Not sure what way to go.

Hello all I'm 36 and like my subject I'm not sure what way to go. For the last six months my periods have been awful for me I get sick and nausea the day before I cramp like there is no tommorrow Ibuprophen use to help not much now. I flow like Niagara Falls scary being in a store and the water turns on.I what feels like labor pains to pass blood clots larger than a silver dollars and have pain throughout the month. I was seeing my regular Dr. he did a sonogram and shows I Have a fibroid and that the lining of my uterus wall is thickining I am scheduled for a endrometrial biposy Thursday (been looking for information is this painful and any side effects). I have missed work due to the heavy periods.My Dr. seems like he wants to help but just passes it off.so I went to a GYN he game me options I can try birth control pills and if they did work I would be on them till meopause(Dont really want to do this)Had my tubes tied 8 years ago cant see taking them again.I could have the Ablation but this would not take care of the fibroid just the lining of the uterus wall. Or I could have a Hysterectomy.Been going back and forth I'm leaning toward the Hysterectomy.I have talked to many friends and they say it is the best thing they have ever done.These periods are interfering with my life and the way I feel. Im just babling now thank you for listening.

Hi Thumper

This is a decision only you and your doctor can make. I also had a fibroid, and the pathology report also showed adenomyosis. Your symptoms sound VERY much like what I went through, and the quality of life (or lack of it!) was what made my mind up.

However, if you're not sure, maybe you should get a second opinion. There are a number of issues involved in getting a hyst at your age. For example, is there any history of ovarian cancer in your family? If not, you might want to consider keeping your ovaries (as long as they're healthy).

Take your time and look around this site --- there's tons of information here, as well as links to other sites (check out the Resources pages).

We're here for you, Sweetie! Let us know how we can help!

s

Hi Thumper!

I am sorry you are having such a difficult time with your periods. I just wanted to tell you a little about my experience. I have always had heavy and painful periods. I had 2 c-sections (one at age 17 and the other at age 20) I had my tubes tied after the second one. At age 28 I had a D & C because I was having periods that lasted 2 weeks and were so heavy. At age 35 I had another D & C for the same reason. My periods continued to be painful and the bleeding was excessive. At age 38 I had the endometrial ablation done because I had some large fibroids. The ablation removed the lining of the uterus and most of the fibroids but the fibroids had already grown deep into the wall of my uterus so I knew there was a good chance I may have to have a hyst someday. After the abaltion I had no bleeding for over a year but gradually the bleeding did come back and was heavy and painful again. I had my hyst (LAVH) 8 months ago at age 41 - my uterus and cervix were removed, I kept both ovaries. My surgery went very well and my recovery was normal. I am so glad I had the surgery - life post-op has gotten better and better.

The decision you have to make is a difficult one but it is a decision that you need to make for yourself with the advice of a good doctor. HysterSisters is an excellent site to do your research to help make that decision. A hysterectomy is a major surgery. I wish you the best. Keep us posted on what you decide to do. Take care.

s

Hi Thumper,

Na, you're not babling...you're going through the usual thought process. Don't you just love the Falls and those Silver Dollars!!

I'm glad you found us. And...doing the research is perfect. It seems when we have the fibroids our choices are limited to 3 or 4 different things. Fibroids are the number one reason for a hysterectomy.

It's a hard decision but when the quality of life goes down something has to be done. Some, like LynnMary, went through alot of years and procedures and still ended up with the surgery.

If there is no cancer risk, just take your time until you feel confident. And like Lynda said...try for that second opinion.

Stick around and if you decide for surgery, there will be quite a few here that will go through it with you.

My best to you,

Thank you all so much for responding. I have my endrometrial biopsy Thursday. A little nervous about it. I think after I get the results back I will make another appt with my GYN and discuss having the hysterectomy.I really dont want to go through this everymonth and have my job in jepardy because I cannot just get up from my desk at anygiven time without being penalized for it.Thank you again I may post questions and just lurk for support hope you all dont mind. By the way my name is Kim.

Hi Kim

Lurking is allowed and even encouraged.

Keep reading and posting when you have questions. I never had an endometrial biopsy, but you can search for other threads on this topic by clicking on the search button above, then use the "keyword" search by typing in "endometrial biopsy". The search will return threads that have these keywords in them. This might give you some more information on that procedure.

Best of luck! Let us know how you are feeling and what you decide to do.

Beth

Hi Kim,

About your endometrial biopsy...take two or three motrin before your appointment. You may spot a bit afterwards. The test is really fast. There will be a pinch but it's over quickly. The test now is a good one. It gets a random sample 360 degrees three times...or so I read.

I've had the test 3 times... Make sure you get a copy of your test results. Don't be nervous about it...OK?

Thank you for the information. I'm trying notto be to nervous.I called today to schedule another Appt with my GYN it is Monday Afternoon soI can discuss the hysterectomy.I fell this is the best route to go since I donot want to go through the other ones.Illlet you know how it goes. Thank you again for your thoughts.
Kim

Well I went for the endometrial biopsy must say the motrin I took did nothing for me about passed out from the pain it was horrible but I'm glad that is behind me.I go to the GYN on Monday so I'm sure I'll post sometime Monday Night.Thank you all again for the wonderful welcome to the site and all your kind words.
Kim

I'm so glad to hear that you got through the endometrial biopsy okay. I'm sure it was no fun, so take it easy now.

Let us know how your appointment goes on Monday and what you find out about the biopsy.

Relax and enjoy the weekend!

Beth