I have read many posts on this Pre-Op board about women who are still a little unsure about whether or not they should have a hysterectomy. I've gone through some heavy thinking the past few days, and I'd like to share. This is really long. But I just feel like I really need to be a part of "women helping women"!
Just so you'll know where I'm coming from: I'm 48 and probably perimenopausal. I thought I was having hot flashes, but after having a thyroid test, realized that my thyroid was the problem. Hot flashes just do not LAST ALL DAY! I have had several bouts of "never-ending" periods over the past few years. Not every month, though. When that does happen, the only thing that stops me is drug intervention. This last time it took 3 BC pills a day for several days. I have bled to anemia twice in the past 2 years. My periods have gotten noticeably heavier with large clots the past 2-3 years. I do NOT suffer the terrible pain that so many of you describe. I do have times where I'd swear something is twisting my right ovary, though. This past month, I did have really awful pain for about a day and half. Two years ago an ultra-sound showed a fibroid. Another ultra sound a few weeks ago showed the fibroid again. I've had 2 endometrial biopsies, which were fine. I've also had an hysteroscopy and D&C within the past month since I had one of those "never-ending periods" going to anemia in February and March.
I have been really doing a lot of thinking about my alternatives, and also becoming super-informed by this site.
I was definitely leaning toward "get this out! I'm tired of it! It's only causing problems", etc. But then I would think about other people's posts and think that maybe I wasn't so bad off. After all this is MAJOR surgery!!!!!! Should I really encourage, demand, request it? And if I didn't, wouldn't I feel really dumb coming back to HysterSisters? (This is the SUPER DUMB part!)
Well, my gyn, my DH, and I have decided that surgery is not the answer, at least for now. And I'm very secure with that decision. If it hadn't been for this site, which I truly treasure, I wouldn't be as informed as I am. And believe me, I understand the doc when he tells me stuff now--amazing!! The gyn has recommend a trial of progesterone for at least 3 months. He said there are indications of adenmyosis, but there's no way to really tell except through pathology after a hysterectomy. If, however, at 2 months I can't stand it anymore, he said, we could go on to the next step of discussing surgery.
When we were on our way home last night, I had such a sense of well-being. I began to think about trying to get back to working out (which I'd suspended when the period from heck came again
). I thought about working on losing weight, again. Trust me, thinking those two things are a definite indication that I was really feelin' good! I have also felt better since my D&C, which I don't completely understand.
Anyway, so often others will come to the Pre-Op board wondering about delaying the surgery and/or trying other things before actually saying "yes" to the surgery, and the advice is usually the same from the Sisters--surgery is THE "final answer". If you have any other possibilities, definitely try them! If they don't work, surgery is always there. Cool.
This site is filled with compassionate, kind, KNOWLEDGEABLE women! Without you all, I am convinced I wouldn't feel so good about my decision!
It's possible that I may end up being a true "HysterSister" sometime. I'm glad to know this site is here to support me if EVER I need it. I was cruising around the Hormone Jungle last night, trying to find out all I could about progesterone. So either way, what a winner you all have made me!
I am grateful and indebted to you all. Thank you...thank you very much!
Much love, hugs, and prayers for peaceful decisions, skilled surgery, and soothing recuperation to you all.
Jeannie
Making the surgery decision...
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