TAH - Fibroids, Fibroids, Fibroids

Hi,
This is for that one person who is wondering, do I have a hysterectomy or not.

Firstly, if you can avoid it, do so, at all cost. There is so much we don't know about the benefit of the uterus to the woman's body.

That is what I did, at first, I avoided a hysterectomy, long enough to have two children, but not without a number of surgeries, and lots of trouble.

In all, in no particular order, I had two laperoscopies, one laperotomy, two bilateral uterine embolizations, and a whole lot of drugs (I know I'm missing a surgery or two). None of it worked. I was in so much pain, all except for the week of my period, that I couldn't function. I couldn't care for my children, I couldn't enjoy sex without being in tremendous pain, I couldn't function as a human.

When I woke up from the surgery, I couldn't believe how much less pain I was in. The nurses joked, that they could always tell who waited too long for a hysterectomy because they felt great post op. Yet, my baby was only 6 months old, to the day. I couldn't have gone all that much earlier.

I will say, though, my first thought was "what did I do" Every day that passes I can't help but think of what a great mistake it was to give up on having the large family I had always hoped for, and yet, everyday, even 2 years latter, I can't help but be grateful for not being in pain any longer.

Though I regret that I had to have a hysterectomy, it is helpful that I know I did everything I could have to avoid it.

As you read this, please, do everything you can to avoid a hysterectomy, but if it all that you can do isn't enough. Enjoy being able to live life again.

Bonnie