Hi Monkeymom3, i'm not sure about wether the hysterectomy would help with the problem you have, but is that the really last resort? Its such a radical surgery, have you tried anything else? i do know however that my IH headaches get really really bad at that time of month too, for about 3 days before and for the next 3 days too. Pain meds don't usually 'hit' the spot for me, I am left to suffer it out! So maybe there is a link between the ih and hormones or something like that. I hope others can guide you better just thought i'd share my little bit with you! you shouldn't have to suffer like this! Good luck.

Hi Monkeymom3, I had a hystrectomy @ 3 years ago. It was after having the shunt placed and meds. It has not changed one thing for me. I am no better since the hysterectomy. With that said everyone is different. It may help. Good luck in your decision.

I thought the same thing; however, I have a fibroid and if I do not qualify for a embolizatoin then I will have to get a partial hysterectomy. I was thinking the same thing: perhaps it would help.
However, my neuro says the pressure goes up because we are retaining water at that time of the month. The gyno said that as far as PTC, everyone wants to blame hormones for everything. So...

Can't help you there.... but I miss you!!!! We must talk again soon.

I had to have a partial hysterectomy due to endometriosis. They left my ovaries so I still have the hormone fluctuations every month. The only change for me is I no longer have my period. I wish I has explored other avenues before my hysterectomy but I followd my doctors recommendations. If PTC has any connection to hormones a hysterectomy is not the answer. Do alot of research before you make such an important decision, especially if you are young enough to still have children. Good luck, I hope you find your answers.

Hi khrystine, well, I went thru the menopause at 42 and cant say it made one bit of difference to my pain and or any other symptoms. I would think very carefully about having a Hysterectomy. Do you really need to go thur another surgery? It will take the last bit of energy that you have, and possibility, with no change.
Caution, dear friend, don't let the pain , mixed your thinking up.. Cath.

I'm new to IH/PTC since 11/10.
BUT:
#1: this all started immediately following fertility treatments, which threw my hormones out of whack. My neuro even agrees that the whole change in hormones may have triggered this disease.
#2: I seemed to have a harder time around my period.
#3: I have not gotten my period now since 2/10/11 (not sure why; not pregnant) and there has been some difference for the better.
So, I would research the idea of the hysterectomy as the hormones may not be affected.
I'm actually worried that I will end up in the ER if/when my period returns as I'm sure it will be a doozy! I hope it stays away.
Anyway, good luck.

Thank you all for your responses. I am finished having children, as I am 41 years old and already have three children...My oldest is 20!!! So, I am fulfilled as a mother.

I am still affected by my IH everyday, and as I've stated before, even with the VP shunt I am on daily narcotics to manage continued pain. However, the worst pain always comes around my period. My shunt swells, my pressures rise and for a good week and a half...I'm just miserable. Initially, I'm so miserable that even my daily narcotic ritual cannot touch the pain and I end up in the ER on IV narcotics to control the intense pain. A hysterectomy is certainly a drastic decision...but, for me, so was getting a VP shunt and having brain surgery. But, when you are in severe pain and your ability to live life like a normal person is disrupted...you will succumb to drastic measures to get your life back.

But, it sounds like a hysterectomy may not be the answer as several of you have had this done with no relief. As there is some proof that IH is a result of some hormonal issue and because most women find relief from IH when they get into their late 50's (around the time of Menopause), I was hoping that a hysterectomy might work. As it is with all other aspects of IH...there aren't any easy answers.

Thanks anyway.