Should I have a hysterectomy?

[junejoan]

I have been post-menopausal for about a year and a half now, with no menstruation.  For about the last year, I have been experiencing a vaginal discharge, usually clear but sometimes discolored yellowish or pinkish.  I also have post-coital bleeding sometimes.  A pelvic ultrasound recommended gynecologic assessment as the endometrium was abnormally thickened.  I saw a gynecologist who did random biopsies in the uterus and this came back negative.  This was back in May last year.

I am still having the same problems but sometimes have pain/cramping almost like menstruation cramping down in the lower pelvic area.  I had a transvaginal ultrasound this time and the endometrium is now abnormally thickened at 1.6 cm.  The radiologist said "gynecologic assessment must be done"

I have called the gyne doctor who did the last biopsies and he has told me to see my doctor for another referral.  My doctor told me I should be able to go back to the gyne doctor.  How frustrating is this when its me who is at danger here and not the doctor.  Anyway, I see my physician soon about this.

QUESTION:  Since my mother had the same symptoms I now have, and she had uterine cancer which had already metastasized to the bowel, liver, and diaphragm by the time she had any blatant vaginal bleeding, should I first of all insist I be put into the OR under a general anesthetic so the doctor can have a direct look around and take biopsies OR should I just insist on a hysterectomy?  Will the doctors do this on my request?  I am so worried because this has been going on for about a year now for me and my mother was just over a year of symptoms before she started to actually bleed, and by then it was too late as the cancer had already spread?

[shellydine]

just had my complete on Monday...they did the lap that she mentioned...whatever the doctor and you decide you will be fine...just take your time and be carefull what you google...sometimes the internet hinders instead of helps...and stay on sites like this were people honestly want you to feel better...

shell

[junejoan]

Thanks for the input Cherie!  I have in the meantime been back to my physician and am now booked for a D and C in a couple of weeks.  They will then send everything off for pathology.  Hopefully all will be OK and I feel it will be, regardless of what happens.  I truly believe my path is a long one and that I will be around until I am at least mid 80's.  At least that's my plan...ha ha.  I have too many things to learn and do yet in this life.

After reading your story, it gave me strength to know that we are taken care of by God and our angels, and prayers really do get answered.  

God bless,
JuneJoan

[Cherie762]

You really are a good canidate for a diagnostic laproscopy..its 3 very small incisions one in belly button 2 on abdomen,,,they will insert a small camera through a tube in one of the incisions blow your abdomen up with gas so they can see around and take biopsies if needed ( likely will) thats one option.


the other is to insist on a hysterectomy i believe with the thickened endometirum and family history you already meet the criteria,.,,,a divinci robotic assisted hystecectomy is mildy invase and has a 2 week heal time,,, not all insurances cover that nor do sll hospitals have the tecnology...Id insist on a lapro hyster, you dont want the bikini scar..the lapro hyster, is a 6 week recovery its rough Im not gonna lie to you but to never have to worry about going through what you mum is it may be worth it,,

I opted to have my one healty ovary removed for just that reason with all my other organs out it would be too late should my healthy ovary of turned cancerous I had to face an instant menopause not fun but am good now..Please pm me if I can be of further assistance..If I was in your shoes I would get the hysterectomy.