Hysterectomy & Alternatives

Hello all...have been reading some of your posts and hoping your experiences and advice may calm me!

I am 43, 2 kids, 2 c-sections, and a tubal when I had my second child. Two years ago started bleeding about 20 days out of the month, and after about 6 months, opted to have the NovaSure (ablation) done. It was like a miracle. no more bleeding, no periods since. But then 1 year ago, I ended up in the emergency room with the most extreme pelvic pain I had ever had...I had no idea what was wrong. Long story short after ultra sounds and CT scan, they found nothing. Went to see OB/GYN who had done the NovaSure who said maybe scar tissue. Several months went by and the pain came and went...always just like a regular cycle, just no bleeding, some months the pain was so severe I was in bed, some months some Advil took care of it. Again back to my doc, who said it was up to me if I wanted to live with it or not. I have neglected to mention I high a very high threshold for pain, and not much bothers me. So last month it was back again, so severe I thought I was in labor! Also with the pelvic pain, it also goes into one leg...almost al of the pain on my right side. SO back to the doc again on Friday, and we decide on a total hysterectomy, (including ovaries and appendix). I leave the office confident with my choice. Then..I come home and start in with my "Google madness". I find horrific stories...sex drive gone, or painful sex, weight gain, and the list goes on. I have issues with my weight already, and I really like my sex life! I keep going back to I'm 43!!! Now I'm thinking should I keep the ovaries??And  possibly risk another surgery if I continue to have problems. I wish I could just delete Google off my computer at this point.

I just feel I need to speak to someone who has been in a similar situation. My surgery is scheduled for Nov 20. , and I normally don't flip-flop on such issues. I would soooo appreciate and advice at all!!

Hi and welcome to the board! 

Ok, do you want me to come delete all search engines from your computer for you???  That way you won't be tempted to do one last search........  lol 

Google, is a BAD thing!  Of course you found horror stories!!!  It is the women who aren't happy who speak up loud and long!  The majority of women claim the total is the BEST thing they ever did for themselves.  But you don't see much from them because they just get on with their lives.  If you do an advanced search on this board, or just go back in the threads you will find almost all posters say that they are glad they did it! 

As for sex...  for most it gets better!  Why?  Because there is no more pain.  There is no more fear of pregnancy.  No more 'wrong time of the month' etc. 

Something to think about as for keeping your ovaries.  If you get rid of them, that is one less cancer to think about.  It also gets rid of the chance of needing to have another surgery to get rid of them should they be the cause of some of the pain.  Do you know if they are? 

Now, let me help you with your preparations. For one thing, do your Christmas shopping before your surgery.  I had mine the end of October and not knowing how I would feel I had most of mine done for my dd who was in 8th grade at the time done.  I wanted the 'main' things so if I didn't get anything else done she would still have a good Christmas.  

How old are your kids? 

As I said I will help you get ready...  tips, suggestions etc.  Any questions?  Ask.  Hopefully I will have an answer!  

For more info on menopause and perimenopause visit:
cl-klrambo's Menopause Oasis

Remember....you are NOT alone!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much! I hadn't really thought about one less type of cancer risk if they take the ovaries. They really are not sure where the problem is, CT scan and ultra sound don't show anything. The doc says they won't really know til they go in.  And I have been thinking about the Christmas shopping! Need to get a lot done before the 20th! Don't think I'll be hosting Thanksgiving either! My boys are 18 and 7, the 18 year old is out of the house, and I share custody of the 7 year old. My mom is about 2 miles away and said she will help me, and I have a cousin who has also voluntered. Just not looking forward to being down for too long!

The 18 yo can understand if mom has surgery and not up to getting things done as much as usual.  BUT the 7 yo is 'different'.  Make sure if nothing else you have his Christmas.  Even if it is not as much..........  If your mom is so close and a cousin willing to help, you are good.  Realizing that your surgery is before Thanksgiving, I would also bring up the possibility that you put your tree up before the surgery unless you have someone willing to drag everything up and out and decorate while you 'supervise' from a near by chair or couch. 

If you go down to the next folder you will find a list of what to do and not do after surgery. 

I lost my mom to uterine cancer.  My gyn was aware of that.  Another reason he took everything.  He told me that now my dd would not have to go through what I did with my mom. 

For more info on menopause and perimenopause visit:
cl-klrambo's Menopause Oasis

Remember....you are NOT alone!!!!!