keep or remove cervix

Hi. I'm new to this site. I'm scheduled for an abdominal hysterectomy on 4/4/05 due to fibroids and I'm terrified because I've never been in the hospital before and never been cut open. I'm 40 and have no children. I've always wanted children but it just didn't know because I didn't meet Mr. Right until 38. We have been married for 4 months. My husband already has 3 grow kids and had a vasectomy 14 years ago, so no more kids for him. I did have two laser surgeries for fibroids (1997 and 2000). The fibroids grew back again and are large. I know a hysterectomy is the only way to stop the fibroids from growing back. I think I'm having a hard time with this because it's so final. What I now need to decide to whether or not to keep my cervix. I've been told I really don't need it and that it is best that it be removed. I think the thing that worries me the most if I have my cervix removed is that sex will feel different. I've only been married 4 months so we're still newlyweds if you know what I mean. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks alot.

Hi butterfly64 -
Check out the post-op message board. There are a few new posts describing "first time" after hysterectomy. Very reassuring to me, and hopefully will help you too!

LL

Hi Butterfly64.

Here is a very recent thread on keeping the cervix or not. I actually posted on it also. Very informative replies from several Hyster Sisters. Please check it out.

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...hreadid=192011

Best wishes. The decision to keep-or-not keep the cervix is very personal. Since I was a candidate, I am very glad I did.

Mary

Hi..! I'm 40 also (no children)...and am scheduled for an SAH at the end of April...I read as much as I could (and this site was so very very helpful) about keeping my cervix...and I decided to keep it. My thought was if it's healthy (no abnormal paps) then why get rid of it? Of course, I'm fully aware that if the doc finds something when she gets in there she may have to remove it, but my wishes are to keep it and my gyn thought it was a good idea and explained why. As historylady said, there are LOTS of good threads on here about this very subject.

Best wishes to you,