hysterectomy,sling,hernia surgery

[ScullynJule]

Going in for surgery Nov17'08. The total hysterectomy, hernia and sling will be performed. I am very nervous after reviewing this site and the "horror" stories told. I have fibroids pressing against the badder, which is now, poorly distended, a overly large uterus ,as well as a hernia. I have a calcified kidney stone"which is being "guarded". Please help me to decide if I should go through this sling process, I do not want any "extra " problems after all I've been through. My gyn told me she is using a new product which is supposed to be the smallest and "least"invasive sling on the market, and states her patients have faired well...so far.Please advise if the pros of this procedure outway the cons. My goal is to get back to life, I am 48 and not ready to throw in the towel, if fact, I'm looking for a new beginning, can that happen? Please advise ASAP, the countdown is here. Sincerely, ScullynJule

[temo]

Absolutely you are welcome and yes hang on to that umbrella.  Starting in 2007 I had one surgery, this year I have had 3 but see the end of the  tunnel.  I did have umbilical hernia but my real problem was with my colon/sigmoid which had herniated.  But happy to say that after surgery 11/3 I am feeling much better...and they were able to do it laparascopically.  So as you say, I hope to put umbrella away and look for the rainbow.  Take care.  I know this is frustrating but you seem to be doing and asking all the right questions.  Have  a great day.

[ScullynJule]

After a MRI of the entire abdomen, they found (along w/previos fibroids) kidney calcified cyst, poor distended bladder and an imbilical hernia, all of which could be possible cause of all of this pain, but we seem to have narrowed it down abit to the fibroids and the kidney. I thank you for your response, I have been feeling so lousy the past few months and did not want another potential issue w/bladder infection etc. So my plan, heal from hernia and hysterectomy, and if bladder still is a problem,get it done another time,depending on whether the kidney shows signs of changing.......when it rains it pours but all I can do is hang on to my umbrella!!! Thank you and I hope all is "well" with you.

[temo]

I think that sounds like a sensible decision.  It could have been the fibroids.  I had my hysterectomy because of fibroids also and the bladder problem, incontinence during intercourse, showed up approx. 9 yrs. later.  I am curious, where is your hernia?  

[ScullynJule]

Thank you for your response. In reguards to my cervix, my gyn will decide when she does the surgery if she will remove it, depending on what she sees.The mesh she is using is called the Miniark, same family as the monark but twice as small. I did have a conversation with her and she told me it was 50/50 that if I did not go for "sling" surgery that my bladder would be ok...since the fibroids are pressing against the bladder, I decided not to have the sling put in, and see if the bladder problems change once the fibroids are removed. After going through the total hysterectomy, I don't want to complicate matters. I do have an option to have the sling put in on an outpatient basis after the surgery,if the bladder still poses a problem. Between hernia repair and a hysterectomy, I don't think an added worry about bladder infection etc. is something I want to deal with right now. I would appreciate anyones input onthis matter. Thank you

[temo]

Hi,
I did have a TOT in 2007 which worked well but not sure what kind of mesh was used at the moment.  But I would definitely do some research on the material.  I do know too of some women who have had a terrible time with a sling.  One thing I might ask your doctor is if they will leave your cervix.  I had a partial vaginal hysterectomy in 1997 which I do not think they do now because they have to cut the ligaments.  They took my cervix and uterus.  While there is some hereditary factors, one thing I think women should keep is their cervix because that is support for your bladder and bowels.  If they insist on taking them asky why and if they will do something to prevent any further prolapse of organs?  Also have you been on pelvicfloor.com?  There are some horror stories there but at least it arms you to go in before surgery and ask those important questions.  It is your body,  Good luck!