myomectomy vs. hysterectomy

Going in for myomectomy (abdominal incision to remove fibroids)Have chosen this route in order to save my uterus and everything associated with a hysterectomy. I am 48 and not wanting more children but feel removing uterus will eventually affect ovaries and estrogen production. Can anyone tell me if this is the route they have chosen? Is the preceedure as safe or safer than hysterectomy? I know there is more blood loss in some cases. Thanks for the help
Kakki.

I'm having a myomectomy on Monday - although I was initially told by my doc that I'd need a hysterectomy. I'm a late bloomer - haven't even married yet - and would like to be able to have children if I do! So, myomectomy seems the perfect choice for me. I've still gotten great info here, as I guess the surgery/recovery is pretty similar except for not having to worry about the hormone stuff and w/o the benefit of no periods after - aw shucks!

Keep doing your research - and make sure you are comfortable with the best choice for you. There is just no way anyone else can make these kind of choices for you - everybody's circumstances are so different.