Re: Hysterectomy or ?

[Guest guest]

I am 35 and fanatically anti hysterectomy for myself

but that is for me. I want a family. This ismy

deepest wish.

But you must do what is right for you.

Read about the possible side effects and make it an

informed decision and I will wish you the best. I

will even pray for you if that is also your choice. I

have heard too many horror stories to make that choice

easily and I have the worst luck with Doctors usually

to let one remove something I might need...I don't

think so....heck they can't fix what I got without two

tries. snicker. Good luck and best wishes

e

--- Annette Willis annette_willis@...> wrote:

> I'm kind of afraid to post on this because I fear

> most in the group are anti-hysterectomy, no matter

> what almost. I think I'm going to have one though.

[Guest guest]

Please don't feel afraid to post anything to the group, even if it's about a

controversial subject. While we don't always agree with doctors'

recommendations, we do try to support other women by giving them the

information and the emotional support they need to make a carefully considered

decision.

I'm not against hysterectomy altogether; I'm against unnecessary hysterectomies,

particularly when they are performed because a doctor didn't give a patient

enough information about alternatives. I'm also against hysterectomies that are

performed because a doctor is skilled at performing hysterectomies but not

particularly skilled at performing myomectimes.

I suggest getting an opinion from another gynecologist. Make sure it's a doctor

who has a good deal of experience with myomectomies, so that you'll rule out

the possibility that the doctor has a bias toward hysterectomies.

I think hysterectomies are warranted under certain conditions, such as if a

woman has cancer, if there is excessive blood loss during a myomectomy, or if,

for whatever reason, a doctor can't repair a uterus properly after performing a

myomectomy.

You said your IR and gynecologist said it would be " difficult " to remove the

fibroid via myomectomy. What are the ramifications of that? Among other things,

" difficult " could mean:

* Difficult but possible to do a myo successfully, without significant

consequences

* Might be impossible to do a myo without causing long-lasting health problems

(if so, what?)

* Might be impossible to do a myo without converting it to a hysterectomy

Once you know what they mean by " difficult, " you can decide whether the benefits

are worth taking the risks.

Any time a surgeon says a procedure would be difficult for him or her, it's a

good idea to consult with another surgeon to determine whether the difficulty

lies with the surgeon rather than the procedure and/or patients' medical

situation.

Cheryl

Annette Willis annette_willis@...> wrote:

> I'm kind of afraid to post on this because I fear most in the group are

> anti-hysterectomy, no matter what almost. I think I'm going to have one

> though.

>

[Guest guest]

Annette,

You need to do what you feel comfortable with. My mom does have

problems since her hysterectomy but she can deal with it (a lot of

meds) whereas my aunt has more problems now that she doesn't have a

uterus than before when she had a uterus w/fibroids.

I hear you speaking of an IR and GYN. I thought IR's were specialized

in UFE and RE's were specialized in mymoectomies. I would rather

here it from the horse's mouth if you know what I mean. When an RE

tells me that the myomectomy is not an option then I'll write that

treatment option off. But I will not have an IR who is not trained

for myomectomies tell me that it can't be done.

Best wishes.

-Shaunah

> I'm kind of afraid to post on this because I fear most in the group

are anti-hysterectomy, no matter what almost. I think I'm going to

have one though.

>

> I first found out I had fibroids back in January. They cause a lot

of problems with my bladder and my bowels. Sometimes I can barely pee.

>

> I wanted a UAE after researching and finding this group. However,

I'm not a candidate due to pedunculated fibroids. Sigh! Anyway, the

IR and the GYN say it would be difficult to get the fibroid out

that's on my bladder in a myo, they recommend hyst for several

reasons:

>

> 1. difficulty in removing large fibroid due to location

>

> 2. I've had endometrial ablation to stop the bleeding/clotting and

the scar tissue would prohibit a classic uterine cancer sign

(abnormal bleeding).

>

> 3. I'm 47, can't have more kids anyway, and they would leave in the

ovaries so menopause shouldn't start earlier than intended (hopefully)

>

> It's a very difficult decision. It's hard to be 100% sure about any

surgery decision like this. I'm not sure what to do exactly. I'm also

thinking of leaving the cervix in.

>

> I wish I were more certain about what to do. Any ideas?

>

> Annette

[Guest guest]

Annette,

You need to do what you feel comfortable with. My mom does have

problems since her hysterectomy but she can deal with it (a lot of

meds) whereas my aunt has more problems now that she doesn't have a

uterus than before when she had a uterus w/fibroids.

I hear you speaking of an IR and GYN. I thought IR's were specialized

in UFE and RE's were specialized in mymoectomies. I would rather

here it from the horse's mouth if you know what I mean. When an RE

tells me that the myomectomy is not an option then I'll write that

treatment option off. But I will not have an IR who is not trained

for myomectomies tell me that it can't be done.

Best wishes.

-Shaunah

> I'm kind of afraid to post on this because I fear most in the group

are anti-hysterectomy, no matter what almost. I think I'm going to

have one though.

>

> I first found out I had fibroids back in January. They cause a lot

of problems with my bladder and my bowels. Sometimes I can barely pee.

>

> I wanted a UAE after researching and finding this group. However,

I'm not a candidate due to pedunculated fibroids. Sigh! Anyway, the

IR and the GYN say it would be difficult to get the fibroid out

that's on my bladder in a myo, they recommend hyst for several

reasons:

>

> 1. difficulty in removing large fibroid due to location

>

> 2. I've had endometrial ablation to stop the bleeding/clotting and

the scar tissue would prohibit a classic uterine cancer sign

(abnormal bleeding).

>

> 3. I'm 47, can't have more kids anyway, and they would leave in the

ovaries so menopause shouldn't start earlier than intended (hopefully)

>

> It's a very difficult decision. It's hard to be 100% sure about any

surgery decision like this. I'm not sure what to do exactly. I'm also

thinking of leaving the cervix in.

>

> I wish I were more certain about what to do. Any ideas?

>

> Annette

[Guest guest]

Annette,

You need to do what you feel comfortable with. My mom does have

problems since her hysterectomy but she can deal with it (a lot of

meds) whereas my aunt has more problems now that she doesn't have a

uterus than before when she had a uterus w/fibroids.

I hear you speaking of an IR and GYN. I thought IR's were specialized

in UFE and RE's were specialized in mymoectomies. I would rather

here it from the horse's mouth if you know what I mean. When an RE

tells me that the myomectomy is not an option then I'll write that

treatment option off. But I will not have an IR who is not trained

for myomectomies tell me that it can't be done.

Best wishes.

-Shaunah

> I'm kind of afraid to post on this because I fear most in the group

are anti-hysterectomy, no matter what almost. I think I'm going to

have one though.

>

> I first found out I had fibroids back in January. They cause a lot

of problems with my bladder and my bowels. Sometimes I can barely pee.

>

> I wanted a UAE after researching and finding this group. However,

I'm not a candidate due to pedunculated fibroids. Sigh! Anyway, the

IR and the GYN say it would be difficult to get the fibroid out

that's on my bladder in a myo, they recommend hyst for several

reasons:

>

> 1. difficulty in removing large fibroid due to location

>

> 2. I've had endometrial ablation to stop the bleeding/clotting and

the scar tissue would prohibit a classic uterine cancer sign

(abnormal bleeding).

>

> 3. I'm 47, can't have more kids anyway, and they would leave in the

ovaries so menopause shouldn't start earlier than intended (hopefully)

>

> It's a very difficult decision. It's hard to be 100% sure about any

surgery decision like this. I'm not sure what to do exactly. I'm also

thinking of leaving the cervix in.

>

> I wish I were more certain about what to do. Any ideas?

>

> Annette

[Guest guest]

Annette,

If hysterectomy is the only way you can find relief, it is okay. You

can't let the fibroid rule your life and your body either.

The thing that puzzles me though is that with pedunculated fibroids,

there's supposed to beable to shave them down to the base of the

stalk. Why can't they do that with yours? Just wondering....

Gerri

> I'm kind of afraid to post on this because I fear most in the

group are anti-hysterectomy, no matter what almost. I think I'm

going to have one though.

>

> I first found out I had fibroids back in January. They cause a lot

of problems with my bladder and my bowels. Sometimes I can barely

pee.

>

> I wanted a UAE after researching and finding this group. However,

I'm not a candidate due to pedunculated fibroids. Sigh! Anyway, the

IR and the GYN say it would be difficult to get the fibroid out

that's on my bladder in a myo, they recommend hyst for several

reasons:

>

> 1. difficulty in removing large fibroid due to location

>

> 2. I've had endometrial ablation to stop the bleeding/clotting and

the scar tissue would prohibit a classic uterine cancer sign

(abnormal bleeding).

>

> 3. I'm 47, can't have more kids anyway, and they would leave in

the ovaries so menopause shouldn't start earlier than intended

(hopefully)

>

> It's a very difficult decision. It's hard to be 100% sure about

any surgery decision like this. I'm not sure what to do exactly. I'm

also thinking of leaving the cervix in.

>

> I wish I were more certain about what to do. Any ideas?

>

> Annette

[Guest guest]

Thank you e for your understanding. I'm just miserable with crampy pains

and the pressure on my bladder is something awful right now. I'm still reading 2

of the books recommended by women on this list and still feel hyst may be the

way to go in my situation.

Your prayers would be most appreciated.

Annette

ps. I wish you the best in having your dreams come true.

e pchelkajustine@...> wrote:

I am 35 and fanatically anti hysterectomy for myself

but that is for me. I want a family. This ismy

deepest wish.

But you must do what is right for you.

Read about the possible side effects and make it an

informed decision and I will wish you the best. I

will even pray for you if that is also your choice. I

have heard too many horror stories to make that choice

easily and I have the worst luck with Doctors usually

to let one remove something I might need...I don't

think so....heck they can't fix what I got without two

tries. snicker. Good luck and best wishes

e

[Guest guest]

Annette:

I am making the same decision you are, but from a different

perspective.

I had a successful UAE for two medium sized fibroids in 2000. My

ultrasound was clear within 18 months, no more fibroids visible.

Those original fibroids were not subserosal.

At the end of 2002 I again had heavy bleeding, but because there was

no enlargement and no fibroids visible during hysteroscopy, I had a

thermal ablation.

I've just had my 3rd D&C and hysteroscopy, 18 months after that

ablation for periods that have become nonstop, although not

particularly heavy. My symptoms now are backache, constant dull

pelvic pain, and periods that don't end.

I have my followup visit from the D&C this week, and the doctor told

my husband as I was coming out of anesthesia: it's either wait it

out with the same bleeding pattern til menopause (I'm 47) or have a

hysterectomy. At this point, I wouldn't consider a myo because I

have no guarantee that the remaining uterine tissue wouldn't spawn

new fibroids. I am at peace with my decision to have a hysterectomy.

My mother is 79, had a partial abdominaml hyst at about age 44 with

NO problems whatsoever, for all these years. Never took HRT. Never

had a hot flash. I have positive expectations.

I would like to be free of this--although my bloodwork always comes

back just this side of anemic, I feel like I've lost years to

feeling dragged out, headachey, short of breath, and worn down. This

has been the plague of the decade for me. I want it to be over.

I feel that I gave the other, conservative options a try first, so

this is the right thing to do now.

Joanne

[Guest guest]

I agree that a second opinion is crucial, especially when a doctor

recommends hysterectomy first.

After experiencing heavy bleeding for a couple of months (and a trip to the ER

due to hemorrhage), I had a sonogram in January. The Gyn said I had a

fibroid that probably couldn't be removed via Myo. He recommended high

estrogen bcp's to control the bleeding, then said that the only other option

he'd recommend was hysterectomy. The estrogen didn't help the bleeding,

and I went to another Gyn for a second opinion. 4 months and a

Hysteroscope/D&C later, I had a hysteroscopic Myo to remove a sizable

fibroid. My Gyn seems hopeful that the bleeding will stop now.

Lynn

> > I'm kind of afraid to post on this because I fear most in the group are

> > anti-hysterectomy, no matter what almost. I think I'm going to have one

> > though.

> >