LSH: New here, many questions!!!

Hello everyone! I am only 27 and after much suffering (fibroids, cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, PCOS, extremely heavy periods and near-constant pelvic pain requiring several emergency room visits) my doctor scheduled me for a hysterectomy the other day. It will be on March 2.

He said he is going to try and preserve my cervix and ovaries, and he is going to try to do it laparoscopically, but that it may turn into an abdominal surgery once they try.

Some background: I have had four c-sections, from the age of 21 til the age of 26. I am quite overweight (300ish lbs, unfortunately). I am wondering what the chances are of a successful LSH? If anybody knows?

What would cause him to have to remove my cervix and/or ovaries as well as my uterus? He hasn't said anything about bowel prep, just that I have to not eat or drink after midnight the night before, and on the 27th I have to have a pre-op CBC.

I just feel a bit confused - this was all decided VERY quickly - I went to the doctor 2 days ago and bam, surgery scheduled that same day.

So if anyone can help.... I would appreciate it.

Thank you!

Melissabee I'm sorry you have such pain. I would suggest a second opinion since this is being suggested so quickly. Stay connected to this website so much helpful info here to educate yourself. To try and answer some of your questions. A successful las would depend on what he finds inside sometimes abdominal is necessary because of size of uterus and what is going on inside. Keeping your cervix gives you a chance of mini periods.. You need to ask your dr more questions before surgery the more info you have the better you will feel about surgery. Take care and good luck

Hi Melissa!



I am sorry to hear about all the issues you have dealt with, and to be so young! I don't have experience with most of what you've been through, so I don't know if there might be other options but if there's opportunity for second opinion, as kjday suggests above, it wouldn't hurt to at least look into it.

I just wanted to stop by and say hello and wish you well as you venture forward toward better health. Know that we are all here to support you through this journey.

I'm sorry you're having difficulties and facing this surgery at such a young age. My surgery was done vaginally, but my doctor also said it may turn into an abdominal depending in how things go. I was also told that he would leave my ovaries unless they looked unhealthy. I think most doctors like to leave everything they can, as long as its healthy. In the end my surgery was vaginal as planned and I still have my ovaries. I had no bowel prep either, just nothing to eat or drink past midnight. I was careful to eat light the last two days pre op because I was worried about the first BM afterwards.

I agree with kjday, you may want to pursue a second opinion since this is happening so fast.

Come here and post all your questions/concerns, we are all here for you.

to HysterSisters! I am so sorry you are dealing with so much at such a young age. Having a hysterectomy is not something to take lightly. This is MAJOR SURGERY. Second or third opinions on your condition are always options. There may be something else that can be done - even for some time. Make the decision that is right for you, your health, and your quality of life.

Bowel preps are required for some women and not others. This appears to be doctor preference and surgery dependent. But do not do a bowel prep unless you are asked to. My doc wanted me to do a bowel prep for my surgery. It was not as bad as I feared.

Good luck to you.

(((Hugs)))

Thank you all for the welcome and the advice.

I'm going to go through with the surgery, because I cannot stand being in so much pain and so miserable for another second... I just hope I don't wake up with a huge gash in my abdomen!!!

I tried to make an appt with a different provider, but I would have to wait a minimum of 3 weeks... and I don't know if I can push the surgery back if it's still going to be needed, you know?

Hope it all works out...

Sweetie, we support the decision you make because it is right for you. Only you know how much pain you are in and how it affects you quality of life and your health. We are here for you and will help you through this.

(((Hugs)))

I am/was 246 when I had my surgery and I had a LAVH successfully. I hope they will be able to do yours without cutting you open.

Im 3 weeks post op.