Hi- new here and need support. Confused and scared.

Hi

I'm so glad I found this website and joined. This forum is great.

I need advice because I am uncertain on what to do and scared.
I am 34 years old. For over a year now I have had severe, horribly painful cramping every month. It is usually the first 2 days. If I take my Pamprin every 4 hours, it's ok. I also bleed alot and the clots are sometimes about the size of a dollar coin. Pretty big. I went in October for my annual and told my GYN that I was still having the cramping. At that time he said my uterus felt enlarged and to come back for a vaginal ultrasound to see what was going on. He did the ultrasound the following week and said my uterus was ok. He did find a fibroid. He said it wasn't too big right now.

He said because I have had 3 C-sections (all belly button down) I have a buildup of adhesions/scar tissue. That is causing the cramping. Because I have never had a vaginal delivery, I am not a candidate for a vag. hysterectomy nor a laparoscopy assisted one. The choices he gave me were: ab. hysterectomy or ablation.

He said the ablation would do nothing for the cramping and I might still have to have the hyster. later on. I really don't see the need to have a 2nd opinion because I have been with this Dr. for 9 years now, throughout my 2nd and 3rd child.

I am full of questions. I am uncertain of what to do. Please help.
Thanks so much
Patrece

I have many of the same issues as you and am scheduled for a hysterectomy... next week. I am 37 and definitely done having babies. I think after much reading that I am not ready for one and that I might opt for a less evasive procedure to put the hysterectomy off for a few more years. Maybe I will be ready then!

Make sure you research your options, including whether or not to keep your cervix, ovaries etc... you are lucky to have a good doctor!

a second opinion is always a good idea when facing major surgery. i really liked my gyn but when facing a hysterectomy, he didnt offer me the options i wanted because he didnt know how to perform the surgery i was interested in. do lots of research on keeping your ovaries and cervix...talk to your dr about that. take your time and be very sure of your decision and everything will go well.

I never had children, but had a vaginal hysterectomy. I only had one small fibroid, but had problems like yours with heavy bleeding, clotting, and drop to your knees pain.

It does depend on the size of the uterus (with fibroids) and the size of your pelvis, but it is NOT a given. The adhesions and scarring may be the REAL critical factor in your case.

I keep going back and forth of whether to just deal with the cramping, etc. until menopause (not sure when the average age is), thinking maybe the cramping, etc. will get better or to have this done. I'm not sure why I am so frightened. Are you happy with your choice?

I was told it would be a partial hysterectomy, I can keep my ovaries. I just don't know what to do...the idea of an abdominal hyster seems so serious and frightening.

Hi
I would really recommend a second opinion. Even though you really like and trust your doc, he may not be a specialist on this kind of problem, and another doc may have a better solution or the skills to do a different surgery. And if the second doc says the same thing you'll feel a lot better about the decision.
Deb

I have had 5 doctors tell me that I need a hysterectomy. I am very scared also. I am just like you and have severe drop to my knee pain but mine is all the way through the month. I have been told that mine was because of ovarian cysts but that they want to take all except one ovary. I am scared also and am not sure if I should try another opinion or not.

Ladies, i had my surgery on Oct 31 2007 , I was bleeding for a year non stop because of tumors, one doctor said it was hormonal until i switched doctors and this doctor who did the surgery found a tumor the size of a baseball.
my operation was painfull but i am so gratefull and thankful it is all over and done with., i am now living life again. I did keep my ovaries so i am not menopausal yet.

Hi PfromFl!

The decision to have a hysterectomy is a big one and one that should not be made lightly. I think you are wise to be asking questions!

I agree with what several others have told you -- get a second opinion even if your doctor has been your doctor for years and is wonderful. Another doctor may know of other treatment options available or may have additional surgical skills that your doctor doesn't have. If nothing else, a second opinion can confirm that what your current doctor has planned is right for you or the second opinion may throw in another perspective to consider. I also strongly suggest keeping your GP involved.

You may also want to check out the Endometrial Ablation Discussion Group where there are women who have had successful ablations. Often the women here at HysterSisters did not have a successful ablation which is why they are now posting on a hysterectomy support website.

You mentioned you are having a partial hysterectomy. Does that mean you will be retaining your cervix, the bottom portion of your uterus, and having a supracervical abdominal hysterectomy? A complete hysterectomy means the complete uterus with cervix is removed. I do see that you will not be having a BSO so hopefully your ovaries continue to work as mine have and menopause is not an issue!

I wish you all the best as you decide what is best for you! Many ladies have questions about which direction they should go and we each have to weigh all the pros and cons for us! Not all of us will make the same decisions nor is the same decision right for all of us!

If you are not 100% sure you are making the right decision for you, I would suggest postponing your surgery for now and take some more time to make your decision.

Sending lots of cyber s your way! in there!