supra-cervical hysterectomy

Hi all, I had a SAH/BSO 31/2 weeks ago I requested that I keep my cervix for the reasons metioned before. And so far so good. I am also so a nurse(not a gyn but cardiac) and I firmly believe the more information a person has the better. We have to take responsiblity for our own health decisions. My dr would have done a TAH/BSO if I had not asked for the other. Apparently he does not do them often or offer them. So point is I am doing ok so far and find out all the info you canbefore and ask lots of questions. Thank God for the internet and my hystersisters. Good Luck

Yes, yes, yes--go for the supracervical! I am so glad I had a progressive young doctor who saw no reason why a healthy cervix and set of ovaries should go. Even though I was 46 at the time, she said it could be several years before I entered menopause, so I should keep my healthy parts.

And I am so glad I did! No vaginal cuff or shortening; and when I had the first post-op internal exam, I didn't even flinch, because there were no stitches there. Plus, make sure your doc cauterizes the top of the cervix when she's in there to prevent the leftover endometrial cells from bleeding--thus the "mini-periods." My blessed doc was so thorough, I didn't even bleed in the hospital!

But the best thing is that my libido has skyrocketed. I think about sex all day! I know when I ovulate...and it's through the roof, so I could have sex without getting pregnant. Just one thing--have to find a DH.

So go for it! In New York City, a lot of forward-thinking gyns are doing SAH surgery...

Hi Shielah T,

So glad that you have found this site. I am certain it will be most helpful. I found a great link that I would like to pass along although it is quite lengthy (it will take you directly to some great information). Womhealth.org.au/WHQWleaflets/hysterectomy.htm
I can also recommend a book entitled A Women's Guide to Hysterectomy by Adelaide Haas. Also, I can't imagine a dr. would go against your wishes for a procedure that you have signed a surgical consent form for. Wishing you the very best.

LadyDy,

LAVH-cervical cancer kept ovaries

Hi,
I too am having a supercervical hysterectomy on the 29th of this month.......... my doctor is doing it all through laproscopically. Meaning, there will be three tiny little incissions.

I want to keep ovaries, he is against it. I do have aunts who have had ovarian cancer. I am 47 and my opinion is, I do not want to exchange one set of problems for another (possible HRT issues). I have breast cancer in my family too.

I talk to my doctor yesterday about the possiblity of a ovarian cancer detection test in the furture. He seems to think in the next two years there will be one.
SO, if ovaries look good, they will remain........

What so often is not told is that......... although very very very rare, ovarian cancer can still take place with ovaries gone.

Welcome to the site, this place is a God send.
xo DonnaFay

Told my doc that "if it is healthy, then it should stay". Still have both ovaries and the cervix. No regrets.

Hi:

Had my LSH (laproscopic supracervial hysterectomy) on 2/13/02 and haven't regretted it at all!!

My Dr originally suggested a LAVH, but I wanted to keep my cervix and my Dr didn't hesitate to say that the LSH would be an option for me, ofcourse he checked my previous pap smears first.

I am doing extremely well, haven't had any major complications at all, and I really feel 110% better than I did prior to my hysterectomy!!


Also, I haven't had any mini-periods since my LSH, I did have some spotting right after, called Dr and he said it was the cervix healing and it would be gone in a few days and he was right. Since then I haven't passed any blood whatsoever.

Take Care

Another good book to read if you can is
Hysterectomy:Before & After by Winnifred B. Cutler. Ph.D.
I found it a Books-a-Million

It tell us how each part play a role and things that can make your recovery easier. Like taking vitamin C to build you immune system before and after the hyst. Do as much research as you can.

Jocelin

had my supracervical on 3/18- am healing really nicely- had an abdominal incision that is still a little swollen- my doc said if it's not broken don't take it out- no history of cervical or ovarian cancer in my family- i had multiple cysts on both ovaries but he was able to save both after cleaning them out- i was worried about the mini period but i haven't had any bleeding so far and he did carve out the top of the cervix and cauterize it- i also have an increased libido although we haven't been allowed to do anything yet- i go see him for my 6wk on mon- hoping we will get the ok-i'm glad i chose the supracervical and that he gave me the option!

Hooray! Everyday I learn something new on this board. Thank you, thank you, thank you for telling me about the SAH. I have so much ammo that I'm taking to my drs appt on the 8th. I think she'll be impressed

Thank you all so much for the reassurance and information.

I was rather calm about the whole thing when I first got the diagnosis. But as time passes I'm getting a little squirly. I lost my job beacuse of my symptoms and the novelty of daytime TV has started to wear off.

Hopefully interacting with all of you will stave off any impending meltdowns.