Just booked in to have Hyst

Hi,
I wrote in here some 18 mths ago. I am in advanced stages of Endo and aden and was told that I needed a Hyst. Got a 2nd opinion from an Endo specialist who agreed that was my only option. I have struggled emotionally since then, knowing how much better my life will be doesnt help. I have 3 beautiful children (13,11,8) and dont want any more but still I struggle. Well, lately the pain has been so bad I am almost vomiting, the bleeding after sex is life a mini heamerage (sorry cant spell it!) and I have a period every 2.5 weeks and flood. So you see I should be embracing the operation (my heart says no, my head says yes). So feeling like this I finally made the call, my very trusted GYno who has looked after me for 13 years retired so I have researched and picked a new gyno and booked in to have the surgery 16 Novemeber. So many mixed emotions!!!
I feel like crying but at the same time feel like rejoicing does anyone else feel like that?
Thank you for this wonderful website.
Helen

Hello Helen,
Deciding to have a hysterectomy is a big deal!! You have obviously considered and tried other options, put up with pain and being miserable and you are doing what you believe will make your life better.
I opted for a hysterectomy last November and had very similar feelings to you...each of us is different and unique and whilst I don't regret not now having those flooding episodes or period pain for 2 weeks a month, I do still have a sense, some days, that I have 'lost' a bit of me...other days I am glad..
I had lots of fibroids and endometriosis...I still have endometriosis...and the pain that goes with that, so be aware that your hysterectomy might not solve all of your discomfort (but it might, depending on how your surgery is done and where the endometriosis is).
Go easy on yourself...you are entitled to your emotions.

Take Care
Fred 1

Mixed emotions about this surgery are pretty normal!

I am so glad that you are finding help and support here on the site and do know that you are not alone!

I do want to ask: Since you have seen an endometriosis specialist, have you considered having surgery with him/her. You might have the best outcome if you are able to have surgery with an actual specialist. They key for treating endometriosis is removing all the endometriosis implants and not all doctors have the same skills in this area. My own GYN had to leave endo behind when I had my first lap and hysterectomy. Years later I had to have it excised by a specialist.

I wish you all the very best as you prepare for your upcoming surgery! Be sure to check out the Pre Op Section of the site and post any of pre op questions in that discussion forum!

Thanks so much for your reply.
We live 5 hours away from where the Endo specialist is, I know that I could have the best there but I suffer panic attacks and my family would not be there (3 small kids at school) to help me through what I know will be a tough time. I need my husband to help me emotionally.
The Dr I have choosen comes highly recommended (my friend is a mid wife here and she said they are all good but he is one step ahead with technology).
I have visited your pre-op site and printed out the Dr questions, some I would not have thought of but are very important. So thank you for that great area. I will ask him if he will exercise any remainder. Last lap showed the endo had not entered my tubes so hopefully it has not travelled out. I have had bowell troubles (they are attached to my uterus) so will also ask about that as well.
This site is such a wonderful resourch not to mention the support for my sometimes out of control emotions!!
Once again thank you
Helen

Helen

You have been blessed with 3 wonderful children. What you are going through on a regular basis is not normal. You have 2 doctors that are telling you that you need the surgury. I had it done a month ago and I don't regret the decision for a minute.

Maybe to help you deal with the emotional issues you should speak with a psychologist to help you. I think this will help you immensely. I had the support of my mother (retired nurse) and father who helped me every step of the way.

Thank you so much for your reply. I am so pleased you are doing well.
Now that I have booked it I am feeling a lot stronger emotionally. 6 months ago I would not have even thought to book it. I kept using the excuse when the shop sells i will have it done....I have emotionally blocked the sale of the shop so it would never have happened.
I need a few really bad periods between now and November to make me see sense, last time I called my best friend and told her how bad it was and for her to remind me of it when I get sad...and she does!!!
Was yours abdominal or vag? How has your recovery been?
Helen