Scheduling a hysterectomy

I recently found out that i have lynch syndrome. My doctor wants me to have a hysterectomy along with the removal of my ovaries. I'm scared. I've never had a serious surgery before. I'm also mad. I know that I'm kinda old, but i wanted that chance to have a baby. Now it's gone. I'm worried about menopause and how that's going to effect me. I'm already tired all the time. I'm just scared of the whole thing. How is my fiance going to handle this? He has to take care of me after the operation.

Im in surgical menopause age 39 and so far im doing fine i dont really feel any different. If your risk of ovarian cancer is increased which is the only cause for having the ovaries removed, I would get a 2nd opinion. I would have kept my ovaries if it was an option for me.

Hi sweetz72 -

I am sorry about your diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome, which means your risks of certain cancers are much higher. That is a difficult pill to swallow.

All of your feelings, fears, emotions, and anxieties are completely normal. It is so hard to lose your uterus (and cervix, tubes and ovaries), something that made its presence known to you for decades. Something that could of housed your babies. And now all of that is being taken from you by force. Of course you are sad, of course you are upset. I mourned the same loss. I felt less feminine and empty inside. The intensity of these feelings diminished with time, but they can still return from time to time. We also have a forum for mourning this loss called Aching Hearts which you are welcome to visit.

Talk to your doctor about what options you have with HRT given your diagnosis. You may not be able to take it, but you may be able to use other substitutes: 7 Tips for Managing Surgical Menopause Without HRT

Having a hysterectomy is MAJOR SURGERY. You really need to think in terms of weeks and not days for recovery. You will need help from your fiance with cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, shopping, driving, etc. Have your fiance read the following: Mister HysterSister . It will help him understand how to help and what you are up against.

Just know that you are not alone in any of this. We are here for you and will be by your side throughout this process.

I'm sorry for the diagnosis and I wish you the best as you decide what to do.