I need help deciding what to do...

I am currently scheduled for a vaginal hysterectomy on June 28. Right now I feel fine and am wondering how bad is bad enough to have this surgery. I am 40 and done with kids so there is no sense in doing this half way. Last Oct/Nov I started bleeding after intercourse. Then the pain came. An ultrasound showed a tennis ball size fibroid. It ruptured and became necrotic...so the pain is diminished from what it was originally. There are smaller ones around it. My periods are painful, particularly a lot of heaviness in the days before I start. The last one was heavy for 3-4 days with spotting for another 5 afterwards. At least I didn't hurt as much for the last 5 days. I took a lot of ibuprofen.
My back hurts and my uterus is tilted backward. I'm wondering if this could be related to the constipation I've experienced in the last several years.
Am I just prolonging the inevitable? Am I being a whimp? Should I just tough it out and not risk surgery? My doctor is willing to do the surgery but ok with me just "watchful waiting" it out as well. Even though I don't want any more kids, this feels like such a BIG decision. HELP!

Dear Rainbow:

Here is a link to the fibroids section of our Resources Directory: http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...=browse&cid=26 and you can also get good info at 222.thefibroidplace.com

Perhaps you would be a candidate for a less-invasive procedure like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). A second or third medical opinion may being other ideas for you. Get smart about your symptoms and your options, and make the best choice for YOU. I am sending huge cyberhugs

Aside from the pain your periods sound fairly normal for a woman in her 40s. First few days very heavy and then spotting or light for the remainder. This is part of the aging process. I had a tipped uterus also. A girlfriend who shared this variation in position of uterus were discussing it one day. We both had the sensation of rectal pressure or sense of fullness around our periods. I think the nerves in that southern region must get confused. A good cure for constipation is Citracel or Metamucil daily. The tipped uterus does not cause constipation. But I am convinced that a cramping uterus in this location does result in some confusing symptoms.

You are not being a wimp. Hysterectomy is major surgery. Should not be done without a very good reason.

Hi
I would have to say that you may be prolonging the inevitable-- the doctor discovered my fibroid tumors when I was 30 years old and I didn't have them removed until now, 14 years later!!! I was terrified of surgery, and went to many different doctors. Most said that eventually I would have to have surgery, but when I found a dcotor who said, "why have surgery if they (the fibroids) are not causing any problems" I stuck with her. Once she said it was time for surgery, I knew I should listen. It sounds as though yours already are causing you problems so you may want to really consider the surgery. Trust me, I know how scary it is, but in my opinion, they will probably just continue to grow & cause you problems. On the other hand, do not rush into a surgery that you are not ready for mentally. You will naturally feel very scared, but you have to know inside yourself that you are making the right decision and no one else can make that for you!! Good luck in what ever you decide to do. I realize all I can give is my but hope it helps! zanylynn

Hi Rainbow,

I agree with what the ladies said. I too think it is a good idea to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. I got two opinions myself. Your direction can come down to your present ~quality of life~. If you can live with more painful periods and the constipation, then it is your decision. I know for me I had fast growing fibroids and if I had waited too long I would not have been a candidate for a less invasive hyst. If your Dr. feels a "wait and see" would work for now, and you feel comfortable with that, why not??

The decision making can be the hardest part. We Hyster Sisters are here to help if we can. Just remember that.

Best wishes,

Mary