Decision Day is Tomorrow & I'm terrified

I have an appointment tomorrow morning with my GYN and it is D-Day (Decision Day). Hysterectomy, or no hysterectomy...that is the question?

Brief background on me...I'm 34 (35 in July), have PCOS and extremely irregular, long, painful periods. In fact, I'm having two periods per month now...really, I only have about 10 days per month that I am not bleeding or spotting and feeling generally crappy (cramps, etc.). I've had the battery of tests and my bleeding problems are strictly hormonal (no fibroids, etc.) My GYN has recommended endometrial ablation OR hysterectomy (uterus only, leaving cervix and ovaries). I've researched ablation and feel like this is a procedure that is only putting off the inevitable...a hysterectomy. I believe that the younger, the better when it comes to recovery time. I've decided against the ablation.

I'm tired of ALWAYS worrying about my cycles AND I'm tired of bleeding more days than not. However, the thought of surgery scares me (as it should, I guess)...and I'm afraid of the possible negative effect surgery could have on my ability to enjoy sex with my husband. (Of course, bleeding most of the time inhibits this area as well.)

Basically, the reason for my post is not for you guys to tell me what to do, but I actually want to hear Hysterectomy Success Stories.

Please let me hear from you...Thanks.

Hi KimberAnne,

Since this site is intended for women seeking "support" for issues surrounding their hysterecomy, you won't find tons of "success stories" here. Remember, the vast majority of women who have hysts have smooth, problem-free recoveries, and those women have no reason to seek out a support network. Most Hyster Sisters are those of us who have struggled in one way or the other.

My surgery had a positive outcome in many ways: wonderful doctors and Castle staff, no complications, and the pain was tolerable. I came to this site because of problems with surgical menopause, which shouldn't happen to you because you are keeping your ovaries. I think its nice for people who are pre-op like you, when the LIW come back to post on the Post-Op Board after their successful surgeries and relay how good they're doing. (Please keep doing that, gals!) I think that if you look on the Post-Op Board you'll find some positive stories.

Anyway, KimberAnne, let's hope some newly-crowned Princesses have some positive tales to tell you! Best wishes to you!

Hi KimberAnne!

I'm providing a link to the "Princess Stories" here at Hystersisters so you can read about other womens' experiences...

Princess Stories

I consider myself a "success story" too. I had a TAH/BSO about 2 1/2 years ago, primarily due to severe stage 4 endo. I also had a history of fibroids and it turns out I had adeno too. Although I have learned that I can't take estrogen without having recurring endo symptoms, I can tell you that my life is MUCH better now than it was 3 years ago when I was struggling with decisions about what to do.

I'm now age 48 and I started running about 6 months ago. I was never a runner, so this is amazing to me! I've been lifting weights for about a year and my bone density is +0.6 based on a DEXA scan I had in November, so I'm thrilled that my bones are holding up so well. I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back with my DH back in December (7+ miles down, 9+ mile trail coming out). And I just spent a week walking all over Paris with 2 girlfriends. I could NEVER have done these things prior to my surgery - I was in waaaaaay too much pain almost every day. Sex is still great too. I know how lucky I am because not everyone has this kind of outcome. And I'm thankful. I also work hard at staying fit and enjoying my renewed health.

That's my story ... wishing you the very best of luck, whatever you decide about treatment.

Beth