I am brand new here

Hi everyone - so excited to fing this place, I will get into more details soon, just finding my way around.

Welcome to Hyster Sisters-
You will find a wealth of information here.... If you have any questions or concerns- just ask.... there is usually someone here who has been there.

Lamb and Lion

(((((Britishlady)))))))),

Welcome to hystersisters !!!!!!!!

You might want to check out the pre op and post op hints/articles. They are full of valuable information.

Their links are on the home page on the left side.

Please feel free to post any ?

Best wishes,

Pamcat

P.S> please edit your profile to include your surgery date when you know it so you will recieve your greetings !!!!

I've been reading here off and on for a few weeks, so I hope it's okay to ask some very general questions.

I am 37 years old with a history of large, painful fibroids and extremely painful periods. I had a myomectomy (removal of fibroids) 2 years ago, and I have felt so much better! However, as is often the case, I am starting to have renewed pain and heavier periods--so there's a chance the fibroids are growing back. I am now considering a hysterectomy as I am finished with childbearing. For me, the cramps and such are starting to outweigh the fears/risks of surgery.

My regular GYN appointment is in October, with the doctor who did the myo, and I am very pleased with him as a surgeon (very helpful with pain management, extremely good about answering questions and being understanding with my concerns--talked with me over an hour at the myo consult). I want to of course talk about this with him, but in the meantime, woman to woman talk will be great.

Here are some things I'd love to hear about via others' experiences:

1. Since I have a history of ovarian cancer in my family (several folks on maternal side), I would like to have at least one ovary removed. But could I keep the other? I want to avoid HRT since there is also a strong history of breast cancer (mother and another maternal relative). Would having 1 ovary be enough to provide needed hormones while also reducing the risk a bit of ovarian cancer?

2. Should I keep my cervix? No history of cervical cancer here. How does keeping it or not affect one's sex life?

3. Do most women find that they continue to have an enjoyable sex life after hysterectomy? This is very important to me.

Thank you to all; I have been so impressed with all the support, information and resources here.

Dee

Hi Britishlady!

WELCOME TO HYSTERSISTERS!

It's so very nice that you are here. Please read a lot, get as much information as you can and write down all of your questions and concerns.

We have online chat too in the evening. LOTS of helpful, lovely ladies there who are supportive.

Hi Dee!

WELCOME TO HYSTERSISTERS!

First of all, it's okay to ask any questions you have that are hyst-related! We're here to support each other. Everyone speaks from personal experiece, so please be aware that everyone is different and can only offer you their experience.

It's a very personal decision as to whether you keep the ovaries or not. With a history of ovarian cancer in the family, that is certainly something that bears discussing at length with your surgeon. You also have to consider the possibility of more cysts growing on your one ovary. Your one ovary will certainly do the job of keeping your estrogen levels up (when it wakes up - they tend to go to "sleep" from the shock of the surgery).

Another thing to discuss with your surgeon is the possibility of using herbal estrogen instead of chemical HRT if you can't take it. I'm not really sure about the information on that. The No-Hormone Desert Message Board might be able to help you with that.

Speaking from personal experience, I had everything removed. The works (no fries). Neither me or my husband notice any difference in our sex lives. Except for one important thing: NO MORE PAIN! In this, the surgery has really made a big difference for me, personally.

I am very happy I had this surgery and have felt better than I had in years.

It is very important to discuss all of your questions and concerns with your doctor. Together, you will come to a decision that makes you comfortable. NO question is silly. Make sure you talk about everything so that you go in with knowledge and power.

Best wishes, sweetie!

Welcome BritishLady. Nice to have you with us. I'm from Lexington! We're all here to help you so ask everything, read everything, and join right in.

TC