TVH: Is this the right thing for Uterine Congestion Syndrome

I am newly 31 yrs. old and am scheduled for my surgery next Monday. I have Uterine Congestion Syndrome and have had bleeding almost every day for the past year. I have tried lots of medicines and different birth controls to try and reduce this with no luck. The more I read about post op issues it seems as though it could be just a trade off for new crappy problems. (vaginal dryness, lack of sex drive, painful intercourse etc.) Since I am only 31 my Dr. has suggested Lupron with Add back therapy, but the side effects seem horrible and it is only a temporary fix. Not to mention expensive. I feel like it's either taking my uterus or just deal with this daily bleeding. I have a wonderful husband that supports both options but I am totally being pulled in a million different directions and don't know what the right thing is. I know it is my decision, but this is by far the most difficult one I have ever been faced with. Anyone else feel this way?

Hi chelleshock to HysterSisters!

You are correct - a hysterectomy needs to be considered carefully, trying to balance all different health issues. You are young to be having this surgery.

You may wish to have other opinions about your condition, and if you have other options. You cannot undo this surgery once it is done.

Here is an article that may help: Hysterectomy for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Make the decision that is right for you.

Honestly, I'd seek a second opinion.

I have no idea what Uterine Congestion Syndrome is, but, is ablation an option?

At your age, if something less invasive is available, I'd probably try that first.

Cancel and get a second opinion. I thought pelvic congestion, meaning large varicose veins, occur for a reason such as fibroids or adeno, possibly even endo. You need to know what exactly is causing your pelvis to be congested. I'm not sure pelvic congestion is a diagnosis that can be confirmed until the uterus is removed. How did she conclude to this diagnosis? What is the basis to say your bleeding is from pelvic congestion? Does a congested pelvis bleed? I thought it restricted blood flows. I would want to know much more before a hysterectomy at age 31. You very well may be bleeding from the birth control pills. They can cause continuous bleeding in some women. And Lupron in my opinion is overkill. Way overkill!! This is a very harmful drug that weakens bones and puts you in menopause. It should only be taken for very short times and for very good reasons. It is typically used to shrink large fibroids which you don't have. Have you had a biopsy or an ultrasound? I personally would never allow a serious surgery with such a vague diagnosis. You are bleeding for a reason and you need to know why? I would cancel surgery tomorrow and would seek out the highest rated doctor in my area. I don't like how your doctor doles out serious medications and suggests serios surgeries without validation. Forget ablation too at least for now. There are doctors who "fish" for answers when they don't quite know. They try this, then that and ultimately decide at 31 they can do no more and offer you their last choice, a hysterectomy. I would cancel and find someone with more experience. Maybe you do need surgery and maybe there is another option.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by chelleshock I am newly 31 yrs. old and am scheduled for my surgery next Monday. I have Uterine Congestion Syndrome and have had bleeding almost every day for the past year. I have tried lots of medicines and different birth controls to try and reduce this with no luck. The more I read about post op issues it seems as though it could be just a trade off for new crappy problems. (vaginal dryness, lack of sex drive, painful intercourse etc.) Since I am only 31 my Dr. has suggested Lupron with Add back therapy, but the side effects seem horrible and it is only a temporary fix. Not to mention expensive. I feel like it's either taking my uterus or just deal with this daily bleeding. I have a wonderful husband that supports both options but I am totally being pulled in a million different directions and don't know what the right thing is. I know it is my decision, but this is by far the most difficult one I have ever been faced with. Anyone else feel this way?

Hi I have pelvic congestion syndrome and my LAVH is October 23rd. I did a bunch of stuff to rule out other issues first. I didn't feel like my dr was fishing for anything, just trying less invasive treatment first. My biggest symptoms that prompted me to seek help were daily right sided pelvic pain which varies in intensity throughout my cycle, frequent cramping feeling, and very painful periods. I feel like I have my period for a week or two before I get it. So my treatment path started with an ultrasound to rule out ovarian cyst, which I originally thought was the problem. Then physical therapy to rule out/treat pelvic floor dysfunction which gave me better orgasms but didn't fix my problem. Then on to a laparoscopy to look for endometriosis which I have, but only mildly. She only found a couple small areas to remove. No improvement in my symptoms. She did, however note that my ovarian veins looked engorged and sent me for a pelvic venogram with embolization. I had like 7 coils placed with that to block the ovarian vein, with little relief. This can be a very effective treatment for pelvic congestion, but it didn't work very well for me. Might be an option for you tho! I got a second opinion with a very reputable pelvic pain specialist after my gyn suggested hyster, the specialist agreed and said she thought I should also have the right ovary removed. That sealed the deal for me, although I am very afraid of this creating new issues or something going wrong or having recovery be a nightmare but I need to do something my quality of life sucks at this point. I am 29 years old. I do have 2 awesome kids. I would have loved to have more, but my husband was definitely done and I am happy with my family the way it is. Another pregnancy would be horrendously uncomfortable for me. The second was too, and pregnancy may have caused my PCS in the first place!! Good luck with your decision and maybe consider finding out if venogram with embolization is an option for you.