Freaking Out!!!!

Okay, as I was reading through the forums I read some really wonderful stories of success, some awsome helpful suggestions and advice; however, I also read some things that freaked me out!!!!! I just read that with a Hyst. your vagina is sewn (SOMEONE EXPLAIN PLEASE) Why is this done???? And the fear of losing any sexual desires and feelings. Okay, here's the thing. My marriage is hanging on a very thin string, my health is not the best due to this situation (by the way I am having the worst period ever since the biopsy and I still haven't heard from the doctor-too scared to call him), and I am dealing with two active teenagers. I pray that I don't lose the sexual desires!! That is the one thing in my relationship with my husband that is great at this moment. (I know we can not base our marriage on sex but I just don't want any changes in my body in that way). I am so scared about having to be put under. Okay ladies sorry about this but I just had to get it out!! I am very, very scared and confused with my life right now and like I said this is the first really awful period that I have ever had, the pain is bad and the bleeding is very heavy.

If you have your entire uterus with cervix removed, the surgeon creates a vaginal cuff at the top of the vagina to create a barrier between the outside of your body and the inside. You can read more about the vaginal cuff here: Vaginal Cuff -- What Is It?

Sexual dysfunction is a real side effect of a hysterectomy and oophorectomy so it does need to be considered. I can tell you that my sex life with my DH was not affected by my hyst but I did retain my ovaries and hormones play a part in our libido and response to sex.

As a side note, you may want to check out www.marriagebuilders.com and www.drphil.com. I am sure dealing with marital issues on top of being sick is very stressful for you.

Many people are scared to be put to sleep for surgery so you may want to discuss this issue with your doctor and see if there are suggestions, such as counseling, that might be benefitial for you.

I wish you all the best and hope you and your doctor can decide what is best for you. Be sure to ask your doctor all of your questions and seek a second opinion. S

Sorry to hear of all your stress, I know I was stressed when dealing with my pre-op stuff. I just wanted to encourage you to speak with your doctor. I was given the option to stay awake and only have essentially an epidural. I however didn't want to be awake and having had 3 knee surgeries prior, plus my wisdom teeth out all having been put under I felt like an "old pro" at it. really it is not a big deal more like a nice nap. But, I understand that it can be very frightening for some people and I don't mean to discount that. I have many other things that scared me, but I am getting side tracked.... I blame the pain meds lol. Anyway ask your doctor, you may not have to be put under. you might ask about some pain meds too. I would not have made it through the 3 weeks before my surgery without them. I had a cyst pushing on all my organs but extreme pain from a period can also be relived. wow I sound like drug pusher... I don't mean to be but I don't see adding pain to an already stressful time as necessary. As far as the sex drive goes I only lost the left ovary but am only 2 weeks post op and I am wishing I weren't so sore and I had my dr.'s clearance because I am very ready to get that part of my life back. I just want to encourage you to plan around the potential bad stuff but to expect the best. I believe that was one of my mistakes I tried to be thoroughly prepared for the worst (they thought I may have ovarian cancer) and when I woke up and they said that I was cancer free and the full biopsy confirmed it 3 days later I kind of didn't know how to deal with it. I hope that I was encouraging. Lots of hugs to you. The unknown is the worst.

Ladies, I would like to apologize to you for my emotional outbreak!! This whole thing is so very depressing to me and it really came at the worst time in my life!! (no time would really be right ). Thank you again for all that you do to encourage me and the other ladies!! I feel better emotionally today.

Just like you I was having the worst period of my life. I had a D & C, which did not help at all, it actually made things worse. I had to have an emergency hysterectomy 2 weeks after. The one big mistake I made was not following my doc's instructions to the letter. Now after 5 weeks I am still in alot of pain. I was very foolish, now I am doing exactly what the doc has told me. Some good news though, after everything I have been through I am already ready and wanting to have sex with my husband. But make no mistake, I will do so only when my doctor has cleared me. No matter how much I may want to before. Please do take care of yourself, you must do everything to ensure your recovery. Family and friends will be much needed and very much appreciated.

Sweetie, you don't need to apologize - it's what we're all here for.

Speaking for myself, the sexual desire has been greater since my TAH and being put under (I was like you, scared!) was much easier than I expected!

You will feel so much better afterwards that you'll be able to tackle everything else in your life with much more clarity. In the meantime, make yourself the biggest priority.

Hope everything works out for you.

I really feel better just hearing that I am not alone in this thing! Does anyone know how lond does it usually take to get the results from a Biopsy?? I called my doctor today (today makes exactly 1 week since the procedure) and received no response back. My baby sister (she is a nurse at an office the specializes in Cancer) said that no news is good news. But, I see it as being really mind consuming Oh well all I can do is wait. Thank you ladies for your encouraging words.

As a note to your original concern about sex drive loss, let me say I was very worried about that same thing. However, sex without pain ROCKS! I have no uterus, no ovaries and great sex. That is not every one's experience. But, just wanted to give you hope that there can be great sex after BSO. Remember, your brain is your largest sex organ.

Take care and keep us posted.

I just found out that the Biopsy showed that there was no cancer!!! I am so very excited about that. I am now waiting to see what is next!! Will they be able to successfully remove the cyst and fibroids (per doctor there are a lot) without removing my uterus?!! I really hope so because I don't really want to go through that, but if I must, I must!! I want to live a happy and healthy life without this constant pain. Thank you Michelle35, I really needed to hear that!!

When is your follow up with your doctor? Do you have a "what's next" visit scheduled?

No cancer is great news