Has anyone ever had a hysterectomy?

[Delaney]

Hi to all. My name is Delaney and I used to be a frequent poster on DIS. Then life happens and I was not able to check in often. But old habit are hard to break and I need to get an answer to a problem SO here I am again. This really is a great site with wonderful people. What an impact Pete has made on so many lives.

Here's my problem...

I went to my general doctor in January due to a soreness in my left pelvic area. He did some tests, didn't find anything and suggested that I visit my GYN. My GYN did an internal, PAP, trans******l sonogram, CAT, CBC and CA-125. Everything came back normal.

My worry is that my mother, two aunts (my mom's sisters) and grandmother (maternal) all had Ovarian Cancer. My Grandmother and one aunt passed away from it, my other aunt had it twice and is now in remission and my mother had it and thankfully it hasn't returned. My mother had no symptons, she went to the GYN because she was feeling bloated, her testing came back negitive and her CA-125 was 12 (the CA-125 test was new at that time.) Her GYN said to be on the safe side, let's take out your ovaries. When they went in, they found a small mass on her ovaries that turned out to be cancerous. And guess what, my aunt just informed me of all this information!!! My mother won't even admit to it (she is very nice, but cannot deal with negitive reality!...I'm in shock that my family would keep such important information a secret, but I'm trying to move past that!)

My GYN has recommended that I have my ovaries removed (would really like me to consider a hysterectomy...but the thought scares me! Except for the soreness on my left side, I'm not in pain.

She will do the surgery but my mother says I should consult a GYN Oncologist. But I can't figure out why an Oncologist would see me, when I don't seem to have Cancer?? Right?

My questions is that: what do you think...should I go for the removal or wait a few years? I'm 36 years old, healthy and have kids (my family is complete.)

Thanks for your opinion. I'm totally stressed over this issue.

Del

 

[Dan Murphy]

Well, certainly can't give you any answers, Del, but did want to stop a moment and say hello. so nice to see you again. I do hope all goes well for you, I am sure you will get some good feedback here.

Are you still doing any police type work?

Again, great to see you.

 

[Delaney]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the warm welcome. My son still treasures his pennies....I think of you everytime I clean his room.

And, no, after 9/11 -- no police work for me.

I do hope to get some answers to my questions. I should have posted a cuter, peppier title!

Del

 

[Barb D]

I had one last summer...

There was just another thread on this a few days ago. In the interest of getting you the info ASAP, here's a link:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1046463

And I'd suggest going to the http://hystersisters.org web site, too. They have great discussion boards there.

 

[Feralpeg]

I had a total hysterectomy a couple of years ago. While not a pleasant procedure, it was well worth it to be without pain.

Your situation is very different. It is a lot like people I've known who've tested positive for the breast cancer gene. Once you know, what do you do? I think it all comes down to peace of mind. If you are going to live with constant worry or suspect ever ache or pain to be something horrible, that isn't much of a way to live. I had breast cancer when I was in my early thirties. Since that time, I've had five different biopsies on my remaining breast. For my peace of mine, I wish I'd gone ahead and had my other breast removed. I know my situation is slightly different, but having to worry about your health all the time is just not fun.

Yes, you would need to consider hormone replacement. I personally can't take anything because I had breast cancer. Even dealing with the issue I have, it isn't that bad.

Whatever you decide, I hope things work out well for you.

 

[hydster]

I had one 3 years ago and never regretted it since! Of course I am not in the same position as you since I had mine done for excessive bleeding but it is SO nice to not have to worry about being somewhere unprepared! I didn't have a complete one though so I still have almost everything. I didn't find it uncomfortable but maybe that is just because I didn't have a total one. Honestly it is so nice to not have to worry about the chance of getting pregnant or bleeding in white pants or anything else we have to worry about. I found a great site while I was trying to decide to have mine done called hyster sister... http://www.hystersisters.com/

They are very nice and a lot of them are very knowledgeable! Good luck on your decision.