Hysterectomy Support Group
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, usually done by a gynecologist. Hysterectomy may be total (removing the body and cervix of the uterus) or partial (also called supra-cervical). Although there are conservative alternatives, hysterectomy is performed for uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, pelvic relaxation, heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, and cancer.
Hello everyone I am new to this support group, i was diagnosed with pcos on 2001, Thanks to God and clomid i was blessed with two beautiful children. My pcos had been under control with BC and metformin but about a year ago my H and I decided to try to have 1 more kid, we started several cycles of clomid and unfortunely it never worked, but every since then I have been dealing with abnormal heavy bleeding and pain,i had a d&c in december because I had been bleeding for 2 months straight. a few weeks ago the bleeding has started back up again and is very very severe with excruciating pain, my GYN did a ultrasound and she said Becuase I am so anemic from the blood loss and I have a degenerative fibroid and my body is not responding to any treatment im given to stop the bleeding, i need to consider a ablation or a hysterectomy. I dont know what to do becuase I trust my GYN she has been my dr for over 10 years but im am only in my 30"s and it hurts me to know that ablation or hysterectomy may be my only option, my body has even stopped responding to birthcontrol and I am in excruciating pain and bleeding so heavy I cannot walk or stand for a long time, I feel like im suffering but I know im running out of options. Just needed some advice and encouragement thanks.
But even more importantly, the uterus and ovaries have non-reproductive (lifelong) functions. This video explains them - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK0YpjCHgjg. Any procedure that alters the functioning of our "sex" system can cause permanent problems, ablation included. At least with medications, you can stop taking them if the negatives outweigh the positives.
You said you have degenerating fibroids. I've read that those can be quite painful. Since they're degenerating, maybe you're on the tail end of this misery but I don't know much about degenerating fibroids.
Here's some info about getting proper diagnostics and organ-sparing treatment for heavy bleeding - http://hersfoundation.com/docs/Heavy_bleeding.html. You can also contact this non-profit via email or phone and set up a consultation to understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
Here's a comprehensive document about pharmaceutical treatments for heavy bleeding - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0015970/. Table 8.2 has a handy table of these options and their effectiveness. There are hormonal (birth control pills, high dose progestins, IUD's) and non-hormonal (tranexamic acid Lysteda, NSAIDs) options. Tranexamic acid was FDA approved in 2009 for heavy menstrual bleeding and has been used for hemophilia for years. Unfortunately, treatments aren't "cookie cutter" since every med doesn't work the same for every woman.
Since you're anemic, I hope your gyn told you to supplement with iron and gave you tips on which ones are best absorbed (although a web search or pharmacist consult may be helpful). Taking iron with vitamin C and away from calcium will enhance absorption. I've also read that being iron deficient can make you bleed more - not sure if that's true.
Hope this helps!.