Making the decision

At 29 my OB suggested a hysterectomy due to my heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, horrific cramps, ovarian cysts, and lack of response to bc treatment. I wanted more children and managed to have one more after that. I have had periods that last 3 weeks, cramping that never goes away, painful ovulation, clotting, and a huge amount of the "ok" ovarian cysts. In the past, I tried every type of bc there was, have had numerous ultra sounds and almost had an ablasion done.. then chickened out! Here it is 7 years and 5 doctors later and more pain than I ever knew my body could experience. This past month has really made my life hell. I went to the Dr and she said my uterus was slightly enlarged. Then I had an ultra sound. Nothing on the uterus to explain why it's slightly enlarge, but found a cyst on my right ovarie that's about the size of a quarter. So, here I am... hearing, for what feels like the 100th time, that I really need to have a hysterectomy. And... I'm scared! I have cried and thought it out, and cried and thought it through. I'm still scared. I have been afraid of a negative impact on my life by having the surgery and the Dr had me tell her about the night before my appt. It wasn't a pleasant evening to say the least. She said that in comparison to what "could" happen and what already IS happeing, it can't be worse. So, I've decided I'm going to have the surgery. I go for my consultation on Monday. I have a list of questions I will ask the Dr. However, the fright is still there and I've not been able to find peace with my decision. My husband is supportive and I have a small circle of friends I'm hoping I can count on. Any suggestions? I've had numerous second opinions and they all can't believe I've waited as long as I have. I'm only 36 and scared of menopause! I'll have a my uterus and ovaries removed and have to take hormones now...

Hi. I'm 45, and just found out that I have fibroids and that they were causing my intermitten bleeding. My gyn was pretty firm that I needed a hysterectomy. I had a very negative visceral reaction because it doesn't feel like the right thing to do even though I'm done having kids. So I've been reading everything I can and am lining up a second opinion. I've done a lot of work but I still feel scared and confused and no closer to knowing what the right thing to do is.

When I was 29, I KNEW it wasn't the right thing for me. No doubts. Now that everything has gone on for as long as it has, I feel ready, but not exactly sure. I've had 5 Dr's tell me I should have it done... this past month has been unberable and made me do some soul searching. I THINK I want to have it done, but I'm still not 100% sure. I go on Monday for my consult. Discussion about the hysterectomy and other options for removal of the cyst. Still not sure about what to do. I know this sounds bad, but I almost wish the decision was out of my hands. I think my biggest fear is that I will regret it afterwards and have no one to blame but myself.

I am right there with you. Good luck Monday. I will also be seeing a doc on Monday. I found out that my current OBGYN won't do it lap or vaginally because I have had 2 c-sections, so ask about that as well.

Jeni

A lot of doctors say "laparoscopic" and mean laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. I had a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (leaving the cervix) and it was a breeze (as for recovery, time, etc) I had a friend (actually a hystersister) who has had several CSections, and I KNOW she had her oopherectomy and removal of adhesions done "laparoscopically" with the same surgeon (Atlanta) -- a more extensive procedure than mine, actually. I would see if you could find a very experienced doctor in lsh. I think it's very do-able.
Best of luck

Summertime...good luck today at your appointment!!

Jeni

Thanks! I'll get on line this evening and let you know how it went and what I've decided to do.

My DH and I went to my 4:00 appt only to find out there was a scheduling error. So, my appt has been changed to Thurs @ 1:45... **sigh** UGH! It's so frustrating! I've been online all day looking over this website and others trying to get as much info as possible before my appt. all for nothing. Well, I suppose it's not nothing. I've got some more time to think it all over and try to find a little peace of mind.

How was your appt today? Mine was postponed until Thurs due to scheduling error.