Help I have lots of Questions

Hi, I am seeing my doctor next Thursday to talk about having a complete hysterectomy. I have had endometriosis for 23 years and cysts on my ovaries for 5 years. I've had laproscopic surgery 3 times where they burned off the endometriosis all three times and the third time found the cysts on my ovaries and drilled them. Nothing works, I was on the pill since I was 12. I've been very lucky to have 5 boys. Now I'm bleeding 25 days out of 30, the pain is unbearable. I don't know if this is the right decision. But I just don't know what else to do. They have tried several other treatments over the years, but the cysts and the endo keep coming back. I'm breastfeeding my 6 month old and I would like to know from people who are going through this, did you keep breastfeeding (pros and cons). Do you take HRT's while you are breast feeding? If not are you okay with not taking them? How is a hysterectomy (as far as pain and recovery) compared to a c-section? What are the skin changes I've heard about?

I have more, but that's enough for now. Please help me I have tons of questions.
Cindy

I was in the same boat your in with the endo and cysts.my did all the same steps you are going throw,then one day he said you need a hysterectomy 8/8/05 came too fast, i was scared to death if i was doing the right thing. as im 32 with my 2ed husband and he has no kids of his own and i wanted 1 with him.everyone i know said he has your 3 & he's happy with them.i had 3 c-sections and pain and recovery was all about the same,but no baby.but we all heel diffrenty.monday will be 6 weeks and i feel so much better no more pain but i do still get tired throw out the day.good luck and hope you are as happy as i am about the choice you make.

I've had so many questions and a lot of them were about recovery. I just don't know what to expect. It's nice to hear from someone that has just gone through this.

Thanks

HI Cindy

I do understand that there are many questions going through your mind. Much of the recovery time will depend on the type of hysterectomy you will have. I have never had a c-section so I do not have any experience in comparing the two surgeries.

I had an abdominal hysterectomy since I had endo. With endo It is recommended to have an abdominal surgery verses a vaginal surgery because the doctor needs to be able to visibly see the endo so they can remove it at the time of the hysterectomy. My recovery was 6 weeks off work, 3 weeks no driving or lifting and any household activities.

Here is a link to Hystersisters checkpoints. There should be some information in there that may help answer some of your questions.

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view.php?pg=chk

Also since you are dealing with endometriosis, you may find the endo resources helpful. There are a few more precautions that should be considered when you have a hysterectomy for endo in order to have a more successful outcome.

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...o=browse&cid=6

As far as the breast feeding and HRT, I am not sure about that either. You may want to discuss that with your doctor prior to making your decision.

Many doctors will not allow any form of estrogen for a period of time (usually 3-6 months) for women with endo. Depending on the time frame you are planning on breast feeding, this may not even be a concern if you are not allowed estrogen for awhile.

Take a look around the other forums that may help you with some of your concerns. The post-op forum may help answer some of your questions about recovery time and the pre-op forum may help with some concerns prior to having your surgery.

Best Wishes

	Quote:
Originally Posted by bfamily I'm breastfeeding my 6 month old and I would like to know from people who are going through this, did you keep breastfeeding (pros and cons). Do you take HRT's while you are breast feeding? If not are you okay with not taking them?

Hi Cindy:

Here is an article about breastfeeding after hyst: http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/hsarticle.php?id=97142 and you can also do a search of this website using the word breastfeeding.

I hope this info help

Thanks everyone for your help...I'll keep you posted.

bfamily,
You have found a wonderful source for information and support. I am a little older than you (I think) and had my 3rd baby 15 years ago. I too was blessed. Some of the best suggestions I received from the "sisters" and "hostesses" (they are also sisters) was make a list of questions for your doctor. Research your options. Weigh everything and if in doubt get a second opinion. Hysterectomy is Major Surgery. I would personally ask my doctor about the hormone issue. I am assuming that they will take your ovaries because of the cysts? I got to keep one and that was a wait and see. So I haven't had to take HRT. As far as recovery and pain level. Each one of us is different. My doctor said.....for 6 weeks....no work, no standing for prolonged periods, no vacumming, no lifting, no sex, no, no, no. She then extended me to 8 weeks. When she said no to those things she had valid reasons. I was encourgaged to walk and to begin to increase my activity level at about 2 weeks (I had some minor complications). The main thing she said was REST! And the sisters here also said REST! I was fortunate in that my DH was very loving and supportive (he still is most of the time) and my mother came everyday for 4 weeks to "babysit" me. I think it was a plot between DH and her to keep me from doing what my doctor said not to do. I was fortunate that I don't have babies or little ones to care for. I did miss my grandsons staying though. And at 4 weeks, I let them stay one at a time. I am 9 weeks post-op now. There are some excellent places on this site that talk about recovery and what to expect. The Check points were great. There are also lists here to get you started on what to ask your doctor. I never had a c-section but I have read here more than not.....it's not the same. And there are alternative routes of surgery that seem to heal faster. This is also something you might ask your doctor about.

Remember every one heals differently. Every one's pain level is different.

Hysterectomy is a major decision. I do understand about having years of problems. Mine were short compared to yours. Personally it was my best option. You will have to weigh that decision for yourself.

Blessings and 's
Theresa

Wow Theresa,

Thanks. I am 33. I am worried about doing this right now. But I'm also worried about waiting. I'm bleeding way to often and the pain makes it hard to care for my children. I get tired really easily. I just feel like I'm wearing down. I don't want to keep going the way I am. But I am worried about caring for my baby after I have the hysterectomy.

Thanks for the reply. I can use all the information that I can get.

Hi, I'm also new to this site and I'm scheduled to have a complete hyst in November. I've fought endo and cysts for 20 years. I was also diag. with ms 2 years ago. I'm very concerned about post surg and the effects it may have on my ms. I've also been on the pill for years and continue to get cysts. I'm so tired of the pain and feel that my quality of life could be better if all is removed. Hang in there!

Just a follow up. I had my hysterectomy and I am so glad that I did it. I feel so much better. I am still breastfeeding my baby (yea). I only have a slight problem with hot flashes and they aren't all the time. Just every once in a while.

I'm glad I did it. Thanks hystersisters for helping me with this decision.