curvix...to stay or go!!

I'm with those that had their's removed. I think age and reason for having the hysterectomy in the first place are two very important factors. I didn't have to have mine removed, but I did.

I was 44 and was perimenopausal and had stress incontinence. I had a bladder repair at the same time. The reasons for the hyst were triggered by a large ovarian mass. Since there is a history in my family of uterine/ovarian cancer, I chose to have a TAH/BSO. Even if the mass was benign (it was), I didn't want anything left in there to get cancer, so my doctor knew going in that she was going to take everything. Frankly, I'm not sure it even ocurred to me to keep my cervix. The only thing I had to consider was whether or not to leave my other ovary. Luckily, I made the right decision...it was showing signs that it was about to fail anyway!

Five and a half months later I'm feeling great, no stress incontinence, sex is great and I have no regrets. In fact, I haven't felt this good since before I had kids!

However, YOU SHOULD STILL HAVE A PAP EVERY YEAR regardless of whether you keep your cervix or not. It is still possible to get cancer in the remaining vaginal tissue.

Good luck as you read our experiences and make your decision.

lisa,you are so right about still getting checkups "down there",even after a hyst!!!!! i am very much about taking care of things that need to be "taken care of",like ob/gyn-related matters. as a matter of fact,anyone on this board who is 40 now,or going to be soon,should be considering an appointment for a baseline mammogram,and any woman with a family history(mother,sister,grandmother,aunts,etc)should probably have started around age 35!!!! i am going next saturday for my mammo. it took 2 months to get this appointment. when i went to my ob/gyn in january,she told me to be sure i called for an appointment as soon as i got home. so,i did,and the best i could do is march 30th(saturday),so i don't have to take off a half or full day from work. it doesn't actually hurt,and since i've been taking the Vitamin E softgels the past year,since before last year's mammo,i expect it to be clear enough to read easily. i will be ovulating soon,and my left breast usually becomes tender.

Thank you all it really helps. I would love to hear from people who kept their curvix. At this point I am still planning on keeping it. The tah is what I am suppose to have but he told me it was up to me. Which means it stays. I have had all normal paps no history of any problems. I am going to call him today. Also I am suppose to talk about a spinal or epi...I dont want to be knocked out...anyone have either of these for a pah or tah?

Jlo,

I to am struggling with the same issue. I am scheduled for a TAH on Monday April 15th (I figured it would be a good day to be knocked out. I've verified that my physican has paid his taxes already) and just learned yesterday that I can make the decision to keep my cervix. That's how I ended up finding this website. I am reading all the responses to your posting and taking the information into consideration. Right now I'm leaning towards keeping it as there is not history of cancer in my family and I'm just not ready to give it all up.

Take care and good luck with your decision

Rachel

Hi Jlo, I am 15 wks post-op from a SAH and doing Great! I had my Hyst due to small fibroids which caused very heavy periods and anemia. I did a lot of reseach before having this surgery. I was tired of being tired.

I read this get book which I bought from books-a-million called Hysterectomy: Before and After by Winnfred B. Cutler, Ph.D.

I am 41 yrs old and enjoyed my sex life with my husband of 18rys.
I had no history of cervical or ovarian Cancer in my family, had normal paps.

I had a very long talk with my Surgeon/GYN before my surgery and he wanted to take everything and I ask him why? he looked at me strange and ask did my husband tell me to ask him about keeping my cervix and ovaries, I told him why take it out if is healthy. I have had no problems at all no bleeding of discharge
Their is a very rare chance of "mini periods".

I was blessed to have a wonderful surgeon/ gyn. I feel so much better than I have in years. I never had problems with sex (except for my 2wk periods) which are gone forever now. I am very happy with the choice I made.

If you have any more questions please feel free the email me

jharris@greatermobile.net

Jocelin

I just wanted to add one more thing about deciding to keep the cervix or get rid of it and that is the s word, sex.

I didn't have an option to keep mine as it was covered with endometriosis and could not be salvaged. My doc said before hand based on my decision that he would try to keep it. He had told me that it does help with support of the vagina etc. and that it does serve a sexual purpose albeit small. I guess the cervix has nerves in it and also helps with lubrication. Sorry to be so graphic.

The reason I say this is that I no longer have my cervix and it does make a difference. Yes, one that is not huge but still different.

take care
tiff