Decision to be made with help from older women, please

I just got thrown for a loop two days ago and I am so glad I found this site to help me cope.

I've had a prolapse for many years which recently worsened. I expected to need surgical repair for that but the suggestion I have a hysterectomy at the same time came as a shock.

I am menopausal with no uterine problems now or in the past. No family history of uterine or cervical cancer. My dr recommends a hysterectomy be done the same time as the repair is done on my cystocele and rectocele. He says if problems develop in the future the repair will have to be undone to do the hysterectomy. My surgery is to be done vaginally.

The dr sees this as no big deal since I am menopausal. Well, it is a big deal to me although his reasoning makes some sense. I've read about post-surgical pain and sexual dysfunction. Sex is still important and satisfying to me. I don't want that to change.

I'd like to hear from someone who has had this decision to make or at least a woman who was menopausal at the time of her hysterectomy.

Thanks.

I have the same problem, total prolapse of pelvic floor and was told I needed a complete hysterectomy, cystolele and rectocele plus repairs to the vaginal walls. I'm 53 had 8 children and am going through menopause. So far I have no menopausal symtoms and consider myself really lucky. My ob/gyn wants to take my ovaries as I don't need them anymore! Then 3/6 months after my hysterectomy have the cystocele repaired with a sling (although I've read some horror stories about it and I'm not too sure about that yet) which my urologist would do. I've put everything on hold, yet again while I do more research. I've found a uro/gynocologist who may offer me more solutions and I see her in April.

Good luck with your decision.

I'm OK with the sling and think having it all done at once is a good idea. I just don't want to go too far if I don't need to.

Would you post or PM me a link to the horror stories.

Hello dreamer -- a quick post about my recent surgery -- it was March 6th -- hysterectomy, removal of ovaries and 'anterior repair' -- I'm 61 and have had prolapse issues for years with no particular serious problems because of it. I wanted to have my ovaries removed due to family (mother and brother) and my own history of breast cancer in my mid-30's (surgery and chemo put me into early menopause at that time). This year, when the prolapse condition was considered in addition to the ovary removal, it was recommended to do everything at once. A second opionion confirmed that recommendation. After months of waiting and changing my mind, I finally had everything done (vaginally) and am very pleased with my recovery so far (needed no pain meds, back to normal activity already -- other than being careful about lifting things ). My only complication was needing a catheter at home for 5 days after my one night post surgery in the hospital - because my bladder didn't completely empty at first.
Everything's working now. No emotional/hormonal consequences noticed so far. Hope things work as well for you.

I don't see how you would only want advice from older women only. I am 24 and having a hysterectomy and repairs done because of prolapse. I think that singling out only the older women is leaving many opinions and advice out of your decision process.

I would get a second opinion on that.

dreamer 552
I was 56 when I went in to have a hysterectomy and repairs for a prolapse. I ended up having repairs only and no hysterectomy I dont know why, am waiting to see the surgeon to get the details.I was not sure about having a hysterectomy but had got my mind round it.Now I feel confused, why say one thing then do another.My only advice would be to get all the options you have, then decide what it is that you really want
regards
Dianne223344

dreamer552,
I am 50 and had a vaginal hyst for prolapse. I had a cystocele and vaginal prolapse. I imagine on one hand that the doctor is recomending hyst too based on your exam. If not perhaps a second opinion or better explaination is warranted. My doctor said the first surgery being successful is your best chance. If I were to do something that undoes the repair -well its then more difficult to go back in and do it over. As far as life afterwards, WOW no prolapse is amazing! To not have that protusion (tmi) constantly is wonderful ( oh and sex is
A OK too!!
Best of luck with your decision- remember it has to be right for you-