Trying to decide about a hysterectomy

Hello.
I'm fairly new here and have been reading so many posts.
I haven't been having bad periods (actually I've had NO period since March). I have lots of bulk symptoms though.
For those who have ended up having a hyst, how did it go and how are you now?
Do you regret it or are you pleased with your decision?
I'm trying to make "the decision" and I've gotten mixed information from 4 doctors.

Having mixed information from your doctors can definitely make things more confusing! Have you taken all the information from them and sat down and talked it all over with your GP? I have found that my GP can often help me sort through all the various info given by different doctors and then she can help me come up with a plan for me.

What have you been diagnosed with? That can help you make your decision, too. Are there options besides a hysterectomy you could consider? If so, my advice would be to strongly consider the least invasive option first. A hysterectomy is not a cure all for all gynecological issues and there are risks involved with the surgery.

Have you made a list of all the pros and cons for you for each doctor's recommendations? Looking at the lists might help you make your decision.

I can share with you that I was one who had a lot of complications with my hysterectomy that affected my life for many years down the road. I don't let myself think about whether or not I regret the surgery because I can't change the past. It was not a pleasant time in my life and it was hard on not only me but my entire family. And because a hysterectomy was not a cure for my condition (endometriosis), I have had to have more surgery since my hysterectomy. So I do urge you to carefully weigh your own pros and cons before making your final decision.

My goes out to you as you work through this decision process. It is a big one so take all the time you need to figure out what is right for you!

Thank you for your reply.
My regular OB was pushing me to have a hyst because my uterus is rather large and pressing on my bladder, causeing SI. He is concerned it could cause kidney damage. He said they "most likely "will shrink after menopause, but it is not guaranteed."

Long story short, although I do have insurance, I'm paying out of pocket for whatever procedure I end up having. So, I want to get it right.

I've read a lot about UFE and also meet with an IR who performs a lot of these. He recommended that I not consider one unless I'm having heavy bleeding. I'm no longer even having periods.

Myomectomy is a possibility, but I've read so many posts from women who ended up having a hysterectomy anyway.

I found a surgeon who can do an LSH on large uteri, but he does admit that he may not be able to save my cervix due to the location of the fibroids. He said "they will probably shrink after menopause, but slowly and probably only by 50%."

Another female doc said that since I'm clearly in the throes of perimenopause, I should wait another 6 months to see if I'm post menopausal and "they will definitely shrink, but it will take awhile. They won't grow."

Another doc in CA said "they may grow while you are perimenopausal, but they will definitely shrink after menopause." He and the other surgeon both said they had never heard of a patient having kidney damage from fibroids.

Hi XenaJada,

I was 46 when I had my hyst (LSH) for two large fibroids...and boy....fibroids are not fun. I agree. I am still very glad I went with my hyst.

A hyst for fibroids is generally an elective surgery...so as Weiser mentioned...that can make the decison making a little harder. Why have the surgery ??

In my case...it was because of my quality of life...or lack of. I was having pelvic pressure 24/7, bladder incontinence, no energy and my periods were getting heavier each month. I also had a window of opportunity to have a laparoscopic hyst, a less invasive surgery. My two Drs felt if I had done a wait-and-see...my fibroids most likely would have kept growing...and I would have only been a candidate for an abdominal hyst.

I got two opinions as mentioned...and both the Drs felt my fibroids would have grown back if I had chosen a myomectomy. I was past child bearing years so that helped in my decision to not choose a myomectomy.

I also looked at a UFE...and both my Drs. felt since my fibroids were large..the procedure most likely would not reduce my fibroids that much...and the procedure might be painful. Yeah...for me that was not a good option either.

I was also told my fibroids might shrink some with menopause...but that was my problem. At 46, my Drs. felt menopause might be too far out..and my fibroids would keep growing.

So...I can understand some of what you are going through. I agree with Weiser and you might make a *pro-and-con* list of what your different Drs. recommend.

In fairness...you sound like you are getting a number of opinions and doing your research. That is always a good thing to do.

In the end...just do what is *best* for you. That is what is most important. Drs. give us options...and we make the final decision when it comes to our bodies.

Best wishes~

Mary

Mary, I am exactly where you are (or were).. 46 yrs old, 2 fibroids, enlarged uterus. My doc suggested we do the LSH and I keep my ovaries and cervix. I am scheduled for a biopsy next week and will probably schedule my hysterectomy at that appointment. Every female in my family has HAD to have one in their late forties. It is not necessary for me at this point but quality of life is important and I don't want to be in a place of needing to have one.. Thanks for your response.. it has helped me.

Kathy

For: Sisterjane

Glad I could help !!

Yep...my two younger sisters also had hysts for fibroids. We are all estrogen dominant women !!

Sending best wishes~

Mary