SAH kept ovaries & cervix 10/21/09

Hey ladies,

Just thought I'd reach out and sum up my overall experience that has led me to this point - 4 days post-op SAH at 36 years of age, no children, very happily married.

I'm an African American with a pretty athletic, health conscious background. Never obsessed with fitness/diet but definitely favored balance and natural remedies where possible. Since menstruation began I have NEVER been regular and always had pain.

Until I reached 20's and did research did I find out that these were not normal symptoms but it wasn't until I was married about 5-7 years that fibroid symptoms were added. Sporadic, heavy flow and huge swelling in belly around period. Gyn visits were conclusive but noone wanted to do anything due to my age and the fact that I had no children.

My husband had made a very serious and personal decision to remain childless and felt very bullied that this decision was delaying our healthcare options. At that time the myomectomy, removal of only the fibroids was becoming mainstream, but with little guarantee of permanence. Due to the type of my fibroids - deep in the heart of the uterus, it was always suggested that I manage it with birth control scrips.

Fast forward to 2006 when a transvag sonogram showed multiple fibroids, still the doctors resisted any major action. They suggested Lupron, scrips, etc. But, since my husband and I were relocating to West Africa the following year, I didn't want my health to hinge on meds that would only reach me thru post/shipment. Seemed too unpredictable to me.

In the past I was able to minimize progression by natural remedies, herbal supps, selective diet. Many things that helped were unavailable and impractical in our new African home . . . so symptoms worsened and I quickly became anemic and very limited in activities for several days a month, around my period.

Upon vacationing back in the US we made it priority to do checkups and exams and the same conclusions were reached only now my lower abdomen (below navel) was distended. When lying on back my upper to mid abs were tight but the lower felt like a firm mass was there. During my recent periods my stomach would swell up to where I appeared 6 mos. pregnant (ugh)

I guess since this go round I was 36 and still childless, the resolve of no child bearing was less of a determining factor. Finally the doctors I saw were able to separate my quality of life from the amount of children that I did or didn't have. So . .

In July had another sono which now showed a massive fibroid taking over my uterus - dr. advised hysterectomy. In August sought another opinion to be sure and because I was still hoping for vaginal instead of abdominal hyst. 2d opinion Yes to hyst but No to vaginal.

On Oct 21, this past Weds I had a supracervical abdominal hysterectomy preserving ovaries. Surgeon performed without any blood transfusion (per my request) only losing 250 cc. He was meticulous about keeping my bikini cut between the major threads of muscle so that my incision would heal quicker and tighter. Unfortunately the fibroid was a BEAST ( I have pics to prove it ) so the incision could not be the standard 5-6cm but more like 5-6 inches! Upon extraction the uterus looks more like a casing for the fibroid (which was about the size of a small canteloupe).

Now that I'm recovering and getting stronger everyday, I have no regrets! My childbearing status hasn't changed for me only my quality of life has. I was discharged from the hospital the next evening post-op and resumed all bathroom functions the next day after that. I have no dietary restrictions only the typical lifting/sex limits. I'm not fully relying on meds trying my best to endure the pain/discomfort except for the Motrin 600 mg I take to stay asleep all night.

My bedroom is upstairs at my sister's home and I slept there the first night home and I have gone up and down SLOWLY ever since. Having a bit of challenge getting in and out of bed on my own, but my husband is a PRINCE and a GEM who seems to have found the perfect balance between being my cheerleader and my arm of support at the same time.

This website which I stumbled on months ago (while still in Africa) has been invaluable. The experience and wealth of knowledge that others have shared has made me an educated patient and I hope to always be a content and proud HYSTERSISTERS. Gooooooo Girls.

Daun B.
SAH 10/21 and loving it.