Mental Health

[Guest guest]

Would anyone care to comment on the effects on mental health post-hysterectomy?

A friend of mine recently had a uterine fibroid removed and was not afforded the

opportunity for a mental health screening beforehand. Given her consternation

about the process in general and possessing baggage as well, I was hoping

someone could shed light on the potential for a prolonged downside in the

aftermath of the surgery.

VR,

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Thank-you for your concern about your

friends current situation.

I'd like to refer you to an

article: " Hysterectomy or

an Alternative " in Hospital Practice,

author Donna Shoupe, MD.

Dr. Shoupe is Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility,

and Menopause Gynecology, University of Southern California School of

Medicine, Los Angeles.

http://www.hosppract.com/issues/2000/09/shoupe.htm

Scroll down to the section,

" Low Risk Not No Risk "

and read the 2nd paragraph

Studies appear to be conflicting,

but there is a population of women

who experience significant depression.

If she is suicidal, is she having

direct mental health/medical intervention?

If she's experiencing depressive episodes

post-hystererectomy and is not

receiving appropriate support

from relatives & friends or mental health

services, she may want to consider a support

group, " Sans Uteri " ,

http://www.findings.net/sans-uteri.html

moderator Beth Tiner

where she can receive support, validation,

information & resources.

As for baggage, ....can you try to

imagine, for a moment, dramatic changes

in your erectile and ejaculatory ability

leading to orgasm or significant loss of

testosterone? Many men, post-surgical

ie prostatic re-section experience

" dry " ejaculations...perhaps a " different "

sensation.... are you still with me?

I don't envy anyone presenting with and

living with symptoms and surgical outcomes of

uterine and testicular disease but

fortunately, internet information, &

support groups are now available to help.

Best wishes,

Marsha V. Weaver

UFE for severe bleeding/8 cm leiomyoma

Member, Sans Uteri, mid-90's

> Would anyone care to comment on the effects on mental health post-

hysterectomy? A friend of mine recently had a uterine fibroid

removed and was not afforded the opportunity for a mental health

screening beforehand. Given her consternation about the process in

general and possessing baggage as well, I was hoping someone could

shed light on the potential for a prolonged downside in the aftermath

of the surgery.

>

> VR,

>