Surgery soon need answers quickly

I posted my first question in the wrong area, sorry but I hope this is the right area this time.
I'm 51 and perimenopausal.
My surgery date is 7-02-2010
I have had very heavy bleeding and severe cramping.
Finally two years ago I had ablation and It helped the bleeding slow to a normal period, but the cramping has just gotten worse and worse.
I have ovarian cysts, a polyp on my uterus, a cyst on the inner lining of my uterus, endometriosis and an enlarged uterus.
My Dr. says my pain is caused by a rush of Estrogen to my cysts during my period and if I can hold off until menopause is complete the pain should subside, or get a partial hyst. because the biggest cyst is on the inner lining of the uterus and can't easily be removed and with all the other problems I have she recommended the hyst.
Here's my problem. I want to replace my hormones with Bioidentical Hormones. If what the Dr. says is true then it means I will never be out of pain because I will have replaced the lost hormones and keep having a rush of estrogen as long as I'm on them to feed the cysts.
Or I cannot replace the hormones but put up with all the hot flashes, nightsweats, wrinkles, moodyness and a whole lot more, but I should be out of pain (I don't know what's worse).
I decided to have a partial hysterectomy, Uterus and ovarian cysts only. Then rebalance myself with Bioidenticals afterwards.
Has anyone else out there had the same symptoms and had a partial hyst. or have any other alternatives for me. I would like some feed back as soon as I can.

Thank you very much for listening,
cysterfriend

I am glad you have found HysterSisters and I hope that we are able to offer you some helpful information and support!

Your post caught my attention because you mentioned endometriosis. Because a hysterectomy is not a cure for this condition and estrogen is the fuel for this condition, I wanted to drop by and suggest you consult with an endometriosis specialist before making your final decision.

If any endometriosis is not removed during your surgery, it can continue to cause pain issues and symptoms. If you choose to use any type of estrogen--bio-identical or not--that estrogen can continue to fuel the endometriosis. Thus, it is important that you have a skilled surgeon who will be able to remove all that is found. Generally speaking, this means your surgeon needs to be someone other than a general OB/GYN.

I do want to clarify a bit in case you and your doctor are not on the same page. A partial hysterectomy means that the cervix (the neck of the uterus) is not removed. Hence, the term "partial" hysterectomy because only "part" of the uterus is removed. A total hysterectomy is removal of the entire uterus, including cervix. Removal of the ovaries is an entirely separate procedure called an oophorectomy or BSO (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with salpingo referring to removal of the fallopian tubes). I'm guessing from your post that your plan is a total hysterectomy but instead of also having a BSO, you will have the ovarian cysts removed and leave the ovaries. Is that correct?

If you do elect to keep your ovaries and have the cysts removed, you shouldn't need HRT. If, however, you do have hormonal imbalance issues, you could be limited in what you can and cannot use to help with symptoms in case any endometriosis was not removed. If the ovaries are moved, you still might have limited HRT choices because of the endometriosis. Some doctors won't allowed anything at all. Others may prescribed progesterone, or a synthetic progestin, as a precaution in case there may have been some endo left behind that the surgeon was unable to see or could not remove. It can get pretty complex!

I did have my hysterectomy for endometriosis. My OB/GYN was not able to remove all of the endometriosis but we still felt it was best for me to keep my ovaries based on my age, medical history, family history, etc. Several years after my hysterectomy, I underwent surgery with an endo specialist to have the endometriosis excised from my bowel walls that had been left by my OB/GYN. He also removed all the new endo and the adhesions. Again, I kept my ovaries as that is what was best for me.

If you would like to meet up with other ladies who have endometriosis and/or if you have specific endometriosis questions, feel free to check out our Endometriosis Support forum. You might also find it helpful to look through our Endometriosis Resources as well as the various other parts of our Resource Database.

Have you had a second opinion about the upcoming surgery and what would be best for you? If not, I would strongly recommend one.

Wishing you all the best!

Hi

I can also share with you as I had the cysts and fibroids in my uterus. I kept my cervix, and after a couple of years, ended up with cysts and a fibroid growing on my cevix. It is important to understand that the cervix is not a seperate organ, but is a part of the uterus; same tissue.
Whatever state your uterus is in now, can also happen to your cervix if you should decide to keep it.

Many women who have ovarian cysts removed, continue to have recurrent ovarian cysts, after a hysterectomy.


You do sound a little confused. I think it would be a good idea to see another for a second opinion. Someone not affiliated with your current Dr. An Endocrinologist could be an excellent choice, as they are the hormone experts, and could tell help you with all of your hormone questions, telling you how much of your problems are caused by hormone imbalance. They could also tell you if hormone treatment could solve any or all of your problems.

Please don't have surgery until all of your questions are answered. Right now, you still have choices. Once you have a hysterectomy, there is no changing your mind.


Kay