Sorry to hear about your problems. Well, removing the uterus if it is indeed the source of your pain will resolve the pain but, unfortunately, hysterectomy causes a whole new set of problems including changes to the spine, hips, and rib cage alignment which leads to chronic back and midsection pain and even reduced circulation to the legs and feet.

Although your belly will probably initially be smaller post-op, the skeletal changes mentioned above will give you the inevitable poochy belly / disappearing waist because the rib cage gradually falls onto the hip bones because of the ligaments that are cut.

Other pelvic organs can also be affected by hysterectomy especially the bladder and bowel. Ironically, I started having some symptoms of pancreatitis after my surgery. It has been 8 years and the symptoms have not totally gone away.

In about 40% of cases, the ovaries stop producing hormones after the uterus is removed. A woman who has all her parts continues to produce ovarian hormones into her 80's.

I regret having had this surgery. I have aged HORRIBLY fast and I detest my hysterectomy figure and the resulting back pain and bowel issues. You can click on my username to read my FULL profile if you want the details. And there is a video link on my profile about the adverse effects of hysterectomy if you care to know the ugly details.

There are some surgeons who will remove fibroids and even some adeno to allow you to keep your uterus and its lifelong, non-reproductive functions. But you have to seek them out as hysterectomy is generally more profitable and grossly overused.

There is a reason you have read so many negatives...it is a surgery that causes permanent harm. Whatever you choose, I hope it works for you.

Ok I think I was unsure about it anyway. Just rang hospital cancelled hysterectomy and are going to try mirena. If I can just get thru to menopause without anaemia and pain I will be happy.

I also hope you can "hang on" until menopause and in the mean time get this under control. Hopefully, the Mirena will do the trick. Be aware though that it can take a few months for the Mirena to reduce the bleeding. Are you taking some vitamin C with the iron injections to help absorption? Also, NSAID's such as Aleve or Motrin can help reduce bleeding especially in prescription strength. And another non-hormonal prescription med called Lysteda (here in the U.S.) or Cyklokapron (tranexamic acid) is pretty effective at reducing bleeding. This link lists all the pharmaceutical options for reducing menstrual flow - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0015970/table/ch8.t1/?report=objectonly.

Let us know how the Mirena is working out. Hang in there and try to persevere to keep your vital uterus (and ovaries).

Glad you're going a different path...I'm sure the hyst seemed the easy route,Anemia and pain must make your life so difficult..but a hyst can generate a host of new problems. That doesn't happen for everyone, but it did for me..Regrets and more regrets!!! The loss of muscle tone and smooth skin, vision deterioration, (hairy eyebrows for crying out loud lol-)-joint pain and weakness--Acne! I now have craters in my face that I never had before..Dr.s have told me it's common in post menopausal women, and 2 dr.s told me the vision problems were a result of the hyst. Surgery is a quick fix response from gyns...but they don't endure the aftermath of being without vital organs...really messes with the endocrine system...I wish you well on seeking alternative healing. I wish I'd done the same.

Thank you for your replies ladies. I will try all options first. If the mirena doesn't work I might try the ablation next. I will be turning 49 this year so I have managed to keep the hyster at bay for 10 years already. Wish me luck ladies, praying the mirena works a treat right up to menopause.

Sending prayers that the Mirena does the trick and you don't need either hysterectomy or ablation! Keep us posted on how it's going.