Long story short, I have a fibroid that was diagnosed a year ago, and has gotten worse over time. Basically I'm at a point where Aunt Flow never leaves town. I've had two attempts at biopsies fail because my uterus is tipped backward and they can't get to my cervix. I also went through a similar experience with a saline infused sonogram, again a lot of poking with no test result. Recently I had a second ultrasound because the doctor feels my increase in symptoms may be due to the fibroid growing. I have insurance approval for a D&C so my doctor can get her tissue sample that she's been trying to get, but it's not scheduled yet. Meanwhile, the doctor put me on BCP to regulate the bleeding. It hasn't helped, and after the first placebo pill, I had some flooding like never before. Two days of placebo pills- two episodes now. Then there's the pain... I can't get in to see the doctor until a week from today. At this stage, I really just want it all cut out. I've gone computer-blind reading about treatments for fibroids and at 44, waiting until menopause isn't going to work. I work as a part-time reading specialist. I'm on a temporary contract so I'm worried about my job if and when I can get a hysterectomy scheduled. Waiting on insurance and tests has pushed this way back. I was hoping to do it over the Christmas break, but at this point, I don't see that working, so it'll be after school starts again and I'll have to be out. Someone just tell me it'll all be okay.
Has your doctor recommended a hysterectomy? I don't blame you for wanting the pain and other symptoms to go away. It isn't a way to live for long. I think I would try some way to see the doctor sooner, maybe even go to the emergency room. I had a complete hysterectomy many years ago at age 36 and I thought it was a tragedy at the time. As I got a little older, the benefits became more and more apparent. My recovery took nowhere near as long as it was supposed to.
I had the same problem and had a complete hysterectomy. It was the best surgery ever! After the operation, I gave my sister all my feminine hygiene products to my sister. She said it would take her all year to use them up, but for me that was a one month supply. The recovery was easy too!
My doctor's recommendation was birth control pills, which don't seem to be working. I was against surgery for a long time, but I'm definitely coming around. At this point I'm going to do whatever I can to get it approved. My entire life has been taken over by this thing. I can't work out, I'm afraid to travel, and I basically go between home and work right now because I don't want to be anyplace away from a bathroom. I'm glad to hear you feel it was a good decision. At 36 it probably would have been hard to grasp.
I went on the birth control shot a few years ago and haven't had a period since. It's been amazing! I took all my products to school to give to students when they ask.
.... especially because I was still hoping to get pregnant. And had just had abdominal surgery two years before. So, yes, poor timing. However, I had not experienced the debilitating symptoms which you are experiencing. I know I couldn't tolerate them long at all, so I can totally understand your need for relief. And the permanency of the surgery means that now, later in life, I don't have some of the cancer concerns that I would have had.
I had a total hysterectomy at 29--I had 3 children and endometriosis that was so severe that it was impacting my daily life. I was on narcotic pain killers for at least a week every month. My doctor gave me the choice of having another baby before the hysterectomy but we were happy with our family so I did it. It was a decision that probably saved my life!!
I had a hysterectomy at 30 when my uterus ruptured during labor; not the most fun way to have a baby or a hysterectomy! Luckily, I was able to keep my ovaries. Good luck.
It's the best surgery I ever had. I wanted it done at 32, but the doctor wasn't on board. Then I put it off due to medical issues with my mom, my dad and FIL having cancer, and a marriage falling apart. I had it done at 43. I did mine in January. Spent three days in the hospital (because of other medical history issues and being far from hospital in a bad winter storm), stayed with my mom for a few days, and was back home by myself within a week, Stayed out of school five weeks, but I was at jury duty 6 days after surgery. I felt like a new person.
Thanks to all the people who've responded! Today I had a follow-up with my doctor after my second ultrasound. The fibroid that was found last year has apparently invited friends to move in, so now I have three of them. I asked what I have to do to get a hysterectomy. She said that it was do-able. So far nothing has worked management-wise. It was kind of scary because she kept talking about having a gynecologic oncologist consult because I still haven't been able to get a biopsy done and they have to rule out anything more sinister than the fibroids. I have approval for a D&C, but I asked if we can just skip it and go straight to taking it all out. She is going to call an oncologist colleague and see what he thinks. I'm mid-way between terrified and relieved that at least there is some semblance of relief in the future. I suppose there's also insurance approval at some point to be worried about, and she said she has a full schedule until February - NOT what I wanted to hear. So I'm waiting again.
It's good to hear that you have moved along with the process and that the doctor sees your position more clearly. I would want to skip the d&c, also. What's the point? Don't dwell on the waiting time until surgery. Think of the positives that are coming your way. And, wow, I didn't realize how many other members had experienced early hysterectomies. I'm sure you realize that you have a lot of support here.
I'm definitely trying to focus on the positives - getting my life back! While I hate to think what women have to go through, it's somewhat soothing to know that so many have been in similar situations and come out the better for it. It's scary though...I'm worried about the surgery, the recovery, if my doctor is a good surgeon, if the hospital is good and safe and clean, the money, my job...so many things!
My friend had this same problem. An ablation solved it! Talk to your doctor -way less invasive than a hysterectomy.
I had my hysterectomy at 44 due to ridiculous bleeding that had my hemoglobin at 5.3. My fingers were often numb and the whites of my eyes were a constant blue tinge. My oxygen level was really suffering and so was I. This was the best thing I ever did to help myself. My life has improved tenfold since that day eleven years ago.
We briefly discussed a myomectomy, but since we haven't been able to get a biopsy sample, I think my doctor doesn't want to deal with any morcellation. She said an abdominal cut with a full removal will be safer if there are any bad cells. The recovery time is similar, and at 44, without a romantic relationship, the idea of pregnancy is really not something I'm thinking about. Right now I just want to get rid of the problem. Right now I'm pretty irritated with my doctor's office and the HMO. I called the doctor's office to ask about approval. They said they were still waiting. On the same day I called the HMO and they said it was already approved and my doctor's office would be in touch about scheduling. I called the office back and they said they had a date and even gave me a time, but said they were calling the surgery center every day to try to get it moved up. I understand that, but hearing nothing at all is almost punitive! At least tell me there's a tentative date and tell me it might get moved up. Don't keep me in the dark! Then Christmas happened, so everything was at a standstill again. I can't even get my birth control Rx updated. I really just want this to be done at this point. The waiting and uncertainty is so hard.
My aunt needs to have hysterectomy in two weeks and she is worry so much about it. How long was a whole recovery process for you? Was it very difficult?
If your ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy, you'll go through menopause immediately after the operation, regardless of your age. This is known as surgical menopause. My mom went through this at 48. She started experiencing symptoms like mood swings and night sweats two months after the surgery. Of course, menopause can be treated/ Usually, doctors recommend hormone therapy and antidepressants. As far as I know, my mom also uses Premarin Cream for personal comfort. I think only a doctor can tell you what is the best choice for you.
