TAH: Upcoming hysterectomy 5/31: confused with adenomoysis

Hi there,

I am scheduled for May 31 to have all removed but am overy due to adenomoysis.

They have told me my uterus is bulky and weighs between 6-8 pounds and I have a moderate case.

There is so much information.

My first question is if adenomoysis goes away with menopause will my uterus shrink back again so my belly doesn't bulge out and I can wear normal pants again?

Part of me knows I need the surgery but then I have read all the not so good stories and I want to back out.

Thanks in advance for any help with this

Hello Confused99

We are so happy that you found us here!

The research can pivot from one end of the spectrum to another. There are some indications that adenomyosis tends to go away after menopause. That same things was once said about endometriosis also, however, for some women that may not be the case. Depending on the severity of how adenomyosis affects you and your quality of life (and after trying various options like birth control pills, Mirena IUD beforehand) hysterectomy then becomes the option. Here is an article on Adenomyosis Treatments .

With your surgery scheduled at the end of May, you have time to read/research then make a list of questions for your doctor along with the viability of your ovaries (retaining if they are healthy or removing). You can also get a second opinion during this time also.

Everyone’s experience is different not only with surgery but the healing journey also. The picture of what recovery in your mind at times does not match when unexpected situations happen. Those are the stories that you might be reading as sisters are in need of sister to sister advice or a source for information.

You are your own best advocate sweetie!
Sending your way.

Thank you Lisa for you advise!

I also want to say I'm no way,shape or form am I trying to sound insensitive to others.

I am sooooo tired and confused in my choice. Some days I'm like Yep lets do this as I can't live like this and other days I think it's not so bad I can live like this.

I feel like I am carrying a heavy ball in my stomach and none of my pants fit as I can't do them up around my belly.

Most months the heavy flow and pain puts me on the couch.

Hey Confused! I'm not trying to sound like a hysterectomy advocate, but so far (granted it's early), I haven't second guessed, and have actually celebrated my decision. Before surgery, I second guessed a lot . I spent a lot of time wondering if my symptoms were "bad enough" to warrant the big H, and I decided I didn't want to live with the monthly running to the bathroom every twenty minutes, wondering if/when I was going to bleed through and stain whatever unfortunate thing I was sitting on. I should be starting my period any time now, and (knock on wood) my recovery so far has been pretty easy so I have to keep reminding myself that a period isn't on the horizon. It's weird.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Laffal Hey Confused! I'm not trying to sound like a hysterectomy advocate, but so far (granted it's early), I haven't second guessed, and have actually celebrated my decision. Before surgery, I second guessed a lot . I spent a lot of time wondering if my symptoms were "bad enough" to warrant the big H, and I decided I didn't want to live with the monthly running to the bathroom every twenty minutes, wondering if/when I was going to bleed through and stain whatever unfortunate thing I was sitting on. I should be starting my period any time now, and (knock on wood) my recovery so far has been pretty easy so I have to keep reminding myself that a period isn't on the horizon. It's weird.

Thank you for sharing that with me. It makes sense and I am super happy your doing well.

It's a hard choice to make but the quality of life right now could be better.

Thank you!!!!!!

Hi confused, I am just as confused as you are with my situation. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on April 28th for expected adenomyosis. I keep going through all the same thoughts as you do. I wonder wether I'm doing the right thing and if it's really bad enough to warrant this surgery or should I just live with it until menopause. Especially the last 2 weeks my pain has been minimal and not as bad as in the past. My cycle will be due right about on the day of surgery. Sometimes I feel like canceling but don't want to wake up Saturday morning and be in pain and wish I had gone through with it. The adenomyosis thing is confusing too because I was under the understanding that they can't definitively diagnose adenomyosis until the uterus has been removed. We all have to try and make the best decision for ourselves. I wish you luck and good health with your decision. I know it's not easy.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlynn51 Hi confused, I am just as confused as you are with my situation. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on April 28th for expected adenomyosis. I keep going through all the same thoughts as you do. I wonder wether I'm doing the right thing and if it's really bad enough to warrant this surgery or should I just live with it until menopause. Especially the last 2 weeks my pain has been minimal and not as bad as in the past. My cycle will be due right about on the day of surgery. Sometimes I feel like canceling but don't want to wake up Saturday morning and be in pain and wish I had gone through with it. The adenomyosis thing is confusing too because I was under the understanding that they can't definitively diagnose adenomyosis until the uterus has been removed. We all have to try and make the best decision for ourselves. I wish you luck and good health with your decision. I know it's not easy.

Thank you for sharing and I wish you a speedy recovery!

It's the same with me, this month the pain was not as bad as usual but I dread the next bad one.

It's not easy is it!

The problem with adenomyosis is that much is not known about it, including what causes it. What I've read (here, Everyday Health and eMedicine Health) is that symptoms resolve after menopause is complete, but they're mainly talking about the bleeding and pain. It stands to reason that the adeno won't continue once your cycle stops, but nothing I've read addresses whether previous thickening of the uterine walls or inflexibility goes away, too.

Lisa provided you a great article on treatment options. A hysterectomy is the most invasive way, but also the surest way to rid yourself of severe adeno. Though I had my surgery for fibroids, the pathology report revealed I had adeno as well.

Thanks Cussette for your reply. That's exactly what I'm struggling with is that if adenomyosis goes away with menopause should I just wait it out. I'm 51 and menopause should be right around the corner, at least that's what the doctors tell me. But I know everyone is different. Very frustrating!!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlynn51 Thanks Cussette for your reply. That's exactly what I'm struggling with is that if adenomyosis goes away with menopause should I just wait it out. I'm 51 and menopause should be right around the corner, at least that's what the doctors tell me. But I know everyone is different. Very frustrating!!

I tried a few times to thank Cussette and it won't post? So if it works here... thank you for sharing your story and information!!!!!

I did learn today my uterus will shrink a very small amount so once menopause happens I would still have a very large stomach and its pushing it out.

I also learned they were able to see the adenomoysis on the ultrasound as well.

I have been complaining to my Dr for about 4 years about the pain, heavy bleeding, painful sex, etc and all around shear exhaustion. This was about a year after I had a c section.

I finally found a new doctor in January who sent me for an ultrasound and finally onto a specialist.

I did have a ultrasound done in March of 2016 which it was noted by the ultrasound tech to my old doctor that he suspected adenomoysis but she just filed it. I called to see what the result where and was told it was all good.

The last year of my life ha e been very hard and painful