Hyst Optional... should I, shouldn't I???

My mother and grandmother both had issues that led to hysterectomys. Even so, my mother died from uterine cancer that had already spread. This knowledge has always weighed on me. I'm not given to 'what if' types of fears, but I've always had the thought in the back of my mind "If I have the chance, maybe a preemptive hysterectomy wouldn't be a bad idea."

I do not have any of the issues my mother had for years (very heavy bleeding, polyps etc.), and for the most part I'm 'normal' and everything is the right size and in the right place, no pain, etc. However, I've had low grade abnormal pap smears for over a year so a hysterectomy is an option from an insurance perspective. My doctor isn't overly concerned about the test results and says we can just keep an eye on it - it usually clears up on its own. I wouldn't have the surgery to deal with the current problem, but that voice in my head is still there... "maybe a preemptive hysterectomy wouldn't be a bad idea..."

I'm 43 and don't want more children (we were pursuing sterilization options when this came up). We could do a minimally invasive procedure so I wouldn't have some of the recovery issues involved with abdominal incisions.

I'm not looking for medical advice - my doctor and I are talking - but since it's not necessary at this point, the decision is largely emotional/ lifestyle, etc. I'd love to hear your thoughts on 'life after.' So many refer to how bad the physical problem was before and that the surgery was worth it and they made it through fine... Would you feel the same about the 'after' if the 'before' hadn't been so bad?

Thanks!

I'm not sure what the genetic risks are for uterine cancer or what types of screenings there are, but unless my dr. felt like I was high risk or I was having other problems, I'd be very hesitant to have a hysterectomy. Even if you have the least invasive surgery, it's still major surgery with risks involved. I know what the fear is like. My mom died at 44 (I was 12) of ovarian cancer. It's a very personal decision but if you have a dr. you trust, I'd listen to their advice.

Hi There,

I agree with Catarina. If your doctor isn't concerned at this point, I wouldn't rush out and have a hyst. I know for me it has changed my life drastically had hyst at 29 both ovaries failed by the age of 32. I really didn't have the choice due to pre cancer cells, but if you do have the choice I would ensure doing lots of research first and like you said you and your doc seem to have a good rapor... I am sure based on family history that your gyn will be keeping a close eye on you for any changes. That is my 2 cents worth..... If this is something that you are looking at just be sure to do your research and maybe even seek a second opinion and see what they say. Once its done its done!!!!!

I would absolutely not had a hysterectomy if I had not needed one because of my large fibroids.
I kept every body part I could-cervix and ovaries despite friends well meaning advice to get rid of everything for "cancer concerns".
My life if fine 9 weeks post surgery. I feel much better than I did, and my symptoms were not exteme, but I would have NEVER just had surgery to get rid of my "useless" uterus.
Who knows what problems I will have down the road because I don't have a uterus.
Keep it if you don't have to get rid of it.

Everyoe has thier own reasons for wanting or not wanting or needing or not needing this type of surgery. I had a huge fibroid that was causing heavy bleeding and bad cramps, something I could have lived with but why should I have to??

I'm done having children, and I have not regretted my decision for one minute!!!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Hi, I too lost my mother, Theresa, to uterine cancer this April and in March before that, my doctor told me that there was a mass on my uterus and ovary. I was a nervous wrieck as well as quite depressed about my mother and my doctor recommended a hysterctomy. I was apprehensive to say the least, but now that I have had it, I can only tell you what a relief it is. When they wheeled me into the OR, there were two nurses at the foot of my bed named Theresa. I knew I had made the right decision. I always feared my test results of my pap smears and now I have one less worry, I kept one ovary of which the doctor said he would take if there was anything that looked wrong. After it was over, he said it was "beautiful" so I don't need Hrt, which I had concerns about...If there are any questions about cancer, don't wait! Remember, early detection is safest. Good luck with your decision.

No family history of cancer in my family, but I did have a diagnosis of complex atypical hyperplasia which gave me about a 30 percent lifetime chance of cancer. Not the worst odds, but I opted for hyst because I didn't want to be dealing with the biopsies and the worry. I was done having kids.

I'm three and a half weeks post-op, and the path report came back clear...no cancer anywhere. I've had a very easy recovery, I'm released to go back to everything I did pre-surgery except intercourse.

So I would definitely do it again. However, if things had not gone so well post-surgery, I would probably be second-guessing myself, that's how I tend to be.

There are no guarantees, are there? I remember wishing I had a crystal ball so I could tell whether it would be worth it. I know the uncertainty you must be going through. I hope the variety of comments help you, ultimately you have to make your own decision. I wish you well!

Luna

I didn't have any organ issues that we knew of when I had my hyster. I had a large dermoid cyst that needed to be removed from the abdominal area. The hyster was "Well, we have you open anyway, we could do a hyster". My comment "Go for it, I'm done having kids and tired of the monthly". In the end, I had fibroids in the uterus and my pathology report came back clear. I Know a few people who have had them and say they wish they could have done it earlier. Like every person, the decision is and individual and personal choice.