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Myomectomy or SubTotal Hysterectomy?
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03-01-2013, 01:12 PM
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HysterSister
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Myomectomy or SubTotal Hysterectomy?
Hi, Ladies!
I'm 42 years old, married, have never been (and never intend to be) pregnant. I've got a somewhat large (6.7cm) fibroid inside my uterus.
I've discussed my course of action with my doctor and am leaning toward one of two things.
1. A myomectomy, to laparoscopically remove the fibroid (which, as you probably know, doesn't prevent another from growing) or,
2. A subtotal hysterectomy to remove only my uterus.
A few things:
1. Birth Control. I am a natural girl and dislike being on hormones for birth control. My husband is 100% willing to get a vasectomy, but I also like "period control" so I know when that sucker is going to hit. Should I be able to go the myomectomy route (need to talk to surgeon and re-measure the fibroid), I may roll with Mirena.
2. Orgasms & Sexual Function. I'm very orgasmic, having no trouble with multiples in any position with penetration and also able to enjoy multiple clitoral orgasms. Lucky me! However, my doctor mentioned that it may be compromised even with a subtotal hysterectomy. Eek!
3. Side Effects. You can read up on side effects of subtotal hysterectomies, but it's hard to know what your body will experience. I'm uncomfortable with early onset of menopause, etc. At the same time, I'd love to never have to think about another period!
I guess I'd like to know what others would do, given these facts. What you'd weigh that I might not have considered. Not that others will make this decision, mind you. But there may be some outlying things I don't even know to think about.
Thanks for the help! And for having this site at the ready. In doing research over the last few months, it's popped up again and again.
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03-02-2013, 01:09 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 609
Hysterectomy:
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Myomectomy or SubTotal Hysterectomy?
I chose to have a myomectomy (da Vinci) to remove several fibroids, each 4-6cm. Surgery was on Jan 2 and I feel great. It resolved all my issues and I was happy not to face the potentially devastating side effects of a hysterectomy. I'm also 42, married, happy with no kids.
Good luck! It's always a good idea to get a second opinion, if only to confirm the diagnosis and recommendation.
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03-03-2013, 05:06 PM
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HysterSister
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Re: Myomectomy or SubTotal Hysterectomy?
Playa, thank you! That's what I'm looking at, too. Hopefully, my one will be small enough for da Vinci, too. How long was the recovery time?
Have you had a period since? I'm curious to know if it was lighter/less painful. I was having pretty painful, heavy ones for a few years (never had such issues before) until I got on the pill. I would love to go off all hormones altogether!
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03-04-2013, 06:29 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 609
Hysterectomy:
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Myomectomy or SubTotal Hysterectomy?
Don't worry about the size - experienced da Vinci surgeons can remove quite large fibroids because the use the morcellator tool to remove it in strips (watch YouTube videos on da Vinci myomectomy, but only if you're not squeamish).
Yes, I've had 2 periods since my surgery (and awaiting the 3rd in a few days). Surgeon said to expect the first few periods to be lighter or heavier than normal, then they will begin to normalize. However, he also said myomectomy corrects the heavy bleeding about 70% of the time. There is always a chance that new fibroids could grow and become problematic (since we are closer to menopause this is less likely).
My 1st period - about 10 days after my surgery - was terrible! Super heavy, but much shorter - only about 7 days versus 10-14 as was normal for me. It was also really awful because you can't use tampons until 6 weeks after surgery.
My 2nd period was a delightful breeze! Only 5 days of extremely light flow. Only changed tampons a few times a day and only needed Regular size with no pad backup.
I have never had cramps or any pain, either before or after surgery, so there was no change for me.
Right away, the pressure from the fibroids was gone and I no longer had to pee all the time. I also no longer have constipation or hemorrhoids.
Overall, recovery time was not bad. I didn't need any help moving around, though it was uncomfortable for the first week. Second week was great and has been since, unless I totally overdo it.
I started back working from home (I have an office job) about a week after surgery, but really took it easy and laid down a lot. I found that my abdomen would get sore and swollen if I sat at my home office desk all day. I stupidly agreed to go on a week long business trip one month after surgery. Wearing heels and carting around a laptop and luggage was was overdoing it and honestly I think it set me back a bit. I'm having more swelling late in the day now than I was the first month. But from what I read from the other HysterSisters, that's pretty normal too.
I'm really glad I had the surgery - and I look forward to a full recovery. Good luck and message me anytime!
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