first timer - surgery 3/7/05 help!

Hi, It is my first time on this sight. I am scheduled for surgery, a hysterectomy, on the 7th of March. My problems all started 5 to 7 years age with spotting before my period with an agonizing feeling of needing to have a period but it taking weeks to come. I complained to my GYN and he said I was not in menepause, there was nothing he could do. I changed doctors. Over the next 5 to 7 years I suffered with this until I quit having periods but was left with the pelvic pressure 24/7, no relief. I went through two other GYNs, now on the third and I am officially in "menepause." I am 49. I have delt with constant fatigue and depression. I am on the combi-patch. It has relieved some of the brain fog and depression, some, but not the physical symptoms. I was sent to a gastroentenologist for a pelvic cat scan and a colonoscopy because my GYN said I had irritable bowel. Presently, I determined that it was not my stomach but my female organs. something I have felt all along. My GYN scheduled me for a laproscopy but found out I had a tummy tuck and told me he would do it but he was not comfortable with going through the abdomen instead of the belly button (it means higher risk) and reccommended a hysterectomy because he thinks I will need one anyway. He came highly reccommended and is a well known surgeon in the area. I am in constant discomfort and my abdomen is swollen, I can't wear any of my pants. He is doing a hysteroscopy tomorrow to rule out uterian cancer. I have had a vaginal sonogram, but it showed nothing. I am so confused and upset and sick. If anyone can give any insight, I would be so grateful. I apologize for the this being so long. Thanks.

Have you ever had a diagnostic laproscopy? You need to find a doc who can give you a DX of some sort. Lost of things can mimic IBS such as endometriosis and adenomyosis a sonogram cannot DX endo or adeno.
Carrie

You have a buddy. I'm scheduled for the same day you are. I've been battling Dr's for the last few years about worsening cramps that I didn't used to have after I had my kids. (but I did have them very bad before kids) I've been thru so many BC pill scrips I've lost count. I was finally diagnosed with adeno after going to a new gyn.

I'm sorry you're having so much trouble

Samantha

I had symptoms very similar to yours with the period trying to come and never quite making it and feeling terrible. My Dr. did a diagnostic lap (I agree with the previous poster that this is what you need) and found endometriosis and a large fibroid that was not visible on the pelvic ultrasound. I recently had a LAVH and did not agonize much over this decision, however, I went into the surgery with the surgeon having a clear diagnosis and recommended course of action. Often they can't tell much without looking inside. In my case, to simplify matters, the diagnostic lap and hysterectomy were done at the same time. I gave consent ahead of time to take the uterus out if need be based on the results of the diagnostic lap. One ovary also had to go. Good luck with your decision!

Oh, I know the feeling so well! I have begged for a shot of anything to bring on a period. Two months ago, my breasts and abdomen were so distended I was in tears. God bless you and I'm rooting for you! I'm still in limbo re: surgery schedule, but am looking forward to it for a variety of reasons.