I Cancelled my hysterectomy

I'm not used to using this site so I didn't know where to put this. With kudos to HysterSisters, and to my daughter for finding it I became duly frightened about getting a hysterectomy. I have a prolapsed uterus. My doctor didn't correct me when I foolishly said "Oh, they (who's they?) probably won't put it back up since I'm 56. They'll probably do it for younger women" Was I thinking about the insurance company? I don't know. So we decided on a hysterectomy and to take out the ovaries since my father had colon cancer, died from lung cancer, and my mother died from metastasized breast cancer - and she said these cancers are cousins to ovarian cancer. When I read about these things on this site I realized I only need to get the uterus put back up. What's that called?

When I called my doctor I asked her "If my uterus was not prolapsed, would you still recommend I take out the uterus because of the ovaries?" and she said "No. " So I said "Can it be put back up?" and she said, "yes. but I don't do that" .

I ask you all - does that sound moral to you? she should have corrected my thinking AND told me she doesn't do that surgery. THANKS TO YOUR SITE I REALIZED I DON'T NEED OR WANT A HYSTERECTOMY!

I need to have my bladder and uterus 'put back up'. What are these called?

Thank you for the posts for well wishes from Bea well - I will do the surgery - I just don't know when I want to do it. I think I'll wait until its too cold out to bike. Its the only real exercise I do and I don't want to take it away from myself.

Hi sosad6. Can you see a different doctor for another opinion. I would have a hard time feeling comfortable having a surgery done by someone I didn't trust.

Good luck!

Sosad I had my bladder put back up with a sling 2 years ago but I had my uterus taken out last month because it was prolapsed. I also had heavy bleeding. Must say I feel better with it gone. Having the uterus gone is helping my bladder it is not pushing on it like it was before. Hope that makes sense. The surgery wasn't too bad it's the recovery sitting around that is the worst. Not lifting stuff is hard.
Everyone is different I kept my ovaries.

Find a gyn that specializes in prolapse. Ask the doofus you had to refer you.
A Pessary might be an option: "A vaginal ring pessary is a device that is similar to a diaphragm or cap. It is inserted into your vagina to hold the vaginal walls in place. Ring pessaries are usually made of latex (rubber) or silicone and come in different shapes and sizes.

Ring pessaries may be an option if your prolapse is more severe but you would prefer not to have surgery. A gynaecologist or a specialist nurse usually fits a pessary. The pessary will be removed every three to six months and replaced with a new one. "

I would google MD and PROLAPSE UTERUS with your city and see if you get any results.

Good luck and congrats on your decision!

Your doc should have given you ALL your options regardless of which ones she does.

Hello sosad6,

I am glad you are taking your time to make the decision about surgery. It is wise to do your research and feel confident about your surgeon's skill as well. Here is a link to an article on this site about pelvic floor prolapse http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_383607.htm

My recommendation to you is to get a second opinion appointment with a urogynecologist who specializes in pelvic floor repair. Research all methods of repair (mesh, slings, sutures) and alternative methods like pelvic floor PT prior to deciding on surgery.

Hey, please find an expert urogynecologist and get an appt. This may include some travel. I had a hysterectomy for a prolapsed uterus at age 41. It felt like a ping pong ball in there all the time. Who wants that? My regular GYN did the hyst and I felt great...for about two years. If you will cruise this site this is a common theme. Vaginal vault prolapse, cystocele, rectocele after a simple hyst. My world-class urogyn told me: "If a woman needs a hyst due to prolapse, (instead of cancer or excess bleeding, etc), it means that the tissues supporting those areas are damaged. All the repair work can be done at the same time. Yes, you can save the uterus, but that might increase your risk of the surgery not working. Not to scare you but I had five surgeries to make me good as new. I could have had less with more research on my part!!
I am not alone in this. You can google mesh surgeons or pelvic organ surgeons. Some have very good educational materials there. Good luck!!

Hi. Thanks for your feedback. What felt like a ping pong ball? What happens, what do you feel, when she put up the uterus and it fell down? What was accomplished in your five surgeries? What research did you not do enough of?

I had my uterus taken out and a sling and this fall I am going to do PT.
No one ever told me once you get the sling you can't lift anything over 10 pounds for the rest of your life or it could mess up the sling. I thought the ten pound thing was after surgery then later you could lift stuff. Nope no lifting over ten pounds forever.
I did have the prolapse repair to my bladder I forget the name of that surgery and that did help a lot. I use to feel intense pressure like I had to pee all the time and that really helped. Getting my uterus removed seems to improve my bladder so far. Everyone is different so talk to doctors and find out what is right for you.

I am sorry you were ill-informed about the lifting. I feel I was also uninformed about the range of ill-effects that can occur after a hysterectomy. All my 'sisters' here are so informative. I will continue doing stronger research.