I'm new and have a surgery question

Hello, I'm new here, live in Canada and am 49 years old. This seems like a wonderful place to find support and information. A CT Scan last week (Emergency at the hospital) showed that my large fibroid has grown even more (previously was 10 cm but they didn't tell me exactly how much more it has now grown). Apparently it isn't getting enough blood now and is starting to degenerate which is causing a great deal of abdominal and back pain. I was told I will most likely have to have a hysterectomy. I haven't seen the gynecologist yet but am in the process of getting an appt. I am scared to death of this as I had a bad surgical experience when I had an emergency cesarean 26 years ago. I have an old vertical abdominal scar from my belly button to my public area. Does that limit what kind of hysterectomy I can now have? Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks

You will need to find out from your doctor what type of options are available to you for your hysterectomy, as all women are different. However, don't hesitate to get a second and even 3rd opinion if you want. Some doctors are only trained to do certain types of hysterectomy and that can limit your options. Keep in mind that surgeries 26 years ago were quite different than they are now, as new techniques and medications are being discovered and used with much better results each year. My surgery experience two weeks ago was much better than the surgery I had 20 years ago (even though I had two different procedures, the whole experience was just better). There are much better medications now for the discomfort immediately after surgery, as well as pain management once you are home. Try not to worry, just ask your doctor all the questions you might have, and again, don't be afraid to get a second opinion! All of us sisters are here to support you as you go through this process, take care!

Hi Journeyfern,

I was 46 at the time of my hyst for two large fibroids..so I can understand some of what you are going through. Fibroids are not fun!!!!

I agree with Buffy1...and check out your options. I had a less invasive hyst (LSH) and my fibroids measured 9.1 cm total at the time of my hyst. (I had just completed (3) months of lupron shots). Since my hyst..I have seen many ladies post who had a larger uterus size with fibroids then mine..at the time of their hysts. So medical science keeps advancing.

Last year, my younger sister also had a LSH for fibroids...and her fibroids were larger than mine at the time of her hyst.

In answer to your question...several years ago, my sister had an abdominal myomectomy, removal of a grapefruit-sized fibroid and then she went on to have two c-sections with my nieces. It can come down to the uterus size and a Dr's training as to what type of hyst is best for a Hyster Sister. I agree with Buffy1...that many Drs are not trained to do less invasive hysts.

I can suggest checking out the *Hysterectomy Checkpoints* link at the top of the web site. Click on the link and go to the *Pre-op* link. It goes over important questions to ask the Dr. and it also goes over the different types of hysts.

In the end...just do what is *best* for you. That is what is most important.

Best wishes~

Mary

I had 2 fibroids both quite large and made my life miserable I can tell you I had 3 c-sections for my kids and it does make things complicated with adhestions from the surgery but I was able to have a LSh..if you find a doctor who is experienced you will be ok...I had adhestions all around my bowels and bladder and I was ok. Good luck and God Bless You Denise.

Thank you for your replies. I guess that's what I'm worried about the most is the possibility of adhesions etc. It has helped me so much to read the posts on these forums.
Thanks again.

hi, I just had 10 golf ball sized fibroids taken out LAVH 2 weeks ago and feeling great. Adhesions from what I understand are somewhat up to us and taking care of ourselves post op. It's really important to completely follow instructions on activity no matter how great you feel. You'll be amazed at how easy this whole thing will be, pre op is the worst part.

Just to clarafy with all you sisters who do not know Adhestions are a part of the normal healing process kind of like a scab you would get if you hurt yourself but adhestions are formed inside. Denise.