About to schedule TAH

Hello everyone. I am 35 years old and my primary physician recently referred me to an OB/GYN who has recommended TAH due to fibroids that cause heavy bleeding and severe cramps during that-time-of-the-month. I had hoped that when I went to see the OB/GYN that he would recommend a hysterctomy, but now that he has made the recommendation and filled me in on how long the recovery period can be, I am just a little apprehensive.

I was first diagnosed with fibroids when I was pregnant with my youngest child, who is now 8. Over the years the symptoms they cause have gotten progressively more unbearable to the point that I simply can't function for the first two days of my period each month.

I don't have a surgery date as of yet, but the OB/GYN said it would probably be in late March. I go back to see him on 2/23 and he said we should have a date by then.

Anyway, the OB/GYN said he would do TAH vs. TVH because my uterus is a little high and because I have had 3 c-sections it just makes more sense to go in through my old incisions. I don't know if I should try to push for a TVH instead of the TAH, in order to reduce recovery time. Any advice about which is more desirable?

I am also a little worried about being entirely knocked out during surgery. Does anyone know if it is possible to have an epidural instead of being completely unconscious? If it is possible, I'd be interested in hearing about pros and cons of both options.

I am also not sure about the whole cervix removal. The Dr. said he would take the uterus and cervix. Is there anyone here who has had their cervix taken out and regretted it?

Sorry if I am asking too many questions. I want to know as much as I can before I go talk to the Dr. again next week.

My problem sounds similar to yours in that I bleed for 2 weeks or more. I had a D&C in Dec but the period came back 2-1-5 for 2 weeks but finally stopped. The doctor said my next step is Provera (a pill) that could either help or make worse the problem. I will call him at my next period and go on that. You can only use it 3-4 months though. The ulitmate relief for my fibroids (3) and heavy bleeding is a complete hysterectomy. Mine would be abdominally because my uterus is enlarged to the point it could not be vaginally and while he is doing that it would be a complete hysterectomy so the fear of ovarian cancer isnt there down the rode. But this means insant menopause!!! So there is always good with the bad. I am not planning anymore kids (at 46 of course!!!) so I dont have a problem with the "H" but the recovery is long as you said. But think of it as a mini-vacation where you dont have to do anything but lay around and catch up on things. If I have mine it will probably be closer to summer to give the Provera a chance to work. My sister went on it and it worked for her. We have similar problems but she is also 8 years older than me. I hope this answers some of your questions. EMail me if you need to.
Betty

Hi There ~

Our stories are similar. I too was diagnosed with fibroids during my first pregnancy 14 years ago. Over the years the fibroids got worse, causing heavy periods, and eventually making work or socializing impossible during the two heavy days. I would have to stay home. I became anemic, hence the TAH I had 13 days ago.

I had a TAH and am recovering great, no problems. The recovery has been fine. Due to the size of my uterus and the multiple fibroids, TAH was the only option for me.

I also did not know about cervix removal, but after talking to my doctor/surgeon at length, I decided to remove it. I feel good and have no regrets as of now.

Like you, I was very concerned about being completely knocked out during surgery. However, my anesthesiologist called me the night before, reassured me, explained everything to me, and I was no longer afraid. They have it down to a science and monitor you very closely. I truly believe there is nothing to fear, they know what they are doing.

Ask all your questions, and pick the brains of the Hyster Sisters here. We are happy to help! Write your questions down for the doctor. I did that and brought it to my pre-op.

I am thrilled to no longer have these heavy, gushing periods, and you will be too. No regrets! I look forward to living the next phase of my life, possibly in WHITE PANTS!... and you will too!

My best to you ~

Nora

Nora,
According to your profile, you kept your ovaries. Then you didnt have a total abdominal hysterectomy, did you? I think TAH is if everything is out. If I have a hysterectomy, my doctor said the ovaries will go also, so no threat of any cancer down the road. But it also means instant menopause and you may need to be treated for that.

Thanks!!!

Hi Grannie B ~

A total hysterectomy is when the uterus and cervix are both removed. If you keep your cervix, then it is referred to as a partial. Removing the ovaries is another procedure altogether, and is referred to as a BSO, or Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy (spelling?). Since my cervix was taken out along with the uterus, I had a TAH, but kept my ovaries. Confusing, huh? Most people think a "partial" refers to keeping the ovaries, but it refers to keeping the cervix. Ah, the things we learn...

I kept my ovaries since I am 42, have no history of cancers in my family, etc. My doctor gave me a choice.

Ok, hope this made sense!

Nora

ok got it. I didnt know that but then I wll have a complete, complete hysterectomy!!!!! hehehe cuz I will have it all out.
Thanks

I had a TAH on Feb. 4 for the same reason --- giant fibroids that made it impossible to have a TVH. In terms of anesthesia, I had an epidural for my hyst and I highly recommend it. Two years ago, I had surgery and had general anesthesia. I found the after-effects to be horrible ---- I just felt like I couldn't get myself together for 3-4 days post-op. My brain felt addled, I couldn't concentrate enough to read and felt completely exhausted. So this time, I asked the doctor and anesthesiologist about an epidural and they were fine with it. I actually had a spinal for the surgery and an epidural for post-op pain relief. They give you versid (sp?) so that you are in twilight sleep for the insertion of the epidural and for most of the surgery. It was great --- I was wide awake in the recovery room, talking, laughing, and feeling like me! By the time I got to my own room, I was feeling so good that I called friends and family and had wonderful conversations --- they were all so glad to hear from me directly. My DH brought my DD (9 years old) to see me and I was so glad that I was looking and acting like the mommy she knows --- not out of it at all. The next morning, I told the dr. I wanted the catheter and epidural out --- I was ready to take a walk and a shower! Dr. told me he thought I was too ambitious, but granted my wishes and I was up and around within minutes of it all being removed. Was doing laps around the nurses station --- they were amazed. I ended up getting out of the hospital after 2 nights, instead of 3 and I truly believe that it is because I chose to have that epidural instead of general anesthesia.

I had a TAH on the 24 of Jan. so far so good cannot tell any difference I thought i would go into menopause but i have not had any systems yet!!! I think everyone is very different so my DR. said no hrt until i need and she said i would know when i need it?? I was very afraid of anesthesia too but i have to say waiting and thinking about it was the worst part,I woke up in the o.r. room (everything was all done) the dr.was talking to me, only put in recovery for about 15 min. they asked about my pain which i have to say was more like pressure for me then off to my room, i also had fibroids and an enlarged uterus so it had to be a TAH-- but again everyone is different but that is my story, and i stayed for two nights and went home in the morning on the 3rd day e-mail if you want to ask any more good luck I know it is a very hard thing to go thur!!!! Maira