Did you get a second opinion?

I had wanted a hysterectomy for 23 years after my diagnosis of endometriosis, so the minute it was mentioned that I had adenomyosis and that hysterectomy was the normal course of treatment, it was hard to not get up and do a happy dance. FINALLY!

My GYN and PCP both pretty much were in agreement that a hysterectomy was needed for my level of pain, so I felt I had enough opinions on the matter when I saw the surgeon. I was even more delighted when the surgeon was so agreeable about taking my right ovary.

I don't normally have such wonderful luck and great doctors, but now that I have a great doctor, I'm keeping her. Though I had planned on moving to Florida, I might have to stay here in the 'burgh because she and the specialists she refers me to are awesome!

Technically no, but kind of yes, too. I was diagnosed with fibroids 3 years ago, living in another state (I was 42), finishing a professional degree program. Lots of smaller ones, and one large pedunculated fibroid which was the size of an orange at the time. My doctor said "hysterectomy" right off, but referred me to a gynecologist. Gynecologist said hysterectomy wasn't necessary as I was asymptomatic, talked with me about other options, but we decided to wait... and then I got a job in another state. Moved to my current location knowing that Something Might Happen, got a reference to a gynecologist/surgeon specializing in fibroids, minimal intervention.

Fast forward, rushed by friend to ER w/immobilizing pain and fever, fearing appendicitis. Hospitalized for several days, male surgeons (not very sensitive!) saying it had to come out, scary, insensitive.

Finally got to gynecologist who did ultrasound, said pedunc fibroid now the size of my HEAD and likely necrotic. Unclear whether ovaries will make it. Others have grown significantly as well. Uterus is very large. I'm not in immobilizing pain now (Aleve!) but don't want to risk another reaction (seemed related to IBS). Gynecologist said we were out of options, and given her reputation for minimal intervention, I believe her. I can't say I'm thrilled about the whole thing, but I *am* tired of having this hanging over my head.

I wouldn't characterize my experience as a second opinion, per se -- more like an escalation up the ladder of expertise.

First port of call was my GP, who has a special interest in women's health, and he ruled out some of the things like ovarian cysts, diverticulitis, and hernia.

Next I was referred to an OB/GYN who did a laparoscopy to diagnose and excise the endometriosis lesions. However, he did note at the time that there was a lot of "deep" endo that either couldn't be accessed or which he didn't have the skills to remove himself. The two periods I had following the lap were horrendous (worse, actually, than my periods pre-lap) and I'm now coming to the end of a 6-month course of Zoladex. While the Zoladex has stopped my periods (and thus the pain that accompanied it), the pelvic pain I was experiencing at other times of the month (which was what triggered all these investigations in the first place) is still there.

Next step: on to a gynaecologist who does nothing but complex endo cases and who's one of the best in the country. He diagnosed me with probable adenomyosis and characterized my endo as "severe" and "extensive" (which actually made me burst into tears of JOY, believe it or not -- my pain had a REAL CAUSE!). He's recommending a hysterectomy for the adenoymosis and will be excising the deep endometriosis at the same time. He suspects I have bowel endo so there will be a colorectal surgeon present as well (coincidentally, the surgeon who took out my appendix 10 years ago).

My original GYN was moving very slow while my anemia (and periods) wasn't getting better. After colonoscopy, endoscopy and D&C, I decided to change docs.

I knew that I wanted a hysterectomy, and that it was the right choice for me. The first doctor was soft spoken, and she didnt seem very confident. I went to another doctor that was very confident, and that made me feel a lot more relaxed. She also had a lot more experience than the first doctor. I am so glad that I chose her and that I had the procedure.

My surgeon made me feel so comfortable. That was a big factor in me deciding to go forward with her. I am also glad she performed my surgery.

I got a second opinon, which was the same as my original response. Glad I did though, it gave me peace of mind that I am doing what is necessary

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Kathy At HysterSisters.com we encourage all women to get a second (and third!) opinion when they've been told they need a hysterectomy. We know that often, that isnt a consideration. Please vote in the poll, sharing in response if you got a second opinion or not!

No i didnt i trusted my doctor

In my case i had no choice my endo was really bad and i hadnt felt good for yrs doc said i had it for at least 20 yrs since i was a teenager so i felt i didnt need a second opinion but i did think about getting one but i really didnt have the money now i did have the option of trying some meds but i decided to just get it over with good thing cause it was on my intestines also.

That poll needs to have an option to click if you didn't WANT a second opinion. I've wanted a hysterectomy for years. I didn't need or want a second opinion. Without the option to say tht you did/did not want a second opinion, it sorta makes it look like you're supposed to get one. We're not *all* angsty about the freedom the surgery is going to provide!

I actually saw a specialist first! It's a long story how that happened but once I put all the pieces of the puzzle together I immediately made an appointment with my gyn. He confirmed all of the specialist findings and was the one who suggested I have the hysterectomy as well as the other surgeries the specialist wanted to do. He discussed it with my urogyn and they agreed it would be best. Best second opinion ever; I would recommend the second every time.