New at this club!

Hey to all the sistas on this site. I'm new at this site and I really enjoy reading some of the stories that you guys are posting, there are very informative. I don't really know where to start posting my problem, but here goes.

I have been having problems with prolonged periods, painful and heavy bleeding for about the last year. I have always had a period that lasted 3 days and never, ever had a cramp in my life. About a year ago I started getting my period that would last 5-7 days long, but I thought that it was just from me getting a bit older, I'm now 43, so I didn't think much of it at that time. As the months went past my periods would last longer and longer, and I was getting some cramps. I went to my doctor, which he examined me and told me that I had Fibroid Tumors and I had to have a Hysterectomy, but at that time I didn't want my whole insides taken out. I then asked him if there was another way to do this, he then told me that he could just remove the Tumors and leave my Uterus. But at that time, he became very upset with me because I didn't want the hysterectomy. and told me to return the next week. Within the next week, my period began, and it wasn't time for it to come. I called my doctor and was told that he was on vacation, that puzzled me.

I then came to him when he returned and he had a attitude with me, he then told me that I didn't have Fibroids and he couldn't help me, so at this time I was sure that it was a money thing with him. I stopped going to him and found another doctor, this one sent me for 2 tests, MRI, and a Sonogram with contrast. He told me that I didn't have Fibroids, but I did have a large mass on the right side of my Uterus, but there wasn't much that he could do either. He then performed a D&C on me in November of 2004. I was ok in December, but when January came my period came twice in that month, and it was terrible. I bleed very, very heavy, I had blood clots that was almost the size of a tennis ball, the pain was so bad, the only thing I could do was stay in bed.

When my period finally ended, and it lasted for about 12 days, it stopped and then started back 2 days later. This time I was changing my tampon every 30-40 minutes, and have many blood clots, and let's not talk about the pain. I called my doctor and he told me not to worry and to come in the next morning, well I was honkerblonked. My girlfriend gave me the name of her doctor and when I called him, they took me the same day. I took a copy of all my test results and he read them, he then examined me, which was very painful. After this he read the results again, and told me that I have Endometriosis, and he showed me where it said that on the results, but I couldn't understand why the prior doctors didn't tell me this. He said that the mass that I have on the right side of my Uterus was a very thick layer of blood, and that my blood was not in my Uterus, but it was forming on the outside of my Uterus, and that's why I was in so much pain, and had some much bleeding, and clots. He then told me that at this time he had to do a Hysterectomy, but that he would only remove the Uterus and leave the Ovaries, because it would throw me into menopause. At this time I am so releaved, because he sat me down and really explained everything to me, he drew a picture to show me what is happening to my Uterus, and he was so very patient. He prescribed me some Iron pills because with so much bleeding my iron was very low. He took some blood tests and I have to go back to him next week, and then he will do the operation.

At this time with all the pain that I am going through, I am ready for the operation. My pain not only comes with my period, but I am in pain every single day now. I really need to know what to expect before the surgery, how long I will be in the hospital, and what to expect afterwards. I know that he will tell me everything, but I would love to hear this from a couple of females that have been through this before. Sorry for making the story so long, but I had to make sure everyone understood everything. I am a bit scared, but a female has to do what she has to. This is very strange because I have been going through this for so long, I am happy to find out what is really wrong with me. I am so tired of popping pain pills, that I didn't even ask him for anymore, but how bad will I need them afterwards? Any help will do, ladies. Holla!

I can't give you any advise or answers because I'm still one of the ladies in waiting for a hyst sometime in the next month or two, but I do have endo and can tell you that it is a very mysterious thing. Nobody knows why we have it we just do.
If you'll do a search on endo you will find lots of threads about it.
If you look through the pre-op and post-op hints there is a ton of information and I am sure that you will find plenty of sisters here willing to give you answers, support and lend a helpful hand or in this case an ear.
I hope everything goes well for you and you start to feel better soon and are on a good road to recovery.

What kind of hysterectomy are you having? vaginal or abdominal? It makes a difference in what goes on during surgery and your recovery. With it being endo. it probably will be abdominal?

Donna

Well Donna, I really don't know as of yet what type of surgery he is planning on doing, I was told to come back next friday when all the test results come back, so I guess that he will let me know then. Is there a big difference in the type of surgeries?

I am having a LAVH (laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy). Which means I will have 2 or 3 small cuts on my abdomen for a small a laparoscope to be put in so the dr. can see, then they will take my uterus and cervix out through the vagina. My problem is prolapses with possible adnemoyosis and pelvic congestion. My dr. will also repair my anterior and posterior wall after tacking back up my bladder. I don't think you have to worry about those things since yours sounds like endo. Some women have a vaginal hysterectomy, which means they take everything out of the vagina without the use of a laparoscope. If you have an abdominal hysterectomy they go through the abdomen. It's just takes a little longer to recovery because of the incision. The only difference is the incision. They still do all the same stuff inside. I think the reason they go with a abdomen incision with endo. is because they can get a better view in there and make sure they get it all. Like you, I am just learning as I go. I have read a lot of stuff on here and it has helped me a lot. Your dr. will probably tell you on Friday. I hope all goes well for you. This is really the best place to find answers to your questions day or night.

Take care,
Donna