deciding and waiting....

Hi -

I rec'd a call from my primary care yesterday (my bday) recommending a hysterectomy. I know you are not doctors and I have to make my own decision, but could I list my symptoms and just hear some feed back from you ladies? I'm concerned my insurance won't pay. I'm waiting for a call about an appt with the Dr that might do the surgery.

Tilted or tipped Uterus
Large Fibroid
Irregular Periods (even on BCP)
Migraines
Large clots
Flooding/Heavy Bleeding
Family history of uterine cancer
Lower Back Pain
Night Leg Cramps
Anemia

Thank you for "listening."

Get a second (or third or fourth etc.) opinion. You will want to be sure you can make the best possible decision. I got opinions from 7 gyns, 2 radiologists and my regular doctor:
1 radiologist - UFE
1 radiologist - NO UFE
1 gyn - UFE
3 gyn - lap or abdominal hysterectomy
2 gyn - lap or abdominal myomectomy
1 PCP - abdominal myomectomy

The point of this is that it's typically not black and white what should be done. The multiple opinions provided me with the additional information I needed to make the best decision possible.

Iphie
Problems: large fibroid, internal cysts, 4 years of anemia, no pain, also adenomyosis although this wasn't known till surgery.
Surgery: abdominal myomectomy (may not be the final surgery because of the adenomyosis)

Iphie...Thank you so much for your reply. I got another opinion and have made my decision to go ahead with this. So now that I have decided I must wait until the surgeon can see me and proceed from there. My main concern is still my insurance company and if they will give the ok....and the waiting game!

JeanB,

I had a lot of your symptoms.

I agree with Iphie. Get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. It never hurts in the information gathering. My 1st Dr. recommended a TAH and my 2nd Dr. a LSH.

There are so many options to discuss: observation, UTE, myomectomy, TAH, SAH , TVH, or a lap surgery like a LAVH or a LSH.

Good Luck. The decision making can be a difficult process. We Hyster Sisters are here to help if we can.

Thank you HistoryLady.

My identical twin sister had a lap surgery about a year and a half ago. If I knew then what I know now...I would have tried to get a two for one deal! Her surgeon is the one I am waiting to hear from. She said this site helped her alot. She has never felt better.

I am just sick and tired of being sick and tired - ya know? Everything here has been so helpful to me. I have only been in the hospital to give birth. I've never had anything broken or even stiches. I very grateful, but it does make for alot of questions and just wondering about things. You ladies have truly been a blessing to me and I thank you.

JeanB,

I guess I can beat you on the hospital. I am 46 and the last time I was in the hospital (before surgery) was when I WAS born!! Never broken anything either. Unless you count my little finger.

I had my 21-year-old DD in an alternative birth center because I did not want to be in a hospital.

So...when fibroids and a surgery came along, I was REALLY scared.!!! I hear your anxiety on that!!

And...post surgery, my energy level is really high. I do not have any more fibroid pain and no more Aunt Flo's. My body feels wonderful!!!!!! An added plus...my bladder and colon are working better than they have in years.

Good luck with your Dr's appointment.

Oh HistoryLady.....

Thank you. Now I don't feel like such a doofus. By the way, I was 46 on Wednesday!! I feel today like I'm just waiting to be a Lady in Waiting, but really I'm ready for the crown! I have no clue if the surgeon will say 1, 2 4, or 6 months. I was really hoping to have it mid August. I'm just the type that wants to set a goal and then get to it. I cannot even imagine having energy, it's been so long since I've had much. And the whole bladder thing....don't even get me started. Thank you for taking the time to "visit" with me. Bless your heart.

JeanB,
About the Insurance..........I dont know who you have but I would think if the doctor says it is medically neccesary then the insurance should cover MOST of it. Thats the way mine is working. Now, if it was something that you just wanted to do...Then thats a different story. You should either call your doctor and have them call the Insurance Co unless they already have. If so, then you may need to call the Ins and find out what they cover.......Hope this helps !!!!

MichelleLee

Hi MichelleLee.

Thank you so much for your respone, as it triggered my brain, which seems to have gone into a fog this week and can't find it's way out! I got out my basic health insurance booklet and since it is medically necessary it appears that they will indeed cover most of it. It just seems that alot of insurance companies look for excuses these days in order to not pay for certain things. I appreciate you help.