Dr appt in a week, what questions should I ask? (updated)

I have a dr appointment in a week to discuss the BIG topic or other options and have been gathering opinions and questions I need to ask. Number one on my list is why now when last year she was pretty set that a hysterectomy or other surgery was not necessary. So any questions you think I should ask, I would welcome.

Some background. I have always had heavy, unpredictable periods all my life, but about 8 years ago, they got worse and the in between spotting became almost constant. Add to that my mother was diagnosed with aggressive cervical cancer even though she never missed a pap and you had one very nervous person. Finally went to my doctor who did an ultrasound and found a thickend lining and sent me to a GYN who did my first of many D&Cs. Diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia, complex but without atypia. This started my years of D&Cs, biopsies, tests, and multiple different birth controls to try control the bleeding. Also had an IUD that was a disaster as it only caused infection after infection and had to be removed surgically. Found out have fibroids as well. Switched doctors to an old college friend after the IUD disaster as that dr swore there was nothing wrong, who I trust implicitly about a year ago. Heavy bleeding is under control, but spot more days than I don't a month and the cramps are sometimes horrible. Have tried four different BCs in the last year alone and now she is thinking that the bleeding is caused by the fibroids. Have also had some issues with cysts, but not bad. My dr dropped a bombshell the last time I saw her saying I needed to start considering something more permanent. Mentioned the myomectomy, ablation, and hysterectomy, not in that order. Was not great timing as lost both of my close grandparents within two weeks of that appointment, had back surgery within a month and lost another relative two months later. Now it's time to go back and have the discussion as school will be out in a couple of days and I am a teacher.

Hyperplasia is for the most part "in remission" I guess you could say, but comes back if I go off BC. I am tired of dealing with all this drama, dr appointments, and tests, but is a huge step for me as well. I dont have children, but with back issues not to mention all my other issues, not thinking it is a good idea anyway, but still not an easy decision. Consensus is go for it especially with family history with a materal grandmother having endometrial cancer and dying of brain cancer not to mention my mother dying of cervical cancer, but again it's my body not theirs. Sorry this is long, but hoping someone can give me advice that will make sense in the long run.

Sounds like you've traveled a very difficult road! I am so sorry you've had all these problems.Frankly the family history of cancer scares the living daylights out of me. My advice is talk to your doctor and listen carefully to what is said.Research all Non hysterectomy alternatives before your appointment. That way you'll already know the pros and cons before your doctor starts suggesting alternatives. Don't rush into a hysterectomy without exploring alternatives, but also don't drag it out any longer than necessary.The cancer issue concerns me a lot, but I'm a naturally paranoid person anyways, so maybe that's just me.
:cathugs:

Have been taking the three months since my last doctor appointment doing not much else BUT thinking and researching my options. Not sure if the alternatives would even be possible with the combination of issues I have or if they are even worth it, but that is something I plan on discussing. I think I panic as well due to the family history, especially my mothers. I know in my head I don't have cancer, but harder to convince the rest of me so anything out of the ordinary tends to cause panic. Will be a long week before the appointment!

Just because you don't have cancer now doesn't mean you won't get it due to family history. That's good you researched your options and alternatives. If you don't think any are a good choice for you start researching hysterectomy options so if the appointment moves towards that you'll know what questions to ask.You can never be too prepared or informed when it comes to your health and major surgery!
:cathugs:

Had my all important doctor's appointment today to discuss my stupid menstrual cycle. She had previously discussed three different types of surgery and through me for a loop. At the time, was in no shape mostly emotionally to discuss it, but have been doing research and discussing it with my family since February. Thought I knew what I wanted and what she wanted. Turns out I was wrong.

Ended up having to see her for some other illness that cropped up this week as well so not just a discussion of my lovely period like I had planned, but actually a great discussion. I told her that she totally shocked me the last time I saw her and asked why that was. Her reply was that she thought I had been through so many "fixes" that it was time to start exploring other options. I told her I thought maybe she was just trying to get me to stop complaining and I could tell by her expressions that was very far from the truth which relieved my mind a lot.

Started talking about what she thought and found out she is as conflicted as I am. Thinks it is time to do something else, but keeps going back to it is final and I am so young (her words, I don't think I am that young anymore ). Discussed my concerns that it was not justified and she said she thought it was ruininng my life which I disagreed with. She came back with do you think about it a lot and worry about it and I said yes and she said that is ruininning it since it was controlling it. Made me feel better about that aspect at least. I finally asked her what she would do, as my friend, not doctor as she was one in college, and she was taken aback for a few minutes and then said get it taken out but maybe freeze some eggs. (I have no children).

I am not as concerned about having children as I think everyone else thinks I am. So after a long conversation she wants to try one last thing and if this doesn't work, then maybe send me to a specialist. Not sure I will go as very tired of specialists and have all the opinions I need. She gave me her last ditch effort that she calls it, a Depro shot. Supposed to be for three months, but said I will know in probably less than a month if it works or not. Will have to wait and see. Feel better in one way because she is as conflicted as I am and put my mind at ease about a lot of issues. On the other hand, one more fix to try and this will be the fifth BC that I have tried in the last year alone. Here we go again!!

You don't need to rush of it isn't life threatening. When your quality of life is impacted so much you can't take it anymore you'll be running to the doctor saying it's time. Maybe the Depro will work and you'll be fine!! Hysterectomy is major surgery and it is good your not rushing into it. Keep researching and exploring a bit. You'll know when your ready!!
:cathugs: