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Hysterectomy next week (Nov 12th)--the right decision?
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11-06-2014, 09:47 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 15
Hysterectomy: November 12th, 2014
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Hysterectomy next week (Nov 12th)--the right decision?
Hi all, I want to start by saying that I have found a lot of helpful information and support on this site! I've never been much of an Internet forum person, but Hystersisters is the best.
My hysterectomy is next week (Nov 12) and I have been kept up at night with worries and anxiety. I know I have a good support system post op, and a great medical team. I can't stop thinking, though: am I making the right decision? I have lots of fibroids, big and small, with heavy periods, pain, and a big belly to the point where my pants don't fit. So you can imagine surgery seemed like a magic fix. However, I work in a hospital and know what can (but usually doesn't) go wrong, and I also wonder if I'm being selfish. I also have read that people miss their uterus, and I don't want to remove an organ just for my own convenience.
Thanks again for your support.
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11-06-2014, 10:44 PM
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Posts: 11,882
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Surgery next week--the right decision?
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Originally Posted by quarrito
Hi all, I want to start by saying that I have found a lot of helpful information and support on this site! I've never been much of an Internet forum person, but Hystersisters is the best.
My hysterectomy is next week (Nov 12) and I have been kept up at night with worries and anxiety. I know I have a good support system post op, and a great medical team. I can't stop thinking, though: am I making the right decision? I have lots of fibroids, big and small, with heavy periods, pain, and a big belly to the point where my pants don't fit. So you can imagine surgery seemed like a magic fix. However, I work in a hospital and know what can (but usually doesn't) go wrong, and I also wonder if I'm being selfish. I also have read that people miss their uterus, and I don't want to remove an organ just for my own convenience.
Thanks again for your support.
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I agree - HysterSisters is the best. I didn't know very much about my surgery until I found this wonderful group of ladies.
It is normal to have second thoughts about surgery -- many of us here did. I re-read your symptoms and it doesn't sound like you are doing this for your own convenience. Your doctor wouldn't be doing it for that reason either. Don't let the "what if's" or horror stories psyche you out. As you said, they usually don't happen.
Have you had your pre-op appointment? Go armed with your questions and don't be afraid to let him know your fears and concerns. He has had that discussion a lot and it won't be the last one.
Let us know how you are. We are here for you.
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11-06-2014, 11:10 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 36
Hysterectomy: October 6th, 2014
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Re: Surgery next week--the right decision?
I had my surgery on October 6th, and it's the best thing I could have done. I'm happy with my decision. I had every fear imaginable going into this, but nothing bad happened. Only good has come from it. I was down 2 weeks. Third week was able to move around well, fourth week I was doing chores and shopping, fifth week I was perfectly fine and feeling better than I had in five years. Bladder and bowel function is better than it was before, sex is better than ever, and the pain is gone. I also had fibroids. 15 pounds worth. If you chose this surgery my most genuine advice is to rest your body for the lenght of your recovery. Don't do anything unless it is absolutely required. Do not try and be super woman and push yourself. Rest,rest, and more rest. Good luck!!
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11-07-2014, 03:32 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 455
Hysterectomy: March 27th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Surgery next week--the right decision?
I also had large and multiple fibroids, 5 pounds worth; very heavy periods; had to buy bigger pants to fit my 7 month pregnant size belly.
I do not miss my uterus whatsoever. I removed it for better health and a much better quality of life, to boot. Having a hysterectomy is still the best decision I've made for myself.
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11-07-2014, 06:03 AM
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Posts: 1,725
Hysterectomy: April 18th, 2014
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Hysterectomy next week--the right decision?
After battling infertility and having one child, and 3 losses, i found myself angry at my uterus and was glad it was gone! I have finally dealt with that anger and "let it go", but i can tell you i dont even notice my uterus is gone. I didnt have fibroids though or nasty periods. Some do, and its understandable, but some of us dont so try not to stress over what might happen. I worried about the horror stories (uep, hosp worker too!), but just had to push it from my mind. I only had 7 days to wait, and i was so busy it helped. We all second guess ourselves. Just try to focus on why you made your decision to begin with. Best wishes.
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11-07-2014, 06:42 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 213
Hysterectomy: September 3rd, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Hysterectomy next week--the right decision?
I've never heard anyone say that they regret having a hysterectomy. If you have been battling pain like I did....bloating, bleeding and just feeling horrible all the time and not being able to go anywhere because the pain and bleeding could hit at any time....you will definitely be very glad that you had this surgery. I had fibroids and heavy bleeding. First they tried an ablation and it helped for 7 months. Then the bleeding came back, along with more pain than I had before. For some reason, after the ablation, I had ruptured ovarian cysts TWICE. Not sure what that was about but the pain was excruciating. After two months of that, it was time for the hysterectomy. I tried to put it off as long as possible but that final time I went to my gyno for the pain, he just shook his head and said it was time. Yes, I cried because I didn't want to go through a major surgery but I got through it and now I feel so happy and healthy. It is the right decision. You will not regret it.
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11-07-2014, 07:58 AM
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HysterSister
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Re: Hysterectomy next week--the right decision?
I'm going to give a different perspective. When I was suffering with multiple large fibroids I was not happy with "you need a hysterectomy. After 3 different doctors opinions, I still was uneasy with this being my ONLY option.
My 4th opinion finally was honest about all of my options and she is not a doctor who performs many hysterectomies.
Although I was experiencing many horrible symptoms she encouraged me to take my time and not make a rash decision. Sadly, I experienced some nasty complications and a hysterectomy truly became what we all thought was my only option.
Without the whole story I simply felt in my gut that a hysterectomy should be avoided. So with the support and close monitoring of my doctors I did UFE with a myomectomy. It's been been over a year now and I'm living free of fibroids.
Recently I found and article that makes me pretty happy with my decision. It's not link able but can be searched.
If you Google Medscape Long Term Effects of Hysterectomy on the Aging Patient it will come up. It's a must read for anyone thinking about a hysterectomy. This website is for medical professionals and is not linked to any scary websites. It's information women deserve to have before surgery.
It's hard when you are dealing with horrible symptoms and you are feeling desparate. But it's very important to not trade one problem for another. And there are no guarantees someone will be better off after any surgery.
It's helpful to know all of your options and make the best choice for you.
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11-07-2014, 08:11 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 41
Hysterectomy: October 8th, 2014
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Hysterectomy next week--the right decision?
I had my operation on Oct 8th, and by the time it came around, I was ready.
Like you, I had some concerns leading up to it - especially as my symptons were relatively benign in the grand scheme of things. As useful as this website is, I do think it over-represents the issues - because let's face it, you are more likely to post a query if something is going wrong. If everything is great then you'll be off the web and out there living life!
My recovery has been great, and I like looking in the mirror seeing that the pot belly has gone. It's nice not to look pregnant!
Best wishes to you.
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11-08-2014, 10:01 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 15
Hysterectomy: November 12th, 2014
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Hysterectomy next week--the right decision?
Thanks to everyone who posted with encouragement and things to consider! I read the article you recommended Backhome, and there were useful things to consider. I have been doing Kegels already and will definitely continue.
The other element is that I am 36 and have been considering having a child, until all this came about. My Gyno said that she thought if I was able to get pregnant, it would definitely be high-risk for both me and baby. So, I am mourning the loss of my fertility as well.
I do like my MD and have a great supportive group of friends, family, and coworkers. I am looking forward to less pain, swelling, and No Periods! I suppose it is natural to second guess such big decisions, especially as the anxiety grows right before the surgery.
Thanks again to everyone for their replies.
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11-09-2014, 04:31 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 41
Hysterectomy: October 8th, 2014
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Hysterectomy next week--the right decision?
Oh Quarito - your age and desire to fall pregnant does complicate things. Did you get a second opinion?
Mourning the loss of what could have been is very normal. I always wanted children but the opportunity never arose. Whilst I had come to terms with that as the years drifted by, having my surgery in my mid-40s still felt like a door closing and there were some tears for what could have been. Perhaps speaking to a counsellor will help?
Good luck with it all.
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