taking the plunge... or...?

so here I am at 38. My family history on my mom's side is just a mess: aunt had dozens of fibroids removed w/hyster in her early 50s, other aunt had ruptured ovary at 27 - hyster, mom had prolapsed uterus - hyster at 40.

have been having low back pain, terrible IBD-like symptoms, PMS so bad that I thought I would pull my steering wheel out with my teeth, fatigue, heavy, long and painful menses. now have been having pelvic pain - I no longer have a gallbladder or an appendix.

doc does vaginal ultrasound after this years exam (yesterday). finds at least three fibroids abt 2-3 cm. one inside, one in between (cant remember term) one outside including the largest which is on the back of the uterus.

OB GYN recommends hysterectomy, says that myomectomy is an option but that the repairs to the uterus might not rule out the fibroids coming back. He recommends (and is a proctor surgeon for) daVinci.

I do not want children (I know that may be anathema to some). I never have. Emotionally I have prepared myself for this for a long time so I am concerned but not shocked or terrified. (am I weird because of that?). The more I read about fibroids, the more I want these suckers out.

I had scheduled my surgery for Sept but I do think now that I want to push it back to Jan, when I will not be so bothered by snoozing all the time and pining to be outdoors.

I feel weird for being so pragmatic. Am I?

I can totally relate to your situation. I don't have kiddo's either, and love being an auntie (spoil the kids rotten, then give them back!).

I found out about my large fibroid mid June (size of an orange). My family doc told me to take herbs, change my diet and they'll shrink on their own. Oh, and no- don't need a 2nd opinion. I was calling my gyno as soon as I left his office and was completely prepared to hear the words "hysterectomy".

In doing internet research, I found this wonderful website! "Hystersisters" has give me tons of information, reading personal experiences and calmed my fears about the decision to have this tumor removed. My surgery is scheduled for August 11 - the soonest my gynecologist could fit me in. I too, thought about waiting, but figured the sooner this gets done, the sooner I can be on the road to recovery. At least here in Texas, I can stay indoors in the a/c for Aug and Sept!

Whatever decision you make will be right for you for the time you need it.
Hang in there!