Re: Myo vs Hysterectomy

[Guest guest]

Hi :

I don't want kids and have elected against UAE as I have one large fibroid and

am not impressed with the treatment results for this type of problem.

I am getting a myo (Wednesday in fact) and would actually prefer a hysterectomy

if my doctor would agree. She is adamant that I need my uterus. I'm 33, and

will not change my mind about having children. I am happily married and this is

a mutual decision. My gyno who is quite young states that the uterus is an

important organ, so I'm keeping it. There are bunches of side affects she

states with removing it: possible bladder issues when they pull it away, muscle

fatigue and failure within the body cavity as there is no longer a big organ

helping to keep things taught, other possible complications with the kidneys,

possible lack of sexual pleasure as the uterus contracts, etc. Her list was

long and persuasive.

My biggest concern is recurrence and the data, I feel, is mixed on this issue.

No great studies with large numbers, excellent results and convincing

information. So, you just need to decide for yourself. If you are young, and

certain that you don't want kids (as I am) you can always find a gyno who will

remove everything. My deciding factor was this: a vaginal hysterctomy is still

possible after this procedure if we catch any new fibroids when they are small.

My doctor has commited to a protocol and thorough inspection annually so that we

can make any tough decisions before I'm at the point of no return and would

again have to opt for abdominal surgery. So for me, if they come back,

everything goes. At this point, I'm playing it more conservatively, and am

hopeful that I can live my entire life with my uterus in tact.

My doctor says she will give me pictures of the procedure. I personally find

this to be freaky, but I know that I too have looked at other photos just to see

what in the world transpires. If it will help anyone, let me know and I will

gladly post them. The large one has been named " cousin it " and is proudly 11

centimeters. I will be very glad to send that one in particular to the lab for

scientific analysis. It has given me grief and torment and I smile at the

thought of it being dissected. I came across an article recentlly about

cosmetic companies " harvesting " placentas for shampoo. Please tell me that my

poor " cousin it " will not end up in some bottle of Redken! The strange

marketability of body by-products... Who knew.

Good luck in your decision making. Serena

[Guest guest]

:

This is an easy question for me. I am 45 years old and have absolutely no

desire to have any more children (my son is 24 years old). I have a recurring

problem with fibroids and have had 2 myomectomies (one at age 40 and another at

age 45).

When my fibroid problem was discovered 5 years ago, the first option my doctor

gave me was to have a hysterectomy. She said that if I didn't want additional

children, then there was no reason to keep my uterus. Somehow, this didn't

sound right. I mean after all, we are talking about the removal of a major

organ.

I did a lot of research on alternatives to hysterectomies. In the process, I

found that some of the research suggested that the uterus is directly related to

a woman's heart health. That was enough for me to choose a myo. I decided the

goal was to get rid of the fibroids, even though the research showed that for

many women, the fibroids can return 3 to 5 years later.

Additionally (and very interestingly), I was scheduled for a (heart) stress test

last August. The testing physician asked me several health related questions

prior to the test, such as: Was there a family history of heart problems? Was

there a history of high blood pressure? Did I ever have a hysterectomy? - Now

why would he ask me that in preparation of a stress test if the two weren't

somehow related? The only way I would get rid of my uterus is in a matter of

life and death. I opt for removal of the fibroids.

Joyce

[Guest guest]

> :

>

> This is an easy question for me. I am 45 years old and have

absolutely no desire to have any more children (my son is 24 years

old). I have a recurring problem with fibroids and have had 2

myomectomies (one at age 40 and another at age 45).

>

> When my fibroid problem was discovered 5 years ago, the first

option my doctor gave me was to have a hysterectomy. She said that

if I didn't want additional children, then there was no reason to

keep my uterus. Somehow, this didn't sound right. I mean after all,

we are talking about the removal of a major organ.

>

> I did a lot of research on alternatives to hysterectomies. In the

process, I found that some of the research suggested that the uterus

is directly related to a woman's heart health. That was enough for

me to choose a myo. I decided the goal was to get rid of the

fibroids, even though the research showed that for many women, the

fibroids can return 3 to 5 years later.

>

> Additionally (and very interestingly), I was scheduled for a

(heart) stress test last August. The testing physician asked me

several health related questions prior to the test, such as: Was

there a family history of heart problems? Was there a history of

high blood pressure? Did I ever have a hysterectomy? - Now why

would he ask me that in preparation of a stress test if the two

weren't somehow related? The only way I would get rid of my uterus

is in a matter of life and death. I opt for removal of the fibroids.

>

> Joyce

Joyce,

Thank-you so much for your response. I am planning to opt for

a myo should my UAE procedure not work out. (It was in November and

I'm having a complication of a degenerating fibroid in my uterus.)

It seems that everyone around me, my family, friends, and some of my

doctors basically tell me just to GET RID of it and face the

inevitable. All of the pressure to have a hysterectomy doesn't seem

right to me and I need all of the reasons I can get to stick to my

myo decision. I too am done with having children.

Tami

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/4/03 11:20:10 PM Eastern Standard Time,

schicago2003@... writes:

<< Good luck in your decision making. Serena >>

Thanks so much for all the info.

[Guest guest]

> I have a curious question...for those of you with fibroids who aren't

> concerned about fertility (don't want kids, or any more kids), and

you had to

> do something about problemsome fibroids, would you opt for

myomectomy or

> hysterectomy? Why on either? Assume you have decided against UAE,

and want to

> chose between the two.

>

>

>

> As always, the question asker,

>

You realize my answer may get me banned form this site right?

LOL...kidding.

Truth be told, after reading here, on the embo site, and extensive

reading over the past few weeks....I would opt for the hysterectomy.

Without a doubt. BUT before ya'll place me bfore the firing

squad...this is why.

1. I am 35 years old

2. I have had 6 beautiful childeren

3. I have chosen not to have more and my tubes are tied

4. 7 out of 7 females (mom & 6 sisters) have ALL had hysts due to

tumors, cancers, endo, etc by age 35. (this is not counting the

cousins ranging in the double digits that have had them.

5. The reoccurrance of fibroids even after treatments

6. Side effects

*I just know #7 is gonna get me killed*

7. I'm going to end up going through menopause anyway

*ducking behind puter now*

8. Many that opt for other procedures end up having a hysto eventually

9. I really REALLY hate having periods

10. I feel, for me, being high risk for cancers of the pelvic region

in addition to current fibroids...since I don't need it for productive

reasons and I don't have cancer now (being tested this week) I have

less chance of having (or dying from) cancer in the pelvic regions if

they take it out now rather than later

*Knows I'm only still alive because I am still typing and haven't

actually posted this opinion* LOL!

Bottom line: no fibroids, no periods, no cancer...my personal choice.

I realize a LOT of women here are going to HIGHLY object to my

attitude and opinion. I think the alternative treatments for fibroids

are absolutely a God send for most. I have reccommended this site to

others and will always continue to do so. I DO NOT reccommend

hysterectomy's to anyone. I believe a womans uterus is for more than

having children. I encourage women to keep it if they feel it at all

possible. I am still angered by the fact that alternatives are not

promoted or encouraged by doctors EVERY time the issue comes up by ALL

doctors to ALL women. There are risks and side effects to every

treatment or no treatment at all. But most importantly, I feel

EDUCATION, UNDERSTANDING, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND SUPPORT are the key to

making any decision about our bodies. Some here have had EMBO, some

UAE, some HYST, some a combination. But it is not for me to judge,

only to support. We all face difficult choices when confronted with

our health. Making an educated decision is a personal one.

" Conditions " and diseases are not our greatest enemy. IGNORANCE is.

Then again, regarding my decision.....women have been known to change

their mind on more than one occassion......LOL. For now, though my

doctor would give me the hyst, I am waiting. Because like most of you,

knowledge and understanding does not always alleviate fear. And I'm

scared silly.

Am I dead yet?

Tammi

[Guest guest]

> > I have a curious question...for those of you with fibroids who

aren't

> > concerned about fertility (don't want kids, or any more kids), and

> you had to

> > do something about problemsome fibroids, would you opt for

> myomectomy or

> > hysterectomy? Why on either? Assume you have decided against UAE,

> and want to

> > chose between the two.

> >

> >

> >

> > As always, the question asker,

> >

>

> You realize my answer may get me banned form this site right?

> LOL...kidding.

>

> Truth be told, after reading here, on the embo site, and extensive

> reading over the past few weeks....I would opt for the hysterectomy.

> Without a doubt. BUT before ya'll place me bfore the firing

> squad...this is why.

>

> 1. I am 35 years old

> 2. I have had 6 beautiful childeren

> 3. I have chosen not to have more and my tubes are tied

> 4. 7 out of 7 females (mom & 6 sisters) have ALL had hysts due to

> tumors, cancers, endo, etc by age 35. (this is not counting the

> cousins ranging in the double digits that have had them.

> 5. The reoccurrance of fibroids even after treatments

> 6. Side effects

> *I just know #7 is gonna get me killed*

> 7. I'm going to end up going through menopause anyway

> *ducking behind puter now*

> 8. Many that opt for other procedures end up having a hysto

eventually

> 9. I really REALLY hate having periods

> 10. I feel, for me, being high risk for cancers of the pelvic region

> in addition to current fibroids...since I don't need it for

productive

> reasons and I don't have cancer now (being tested this week) I have

> less chance of having (or dying from) cancer in the pelvic regions

if

> they take it out now rather than later

> *Knows I'm only still alive because I am still typing and haven't

> actually posted this opinion* LOL!

> Bottom line: no fibroids, no periods, no cancer...my personal

choice.

>

> I realize a LOT of women here are going to HIGHLY object to my

> attitude and opinion. I think the alternative treatments for

fibroids

> are absolutely a God send for most. I have reccommended this site to

> others and will always continue to do so. I DO NOT reccommend

> hysterectomy's to anyone. I believe a womans uterus is for more than

> having children. I encourage women to keep it if they feel it at all

> possible. I am still angered by the fact that alternatives are not

> promoted or encouraged by doctors EVERY time the issue comes up by

ALL

> doctors to ALL women. There are risks and side effects to every

> treatment or no treatment at all. But most importantly, I feel

> EDUCATION, UNDERSTANDING, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND SUPPORT are the key to

> making any decision about our bodies. Some here have had EMBO, some

> UAE, some HYST, some a combination. But it is not for me to judge,

> only to support. We all face difficult choices when confronted with

> our health. Making an educated decision is a personal one.

> " Conditions " and diseases are not our greatest enemy. IGNORANCE is.

>

> Then again, regarding my decision.....women have been known to

change

> their mind on more than one occassion......LOL. For now, though my

> doctor would give me the hyst, I am waiting. Because like most of

you,

> knowledge and understanding does not always alleviate fear. And I'm

> scared silly.

>

> Am I dead yet?

>

> Tammi

[Guest guest]

Tammi,

Your post was fine and you certainly

are a caring compassionate thoughtful person

that we need on this group.

I think if you take a look at some of the

risks of hysterectomy, long-term because

your only 35 years-old, you might want

to try a uterine sparing procedure first.

There is now no magic " replacement " pill to

assauge " surgical menopause " a euphemism

for castration, whether you keep ovaries

or not. A good percentage

of women are writing on Hystersisters, NHRT-HRT

and Sans-Uteri, among other support groups

that they " aren't the same person that they were "

have a huge problem attempting to restore their

endocrine function, are at higher risk for

osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems etc.

So, it isn't really the hysterectomy procedure

per se, it's the timing for you. I'm going

through menopause now and it ain't pretty....

I'm so grateful I didn't face uterine fibroids

earlier in my life/have to face a decision

like yours.

But, definitely, a sure-fire diagnosis of reproductive

cancer should quickly send a patient for a second

opinion asap with gyneonco.

You don't have to duck. This is a supportive group

and we care. Your doing just fine and we know

your thinking through all of the complex issues.

Take good care, hope your test results are reassuring.

Marsha

>

> You realize my answer may get me banned form this site right?

> LOL...kidding.

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/6/03 7:38:02 AM Eastern Standard Time,

msdarlin67@... writes:

<< Am I dead yet?

Tammi

>>

Thank God, NO!

Really, Tammi, I appreciate your candor. Thanks for posting.