upcoming surgury

Hello.I'm new here.
I will be having a hysterectomy within the next month.I am scared and so confused about LOTS of things.
I have a Uterus that is 14 cm big (average 3 month pregnancy)
I have tried Provera and birth control pills with NO luck.I have been diagnosed as DUB (Disfunctional Uterine Bleeding),have a 3.5 cm cyst on my left ovary and have a family history of Ovarian and Cervical Cancer.I also have polyps in my Uterus and my Uterus is being taken over by scar tissue.I have atleast 2 periods a months, with them ranging from 7 to 10 days and severe cramping and clotting.
My Gyn has decided it is best for me to have the surgury.At first he said I'd have the LAVH and he'd leave the Ovaries and now he is saying I will most likely have the Abdominal one and everything will be removed.He is concerned that my uterus is to big to remove Vaginally.
I am concerned about the recovery time and the complications of the abdominal one.Can anyone help ease my concerns and worries?
Thanks so much.
I am waiting for my Pap results to see if I also have Displasia

Hi Tammy,

My 1st Dr. wanted to do a TAH (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy) due to the size of my fibroids. I had a 15 cm uterus with fibroids.

I got a 2nd opinion and he suggested (3) months of lupron shots to shrink my fibroids enough for a LSH, a less invasive hyst.

Lupron is not for everyone. It causes temporary chemical menopause. I had hot flashes, night sweats and I lost inerest in sex for a short time. My uterus with fibroids went down to 9.1 cm with lupron. My lupron side effects also stopped before my surgery.

I have seen several larger uterus ladies post that they were candidates for a lap surgery with their Drs.

I can suggest you get a 2nd or even a 3rd opinion. Maybe you are a candidate for a UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization), an alternative procedure??

When it comes down to it, the best hyst type is the one that is "safest" for the patient

I can suggest doing more research and staying on H.S. and asking your questions. We ladies are here to help if we can.

Best wishes,

Mary

Tammy,

I had a SAH on 7 weeks ago and am doing great. I had very little pain in the beginning, was in the hospital two nights and went home using motrin 800 for pain and only used that for two days. I did not have any staples, only internal stiches. I followed all the advise on these posts---lots of water and walking, no lifting and plenty of rest. After the first two weeks I carefully started to return to my normal routine, cooking light meals etc... I was home for 4 weeks and went back to work on reduced hours for one week and am now back full time.

Hi (((Tammy)))) and welcome to Hystersisters!!

I know this is a very scary time for you. Waiting truly is the hardest part.

Has your Dr. done a blood test called a CA125? Or has he ordered an ultrasound? These can be very important tools in determining ovarian problems.

You are so voung that the decision as to weather you keep your ovaries or not (assuming they look o.k. when the doc goes in) is a really tough call to make, especially with a history of ovarian/cervical cancer in the family.

Also, with a family history of ovarian/cervical cancer, it would be wise if you had a gyn/onc perform your surgery if possible. They are the absolute best in the field.

The ovarian cyst and enlarged uterus may be nothing but benign conditions which is what i'll be hoping for.

Feel free to email me or PM me anytime....I'd be happy to talk. I'm a hostess on the Cancer Concerns forum. We have a great bunch of ladies over their too!!!

Please keep us posted on your progress....

Yes, I've had an Ultrasound as well as a Uterine Biopsy and a CT Scan.The findings were polyps in my Uterus, DUB,and a 3.5 cm. cyst on my left ovary.My Uterus is 14 cm long and FULL of something like Endo.Endo is outside the Uterus and what I have (can't remember the name) is in the inside of my Uterus.
My Dr. said that he was thinking about ordering the blood test CA125.He said that it is costly, but given my family history with Ovarian,Cervical and Breast Cancer.....my insurance may cover it.
My Gyn will be the one to do the surgury.I told him that I didn't want just any surgeon doing it and he assured me that it would be him that did it.
I had a tubal in 2000, so I have had some experience with surguries.I had to have a manuel D&C at that time, it was after the birth of my 4th child.
I have heard so many horror stories about keeping your ovaries and removing them.So, I'm not sure what road to go. I told my Gyn to what he felt was best for me.He wants to try the LAVH, but said that if I woke up with an abdominal incision.......not to get upset.
I am still waiting for my Pap results to see if I have Dysplasia (sp).
My concerns are for the recovery time also.I have a 14,11,7, and a 4 1/2 year old.........that need me to care for them since my husband works swing shift and works between 64 to 72 hours a week.
I will keep you all updated about things.I am soooooooooooooo thankful I was told about this group and joined!!! So much support here