scared but happy to have found this web site

I am scheduled to have my surgery on January 5th, 2007. I have had 2 Laporoscopies for endometriosis (over the course of 15 years) and they have just found some fibroid tumors. The clotting and pain during the periods are horrible and there is scar tissue all around the bladder and uterus. This web site has been a godsend as I have begun my research. I also scared about the surgery. Going for the vaginal hysterectomy, leaving ovaries in, if possible, but Dr. says that he may have to make incisions other places if the scar tissue makes it hard to remove the uterus vaginally.

Here is my question: I have been reading about the post-op and time of recovery, which is very scary, BUT has anyone that has had a hysterectomy every regretted doing it and was it worth the pain of going through all the post-op and recovery?

Welcome to hystersisters, bscoulter1.

I am almost a year out, and I have no regrets. I am much healthier now, have lost almost 50 pounds...it's been a journey, but life is much better on this side.

Best to you,

blueeyedartist

12/29/2005 TVH/BSO for endo, ovarian cysts, hormone problems galore, migraines

Thank you for your relpy and thanks for your encouragement. I am thrilled to hear that life is much better post 1 year.
VERY happy to learn that you lost 50 pounds. In my research, weight gain after surgery seems to be a given. Can I ask how you were able to lose the weight and did you see a weight gain right after surgery?

Hi BS,
i dont really have any answers to your questions as i havent had mine yet i will have mine on the 2nd of January, but mine will be an abdominal as my largest fibroid is 10 cm now and my uterous is full...i have many and wont know the number till after surgery i am looking forward to knowing my number tho....i wanted so bad to have the vaginal hyster but my Doc says in my situation it is not possible as i am full up to my stomache....but i will tell you i had 2 aunts that both had vaginals and noone ever knew as they kept it to themselves until now as i have to go under the knife they both said they didnt have any problems and they wished that i could go this route.....but anyway i cant and i will deal.....i wish you luck and know we will be recovering about the same time so maybe see ya after here on the boards under post op....Take care....Huggs.

~Bayb

Hi Bayb,

Thanks for your info. I am happy to hear that your aunts didn't have problems. Our surgery is very close together so I will be thinking of you on that day and wishing the best outcome for you. Would l love to chat after on the post-op boards. Still very scared about the whole thing. Enjoy the holidays and hope to chat "after". Big Hugs. bscoulter1

I am not very far out yet, but I wouldn't have done anything differently. I have a had a good experience. Even with some complications, I still wouldn't trade what I've done and gone through for anything. To be done bleeding for the rest of my life- that is worth it!!! Good luck to you!

Kelly, Thank you for your reply. Good to know you would still do it all over again. I must say the prospect of never having to buy and use 3 jumbo boxes of tampons plus pads every month sounds pretty great! And no more clotting and getting my life back....wonderful! Thanks again and wishing you continued good recovery. bscoulter1

bscoulter1, our surgery is on the same day.
Even though I have lots of questions and some concerns, I would never consider not having this surgery.
My gyn thinks he will be able to do the LSH, but I am afraid that with 2 months of growing, the fibroids and/or my uterus are going to be too big and will end up with the TAH. I don't mind having the latter, other than being off work longer than expected, I would just like to know before hand.
I think once we get closer to the date, we will feel more confident, and I know once it is over and we have that first month of freedom, it will be well worth it.
Hang in there and keep posting!

Thanks for your note. I hope you are right that as it gets closer, I am not so scared. Will thinking of you as your surgery approaches. Take care.. bscoulter1

Hi, I was scheduled for a LAVH, but scar tissue had adhered my cervix to my bowel. I ended up with a SAH, keeping one ovary!
Recovery was longer with the SAH, but so worth it. Good Luck.