Unsure

Hi everyone,

I'm really glad I discovered these posts. I have irregular bleeding every month. My Dr. sent me for a second opinion with a specialist who determined I have a large, round uterus, thick lining, some fibroids, and a tilted cervix. The options for me are a yearly D & C to be sure there's no cancer, or a hyst. (Past D & C's have not remedied the problem) I really don't know what to do. Part of me thinks I should get it done and behind me...the other part of me is (I'll admit it) leary of the post-op pain! Any words of wisdom?

Thanks-

Bonnie

Please carefully consider your life now. Is it as you want it to be? Is your family complete? If the D&Cs haven't helped you and your only solution is a hysterectomy you should consider it. I won't say "DO it, you'll feel like a new woman." Because some people feel great almost immediately post-op and some (like myself) don't feel decent until moths later. I don't know what to say other than if at this time in your life you are ready for a permanent solution to your ongoing battle, have the Hyst, heal and suffer no more. I am beginning to feel a little better each day, but still pretty swollen. It really is great to have no more periods. Sometimes bleeding through a super tampon/maxi- pad in 20 minutes. Periods put me in bed most of the time. And I had Pms as well as post ms. I am dealing with some depression, but overall, the surgery has helped me. I know it will take time for everything else to fall into place.
I also have alot of other health problems.
I wish you well, and hope that you can decide what to do and improve your quality of life. You don't deserve to suffer.

Hi Bonnie

If you're really not sure why not see another specialist for a third opinion? If you've got time, do all the research you can so you can be sure you're doing the right thing. This surgery is permanent and SPR has made excellent suggestions.

Here's a link to a Resources Forum which has links to other websites for information:

Options & Alternatives Resources

Unfortunately there are no easy answers --- only by educating yourself will you come to the right conclusion. But we're here to offer support and guidance along the way.

I hope this helps!

z

SPR and Lynda, thanks so much to both of you. I feel very comfortable with my Dr. and the specialist he referred me to. And the family situation is not a major factor at this point in my life. (I'm 40) I am fortunate in that I do not have problem periods. But the spotting is disconcerting and a major stress factor always wondering if there's something they've missed. I certainly plan to continue to do research. Thank you so much for your heartfelt responses.

Bonnie

Bonnie, I know it is a hard decision. I am having a TAH/BSO on February 4th. It took me many months to make the decision. My fibroid kept growing instead of shrinking (like the books tell you they will as you get closer to menopause). I will be 50 this year and don't want to take any more chances with this huge uterus and constant anemia problems.

The best thing you can do is to wait until you've had enough and then your heart will help you make the right decision. If pain, bleeding and PMS are making your life intolerable; then possibly the time is approaching where you'll want to take matters into your own hands. I didn't want to take Lupron to shrink the fibroids; nor myomectomy (which can be as rough as hysterectomy I've heard). After reading so many womens' stories; I've decided to have everything out; ovaries, cervix. I don't want the hormonal fluctuations and spotting every month if I have to go through a major surgery.

Keep searching; this site is the best place to find your answers!

Blessings,
Debby

Debby,
Thanks. I'm waiting for just that..my heart to tell me enough is enough. The bottom line, I guess, is that I'm afraid of the post op pain! I'm hearing stories about morphine, catheters, gas pains and I'm becoming a wimp. So many of our sisters here have gone through this and so much more. They're a source of comfort for me. Thanks again.
Bonnie