8th and last surgery - right choice?

I've had seven abdominal surgeries since 2004 - four scopes, three opens. Systemic problem is adhesions. Last scope was 17 days ago due to a 3 inch cyst found in February. The video showed adhesions so bad the doctors could barely make out the ovaries much less get to the cyst. There is not even enough room for him to use robotics. My doctor is the last to recommend a hystorectomy but now has - I was devastated. It is scheduled for September 23rd.

I agreed in the hopes it would be the last surgery. An ultrasound today, however revealed the cyst is finally shrinking so now I'm second guessing. A couple women I spoke to said how much better it'll be - you don't know how much pain your in until it's gone; I believe that, hope for it actually. On the otherhand, I'm 43 and not sure of anything regarding hormone replacement, etc. I was on lupron for a year and have experienced the psuedo-menopause symptoms of night sweats, hot flashes, etc. in 2005.

I would be the third of five sisters and my mother to get a hysterectomy (only two left). But we've never lived close by and I'm not familiar with their experiences. Our family doesn't talk about those things.

Hi 4thof6 -

I am sorry you are going through all of this. Second thoughts on this surgery is normal. But this is MAJOR SURGERY, and should be considered very carefully. Recovery can take time - think weeks and months, not days. You will need help around the house for several weeks with dishes, laundry, shopping, driving, etc. You will need to take several weeks off work. Surgical menopause is no picnic. For me, it was VERY MISERABLE. I am on oral estrogen HRT, and it did give me my life back.

If you want, you can get other opinions about your condition and see what your options are. Just consider this very carefully. Make the decision that is right for you.

It'll be my fourth laperotomy so I'm no stranger to the long recovery. My sister-in-law volunteered to stay wtih us as long as needed. I still don't understand what is meant by surgical meopause though. Having gone through the psuedo-menopause experience on lupron depo for a year I'm wondering if that is a similar experience.

Surgical menopause simply means that the ovaries were taken surgically, thereby dumping the woman into full-blown menopause all at once. No slowly drifting into it - just off a cliff.

I cannot tell you if it is similar or not to psuedo menopause, as I never went through it. My sense is that it is not, but I cannot be sure.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by 4thof6 I've had seven abdominal surgeries since 2004 - four scopes, three opens. Systemic problem is adhesions. Last scope was 17 days ago due to a 3 inch cyst found in February. The video showed adhesions so bad the doctors could barely make out the ovaries much less get to the cyst. There is not even enough room for him to use robotics. My doctor is the last to recommend a hystorectomy but now has - I was devastated. It is scheduled for September 23rd. I agreed in the hopes it would be the last surgery. An ultrasound today, however revealed the cyst is finally shrinking so now I'm second guessing. A couple women I spoke to said how much better it'll be - you don't know how much pain your in until it's gone; I believe that, hope for it actually. On the otherhand, I'm 43 and not sure of anything regarding hormone replacement, etc. I was on lupron for a year and have experienced the psuedo-menopause symptoms of night sweats, hot flashes, etc. in 2005. I would be the third of five sisters and my mother to get a hysterectomy (only two left). But we've never lived close by and I'm not familiar with their experiences. Our family doesn't talk about those things.

Hi there 4thof6 and welcome to Hystersisters!
I had a TLHBSO in March this year and marestail is right. It is major surgery and a long recovery. Every sister has her Hysterectomy for different reasons and for some, the decision to have it or not is more traumatic than for others. But, no matter what, in the end, after all is said and done and after all the advice and doctor's opinions, the final decision is one that only you can make.
For me, the decision to have the Hysterectomy was an easy one because of my prior medical history and when I did have it, it was both a relief as well as a release, from the constant worry of if and when my fibroids were going to 'turn'. To me, the surgery itself, the recovery, the surgical menopause and it's symptoms (I can't take any HRT because of my medical conditions) was secondary compared to having this constant worry lifted off my shoulders....yes, and that includes the fear of a hairy chin! (LOL) In the end, to me, the Hysterectomy was my only definitive answer and I've never regretted having it.
So dear lady, of course, do your research, get second opinions, and even a third, if you need and arm yourself with all the knowledge you need until you are confident enough that you know everything you need to, to make an informed decision, the right decision, for you. Then, no matter what you decide, you will make it, confidently. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck dear lady and keep us posted on your progress. The sisters will be here waiting for you on the other side and we will help you and support you in any way you need.
Take care now and God bless. Hugs galore, xoxo.