Scheduled for TAH--Did I over-eact?

I have decided on a TAH and ovary removal,scheduled in one week, following an appt with an onco gyn earlier this week. I've had various gyn issues over the past 6 or 7 years, including frequent spotting, endometrial biopsies, a LEEP for cervical dysplasia, removal of uterine polyps. My periods stopped last year, and the spotting also stopped. Then, several months ago I started having minor spotting, pain and bleeding after sex, and a constant feeling like I am pregnant or having mild menstrual cramps, with back and leg pain. An ultrasound showed a small complex cyst on one ovary.

The doctor suggested a laparotomy, with D&C and removal of one ovary. I told her that I wanted a total hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries because I am tired of worrying and waiting for the next symptom. I am almost 50. She agreed and said it was reasonable.

Now I am having second thoughts. Should I have taken a more moderate approach? This has been wearing on me for several years. I am tired of bleeding and biopsies and worrying about possible cancer.

Do any of you have thoughts? I'm second guessing myself....

I think in general each of us knows what's best for ourselves, if given the time and space (and professional descriptions of reasonable options) that we need to reach a decision.

It sounds to me like you've thought it through. I have been feeling like I allowed myself to get railroaded into thinking that TAH was the only alternative, mainly because my mom had one and now I've got similar symptoms. The gynocologist referred by my doctor basically mentioned, then dismissed, any other possibility. It's only since I've been thinking about how I'll get through recovery, with my job intact, that I've remembered alternatives that ought to get serious consideration.

It's easy to second guess ourselves, but really, if what you want to do is get it all behind you, then do it. My only suggestion might be to reconsider keeping the 2nd ovary if it's still not giving you any problems, mainly because HRT might not be the cake walk we'd all like it to be. But that's just me -- you live in your body, so do what you think is best. If your very conservative-sounding doctor thinks it's reasonable, it probably is!

s junejitters

Wow....that's a tough decision. Do you have any family history of cancer? I can sure understand not wanting to worry about it all the time.

I had a TAH in 2001, then developed ovarian cancer in 2004. I sure wish we could tell you have the TAH or not. But as the others have said before me, it really is a personal decision you have to live with. It is major surgery and recovery. If this outweighs the worrying, then you've made you're decision.

Please keep us posted on how things go....

Thank you all. I've thought and prayed about this, and after another day of feeling crampy and wiped out, I've made my decision. I'm going ahead and will have surgery next week. Again, I really appreciate your thoughts.