How do I make the right decisions?

Hi everyone,

I have a LSH scheduled for 11/6 with my pre-op appt on 10/30 so I have to make some decisions soon. I am 44 years old and am really tired of feeling horrible and suffering from pain on a daily basis. My problems started with ovarian cysts and now I have uterine fibroids. My dr also says that I have classic symtoms of endometreosis but she hasn't said that I have endo. She wants to leave my cervix and my ovaries, if they're healthy. To make matters more difficult, I am self employed, so I do not have any health insurance. Knowing that I am going to pay $16,000 - $30,000 out of pocket, I need to be sure that I am doing the right thing for myself and my family. Part of me wants to have everything taken out but I understand that may not be the best option for myself. Does anyone have any suggestions?

i had an lsh leaving cervix and ovaries a year ago this month and my life is 100% better. i didnt have ovarian cysts or endometriosis though. if you do have endo, from what i understand, it can grow onto the cervix and ovaries. you dont want to go through a surgery, only to need another...especially with no insurance. it sounds like you really need a second opinion and also need to do a lot of research. keeping your ovaries, if they are healthy, is a wonderful option because you dont go into surgical menopause, but if you have problems with cysts and pain...what are the chances of the cysts returning? theres lots of questions you need to go over with your dr and hopefully with a second opinon doc.
as for the lsh...it was a very easy surgery to recover from and i recommend it to anyone that can have it. its an amazing surgery.

Hi Mcullis,

I had a LSH for fibroids and I am still very pleased I was a candidate for the surgery type.

I agree with Dressedupinblue and get a 2nd opinion if you can. I got (2) opinions myself. If endo and/or cysts are a consideration....really talk it over with your Dr. I agree with what Dressedupinblue said about endo and cysts possibly both reoccuring.

I did not have insurance either at the time of my hyst so I can understand your concerns about doing the right thing. Also, if you have not already...you might inquire about whether your Dr. and/or the hospital gives a discount if the surgery and your appointments are paid out of pocket...not by insurance. My Dr. offered me that and I had some savings.

In the end...do what is *best* for you. That is what is most important.

Sending best wishes,

Mary

It's right only if it's "right" for you. I had such heavy and constant bleeding that I wish I'd done it earlier. I feel so much better now. I can do things and plan things in a way I never could before. I'm not a "wait and see" type perso so I was glad they did it all at once. My only regret is that I hadn't done this sooner.

As for costs, you can ask the doctors and a hospital for a discount. However, keep in mind that they may want some or all up-front. I have insurance through work (with a major insurer) but, even then, the hospital tried to get me to give them a check for my deductible beforehand and I wouldn't do it (I knew I had money in the health account to pay for it).

My insurance paid "negotiated amounts" to the hospital that were usually about one-third of the billed amount. This was for a TAH/BSO with a 3-day hospital stay.

Good luck with whatever you decide.