pros and cons of hysterectomy

[KarlaG4Kids]

Ok, I'm sure the doctors will be able to tell me THEIR side as to why they want me to get a hysterectomy. I need to hear from women who have had one and what the pros and cons are. I am 45 and have had problems with anemia for over 3 years now. That is the only real reason the doctors want me to get one. No serious health threats. But the anemia has become a real problem. I just need to know questions to ask the doctors and the good and bad. Thanks for your input.

 

[OhMari]

What are your symptoms.

 

[bsnyder]

Karla, I had the exact same problem. It is THE BEST thing I ever did, healthwise, for myself. I don't know that I could even give you any cons, because personally, I didn't have any, other than just the recovery from surgery.

Any questions you have about the details of the procedure, I'd be happy to answer....just pm me.

 

[danacara]

Good article on hysterectomies and alternatives on the cover of today's Wall Street Journal. I think the article is centered on uterine fibroids over anemia, however.

 

[Feralpeg]

I agree with bsnyder, it is the best thing I ever did for myself. I had a condition where the walls of the uterus harden. I was in constant pain for several years. My only regret is that I waited so long to have it done. The only drawback I have is hot flashes. Since I had breast cancer, my doctor was reluctant to put me on any kind of HRT. Even with the hot flashes, I have no regrets.

 

[fanofmickey]

Is there a reason that things need to be removed, or do you just need to stop the bleeding?

I had a balloon ablasion surgery done approx. 5 years ago and have never had another cycle. The lining is either burnt or frozen and there is nothing left to shed each month. I also was becoming anemic, and could do not do any physical activity (we're talking just walking around normally) for 2 or 3 days a month.

 

[Hollyann]

So far, there seem to be all Pro's regarding a hysterectomy! I completely agree! It's the best thing I could have one and I had mine in my 20's! It took six surgeries for them to finally remove my ovaries (breast cancer candidate here!) but if I could do it all over, I'd have them remove the ovaries right away. They were in such bad shape!

Being 45, you're almost to the menopausal stage - you might as well get it over with! You'll avoid the cramps that come with a menstral cycle - even though you won't have one with a hysterectomy! Plus, any possible ovarian cancer issues are gone!

It's a lot to think about, talk to your doctor and anyone else whose opinion you value. Best of luck. Let us know what you decide and how it goes!

 

[Tiggeroo]

I had a balloon ablasion surgery done approx. 5 years ago and have never had another cycle. The lining is either burnt or frozen and there is nothing left to shed each month. I also was becoming anemic, and could do not do any physical activity (we're talking just walking around normally) for 2 or 3 days a month.

Please, tell me more about this. I am going to be making another appointment for a severe bleeding problem. There is a chunk of time when I too can't do anything, including walking around without major probs. First they will want to do another biopsy. If there is not the threat of uterine cancer (I've been pre-cancerous before) they are going to push for a hysterectomy.
OP, I have had to consider this before. One of the questions to ask is whether it needs to be a total hysterectomy. If not, you will not go into menopause, big difference I think.

 

[bsnyder]

Originally posted by Feralpeg
My only regret is that I waited so long to have it done.

Ditto!!!!

 

[bumcat]

No cons here just sorry I waited so long!

 

[ladydancer]

I had a hysterectomy when I was about 42 but insisted on keeping my ovaries. I didn't want to go through the menopause. I wanted that to happen naturally. Although a few years later I got a cyst on 1 and they went in to removed both but could only find the one with the cyst. The dr. said there was so much scar tissue she couldn't find the other one. She said I had both when I had the hysterectomy because she looked at them to see how there were.

I am happy I had it done. I have no regrets but if there were other options I'm sure I wouldn't have had surgery. I hate surgery.

 

[Tiggeroo]

isn't recovery like six weeks though? And will they still do hormone replacement therapy? I'm only 40.

 

[bsnyder]

Everyone's recovery is different.

I had a worse time than I expected, for about 5 days, and then bounced back to perfect (actually better than before) health in much less than 6 weeks.

At 5 weeks, I was on a 10 day trip in England, on my feet walking from dawn until late at night.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

Wow these boards are so helpful with everything.

Symptoms - heavy periods at least 2-3 days and lasting about a week total. Also a couple of small fibroids.

Severe anemia for the past 3 years...to the extent of having a heart murmur caused by the anemia.

I too am interested in hearing about the ballon ablasion. I am trying to research all options and make an informed decision.

 

[fanofmickey]

Tiggeroo, I sent you a PM.

OP, I will send you one, too.

 

[Tiggeroo]

On top of it all I broke a tooth, the second one. (I chew ice) My ice chewing is a symptom of the anemia. Also, I was told that the problems I'm having with my gums/teeth are contributed to by the anemia and hormone imbalance.

 

[bsnyder]

Originally posted by Tiggeroo
On top of it all I broke a tooth, the second one. (I chew ice) My ice chewing is a symptom of the anemia. Also, I was told that the problems I'm having with my gums/teeth are contributed to by the anemia and hormone imbalance.

I had the same thing, Tiggeroo, and ruined a lot of my teeth. I didn't know, at the time, that this was symptom of severe anemia. I always thought I just liked ice and had no self control.

Since I had the surgery, and corrected the anemia, I have absolutely no desire to chomp on my ice.

The ablasion was brand new at the time and my doctor didn't know a lot about it. I'd definitely check into that option, as it's so much less invasive.

 

[hydster]

I had one in March last year and haven't had one regret since. I was bleeding very heavily and the pain was unbearable. My doc put me on Progestrone for a year but it didn't do anything to help either symptom so he gave me the option of the Uterine Ablasion Therapy or the Hysterectomy. He told me the benefits of both but he also told me there was no guarantee that that the ablasion would help me completely where the Hysterectomy would. I made sure he didn't take my ovaries however because I don't want to deal with HRT'S right now. The recovery (at least in my case) was easier than recovering from having a baby. I had a morphine drip complication but once we got that fixed it wasn't too bad. I hated being away from my family for the 2 days but haven't had a single regret doing it. I can't say enough about how good it is to be pain/period free! I also did some research at www.hystersisters.com and asked some questions there as well.

Good luck in your decision and feel free to PM me if you have any other questions!
Heidi

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

The ice chomping is one of my problems also. It is so odd to find others with the same problems. It sure makes me feel better to know I am not so different.

 

[ladydancer]

Originally posted by Tiggeroo
isn't recovery like six weeks though? And will they still do hormone replacement therapy? I'm only 40.

There are 2 different hysterectomy. Total hysterectomey...removel of your ovaries in addition to your uterious. Then there is a hysterectomy where you keep your ovaries. As I stated above I kept my ovaries therefore I didn't need to have any hormone replacement because the hormone comes from your ovaries.

If you have your ovaries removed, it depends on your dr. Some drs. don't want to give hormone replacement therapy as now studies have shown it is dangerous.

My recovery was suppose to be 6 wks but turned into 10 wks.