Two Weeks and Counting (endo)

Hello ladies- Two weeks from today I'll be doing my fasting and trying to keep my anxiety in check. I'll have having a total hysterectomy and some other two big words (taking my ovaries and tubes) only leaving my cervix---- and hoping it will all go well and be done laproscopy. I have endometriosis and after every other option tried and the only thing I responded to was Lupron shots. But they only had me on the Lupron for 4 months, the pain stopped but I was an emotional mess. I asked for it. The more research I've done leading up to my decision I think I've had it way longer than anyone diagnosed me with. I can see multiple signs from about 7-8 years ago. I have two big fears 1) this wont fix it. Though Dr says that she's confident that it will, when I saw her last week she had to stress that there is always the possibility that it won't fix my pain. And I don't know how I'm going to deal with it if the pain and other conditions don't go away. 2) I'm already overweight and I'm TERRIFIED that I'll gain more weight. I keep telling myself that I will find time to exercise and will have the energy when this is over. But I still worry.

I have a very supportive husband. Though he about passed out when we were talking about the surgery- Hes taken 4 weeks off from work to be home with me. And I've already asked the dr to keep me overnight, even with it being a laproscopy and she agreed. That man is a saint for what he's endured going through to help me with all of my medical issues.

I'm not having second thoughts, because I have to take this chance. I've become so depressed because of how awful I feel. I'm just worried about the "what ifs"

Hey! Seems we have similar stories. Due to past issues with anxiety and depression I did not try the shots. In my mind the side effects would have been more troubled on my quality of life than the pain. Although I did try birth control to stop my cycles until my surgery was scheduled.

My hubby also took if time and it was needed!!!

I will be honest the initial healing pains made me wonder "if it worked" but I think it's waaaaayyy to early to tell on that.

And I actually lose weight. (10lbs) buy I know everyone is different! I had no desire to eat the first week! I just wanted the pain n sleepiness to go away.

Try to stay relaxed as much as possible!

You will find the ladies here are wonderful about encouraging you in the days leading to surgery! We also have lots of articles that have helpful information for preparing for surgery, recovery, and even coping with anxiety!

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Originally Posted by FosterB I'll have having a total hysterectomy and some other two big words (taking my ovaries and tubes) only leaving my cervix

Let me see if I can clarify things a bit for you. If you are having a total hysterectomy, your cervix is being removed. The cervix is the bottom of the uterus so a total or complete hysterectomy means the total or complete uterus is removed. If you want to keep your cervix, you need to be scheduled for some type of partial or supracervical hysterectomy. Be sure you and your doctor are understanding each other and you are scheduled for the correct surgery so there are no surprises.

The other big words are oophorectomy--removal of the ovaries, and salpingectomy--removal of the fallopian tubes. Yeah, quite a mouth full!

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I have endometriosis ... I have two big fears 1) this wont fix it. Though Dr says that she's confident that it will, when I saw her last week she had to stress that there is always the possibility that it won't fix my pain. And I don't know how I'm going to deal with it if the pain and other conditions don't go away.

You need to be fully aware that neither a hysterectomy or oophorectomy are cures for endometriosis. The key is the skillful excision of the endometriosis implants by an experienced surgeon. Many general OB/GYN's simply do not have the skills necessary to locate, recognize, and remove all of the existing implants. For instance, many cannot remove endometriosis from the bowel.

Do you have an endometriosis specialist? Have you specifically asked your surgeon if she uses an excision method? Have you had a second opinion?

To learn more about the ins and outs of endometriosis, you can start with our Endometriosis Information page.

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2) I'm already overweight and I'm TERRIFIED that I'll gain more weight.

What you do about your hormones could play a part in weight after an oophorectomy. With an endometriosis diagnosis, your doctor may not allow you any HRT believing that no estrogen will equal no endometriosis. Unfortunately, it isn't that simple. For one, fat cells can produce a type of estrogen. Endometriosis can also create its own estrogen.

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I have a very supportive husband.

That is awesome!

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I'm just worried about the "what ifs"

This can be a two edged sword. Considering the "what ifs" can help you make sure you are making the right decision for you. This is a major surgery and there is a long list of possible negative ramifications. I didn't have a happily ever after story myself. With endometriosis in the picture, it also isn't a cure which can complicate the whole decision process.

Worry won't solve anything, but you should take time to be sure you have weighed all the pros and cons. You should also have a second opinion, preferably from an endometriosis specialist and/or someone who does not practice obstetrics. You could also discuss your concerns and upcoming surgery with your general practitioner for another take on your situation.

in there!