Bleeding if cervix left?

I am so !!
I just read a post that said that you can still have periods after your hyst if the cervix is left. I didnt know this at all....any words of wisdom on this? Please give all info you can and shed some on this for me!!
My pre-op is tomorrow (9/11) and I would like some opinions on this before dh and myself speak to the

Thank you!!!

Hi Donna,

The cervix is actually a part of the uterus...literally, the "neck" of the uterus. So if you keep your cervix, you will still have some uterine lining that can "shed" if your ovaries remain to continue the hormonal cycles of menstruation. I've heard this referred to as "mini-periods" by some.

I see in your signature that you are having a TAH (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy). If you are indeed having a "total" hysterectomy, that means that the cervix is being taken out along with the rest of the uterus...the "total" uterus. Is this what your Dr. has scheduled for you? If so, the spotting will probably not be an issue with you once you're out of the early recovery period of 6-8 weeks.

When you see your Dr. tomorrow, make sure you're very clear on exactly what kind of hysterectomy you're having. When you leave your cervix in, that is a "sub-total" or "supra-cervical" hysterectomy, abbreviated "SAH". Not every Dr. performs this kind of hysterectomy.

My very best to you...

Thanks so much for the info Music Lady!
On the paperwork that my docs office faxed to me, it states TAH. I am still confused as to what the differences are.....some of the posters have said that they had a TAH but kept their cervix. Many even said it was an option!

I guess I just dont get all the abbreviations....but I am sure that the dr said TAH. We are going to ask what all is staying and what is going, that way we will know for sure!

Donna,

I have seen those posts too, occasionally, but not often. When a sister says she had a TAH but kept her cervix, she is mistaken. "Total" means ALL the uterus comes out, including the cervix. If a sister keeps her cervix, it is abbreviated "SAH".

Some sisters think that a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy means any hysterectomy where they open your abdomen to remove the uterus, but that's just not so. I've been here a year and must often clear up this misconception.

Another common misconception is that a "Total" hyst means that your ovaries and tubes go, too. Not true. There are other terms for the removal of other organs. Hysterectomy refers to the uterus only.

Neither do you always get a choice. A "sub-total", where you keep your cervix, can be a more specialized surgery as it's done less often, so not every GYN will do them. I'm sure your Dr. will help clear things up for you. Again, if you're getting a TAH, you will NOT be keeping your cervix.

My very best to you...

Linda

THanks so much Linda!! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!!!
I will post a reply to this after my preop tomorrow.