lsh and overweight

I am scheduled to have an lsh on 8/6/03. My doctor informed me that there is a chance he won't be able to perform the lsh because of my weight and then will have to do an abdominal hysterectomy. (Informed me after he had scheduled the lsh, and really talked it up so that's what I would choose over an ablation!!) So my question is: has anyone who is overweight had an lsh?

lsh on 8/6/03 heavy periods, severe anemia, etc. etc.

Hi mggoertzen

Welcome to Hyster Sisters!!

While I'm sorry that you are facing surgery, I am glad that you found HS and posted to introduce yourself. I'm sorry that I can't answer your question about the LSH, but I wanted to welcome you and to ask if you have gotten more than one opinion on your surgery?

You said the doctor talked you into a hysterectomy instead of an ablation, and that has me concerned, because no matter what procedure is used, a hysterectomy is major surgery, and (unless it's being done for a life-threatening reason) should never be done until you are sure that there are no other alternatives.

In the meantime, please be sure to read the Pre-Op Hints (click here) and the Post-Op Hints (click here). They are full of great advice that will help you to prepare for your surgery and recovery, if you do decide to have it.

I hope you'll continue to read and to post any questions that you may have - we'll do our best to help.

's

Karen

Thanks so much for your reply. The doctor who recommended the LSH was my second opinion. My OB/GYN wanted me to have the hyster done but I wanted to try an ablation first so he referred me to my current doctor who recommended the LSH. They both were worried that the ablation wouldn't take care of the problem and I just can't continue my life this way. I'm sure you've heard it all before, but I have 7 children, my youngest who is 13 months and my oldest who is 23 (and a son getting married in December). The bleeding has gotten so bad that I can't leave my home for the duration of my period, I don't sleep for the whole week and then my iron count is so low that I can't function the rest of the month. I'm so tired all the time and I just want to feel better so I can take care of my family, instead of them trying to take care of me. I'm sure my situation is by far easier than many others here on the site, but for me my quality of life is so lousy, that I just can't go on any longer. I did try hormones, but wound up with horrible chest pains, so that's no longer an option. The only other option was the ablation but since both doctors feel that it won't necessarily solve the problem I guess I'm going to have an LSH next week. I'm trying hard to get my head around it. My main worry is that I won't be able to have the LSH, which they won't know until I'm under from the anesthesia, and that I'll wake up having had an abdominal hyster and not be prepared for it. But I'll deal with that when the time comes right? Anyway. I've written a book, I just wanted to say thank you for your words of great kindness and I'm so glad this site is here.

Michele

Michele,
I know you will feel better after the surgery. I had ablation about 6 years ago, and am now doing the hyst, so the ablation helped a little, lighter periods, but was not the cure, in my case at least.
These boards have a lot of info which is really helpful.
T

Upcoming TAH/LSO

Hi Michelle...I am VERY overweight, or as they say around here, "fluffy"! (That tickles me!) Because of scars from previous abdominal surgeries I cannot have a"lap", and because my uterus is huge and mishapen, I cannot have it done vaginally. So, it's a TAH. I was somewhat worried, but have me many ladies here who are "fluffy" and have done fine with a TAH.

As you start experiencing better health and freedom from menstrual trouble, and your tummy heals (if they do have to do a TAH) perhaps having it done abdminally won't be so bad. Please do read all the hints & suggestions for after surgery so you can be prepared in any event.

Hugs & Prayers....

Tess_Northwest

Thanks Tess and T

I really appreciate your words of support and encouragement. I've decided that I'm going to go into the surgery next week, prepared for an abdominal and then it will be a gift if I wake up having had the LSH. I'm headed out to read the hints for post op and I'm feeling very positive about it all for a change. Looking forward to a better life. There hasn't been a person yet who I've talked to who hasn't said it's the best thing they've ever done. So I'm looking forward to it being the best thing I've ever done. Not to say I'm not a little frightened, but I know it's the right decision for me, so I'm staying positive!!! And looking forward to skipping next months period YEAH!! and the ones I would have had for the next 10+ years. So again, thanks for your support. It has really made the decision a little easier.

Michele