FREAKED out about consequences of hysterectomy

Hello, :-)

I'm scheduled for a FULL Hysterectomy on Friday April 18th @ 8:00am I'm having everything out.  I want to CANCEL for fear of all I learned.  I heard this video about the things that happen from having a hysterectomy at this website:

http://www.hersfoundation.org

I need to know what to do.  Hearing about taking vital parts out that support other organs and causing everything to shift and move and create other issue's has me SCARED TO DEATH.  Can you help me with the reasons why SO MANY women DO AND SHOULD have Full Hysterectomys?????  I have a full profile of all I've been through if you want to read it before answering this.  It would probably be helpful to you in answering me back by knowing what's going on with all my parts.  

I'm having the daVinci Hysterectomy, but haven't found ANY WOMEN to talk to that have been through this already themselves.  

THANK YOU in advance for your help.  :-)  

[hey3]

Hi! I understand the scared part. I will have either a myomectomy or hyst in the middle of May. I went and saw a second doc. yesterday. This one was more inclined to listen to me and said he would do what he could but may end up with a hyst. I have fibroids that are very large and very undefined. My uterous is 17cm X 9cm X 14cm. It is hard to tell if there is one or many. I don't seem to have all of the symptoms you have. My ovaries are good. I was told that I could keep my cervix. In fact, this would lower may chance of getting an infection. He said it was actualy easier. Mine will come out hopefully with a transverse incision. Have you talked with other doctors about any kind of alternative to a full hyst? The full hyst is probably because of your ovaries having cyst. There is much debate on prolapsing. Some prolapse some don't. Some women prolapse and have to have a hyst because of prolapsing.
I hope everything goes well.
hey3

[emtd65]

Hi,

I had a partial hysterectomy in 2002. I also had cysts and fibroids as well as repeated bouts of pelvic inflamatory disease and endomytiosis. I had my cervix removed and one ovary. The theory was to leave one ovary to allow for a natural menopause. Have you sort a second opinion from a reputable GYN ? Never jump into something so serious without a second opinion. You are right about things shifting and if no ovary remains you will have to begin hormone treatments etc. Do not go into something you are having second thoughts about, after all this is life changing and a forever change. You can"delay" the procedure and seek the advice of another GYN. Hope all goes well.


Christine

[madgeOwens]

Indications/contra-indications: The surgery technique could be indicated for patients of all weights and sizes. It is also an option for those with a possible cancer diagnosis as the da Vinci® robotic surgical device allows for excellent visual capability and access to lymph nodes for radical hysterectomy. This surgical technique is also an option for patients who may suffer from surgical adhesions.

Initial Recovery: Expect 2 to 4 weeks of recovery, with some lifting and straining restrictions that could extend beyond this period.

da Vinci Hysterectomy offers numerous potential benefits over traditional approaches to vaginal, laparoscopic or open abdominal hysterectomy, particularly when performing more challenging procedures like radical hysterectomy for gynecologic cancer. Potential benefits include:

Less pain
Less blood loss
Fewer complications
Less scarring
A shorter hospital stay
A faster return to normal daily activities

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is both patient and procedure specific. While radical hysterectomy or abdominal hysterectomy performed using the da Vinci Surgical System are considered safe and effective, these procedures may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

[madgeOwens]

http://www.davincisurgery.com/procedures/gynecologic/uterine/davinci_hysterectomy.aspx

copy and paste this in your browser

[At End]

You did not say why you are planning the total hysterectomy. That makes a huge difference in the decision making process. My story is in one of the above posted questions. If you have cancer, I wouldn't look at any more hysterectomy horror stories. Living is more important than anything.
If you are having it for prolapses, please seek several opinions from drs who are independent of each other. If I had to make the decision over again, I would have taken a much more conservative approach to the incontinence issue, and stopped after that first surgery. The hysterectomy that I had really was not necessary, and I was not one of the  more fortunate patients (my mother had no problems with it, so I thought it would be ok).  

[madgeOwens]

I just had a hysterectomy for a prolapse and I could not be happier!! They fixed me right up.

[dscoochie]

I had a hysterectomy (everything but ovaries - vertical incision right down the belly) in June 2007.  It was a tough recovery, but I made it!  Just take your time with recovery - dont do too much too quickly.  Rest, rest and more rest.  I feel fine now in that regard (am dealing with different health issues, but not related to the hyst).
  

You may want to visit the hystersisters web site - it is fantastic!

Good luck!

[madgeOwens]

hystersisters is not as user friendly however.......

[lady452008]

I agree about the hystersisters website not as user friendly and I'm GLAD I'm not the only one that feels that way.  I joined and after using it a few times it doesn't even recognize me as a member even with my email address and I have all that info written down in a special notebook I have for joining website log in information.  Crazy......  :-X

[agracyk]

I had hysterectomy when I was 14 after I had my daughter. My uterus would not contract back to 0cm.  I also had a blood transfusion and was given 11 unit of blood. Yes it is scary.  I was on bed rest after for 7 days after and it took about 2 months for me to recover fully. But no more periods, that is the good think about it.  But no more children, that can be good or sad.  

I hope all goes well for you.

[Nina64]

My advice is to not have a hysterectomy unless your situation is life or death!!! In my case, I had cancer so I had no choice. The hysterectomy saved my life but also ruined the life I have. I will never be the same. I cannot enjoy sex without feeling pain so my sex life is destroyed and that was a very important part of who I was. I am not the same person and am very unhappy. However, if you have pain that you are hoping to resolve through hysterectomy, maybe it will be different for you. I still strongly believe that a woman should consider all other options before resorting to hysterectomy. We are put together the way we are for a reason, and messing with our anatomy by cutting parts of it out just can't be good.

[madgeOwens]

I am sorry to have to disagree with Nina, however I believe her statement,"We are put together the way we are for a reason, and messing with our anatomy by cutting parts of it out just can't be good" is not true.  Many people have had "things" removed and it has saved their lives or bettered their lives. This is just not true. Now while she may not feel she was helped with surgery for cancer, I think people who have not been as fortunate and are now dead may strongly disagree.  Hysterectomy is not always a choice.  Many times it is a choice for "quality of left" and the surgeons will they'll you it may help and it may not in the case of prolapses. However, in the case of pain relief I think that also is a personal choice.  I can see why someone can be FREAKED OUT.... after reading a post like Nina's......however I think you will find more positive remarks from people who have had hysterectomy.

[Twilight_Princess]

I disagree with Nina too. Just because a few women ended up with problems doesn't mean all women will end up having problems. Before I had the hysterectomy I talked with countless women before I made up my mind and the majority of the women recommended the hyster. I am very glad I made the right choice and had the hyster because now I am pain free! It's a beautiful thing to live pain free and I suffered so many years with pain.

Nina - have you tried using lubricant? I heard it can help :-)

[madgeOwens]

LOL that was suppose to read "quality of life" not left.....oopsies

[jml1986]

I know there are probably tons of reasons why not to have a total hysterectomy, but I gotta tell you, that has been the greatest thing I have ever done. I wish I would have done it 20 years sooner. This procedure is no different then any other procedure that you look up the possible complications to. The internet is a great resource of information, but it can also provide so much information that it causes us to panic. I am a person that does research all I can before I have something done, but then I weigh my odds and in this case, the pain I was in was worth the risk. Once I was done, I could not believe how easy it was and how fast I recovered and even how great I have felt since. My sex life has even been off the charts, so I for one would recommend it, but you have to decide for yourself.

[lady452008]

THANK YOU for writing.  I've been very busy with my son on Spring break, I've been sick, he was sick and NOW....getting everything done for surgery next Friday April 18th.  

I have to agree that all the women I know PERSONALLY ALL are VERY HAPPY.  Also, there will be negatives found on the internet concerning all areas of all subjects.  In my case for a full hyster I've had issue's since 2006 and now have solid masses.  Either way the masses HAVE TO COME OUT and be biopsied.  Due to my history this would be a RRS surgery which is Reducing Risk Surgery.  My issue's only get worse and all parts are involved, so the leading female GYN Oncologist in our area is doing the surgery.  I've heard all good things and sometimes we just don't have a choice.  It's either prevent cancer if it's not cancer already or WAIT for it all to turn to cancer.  

I'm sorry for ANYBODY that has problems after any type of surgery.  Nobody wants to go in and come out unhappy with the results.  I know personally my brother and sister have been through a lot with their SEVERAL major surgeries.  

One thing I have come to realize is people have all kinds of "parts" removed all the time, so a full hyster isn't much different.  

I wish EVERYONE the VERY BEST AND THANK YOU ALL...........for your comments, LOVE AND SUPPORT.  

Blessings to you and yours.  :)

[njw753]

I had a total hysterectomy 20 years ago.  I understand the fear and uncertainty all of you are experiencing.  

I would like to recommend two excellent websites:

hysterhealth

minniepauz

Both are filled with friendly, helpful and sympathetic women.

[Twilight_Princess]

Thank you so much for the links :-)

[lady452008]

THANK YOU for the websites I'll be sure to check them out.  I'm TOTALLY FINE now that I've had the surgery.  I've encountered some issue's that have been resolved and currently working to resolve stitches that have gotten infected.  It's been an interesting journey to say the least, but it'll evenually all be behind me.  :)

Blessings to you and hope you and yours are well.  Sharon :)

[wenkle]

I am considering a hyst for DUB.  I too have been researching and I discovered the HERS foundation website also.  In my opinion they are the extreme of not having a hyst.  If you look around on the website, there is the story of the woman who started the org.  She feels that she was forced into a hyst and given no other alternatives.  

In my opinion you are taking a risk having a hyst, just like any other surgery.  There are complications that could arise from the initial surgery, and there are complications that could arise in the future.  From what I have read common complications following hyst are centered around bladder and incontinence, along with prolapse of bowel or bladder into vagina. These are both able to be treated or repaired.  As a woman you are at risk of weakening of pelvic floor from giving birth vaginally, so if you were to develop problems post hyst and had delivered vaginally your really can not solely blame hyst.  
In my opinion I would recommend anyone considering hysterectomy as an option to avoid HERS unless they really do not want one and their dr. is insiting they need one.  For instance, a woman who is not finished bearing children.

[Bobbigirl58]

Please read a great book called Misinformed Consent.  I agree with Nina64.  ONLY IF ABSOLUTLY NECESSARY

[Cherie762]

hey all this is an one year old post  shes had her surgery and is recovered.

[Cherie762]

there are many women who have died from ovarian cancer ,,ovarian cysts can be cancerous...uterine cancer can be fatal  so certanily I hop anyone who has had a hysterectomy doesn't head the advice of someone who would be so insulting as to say"if your life is incomplete without removing something....."  I know most of you readers are far more intelligent then that.  of course any operation is serious particularly having an organ removed..is it done unneccesarily at times absolutley,,,,,are there women laying dead who should of gotten one yes there are what a shame for their families..and for them Id rather face hormone issues which in my personal case have not been bad Bio identicals are working well...read reasurch get more than one opinion ...this web site is not intended to be a on line doctor its for support.

[Cherie762]

Lets try to keep our anwsers to posts that are atleast in the current year, It confuses people who dont look at the dat and it prevents us from seeing more current posts where women are currently waiting for help.

[jiggaz31]

Nina64 made extremely valid points. The womb is the pelvic support system. The bladder sits in front of it and the bowels behind it. Guess what happens when the womb is amputated out of the equation? Organs become displaced. My bladder and bowels became displaced within the first year after my surgery. The ovaries are a very important part of a woman's endocrine system. Removing them is 'castration' most importantly. Orgasm is anatomically impossible without the uterus and ovaries. Anyone can research this for themselves. Most women understand what it means to be castrated. Many women just don't know that removal of their ovaries is 'castration'. They don't know because their doctors don't tell them. I wonder why they don't tell them. It could be because most women would run, not walk, out of their doctor's office if the correct medical term was used. Living in a 'castrated state' is horrific. Perhaps that is why the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1985 that it constitutes 'cruel and unusual' punishmen to surgically castrate sex offenders. Yet, American GYN's sexually castrate over half a million women a year; women who have committed no crime. Women were not created to have their female sex organs amputated. Hysterectomy is life-saving in only about 1% of cases. Hysterectomy is directly linked to heart disease in women due to the loss of a protective hormone the uterus produces. This hormone can in no way be artifically replaced. Heart disease is the number killer of Americn women (more than all cancers combined). What a surprise! Then, there is bone loss, muscle mass loss, vision loss due to the formation of cataracts from lack of estrogen, thyroid disease, severe depression due to the loss of endorphins and androgens produced by the ovaries, sexual dysfunction, lung cancer, dementia, Parkinson's, etc.  A woman's body has over 400 receptor sites for the hormones produced by the female sex organs. These hormones tell the body how to work; what to do and when, etc. Without these hormones telling the receptors what to do; the body is devastated. These are just a few of the mental and physical consequences of allowing a doctor to amputate your female sex organs. There is also the spiritual impact to consider. We are made up of body, mind and spirit. OBGYN's are surgeons. They make their money by doing surgery. Once they are too old or sick or tired to deliver babies; OBGYN's have to deliver women's female sex organs to maintain the lifestyle to which they have no doubt grown accustomed. Woman all over the world have the same body parts, and yet, America performs more hysterectomies than most any other country. Why do you suppose that is? Also, more hysterectomies are performed in the southern states. Why do you suppose that is? It is just not reasonable to  believe that over half a million women request to be hysterectomized and castrated each year. The only reasonable explanation is that doctors talk women into having this done by not telling them that there are alternatives and also by not telling them the true consequences of the surgery. These surgeries shorten a woman's life span also. Doctors fail to mention this minor deatil also. If over half a million men were being castrated each year in the U.S.; there would be mutiny. It's time to wake up ladies and understand the female anatomy and also understand that the female sex organs are not throw-away organs.