Iffy on removing ovaries, vaginal or abdominal.

I'm scheduled for a total hyst on August 18th, and I have a couple of decisions to make. One, whether or not to leave the ovaries, and whether to try for a vaginal removal or go ahead with abdominal. Removal was my first choice. I'm 48 so both my gyn and my primary doc think that it's a reasonable decision, especially since my hormones being whacky seem to contribute to my heart pvc's. But, I've read all the horror stories from having them removed, so that's got me wondering. My grandmother had uterine cancer that spread all into her abdomin and I had a LEEP procedure a few years ago for abnormal cervical cells, so I lean toward taking it all out. On the type of surgery, my gyn feels he can do it vaginally (I have fibroids, though not terribly large), but there's the chance he'll start, find he can't and have to switch to abdominal. Vaginal supposedly heals faster, but abdominal makes it easier to see. Plus, I'm just plain nervous about it all. I'd really appreciate any input. Thanks!!!

It's okay to iffy about all of this. I am only 38 years old, never had any children. It's scary and as women (human beings) we all tend to worry about things we don't have control over. Control is an illusion. Just keep researching but not too much. I know the more I researched before my surgery the more nervous I got that the day before my surgery I took a sleeping pill so I would be well rested. I imagined what it would be like getting around the house. I took all the vitamin supplements weeks before my surgery. I know it's a scary and life altering change. I prayed a lot by myself and with others. I also researched my gyno and his record of surgeries. There's a lot better techiques and technology out there these days. Trust in your doc and God and you will make it through this. Also Talk to your family and friends about your fears. It helps to have a good support group not only on here but in your day to day life outside of the computer world. And let me know how you are getting along. I will be praying for you to find the answers you want not only tonight, but the day of your surgery. My surgery was June 30th 2008.

I would have it all taken out. I have a severe endo, I am only 25 y/o but I already have two kids so that helped with my decision. As well as a STRONG family history of cancer. I thought I can have this all taken out now, or sit around and wait in fear. No way, I am having a TAH/BSO, I am even having my apendix taken out! My Dr and me decided on doing it abdominally because it is easier for him to see to take all the endo out. My former boss had a vaginal hyst on a friday and on Monday she was back at work! We were all shocked when she walked in because she was suppose to be out for sx weeks, but she said she was fine. I wouldnt recommend that though, at all. Towards the end of the week she looked rough. I dont know what to tell you about which way to have the surgery I guess you just have to find the right one for you. For me abdominally is the only way to make 100% sure everything is removed. Oh about the ovaries, with your history of cancer, that would be the first thing I would get rid off. Ovarian cancer is hard to detect, and usually isnt found until it is terminal, I wouldnt mess around with that, I told my DR., if there is a fire and we have to evacuate, pull out the ovay's first, then we leave. LOL!

I was originally scheduled for a lap, but as soon as he got a look, he immediately swithched to abdominal (I knew this was a possibility going in). My uterus was entirely too big for lap or vag. He also got ovaries and tubes, but he did leave my cervix. As far as recovery, a little rough in the beginning, but each day got better. Just follow discharge instruction. Good Luck

Thank you all so much for the input, it has helped tremendously! Ovaries are going for sure! I had surgery four years ago for thyroid cancer, and I have to admit, I researched so much before it that I scared myself silly. I'll take the advice to research, but not too much this time.

Thank you ladies! I will most definately keep up with the different forums and stay in touch on this site. I am so glad that I found it. I wish you all well on your upcoming sugeries and your recoveries!