Scheduled for Weds; Don't have a 2nd Opinion

Hi. I am 50, am scheduled to have hysterectomy Weds. I bled profusely last week resulting in a hospital stay and transfusion. Dr. wants to keep cervix, remove ovaries. Says bleeding because of fibroids. I don't have a second opinion and I'm starting to feel cornered. I have a pre-op tomorrow, Monday Oct. 31. I feel like cancelling the surgery until I can get a 2nd. Is that ridiculous, dangerous?

Welcome to the site.

With that kind of bleeding it sounds like your life is at risk. This is a different scenario than most women who are no immeadiate danger of dying. Sounds like the doc has your best interest at heart.

Hi Bizzyb,

If you want my opinion...get a 2nd opinion ASAP. Even a 3rd opinion. A hyst is ~major~ surgery and unfortnately we cannot put the body parts back after surgery.

I got 2 opinions myself about my fibroids. My 1st Dr. wanted to do a TAH due to the size of my fibroids. She told me I was ~not~ a candidate for a less invasive hyst. I got a 2nd opinion and he suggested a LSH, a less invasive hyst, after I did (3) months of lupron shots to shrink my fibroids enough for surgery. So...I got two very ~different~ opinions.

With a 2nd opinion, you may get a different opinion OR you may get the same opinion as your 1st Dr. That might reassure you about your scheduled surgery.

Best wishes,

Mary

Since the bleeding is that heavy, it might not be good to delay the surgery. If you feel confident in your doc, you might not need a second opinion, especially since you don't really have time for one. You didn't say why the doc wants to remove your ovaries. I'd be sure you are comfortable with losing them before you agree to that.

Best wishes!

How far did your hematacrit drop due to the bleeding? Are you currently bleeding now? If you are currently stable and at home and your surgery is "elective" and not an "emergency" than a second opinion might be helpful in coming to terms with your situation.

The ovaries are optional if healthy. Currently there is major controversy on the need to take them. There is research that shows a long term heath consequences to removing them. Also-surgical menopause can be a very big deal for many women. This won't be your doctors problem if you have difficulty, it will be yours! You may meet women who have no problems with it, you are likely to meet as many who do.

There is an article in the Harvard Women's Health Watch titled "Study questions ovary removal during hysterectomy." The article cites a study in Obstetrics and Gynecology Aug. 2005 which evaluates the risks and benefits of oophorectomy before the age of 65 among women at an average risk for ovarian cancer. The study uses long term data from various long term studies. Conclusions are: removing the ovaries increased the likelihood of heart disease and hip fractures and is associated with a 9% increased likelihood of dying before the age of 80. Taking ERT lowered the risks a bit but not as much as hysterectomy alone-with or without ERT. 9% is higher than the likelihood of getting ovarian cancer in one's lifetime!

Sorry no link. I am a subscriber and the article is only available online to subscribers.

These 2 articles are available online. Please read these articles and discuss with your doctor.

1. Rational for Ovarian Conservation by Donna Shoupe MD
2. Ovarian Conservation at the Time of Hysterectomy for Benign Disease

If you're not 100% convinced that surgery is your best option right now, and provided that your situation isn't life-threatening, I think it would be wise to postpone and not only get a second opinion, but a third, a fourth -- how ever many you require.

Your fibroids may be the sort which can be removed (if necessary) via a myonectomy, which would preserve the uterus. If you don't get a second opinion, or if your current doctor isn't willing to perform a myonectomy if it's possible to do in your situation, you may always have lingering doubts.

This surgery is irreversible. It may be the very best option for you -- but at this point, you don't sound convinced of that.

I'm not telling you not to get the surgery, except it sounds like you're having second thoughts. If your mental and emotional state are not yet at the point where you've come to peace with your decision, you may have trouble putting your life (literally) into the surgeon's hands.

I wish you the best. Whatever you decide, we're here for you whenever you need us.

Bizzy B here. I was not a busy bee today. I actually sat at the computer and read about the hysterectomy and the posts that people sent to me in reply to my question about Thanksgiving guests and 2nd opinions. Thank you to everyone who responded. That means so much to me. My hematacrit is 25 and had dropped to 19 last Sunday. It should be 32 on a good day. I have a pre-op appt. tomorrow, Mon., and because of you women and this forum, I feel hope and confidence that I am armed with the info I need to ask informed questions and understand the answers. I hope my doctor will not be offended by all my questions. If he is, I know I'm not in the right place. Because of this forum, I have asked a girlfriend to come with me because my husband can't get away from his job. I've always been a "do-it-yourself" kind of person. Now, I'm learning to ask for and accept help. Thank you, dear women. Best, BizzyB

Bizzyb,

If that is your hematocrit level, then step away from the computer, get into bed, and REST. Conserve your energy for such things as say...your beating heart! Get that second or third opinion yesterday. Please. I don't know what your options are but you need find out. And sooner is better.

Dianne

Thanks for these links, Pearle! I had never seen that 2nd link before--very interesting and informative!