3rd opinion; SAH

I had my 3rd opinion appointment this week and was once again told that the best option would be a hysterectomy. I have a very large fibroid and several smaller ones, and the doctor said he felt it most prudent to remove the entire uterus (he DOES perform myomectomies so at least I felt it was considered). I have a complex cyst on my left ovary and he wants to remove that one as well, but unless something ominous comes back from the lab while he's removing the uterus, the right ovary will stay. The doctor explained that he thought I am too young (46) to remove both ovaries unless there is a compelling reason to do so, which is the opposite of what the first opinion suggested (removal of both ovaries). My second opinion was that the cervix should be removed despite my wanting to keep it (but keep the ovaries); the third said he sees no reason to remove it given I have normal pap smears. This doctor concurred with the previous one about the vertical incision, also given the size of the fibroids, but he said he would use surgical glue instead of staples and it will leave less of a scar.

After meeting with this doctor, I feel very confident of his opinion and abilities so I've decided to go with the recommended SAH with LSO. He actually LISTENED to me and when I explained my fears and phobias the doctor gave me options including epidural anesthesia and different pain meds. Considering I've been dealing with this situation for over four years, this was the first doctor's visit that I felt good about.

Hi InAZ,

I was 46 also when I had my hyst...for two large fibroids. I am still very pleased I went ahead with the surgery. I hope you have similar results. That is wonderful news that you feel good about your Dr. and trust him. I felt the same way about my Dr...and he is still my gyneo Dr. today.

Best wishes~

Mary

Hi Inaz,
I am so glad you found a doctor who listened to you and made you feel confident.
I had a LSH, got to keep my cervix and both ovaries. I am very pleased that I found a doctor who didn't want to just take everything even though there was nothing wrong with my ovaries and cervix.
Good luck with your journey and surgery.

thats great that you found a dr youre very comfortable with. sometimes it takes awhile but when you find the right one, you just know it. good luck with your surgery and recovery

I got a letter from the doctor today (for some reason they couldn't reach me by phone) saying my surgery date is 6/22! :confuse: I called back and said this was a bit TOO soon; the doctor mentioned surgery would be 4-6 weeks out and that's what I have been using to plan everything. I have to wait until Wednesday to see if they can reschedule, but if all goes well it will be the week of July 12. I've already had the bloodwork done, everything came back normal. CA125 level was 17, the nurse said this was very good which gives me some comfort about the ovarian cyst. I know the CA125 isn't foolproof, but I'll take comfort where ever I can get it!

Hi InAZ,

Sounds like everything is moving in a good direction. I send positive thoughts your way.

~Mary

Thanks for all the well-wishes! Being that this is the first surgery I've ever had and only the second time I've been in the hospital since I was about 5 years old, it really helps knowing there's so much support out there

Hi InAZ,

My hyst was my first surgery ever. So..I can understand what you are going through. In pre-op, my mom...a veteran of several surgeries..told me that ~waiting for a surgery is the hardest part~. Boy...was she right!!

Best wishes again~

Mary