A VH scares the heck out of me

I am scheduled for a LSH on June 1. I've made my peace with that, and that a hysterectomy is what I need to do. However, my doctor mentioned at my last appointment that we may have to do a vaginal hyst if my past records indicate that I had any further problems with dysplasia. I had an abnormal pap when I was 21, had a D&C immediately after the pap, and a colpo about a year later that came back negative. I have had no further abnormal paps at all (I'm now 36).

The idea of the vaginal hyst terrifies me - I do not do well with anything that is vaginally invasive. I feel, even after a pap, that I have somehow been violated. My sexual relationship with my husband is incredible, and I don't want to lose those feelings. I have always maintained that the D&C and other procedures helped destroy my sexual feelings with my first husband. I couldn't get over the violation feelings, and he could never quite get it, even after several months of counseling. I don't want that to happen with this DH!!!!

Has anyone else ever had these feelings? Those of you that have had a VH, did you feel like you were pulled from the inside out? What about sex - my DH is really concerned about things being different for him and me if the cervix is removed. I really hope the Dr. will still go through with the LSH, but I want to be mentally prepared if I have to go the other way.

Thanks for the help and advice! There is an incredible feeling of help and concern on this board - it is incredible!

Krista

i cant help you much. i am only 2 weeks post op. but i will tell you that i do not nor did i feel like i was stretched, pulled or anything in the vaginal area. i didnt have any pain down there or anything. as for sex well for me that is still a no no. i have my post op appointment on wed to see how things are healing i guess. if you dont like the idea with a vh, then talk with your doctor and tell him how uncomfortable you are with having it vaginally. tell him how you felt after the d and c. i would have this discussion with your doctor and then if you cant have the lsh then maybe he could do it abdominally.

best wishes to you and i hope things work out for you!!!!!


tami

I had a LSH and I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and doing great, I think. I would do the surgery again in a second! I am very happy with the results.

I felt like you also about the vagina. I preferred to have it thorough the belly button and two small incisions. My fibroids were large so my Dr. opted for the LSH for that reason too. No stress on the vagina.

I was a LSH candidate since I had a sturdy cervix and cervical cancer does not run in the females in my family. I had normal pap smears for years. I did have one abnormal pap smear in the last ten years and I went back for a follow-up pap smear, and it was okay.

I am not familiar with dysplasia - so that seems to be the major concern with your Dr. Is there cervix damage possibly?? In my opinion, keep your surgery date and your present Dr. and maybe get a second opinion?? Just to help you with your uncertainity. I am not a Dr. and 15 years sounds like a long time to not have an abnormal pap smear.

I got two opinions. My first Dr. wanted to do a TAH. My second, the LSH. I opted for the latter.

I liked the idea of keeping my cervix since it helps provide ligament support and it also helps with sexual satisfaction. I have to wait four more weeks to try everything out in the "sex dept." so I cannot answer a personal observation there. And, I am sure you will get some LAVH replys that say sex is great after surgery.


Good Luck.

Thank you for your replies. At my pre-op (the 26th of May), I will find out if I can do the LSH or if I have to do the TVH. My dr. will look at my past medical records and then we'll make the decision. He is also going to do a pelvic exam and an endometrial biopsy.

I have read several of your posts, HistoryLady, and I think I would just cry if I can't do the LSH. Your experience is exactly how I want to be!

Thanks again!

KD

Stay positive, KD. I had the same doubts and fears that you do. It is a scary to be in pre-op land. It will all work out for you!!!!!!!!!

You have educated yourself and you know the questions to ask your Dr. That is very important.

You are not alone. Never forget that!! Us LSH Sisters are out here supporting you and we are here if you have any more questions.