to the Land of Hyster. I can't answer all of your questions. I do advise you to write down all of your questions prior to going to see a doctor. I believe I would even get a 2nd opinion. I did not have all the symptoms that you are describing. I am on Natural Hormone Replacement. I found someone who specializes in NHRT (natural hormone replacement therapy) and my mood swings and the blues went away. I feel great now that I'm on the right path to being balanced.
Just remember........no question is silly and your doctor is there to answer all of your questions and concerns.
|
|
03-30-2002, 01:37 AM
|
Guest
|
|
Posts: 344
Hysterectomy: February 18th, 2002
|
|
New with questions...
Leigh, it sounds like you may have your mind half made up. A doc can indeed find fibroids simply by feeling the uterus during an exam. An ultrasound usually follows to check the dimensions and it's then monitored every so often to see if there are changes to it. You might want to get a second opinon just for peace of mind.
I also had dark brown blood near the end of a period. It only started that way in the past few years and I just took it as a sign that period was over... finally.
Just because you can bear the pain doesn't mean you should. Chronic pain can cause depression. I've had back pain from endo for 3 years now, and have been on an antidepressant for a year. I did experience a few mood swings when my hormone level dropped, but HRT seems to have fixed that. It made it easier knowing that those blue days were only temporary.
The catheter is used to give your bladder a rest from the bruising it receives during surgery. It's in the way of the uterus and they have to move it so they can work, and sometimes it gets bruised.
As for weight gain, that's up to you. I know some who've gained weight because they just slowed down, and I know a few who've felt so good after recovery that they started exercizing more and lost weight. I'm looking for an exercize class now.
Whatever you decide, realize there are others who went through the same thing and you can always come here for support whichever way you decide.
|
Sponsored Links
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
03-30-2002, 07:40 AM
|
Guest
|
|
Posts: 115
Hysterectomy: March 20th, 2002
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
10 days post op
Leigh, Hi! I am ten days postop today and I had a TAH(Total Abdominal Hysterectomy) and BSO ( Bilateral Salpingo Oopherectomy) both tubes and ovaries removed, and also my bladder fixed while he was in there. I'm 39 and I also considered myself quite young to have had to have this done. I'm still on the road to recovery but I do feel much better. I too was being treated for depression, after surgery we found out my depression stemmed from my ovaries not doing there job. I was worried about losing my ovaries and having all those wacky hormonal and menopausal symptoms but my dr put a hormone patch on me before he even brought me out of surgery. Even at 10 days post op, I'm still a little weak and tire easily but I feel so good. The depression and all that emotional roller coaster stuff is slowly disappearing. My enlarged uterus put pressure on my ovaries and with cysts and things on them they just weren't working at peak performance which was a big reason for my depression and mood swings. My uterus, enlarged from fibroids and also two huge arteries that continually fed my uterus and ovaries and caused them to bleed at the slightest pressure. When the dr touched my ovaries they began to bleed during surgery because they were so engorged. Anyway, I feel lots better. And I was worried about weight gain. Well, I still have the swelly belly from my incision from surgery but even with that I have still lost 6 lbs since my surgery. I lost 2 more lbs during the night and I had a big steak dinner from Texas Roadhouse before I went to bed. I'd say your uterus is enlarged because of the fibroids and that should make you lose that extra weight and make your belly smaller. It has mine. But of course ask the dr about all of this. Best of luck to you and big 's and 's to you. Blessings in Christ, Mikki Jo
|
|
03-30-2002, 07:56 AM
|
Guest
|
|
Posts: 115
Hysterectomy: March 20th, 2002
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
one more thing
I too started having painful , very painful ovulation. I dont know if it was because of the firbroids but it could have been with all the pressure they cause on other organs and things. But I know what you mean, I felt the same pain. I wish you the best, and just really pray about your situation and allow the Lord to work it out for you. He can really offer the best direction for our lives. BIG 's, Mikki Jo
|
|
03-30-2002, 12:31 PM
|
Hyster Sister
|
|
Posts: 1,027
Hysterectomy: February 23rd, 2002
|
|
Hi Leigh
Welcome to Hystersisters!
If you haven't been back to a doctor for 2 years I really suggest that you make an appointment. Things do change with our bodies
and as was previously suggested an ultrasound along with an exam would probably be in order.
You mentioned living in a rural area. Is there a larger community nearby that would give you an opportunity to meet with 2 or 3 doctor's. The more information and opinions we have the better. Also it allows you to proceed with a doctor you are really comfortable with if in fact you do decide to have the hysterectomy.
As for me, my surgery went real well, hospital stay was good with no pain and recovery at home has gone extremely well. Life is just about back to (better than) normal for me.
Here's a link to some questions to ask the doctor if and when you think you want to move forward with the surgery.
https://www.hystersisters.com/questions.php
The home page has lot's of pull down menu's with great information.
Good luck. And keep coming back with your questions. We are here for you.
|
|
03-30-2002, 05:38 PM
|
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 3,099
Hysterectomy: March 5th, 2001
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
New with questions...
I agree with much of what has been said! PLEASE give yourself a real gift, and seek out a few more opinions. I'm not a doctor, but I really don't think that it's very responsible to recommend that a 35 year old woman have a complete hysterectomy based on "feel".
There are much better diagnostic tools available, even in a rural area. Please consider finding another doctor in a nearby area, even if it means driving a distance. Only then will you know what you are really dealing with, and what your options are.
You need never feel stupid for asking questions...it's only when we DON'T ask them that we deprive ourselves of the ability to make informed decisions. This is your body, and a HUGE life-altering surgery, and you need to be fully prepared and informed.
You need to find a responsive doctor who will consult with you on all the important information. Why would you need to lose your ovaries? No one can tell by feel if your ovaries are healthy or unhealthy!!!
PLEASE find yourself a good doctor...you deserve the best possible care, and I don't think that's what you are getting. Please let us know what you decide!!!!
Karen
|
Similar Threads
|
From This Forum |
From Other Forums |
1 Reply, Last Reply 07-04-2010, Started By alli.sunshine 5 Replies, Last Reply 02-02-2006, Started By roxieluvsme 10 Replies, Last Reply 12-03-2003, Started By PreciousAngel 4 Replies, Last Reply 07-17-2003, Started By Eileen |
10 Replies, Hysterectomy Recovery (post hysterectomy) 12 Replies, Cancer Concerns - GYN 1 Reply, No Uterus - No Ovaries - Yes HRT - Surgical Menopause 10 Replies, Cancer Concerns - GYN 6 Replies, Hysterectomy Recovery (post hysterectomy) 1 Reply, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 5 Replies, Hysterectomy Recovery (post hysterectomy) 2 Replies, Hysterectomy Recovery (post hysterectomy) 7 Replies, Hysterectomy Recovery (post hysterectomy) |
|
Advertisement
Hysterectomy News
TODAY'S EVENTS
Calendar -
Hysterectomies -
Birthdays
Request Information
I am a HysterSister
Your Hysterectomy Date
$vbulletin->featuredvideos is not an array!
Advertisement
Advertisement
|