Scheduling surgery, scared -- Anemia question

Hello ladies!

I saw my GYN about 4 mo's ago for mid cycle spotting, crampy periods and Anemia. I also had Endometriosis back in 2000 and had a Laporoscopy to have it removed. I feel that it may be back but I haven't done another Lap to check and my dr tried to put me on Bcp's to control my periods and Anemia but I couldn't handle the side effects so he said my only option is a hysterectomy. He told me the ball was in my court and when I was ready, I can call and schedule. Well, after another blood test last week, confirming Anemia again for the 2nd time in 6 mo's, I decided to call in to request a surgery appt. My mother had a Hysterectomy and told me I need to just get it done and I'll be soo much happier but I'm very worried about going through major surgery when I am not even sure if it's absolutely necessary! My OB said he saw my records from my Lap in 2000 and that I had pretty extensive Endo and that I am a candidate for a Hysterectomy. Has any one else had a Hysterectomy for Anemia and heavy periods? I feel like that's not a serious enough reason for one but I am also allergic to Sulfa med's therefore cannot take Iron pills to supplement my iron during my periods. I've tried the Gluconate tablets for iron but they give me daily diarrhea. So I'm not sure which way to turn. Any advice you guys can give me, would be greatly appreciative. Also, I forgot to mention that I have major allergies, seasonal, food, some med's and latex. I seem to find more and more things I am allergic to each month and I'm afraid I could have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic or meds they use on me.

Sorry for the ultra long post!
Blessings,
Robin

Have you had a second opinion recently about what might be best for you? You might want to consider consulting with an endometriosis specialist before making your final decision as an endo specialist could offer the best outcome with regard to the endo. Since a hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis you want it treated in the best manner possible with the most skilled surgeon to minimize as many future issues as possible. You also want to ask specific questions about the anemia to be sure that eliminating your periods will be the cure for the anemia. I do know there have been ladies on the site who had their hysterecomies because of extreme anemia issues. You might want to do a search with the Google tab at the upper right of the screen to read some of their threads. If you have specific endo questions you might want to pop over to our Endometriosis Support forum.

In the end you have to do what is best for you. Be aware that a hysterectomy is a major surgery and there are risks involved. You want to weigh all the pros and cons for you before making a final decision. Sending best wishes and S your way!

Hi Robin. I can tell you that I'm going to be having a hysterectomy for exactly the same reason as you. I bleed very heavily. I use pads *and* tampons together- in addition to all the ibuprofen I take to control my bleeding and cramps. I go through close to two boxes of tampons (super plus and regular) and about a half to a whole bag of pads (super longs w/wings) a month by myself. I can only imagine how much I would use if I didn't take so much ibuprofen! I'm always anemic. I've never been able to donate blood in my life because I'm always too low in iron. I am tired every day of the month and during my period, I'm easily double as tired as when I don't have it. And, my periods last minimum 8 days every month, but I have had 10-day-periods every month for at least the last 2-3 years, and the longest period I've had was 14 days. I think my periods are actually unbelievable! I have a friend who has 2 (two!) day periods and only uses the little carefree panty liners. She told me that one of those packages lasts her about 3 months!!!!!!!! The package costs her $1.08! So, she spends about .37 cents per month on her period and I spend approx. $12.00 per month- NOT INCLUDING what I spend for my daughter- who uses maybe half to 3/4 of what I use. I am taking iron pills- the kind that doesn't constipate.......but I still don't like them. I can't wait until the day I have no period ever again!!!!! I am miserable easily half of every month and am tired of it. Good luck with your decision. My mother also told me that I will wonder why I waited so long to have the hysterectomy.

Ateachersangel's mom is right! After years of heavy, heavy periods to the point of not wanting to leave the house, anemia, iron pills, etc., I had an LSH about three months ago. It was the best decision I ever made.

Now every time I pass the pads at the supermarket I just smile and think that I will never need those ever again. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I was just going to post a very similar question. I am a four time cancer survivor and have had 9 major surgeries in the past and many minor surgeries. I have had a year of chemo induced menopause with no symptoms other than utter relief and constant moods, ability to sleep, it was wonderful.

But, then my periods started again and for one year they were just really heavy and lasted 7-12 days. The last 8 months or so they have been not only sporadic but also extremely heavy, huge clots and have lasted more than 20+ days long. I am currently anemic and scheduled for hysterectomy on Friday! I have also been diagnosed with a fibroid which the ultrasound doc said would continue to persist with heavy bleeding...his recommendation was hyst.

I cannot take hormones of any kind due to previous cancers. My gyn did not think that any of the other surgical solutions would help for long and then I'd be right back where I am now...needing a hyst. However, I am still concerned about having another major surgery and also the side effects of the surgery that so many seem to have...menopausal symptoms, etc.

I keep hoping/praying that because my chemo induced menopausal state was so wonderful that if my ovaries (I'm keeping) shut down the experience will be the same. My doctor, of course, can't guarantee anything regarding meno. symptoms but feels that my ovaries will likely kick back in and continue for several more years (I'm 42).

Every time I had chemo they told me I would go into permanent menop. but every time the ovaries kicked back in. What would you do? Try to keep up with the anemia with iron supplements and continue to bleed? Take chances that my ovaries will just konk out and periods will cease early (due to all previous chemo?). Go ahead with the risks of hyst. and hope that I won't have symptoms worse than the bleeding/anemia?

I only have 2 more days to decide and I keep going back & forth in my mind? TIA