Letter to my doctor

[Guest guest]

Hi everybody:

I had a doctor apt. on 2/9/04. I have 1 submucosal (2.0 cm) and 1

subserosal fibroid (3.4 outside of uterus). After doing a

hysteroscopy in January, my doctor recommended a vaginal hysterectomy.

Unbelievable.

I verbally informed my doctor that I did not want a hysterectomy at my

young age (44). I typed a letter to my doctor and mandated that the

letter be made part of my medical record. It basically said that: " I

do not want a hysterectomy under any circumstances other than to save

my life. " In the letter I also expressed to him that I was quite

disturbed that he recommended a hysterectomy due to my young age, MY

desire to have a child and for a totally beningn condition of the

uterus. He was very suprised (but not put off by it). I also

informed him of the consequences of the hysterectomy for me such a

pelvic prolapses, decreased sexual function, etc. etc. etc. In the

letter, I also informed my doc that if he could not assure me will

high probablility that the resection would not result in a

hysterectomy, that I would have to go to another doctor that could

give me a better prognosis.

I informed my doc that I will only permit a resection on the

submucosal fibroid and that the subserosal should not be touched in

any way. He told me in January that if he excised the subserosal that

he could not guarantee needing to perform a hysterectomy.

My doc told me that the resection scheduled for me on 3/23/04 almost

definately will not have to become a hysterectomy. Does this sound

right to the group?

I am proud that I stood up for myself and documented to my doctor that

he should re-think when he informs his patient that they should have a

hysterECTOMY. I am so glad I belong to this group. The information I

have gained so far is just phenominal.

Jeanne