Having doubts

I am scheduled 5/27/03. I had a breast lump scare right after I saw the doctor and I decided on hysterectomy (TAH). My last period was 2/27/03. I had skipped 3 months although had a lot of irratic spotting, cramps and nausea during those 3 months. When I started on 2/27/03 it lasted 14 days. I went through about 1 bag of pads the first 3 days. I am having this because of heavy bleeding that is unexplained. I have tried hormones and had a D & C. The doctor suggested thermal ablation but because the D & C worked for only a year, I opted to go ahead and do the TAH. I am 50 years old. So far I have not started this month. I am having some cramping. Now I am wondering if I am going starting menapause and don't need this after all or it is anxiety. I opted for TAH because my insurance is getting worse after October.

Here is my dilema: Should I go ahead and have the hyst? or forget it because I am probably going to hit menapause soon? My gut is telling me to go ahead because this could go on for a few years.

Sgm,

You are only 50 some ladies go well into their late 50's before menapause. But you do have some time before October to decide what is right for you. Maybe get a second opinion. But I feel it is always best to go with your "gut" feelings.
Best wishes and a big

I pretty much have the same condition and have waited for three and 1/2 years for menopause. I am still waiting and have been advised even with menopause the fibroids will shrink but they will not go away. I go on 4/14 for a TAH and will be glad to get it over with and them (the fibroids) out of me. Best of luck to you on whatever you decide.

Hi sgm,

If you are having doubts, you should get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion before you have this surgery. It is important to feel confident in your decision. I had three opinions before I decided upon the hyst, and all three were very sure that I needed this surgery, as I had several issues going on. Also, I had a huge cyst that had to be taken out ASAP, so I didn't really have much time to think about it. Since, you seem to have some time to decide, I would try to get at least another opinion. Good luck to you, s

Marta

I agree that you should not have major surgery unless you are absolutely sure of your decision.

I had terrible periods - got heavier and heavier and more and more painful as I approached menopause. I kept thinking that menopause just HAD to be right around the corner. Guess what. My periods didn't end until I was almost 56 years old!!!! And THEN I had ovarian tumours, probably would have become cancerous, and had to have the whole shebang out after all!!

So you just don't know what the future will hold. But absolutely, do not have surgery without being very sure it's what is right for you!

Joselle

I agree with Marta,You know the ole saying"If when in doubt"I know youll make the right choice.

I am 49 and just went through a TAH/BSO 2 weeks ago because I was having heavy bleeding and erratic periods. I thought for sure I was just in peri-menopause or that my thyroid meds needed adjusted. Well, neither was the case according to the bloodwork that was done. I was given the choice of ablation or hyst because hormone therapy had not worked.

Personally, I chose hyst because of research I had done. This was definately affecting my quality of life and since I wasn't even near menopause yet, I didn't want to try to wait it out or to fool with trying ablation therapy.

I did however, get a second opinion, even though I had already made up my mind based on the first diagnosis.

For me, it couldn't happen fast enough. At 2 weeks post, my recovery has gone splendidly, I look and feel better than I have in a long time, and I actually was able to return to work part time (physically easy job) today. Yippee!!

ConnieW
TAH/BSO 3/24/2003 Cysts, Adenomyosis, Menorraghia

I am having less doubt than before after reading your post. I too had the blood test done and it said no menapause yet. The not knowing when to expect TOM and how bad it will be is giving me more grief than the hyst. It just seems funny that I have no cysts or anything else that I know of.

Yes, the unknown is uncomfortable for you. I can certainly understand that.

Just so you know. My Ultrasound only showed a small follicular cyst (no problem that is a normal cycle thing) and supposedly a large septated cyst that was bigger than my right ovary so they couldn't see my ovary.

My doctor didn't seem concerned even with the septated cyst and said it was that my ovaries weren't producing hormones correctly. I did not respond to progesterone therapy so therefore the choice of ablation or hyst. It was determined that I just had whacky ovaries.

I, on the otherhand, was scared to death of the cyst and that is why I sought a second opinion. I know from family experience that a septated cyst can be a danger sign.

When I actually had my surgery they did not find a septated cyst at all! I had 4 other types of cysts (2 were functional) the other 2 I have yet to determine just what they were but they were benign. Cyst of Morgagni was the path report tag. The pathology showed that I had adenomyosis, which really wasn't even suspected from prior exams or ultrasound. I really only had the symptom of heavy bleeding that is common to adenomyosis. The most likely culprit of my menorraghia was the adenomyosis from what I found out. Adenomyosis cannot be absolutely diagnosed until a hyst has been performed.

Ultra sounds don't show everything all the time and can't show some things.

I am surely not trying to persuade you to have a hyst, just trying to explain why it is hard to know what might be the cause of your problems. Indeed, you may truly want to have another exam and another UltraSound, perhaps at a different lab or have another expert read your films from your first ultrasound at least.

Take Care

ConnieW
TAH/BSO 3/24/2003 Cysts, Adenomyosis, Menorraghia