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 ... I usually hang out on some other groups on Daily Strength, but had a question for y'all after my visit to the OB/GYN today.
I have a large fibroid in an odd place in my uterus. Just in the last two months have been having (minor) cramping and bleeding with sex and mid-cycle. My OB/GYN in concerned about things worsening and said that a hysterectomy could be in my future ... although it would be a ways off. She would leave the ovaries, but take the uterus.
I will see her in January for a symptom review. I'm wondering what questions to ask and what to find out from her at that time. As the experts, what would y'all suggest?
Some additional facts that might help with comments:
(1) I am 35.
(2) I am married, have never been pregnant, and am not planning to have kids.
(3) I cannot take hormones of any type because I get blood clots.
(4) Because of the blood clots, I am on blood thinners (warfarin) for life which means that I bleed easily and take a very long time to clot. Any surgery would have to be planned well in advance and would require coordination of multiple doctors.
Thanks so much!
I have a large fibroid in an odd place in my uterus. Just in the last two months have been having (minor) cramping and bleeding with sex and mid-cycle. My OB/GYN in concerned about things worsening and said that a hysterectomy could be in my future ... although it would be a ways off. She would leave the ovaries, but take the uterus.
I will see her in January for a symptom review. I'm wondering what questions to ask and what to find out from her at that time. As the experts, what would y'all suggest?
Some additional facts that might help with comments:
(1) I am 35.
(2) I am married, have never been pregnant, and am not planning to have kids.
(3) I cannot take hormones of any type because I get blood clots.
(4) Because of the blood clots, I am on blood thinners (warfarin) for life which means that I bleed easily and take a very long time to clot. Any surgery would have to be planned well in advance and would require coordination of multiple doctors.
Thanks so much!
I know how you feel about not being able to hormones or anything like it do to blood clots. Just make sure YOU are ok with your decision and don't search too much cause you will scare yourself more then if you just talk to your doctor extensively.
I wish you the best and keep us updated.....(((((hugs))))))
However, there are treatments other than hysterectomy for fibroids that will preserve your uterus. Many gynecologists fail to inform their patients of other treatment options because they don't do those other procedures. Embolization and ablation are generally done by interventional radiologists not gynecologists. And there aren't many gyns skilled in myomectomy (which removes only the fibroids leaving the uterus intact). I suggest you do some searching on the web to learn about the different treatment options and their risks and benefits.
Removal of the uterus is the most damaging of the available treatments. The common consequences of hysterectomy include loss of sexual desire and response, physique changes (post-hyst belly from loss of pelvic integrity), bladder and bowel prolapse/incontinence, osteoporosis.
In about 40% of cases, the loss of blood flow to the ovaries causes them to fail. In this case, you'll experience an earlier and more severe menopause which may be similar to that experienced after ovary removal. This loss of ovarian function further increases your risk of all-cause mortality. And without HRT as an option, life could be very miserable.
You may want to read through the discussions on this forum to see what other women have experienced after hysterectomy.
I wish you the best with whatever decision you make.
I know my gyno would much prefer to do ablation. While looking at the ultrasound, she said she was actually "pissed" about the location of the fibroid because it would be extremely difficult/impossible to do ablation.
I do really like her and have used her for several years, but I've had enough issues with doctors regarding my clotting issues that I will be very cautious in proceeding.
Thanks all!
do what is best for you! Despite what fighting4 says not all hysterectomies are negative and post side effects too...I'm living proof of it! I tried every option possible but at the end I decideD on the procedure bc it was what was best for ME. I was not going to live a life in pain. Again I'm happy, pain free, no sexual problems in that department, my appearences are fine and no bladder or bowel issues. I just hate the hot flashes lol