can't decide

I have TAH scheduled for March. I have several fibroids (one as big as 10cm). My doctor recommended a TAH. the fibroids are pressing on the bladder and causing me to urinate more often than normal and also pain when emptying the bladder. There is also some discomfort off and on in the abdominal area. Can't decide if I should proceed with the surgery.

Hi there,
Well, I can tell you that it's not an easy decision, but it is yours to make. I, too have numerous fbroids - causing my uterus to swell to almost the size of a 7 month pregnacy. Urinary problems, constipation, iron deficiency, heavy periods and migraines made it easy for me to opt for the TAH. I feel like they have taken over my body and have just wrecked havoc on my normal every day activities.

I suppose you have to weigh the odds. Are you able to continue as you are, with the added risk of them growing and causing more problems? Did he offer you any other options? Maybe a second opinion is in order? Whatever you decide, best wishes to you. You will find much information here that might help guide you to your decision.

Take care of yourself...!

hi,
I am scheduled for my TAH in march, I am alittle nervous but so far I am feeling ok. I agree with ItzAboutThyme, it is your choice but read though some of the articles on the web site and I hope and pray you will feel better about any choice you make. I have had heavy painful periods since my very first one at 14. I have been through at least 10 doctors telling me diffrent thing like once you have kids things will change, once you are on the pill things will change, as you get older things will change!! Well I am 44 things have not changed, they have gotten worse. So I am hoping and praying this will make the diffrence. I don't think my body can take much more.


Take Care!!!!!

Hi Diane - Welcome !

I struggled with the decision for 5 years, so don't feel like you're alone. I have numerous fibroids, my uterus is at the size of a 16 week pregnancy. I'm 45 and was 40 when a hysterectomy was first recommended. My periods have always been painful, but the pain was controlled by Midol (I pretty much live on the stuff !), and heavy - so heavy that I was pretty much under house arrest for the first 3 or 4 days of my period. I had flooding that lead to many many many embarrassments. But it was all "liveable" and I figured I could wait it out until menopause.
A couple of months ago I started bleeding vaginally after bowel movements - that was totally new, so I went back to my Gyn. Turns out I have polyps on my cervix (I've had them before) and we think thats the cause of the bleeding.
Over the past five years my periods have gotten heavier and longer - I bleed or spot 15 - 20 days out of every month. I've also started getting almost constant lower back pain when I sit. Liveable ? Yeah, probably. BUT, as I told my doctor, its about time for me to stop being held hostage by my uterus.
If I were closer to 50 or had premenopausal symptoms I might wait until menopause. But seeing the progression of the past five years and projecting that forward, I've decided its now time for the surgery. I've been kicking myself for NOT doing it five years ago, but hindsight is always 20/20. I'm looking forward to the days after my surgery and my "new life".
If you have doubts, and if there's no dire medical reason for the surgery then take your time to think about it. You don't need to rush, but on the other hand there's no reason to suffer needlessly as I've done for the past 5 years.
All the best