has any of you gotten a hysterectomy because of painful periods and painful intercour

My pain doesn't sound nearly as bad as yours, and that's the most significant reason for my choice of hysterectomy.

I have fibroids, and that's the main cause of the pain...LOTS of pain during intercourse.

I listed on a whole page my many aches and pains and any physical "complaint" I could think of whether I thought it was relevant or not, and took it to my annual exam 2 weeks ago. My doctor thought many of them were related to the fibroids.

Sometimes I feel like I should "suck it up" and quit complaining, because I don't have many of the symptoms other women have, but then I stop and think...I'm way too young (40 yrs old) to feel so crappy all the time.

Listen to your body and doctor and weigh everything to decide...my doctor has always told me, "YOU are the only person who knows when it's reached the 'unbearable' point."

Good luck!
~Tammy

Blondie...

I have the same EXACT description of pain...bleeding..back & shoulder pain that you have. I went the less evasive route last year and had a uterine ablation. That did nothing other than confirm a hysterectomy was the route for me. My uterus is so large it pushes on everything..bladder, bowels..one ovary. Sex is very painful at any time of the month. I am always feeling like my DH is bottoming out...how awful is that?? I never had that problem (other than very heavy bleeding) until I had my 2nd daughter. Then it all went downhill from there. I go in in for a LAVH in 2 days. I am totally petrified, but I know it is the right decision. I have put it off for a year and a half. Do what you need to do for you. There are know guarantees, but like the other ladies said...weigh out the pros and cons. For me this is the best solution.


Good Luck & God Bless!
Michelle

Hi, Blondie2004!
I am having a TAH-BSO on 10-04-04 for painful menstrual cycle, heavy bleeding, horrible pain, fibroids and painful sex life! I am 32 now and this has been going on for about 6 years now! I have put it off so many times, but things have just gotten TOO out of control! I know for myself that this is going to be the best decision for me! I just wish now that I hadn't been so stubborn in the past and got it over with a LONG time ago. Best wishes to you! Rondaroo^i^

Hi Blondie,
TAH is total abdominal hyst.
I think the V is for vaginal, then u have LA laporoscopic assistd.
Somewher on this site there is a list of abbreviations, there is also a section for technical support.
I had the same pain without heavy bleeding for years and also pain with intercourse depending on what position(not being any more graphic than that!!) I had endometriosis for many years and had different treatments before I opted for a total hysterectomy. You should find the pre-op site really interesting. Use the search facility to find what u r looking for. There is usually a hostess who will answer your queries as well.
Best of luck.

Hi Blondie,

I'm so glad that you posted and that I happened to bump into this thread. I, too, have pretty much the same symptoms as you list. One of the big differences between myself and many of the sisters is that I have never had a baby nor will I--it just wasn't in the cards for me and I married a man who'd already had his kids and had is vasectomy years ago. I have been researching like crazy to try to find out why I, a healthy 38 y.o. woman would end up with a prolapsed uterus and absolutely awful pelvic pain during otherwise normal periods. About a year ago, intercourse began to get painful and that has only worsened. I've concluded that I have a weak pelvic floor and after two opinions from OBGYNs, I have chosen to seek the counsel of a Dr. at Loyola University's Women's Pelvic Medicine Center. I've decided that surgery is the only way to go--I just want to be certain that I have the right type of surgery and all repair work for prolapses gets done. My worst fear is that I'll have a hysterectomy and then a few years down the road, my vaginal vault, rectum, or bladder will prolapse and I'll be back on the operating table. Good luck making your decision and be smart about advocating for yourself within the healthcare system.

Sandmick