Surgery April 15th

I found out this week I nedd to have a hysterectomy. I was married this past June(my 2nd marriage) and I have 3 children. I went for an exam in October and nothing was ever mentioned about having fibroids. We decided to go for IVF since my new hubby had no children and I wanted one more. When we went to the fertility specialist he told me I had a 7 cm fibroid but children would still be possible. We started hormones and I went to a doctor in Albuquerque so we could cut down on our driving to Colorado and that doctor told me if I was his patient he would suggest and immedaite hysterectomy. I have had painful and very heavy periods for a year now and just thought it was the way of life .Ha Ha. Being a nurse I asked the doctor I work for and he said the same thing...hysterectomy. We went to a new doctor this week and he said that my hematocrit being so low is another indication of the need to have the surgery. My hematocrit is 30. So we have decided to go with the suggestions to have the surgery. He is suggesting a vaginal hysterectomy and my fibroid is now 8 cm and the size of a 12 week preganancy. I have been reading and wonder if this is possible. He said he may change his mind during the surgery. Is this something I have a choice over and is this good for me. What I have read is that it is too big. Anyone out there have a fibroid that size and had vaginal? I look forward to any words of encouragement. This site is great, my hubby found it for me.....he is so worried and is constantly reading...Have a great day...Kym

Kym,
I had a 5 cm fibroid removed along with all of its little friends and my Dr. said it was the hardest vaginal hysterectomy she'd ever done. I also had adenomyosis and my uterus was miss shapened from all the fibroids. She had warned me before surgery that it may have to be done abdominally. Needless to say, after waking up, I was glad she was able to do it vaginally. I don't know about an 8 cm fibroid but when I look at a metric ruler it doesn't look so big. I guess it depends on the size of your pelvis. My Dr. said mine was small. I just got my operative and pathogy report and it's interesting reading. Make sure you get a copy of yours. No harm in asking for a vaginal hysterectomy and crossing your fingers that the Dr. can perform one. That's my experience, for what it's worth. Good luck!
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Shel Liz

Hi Kym

Welcome to Hystersisters!! Glad DH found this site for you, he's a keeper. You will find lots of info here.

I didn't have my hyster only due to a fibroid I had, which was rather small by the way, but for other problems as well. Have you tried a search on this site yet? Just click on the "search" button at the top of this page, and you can put in what you want to look for like "fibroids" or "size of fibroids". It will bring up LOT of threads you can read about others and their fibroids, sizes, and how theirs were handled.

Again, welcome - and stop into chat where you will meet some really terrific gals - all asking questions, getting support, advice, and hugs.

Here's wishing you the best for your upcomming surgery.
Melissa

Thanks for your reply...I know I dont think it looks big either but the doctor is acting like it is. So who knows. I just dont like the idea of waking up and finding out, I wish I couls know what I am dealing with beforehand. But I cant so I am just trying to ask alot of questions from you all. thanks again and I am glad it worked out for you. Kym
ps how do you do those adorable pics lol

Hi Kym,
If you want to add some cute pictures to your post, just click on Static Smilies List on the left of your reply. It will tell you how to type in the words that make the pictures. There's quite a selection to choose from!

Shel Liz

Thanks for letting me know.Kym