Is this a mistake for me? I need advice. Thanks.

I'm scheduled to have a total hysterectomy next week. It will be done lapro. and vaginally - I guess because I haven't had kids and am skinny.

Anyway, I do have fibroids, but they are not that bad. I have had very severe bleeding and PMDD (PMS on crack) since I was 12. Being in peri-menopause seems to have made it all come back in full force - the fear (from the peri-menopause it seems) that I am experiencing is the most intense fear of my life. It has been horrible. I've had it for over 2 years now and I can't take it. BUT, I've been reading about hysterectomies and now I'm scared to death to have one.

Can people tell me their experience of how their hysterectomies have affected their emotions - positively or negatively? Especially would like to hear from woman who had/have bad pms or pmdd.

Also, what is the recovering like for your body? Have people had bad lasting effects from it? Been very weak afterwards, etc?

thanks.

Hi scared1961.

I had my TAH done just over 12 weeks ago and I don't regret it a bit.

I had problems with my periods, pms and migraines along with abdo pain which was crippling.

I've had depression and anxiety issues over the years and mood swings with my pms - THEY HAVE ALL IMPROVED since my TAH, I do have some emotional issues but they stem from family death and my father being in ill health. Having this op ws the best thing I ever did.

Why not sit down somewhere quitely on your own and do an pros and cons list. Nearly every woman here will be positive but ultimately this is your body and only you can know what you need. We will be here for you whatever you decide.

Good luck to you.

Hi scared 1961,

I am due for my Hyster on June 6th. I have been dx with possible adeno. Endo was not seen in any preliminary tests BUT she will not rule it out. I too am scared. I think I have read almost every post in this forum. I have asked some questions and have totally worn myself out. I am frustrated because I thought I had a handle on this but it has truly gone on for years. Living like this I thought was normal. Guess what, it's not. Severe pain only started several months ago as did the irregular bleeding. The bleeding was always heavy but really got way worse over my last several periods. I even wondered how much worse they could get. Well, I read enough posts to know that my last frightening, 2 week giant clotty period could get worse. My symptoms are getting more severe and I can't hide my head in the sand anymore hoping this is going to get solved with menopause... whenever that will be. It is not getting better. Some sisters here are way worse off than me and I ask myself sometimes maybe my pain and periods aren't bad enough yet after reading some of these posts. My answer to that "Do I want to get to that point where I land in the ER?" I almost did that last period but I was worried about my animals because my H was away at that time. I am so scared of the surgery I can't sleep and have to force myself to eat at times. What I do know is I read every post op thread I can find. Almost all of them are positive and comforting. That's how I am getting through this. I wish they would reschedule me for an earlier surgery as I don't know how much more of this I can take. God bless you. Our time will come when we will feel better too.

If I were you I would get a 2nd opinion. I had an endometrial ablation,(novasure), which is an outpatient surgery. 85% of women stop having periods & it stops fibroids for continuing to grow. It worked for me for 3 years. I had extremely heavy bleeding.It took my dr. 3 years to convince me do do it & it was the best thing I've ever done.
I am 49 & I have 2 children. I would not get a hysterectomy at a young age & especially if you had not had children. You may not see them in your future but unless you have cancer, I would not recommend such a drastic thing. Find another doctor!! Look on google for ob/gyn in your area. You can find ratings, patient reviews & even if they have had malpractice,etc. It sounds to me as if your dr. is not considering you as a young person, or addressing your specific needs.

Hysterectomy is not the way to go. You don't have cancer or anything that can't be fixed much less invasively!!! I had uterine polyps and a fibroid that caused me to have 7 day heavy periods passing large clots, and they came every 3 weeks! Rather than just an ablation, I had an endometrial resection and ablation, where the entire lining of my uterus was removed. That was to ensure that there would be no regrowth of polyps and fibroids. It is done through the cervix - NO INCISIONS - and outpatient. I had no post-op pain, no more periods, and no more problems. Plus everything was still in tact. It was wonderful! The side effects of hysterectomy can be devasting, physically, emotionally, and sexually. Studies show that hysterectomy greatly increases the chance of cardiovascular disease in women. The younger you are, the greater the risk. I would strongly suggest that you get a second, third, fourth opinion if necessary!!!

As a followup to my prior post, the endometrial resection/ablation was done in June of 2009. I had cystocele and partially prolapsed uterus repaired by uterosacral ligament suspension, paravaginal defect repairs, and a burch procedure for stress incontinence in June 2010. Unfortunately when I had a subsequent rectocele I got manipulated into an unwanted and unneeded hysterectomy in October 2010. I will regret it every day for the rest of my life! My neck was injured by the anesthesiologist during intubation, and I am now looking at fusion surgery with 2 herniated discs to be removed and 3 vertebrae fused. The rectocele that I originally came to the urogyn to fix was not even properly repaired! I had to have it redone in February 2011. I had complications after that, and still have colon issues which will require another surgery. I have virtually no sensation in my vagina, and it is almost impossible for me to orgasm since most of prior orgasms were uterine. The mood swings are impossible. Even with keeping my ovaries, the ovaries can go into shock and stop functioning temporarily or permanently, or can just perform erratically. It has been the nightmare of my life, and it is long from over. If you think PMS is bad (I had it really bad!) it is nothing compared to what I have now.

I would also highly recommend a second opinion. My hysterectomy is scheduled for May 27th. However, I have had two previous surgeries for endometriosis. I've tried birth control, the mirena iud, you name it. I also have suspected adenomyosis, for which there is no cure other than hysterectomy. I had an opinion from my general practicioner, my original ob/gyn, and then sought out an endometriosis specialist who NEVER does hysterectomies, unless there is strongly suspected adenomyosis. Thus, I have come to this decision after three opinions and finally an opinion I trust with the most experience in treating my known conditions.

Remember, a hysterectomy is irreversible. In my humble opinion, you should try every option you can--for example, birth control pills (which I can no longer take due to hypertension), the mirena iud, or if you are done with child bearing, an endometrial ablation. If you have fibroids, some fibroids can be removed through surgery without damaging your fertility.
Best wishes,
drjp

I would get a 2nd opinion also. Unless they take your ovaries, you will still have pms each month, just no bleeding. Taking the ovaries can cause you to go into menopause and I am not sure if that would be better or not. I would talk to the doctor's until you are sure.

My heart goes out to all of you. If you have any doubts you should get a second or third opinion. Without going into my medical background too much my options are VERY limited. I understand the only real cure for adenomyosis is a Hyst. I am not familiar with the fibroid issues or any of the other problems many of you are having. I only know my personal situation. For me I have to believe it is right. Could I be worse off after surgery? That is a risk everyone takes. I just know that I cannot live the way I have been anymore. It affects my work immensely and I am not a rich person. It affects my sex life, it affects any trips short or long that I may wish to take. I pray for all of you going through any of this and I hope you come to the decisions that are right for you. Good Luck

	Quote:
Originally Posted by tituba Hi scared1961. I had my TAH done just over 12 weeks ago and I don't regret it a bit. I had problems with my periods, pms and migraines along with abdo pain which was crippling. I've had depression and anxiety issues over the years and mood swings with my pms - THEY HAVE ALL IMPROVED since my TAH, I do have some emotional issues but they stem from family death and my father being in ill health. Having this op ws the best thing I ever did. Why not sit down somewhere quitely on your own and do an pros and cons list. Nearly every woman here will be positive but ultimately this is your body and only you can know what you need. We will be here for you whatever you decide. Good luck to you.

Tituba,
Thanks so much for your reply. It is nice to read a positive one amongst all the scary ones! Are you worried about your body now? I mean, the "loss of libido and physical stamina" and stuff like that? Would love to hear from you again. Thanks. Scared1961