Is a Hysterectomy my best option?

Hi! I've been searching through all your posts and am becoming more and more concerned. My doctor has scheduled a hysterectomy this month due to my abnormal bleeding, fibroids, constant ovarian pain and cervical pain. Here's my question...should I try other methods first? Hormones? D&C? I've read how both of these methods help with fibroids and bleeding but what about my cervix? My doctor said he has never seen a cervix so badly scarred (I guess that's why it's always throbbing in pain!). Is it normal to just have the surgery before trying other methods? Are the other methods worth the time?

Thanks!
JustSheryl

Hi,
That's a decision you have to make. We all are different. If you are having doubts, you should do research and ask Dr your other options. For me, TAH was only option. I have 3 children and don't need my uterus for that anymore. I have had 6mos of pain, heavy bleeding, chronic fatigue from anemia. My condition was controlling my life and couldn't take it anymore. There was hardly any sexlife. I didn't feel sexy. My husband hated watching me go through this. The oter options weren't 100% and I didn't want to put myself through many procedures to have them fail. If I wanted to become pregnant I would have chosen other means but that wasn't the case. I am 17days post- op and very happy about my decision. I can't wait to be fully recovered and live life again. Good Luck to you with your decison and recovery!

Hi,

I'm going for the surgery without trying other methods. I have a uro-gynecologist who said that for me this is the only permanent solution. We also talked about a newer procedure that they do to cut off blood supply to the fibroids but he said that they could grow back. Same with the Lupron/depo route. Said that it works with some people and not others. I have had so much pain that I just want to be done.

You sound like you have doubts though. Have you had second and third opinions? If you're sure like am, that's one thing but if you have this many doubts PLEASE seek other opinions.
Best wishes!!

Debbie D

I agree with the other posters. It is YOUR decision ultimatley.
I had put up with the problems for way too long, and just wanted to feel better.
Do your homework, then make a decision you can live with.
Good luck ! Lamby

I have been glued to this GREAT site for 3 weeks now, while trying to decide what to do, just like you are now. There are 2 things I have learned that seem to be the most important. Number one is always discuss options, concerns and fears with your doctor. Hopefully you have had a second opinion. Or a third.
The final decision is yours, and from what my doctor says, and every woman here says, it's all about quality of life, and what you are comfortable with. Personally, I had the D&C, and lap surgery. Each brought temporary relief. But the main fibroids remain. I chose the hyst because I am tired. I feel I need to go on with my life.(or should I say, get my life back).The daily pain makes me a wee bit cranky.(understatement). Everything that LynnD says, I agree with... FOR ME. This may not be for you.
One of the biggest things that helped me was all the *sisters* here. Research, write down questions, ask, ask, ask.
Good luck in your decision making. It's awful tough, and scary. But there are alot of people here behind you!

Thank you all! I have been dealing with the pain for about a year. The pain and periods have continued to get worse each month. I have had two opinions; both recommending a hysterectomy since fertility is not a concern (this baby factory is closed...lol). The main reason for my questioning the hysterectomy is because my insurance has recently denied my procedure, noting that other methods should be tried before they would approve the surgery. My DR is going battle it out with them. His Nurse told me that it’s all about the dollar amount for insurance companies, they don’t consider the patients quality of life. SO, if my DR fails to persuade them, I'm curious what will be in store for me. Which methods? How long? Etc.

Thanks Again!

JustSheryl

I keep thinking maybe there is something else i can do instead of a hysterectomy? and then when i was at other so called support boards the women all said don't do it, you will regret it, your life will change forever,, it is a big mistake.. and that is when I looked for something else, a different support board and i found this one..... everyone here is supportive no matter what a person decides to do, (And i only joined here last night)
I feel so much better just having found this board...

But as for other options, I keep hoping, but I know in my heart that other options may not be a long term solution for me, we had tried for another baby for over 7 1/2 years, and my hubby was the propblem and then this happened, my Dr explained that yes he could just go in and remove these 6 large fibroids that I have, but the chances of me having another baby without a lot of help , well there is not much chance of that.. This upsets me, and I have shed a lot of tears about it, but I think for me I am making the right decission, though I am getting a second opinion tomorrow with a lady Dr, (I guess to really make sure i am doing what is right?)

Now that I have made my decission(I can't see me changing my mind tomorrow, unless this lady Dr really feels that I do not need a hysterectonmy) I just can't wait to get this done, and move on with my life, pain free.... I keep thinking how much more I will be able to do again, and no more days of not wanting to leave the house when I have my period.