Hyesterectomy for horrible periods?

That's mostly what my gyno has mentioned the hysteroctomy for, really heavy bleeding and horrible, seemingly life ending cramps.

Has anybody had a hysterectomy for this reason, and did it help? Also, I'm not sure if I put this in the right forum *sorry*

Still

well, that would depend on the reason for the problem. If you have fibroids, for example, a myectomy could remove the fibroids without losing the uterus. Also, ablation, or destroying the lining of the uterus, could bring relief. However, if you have adenomyosis, there are treatments like Lupron that can relieve symptoms for short periods (if you're lucky, years) but the only real "cure" is a hysterectomy

It all depends on where you are in life, you need to talk to your doctor about all the options available. Each person is different, in different stages of their lives. You have to look at all the options and decide what's best for you.

I had my SAH for a large fibroid removal only. I had an IUD, so I was not experiencing heavy bleeding, pain or cramps. My doctor, husband and I chose this route because we adopted our child and had already planned on not having any bio children, due to my age there's a good chance the fibroids would come back and I did not want to deal with the possibilities of another surgery due to more fibroids later. Since my ovaries were fine, we chose to keep my cervix and ovaries.

In more ways than one, this was the best decision I've made. No more periods, spending $$ on birth control, etc.... My only regret is watching my 4 year old daughter worry about me as I was recovering. She still worries when I go to the doctor that I have to go back in for more surgeries. Poor thing has been through more than me.

I only have one child, and had a tubal about 5 years ago so I definitely can't have more children; something I'm not upset about at all, really. I've had a vaginal ultrasound and nothing abnormal showed, so he presented this option to me. I'm going to talk to him about alternatives, but the last time, he really only gave me the option of Lupron, which just isn't for me, and insurance won't cover it :/ I have an appointment tomorrow so we'll talk about it more, but I have a feeling I'll be having a hysterectomy. I'm pretty sure he'll leave my ovaries and cervix though. I hope so anyway.

I'll update after tomorrow's appointment, providing I do get to see him because he has a scheduled c-section in the morning. If I don't get to see him, I do have a normal appointment on Monday, so I'll know for sure by then.
Thanks

This was given to me as an option for "horrible bleeding and cramps". I am still researching.

When you go make sure to take a pad of paper. Write down what he is telling you. I recently realized it is way too much information to remember. Ask about all your options.

Keep us posted.

I have my notepad ready I'll update everybody later this afternoon after my appointment. I don't think Lupron is an option for me, and my vaginal ultrasound came out just fine. I have a feeling this will be my last resort, especially since birth control pills turned me into a monster. I'm bipolar, so messy hormones really mess with my already bad brain chemicals.

I'll update as soon as I know!

((lbmays26))

I saw in one of your other posts that you have possible endometriosis. How were you diagnosed? If you have not had a laparoscopy to diagnose the endo, I would really suggest that first. For one, if endo is the problem then I would not want to have surgery with just any surgeon. Not all surgeons have the ability to excise endometriosis, hence, allowing for future issues. Also, a hysterectomy (and/or oophorectomy) is not a cure for endometriosis so if endo is the root of your problems, you want to be sure you are being treated by a knowledgeable physician. Any endo that is left can continue to cause problems.

If you have any specific endo questions, feel free to pop over to our Endometriosis Support.

If at all possible, I would also suggest you see an endometriosis specialist. Before scheduling a hysterectomy, I would also strongly recommend at least a second opinion.

Briefly, I had my hysterectomy for non-stop bleeding related to endometriosis. Because my surgeon was not able to excise the endo, some was left on my bowel walls. That endo along with the new endo that grew because of it caused me pain and issues for several years. Seven years after my hysterectomy I had to have surgery with an endo specialist who was able to excise all of the endo.

I wish you all the best for your upcoming appointment and hope that your doctor is able to answer all of your questions!

The possible endo came from the photos my gyn took when performing my tubal, but he doesn't think this is the cause.

The problem for me is insurance. I'm on state insurance and have to jump through flaming hoops to see any type of doctor who isn't my PCP.

I feel so lost and confused tonight

Don't feel lost and confused! This is a solvable problem you have.
I had horrible periods too, for about 15 years. I had terrible, acute anemia, I was tired all the time, I couldn't sleep, I had restless leg issues, I looked grey. Plus, three or four days of the month I pretty much couldn't leave the house because of my period. I can't tell you how many pairs of underwear and pants I ruined. No one should have to go through that!
In my early 30's a doctor finally told me that the fibroids that were causing me all my problems were also going to prevent me from having kids (my fibroids were many and very large - no room for a fetus in there at all). Most people would be crushed, but I was RELIEVED! Not being able to have kids made by uterus useless, and it made the decision to have a hysterectomy very, very easy.
I had my LSH a month later, and it was the best decision I've ever made. EVER.

p.s. just yesterday i got out an old purse that i haven't used for a while. the pockets were filled with pads and tampons - twenty of them. I used to have to carry around that many!! i just smiled and threw them all away.

I finally started my period for the last time this morning! I'm very excited about that. I'm going to buy something special for myself next month with the money I'll save from not buying tampons, pantie liners and Midol