My turn

Hi all,
I'm certainly new at this, although not young. I have been diagnosed with complex hyperplasia with atypia. Translation: precancerous cells. I am 64 years old. Most of what I have read so far seems to apply to pre-menopausal women. Anyone out there in my shoes?
I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on June 15th. He will also do a cystocele and rectocele repair.
My big question is he seemed to assume he would do an abdominal hysterectomy. I asked for a vaginal if possible. Now, I'm not so sure. I want to be sure he sees all he needs to see and removes all he needs to remove. Should I agree to the abdominal route?
Also, I assume because I am post-menopausal that the hormone issues won't be a problem for me. Any info on that?
I have a huge support system, so post-op care will not be an issue. Thanks God!
If anyone can offer some support, I would appreciate it.
Thanks! Racheljulia

i dont know the answers to your questions but i wanted to say hi and good luck

I had a hyst ( tah/bso ) almost 5 years ago for precancer. My dr said that to be sure he got everything checked out and didn't miss anything ( to help ensure no stray cancer or precancer cells ), he would do an abdominal bikini cut.
I also was post menopausal by 3 years. I was started on hrt (estrogen only ) the morning after my surgery. I still had some very unpleasant menopausal symptoms - much worse than my natural menopause had been. It got even out with some tweaking of the hrt dosage. I'm still taking it now. You might want to discuss it with your dr. My dr explained that the ovaries continue to produce after menopause but at a reduced level.

It's great to hear that you have a great support system. You can be royally pampered

S

Thanks a million for your help!!!! I'll do more reading on HRT>

Racheljulia,

I had my TAH/BSO for the same reason and had a bikini cut so he could look around and make sure he got it all. I would much rather have everything taken care of all at once - with only one "recovery" than to have any questions or face another surgery later.

I am 50 and was peri-mental prior to my surgery. Due to many health factors - one being a family history of Breast CA, the other being the Dx of complex hyperplasia with atypia - my doctor and I decided I should not take HRTs. I have done fine. No regrets.

Talk it over with your doctor - he knows you and your body and can help you make an educated decision.

Write down all your questions before your next vivist - so you don't forget anything. I also suggest you write down all your medications and doctors' names and phone numbers, in case someone needs to make a call for you during your recovery. My DH knows I take Rx, but does not know the doses or which doctor treats what ailment. I also typed up my medical history and took it with me for my doctor's visits and pre-admit visit. There is so much going on - you might forget something. I also gave DH a copy in case he needed it.

Just remember - this will soon be behind you. This site is the best! The sisters are so caring and will help you with your journey and recovery.

I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Beth

Bless you for writing! I already feel comforted by the support. God bless sisters!!!!!!!!!!!!!