Should I or shouldn't I

Hi everyone,
I am new at this site and I am trying to figure the whole thing out, anyhow I have a very large cyst onmy ovarary and the md wants to take everything out. They have been following it since May, and since it keeps growing and another one is growing now, and because of my age they said I should take everything. When I went there I thought they would remove just the ovary and then the HYSTERECTOMY word happened and it scared me. I am 44 and have 3 children and have had my tubes tied so that is not the issue. The issue is loosing the insides of me, and when I say that to my husband, he says but your insides are not who you are. But sometimes I feel that are they what do make us women and do you feel less womanly, is there a great loss? Thank god at this time they are fluid filled and the Dr. is not concerned, but feels that it is something that needs to be dealt with. My question is after, my skin, my hair, my moods,well they really can't get much worse, haha, my sex life is very important to me, do we still feel the same sensations like before? I understand it takes time, but these thing are so important to me. I will not be a canidate for HRT due to Breast Cancer is in my family, but I am and have always been open to alternative medicine. My periods starting taking over a good 2 weeks of the month about 1 year ago, and I must say that I am not nearly as bad as some I have read, but the discomfort stops my life for to many days and I don't want to waste any more. I'm rambling but I feel more comfortable talking with all of you since I have read your thoughts and feelings, so I would just love to hear some others and what they are thinking, Thanks for listening, Mart sunny

Hi Mart,
So glad you found us here at Hystersisters.

Your feelings, concerns and questions are very valid and shared by many other ladies who are facing a hyst. I think it does come as a shock to many of us the first time a doc suggests that we might need a hyst.

It is good news that your doc is not concerned about the ovarian cysts being cancerous. If cysts are your only problem, do you know why your doc is recommending that your uterus be removed in addition to your ovar(ies)?

I understand that you say you will not be able to take HRT due to a family history of breast cancer. We have many other ladies here at Hystersisters who cannot take HRT either. I suggest you visit our "No Hormone Oasis" forum where you will find other ladies in this same situation. They will be able to provide advice and support, along with suggestions for alternatives to HRT.

You are wondering about your skin, hair, moods, etc. without HRT and whether you'll have the same sensations during intercourse if you no longer have your uterus. Each of us is different, so your experience may not be quite the same as someone else's. It is true that some ladies do struggle without HRT, while others do just great.

As for sex after a hyst ... most ladies do just fine after they have fully recovered. Yes, there are some who are disappointed but that's not the majority. From personal experience, I can tell you that sex is still great post hyst. It took a little time to get used to my "new" body, but DH and I are doing just great. Not having pain with intercourse is wonderful.

Keep reading and posting and we'll support you, whatever you decide. Best of luck!

Beth