Nagging Pain

Hi Sisters in Spirit,
Has anyone had nagging pain from abdominal to waistline area even if they are on low dose birth control? I am also dealing with pelvic pressure and pressure on the bladder and bowels and frequent nocturnal urination. I have enlarged uterus the size of an
8-10 week pregnancy and four 2 1/2 inch fibroids. I have had these fibroids in over the past 20 years and now they have increased in size to where I have chosen to have a complete hysterectomy (removal of ovaries, as well). I put off having surgery as long as possible due to my family and not wanting to face the inevitible. At 46, I feel it is bound to happen sooner or later, so let's get it over with. In my mid- 20's I had several D & C's for irregular periods and very painful periods. Doctor suspected I had endometrosis, but never suggested a laparoscopy to verify, he just continued birth control. Now I am going through peri-menopausal symptoms, night sweats, crying jags and the whole bit. I was finally put on Celexa and it works wonders for the depression and mood swings. I wouldn't discontinue for anything. I am just wondering if anyone has had the same symptoms. Thank you all for taking the time to give support and respond to each other's questions. Doctors don't know all the answers, because most aren't women, and can't possibly understand what is is to be a woman and still function with the many challenges we face.

Hi and welcome to Hystersisters! I'm glad you found us! It sounds like you are having some of the same problems I had. I don't recall having the abdomen to the waist pain that you described, but I did have bladder pressure and frequency of urination especially at night. I had a polyp and 3 large gumball size intramural fibroids that I'm sure were creating this pressure. Also low back aches. I don't regret having my hysterectomy.

Has your doctor told you that your ovaries are not healthy? If they are healthy you may want to consider keeping them. You may get some more use out of them in the next few years. I was almost 50 when I had my hysterectomy...my doc said my ovaries were not doing me a whole lot of good, but they were not unhealthy and he didn't see any reason to remove healthy ovaries. Your doctor may have a different opinion about this and I think it most prudent to discuss it thouroughly with him/her. Research all of your options and alternatives, get a second opinion and make the decision that is right for YOU.

Sending s!

Sherry