Still trying to decide whether to have a hysterectomy. See message
Posted By: Just me again on 2007-02-05
In Reply to:
I posted last week about my dilema about whether to have a hysterectomy or not after my left ovarian cyst (which was removed along with ovary) came back with a pathology report stating papillary serous tumor, borderline. Doctor says I should have hysterectomy for "insurance" and preventative measures. However, according to their group discussion, my tumor was borderline, but "more on the benign side". I am so confused. I'm 42 and I don't want to have a hysterectomy, but yet, I don't want to have a problem with cancer either. I have the option to follow every six months. Is this safe? Am I better off getting a hysterectomy? I just don't know what to do!!!!
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
the underlying read-between-the-lines message of the insurance lobbyist's message was (sm)
to, yes, appeal the denied claim. However, she lobbies for the insurance companies. She comes across sounding like she's on the patient's side but in reality she is on the side of the insurance company. The insurance company gets to deny whatever claims they want right off the bat. That leaves the SICK patient (who needs the coverage NOW when they are sick) to have to go through the appeals process. That could take quite a while. Imagine a cancer patient being denied some form of treatment that is going to help them. They now have to go through the appeals process (or pay out of pocket) in order for that treatment to be covered. In the MEANTIME their cancer is progressing. From the point of view of the insurance company, if they drag it out long enough they don't have to pay for it at all. That same insurance lobbyist was on 20/20 a little while back and basically came right out and said that the insurance companies COULDN'T AFFORD to pay for coverage for sick people. She's not on the patient's side.
hysterectomy
Can't speak for everyone, but my hysterectomy was the BEST thing I ever did! I had it almost 4 years ago due to severe abdominal pain after spending a few years in and out of surgery for D&C's, uterine ablation, etc. I had a vaginal hysterectomy and was home within 36 hours -- no pain! I don't regret it for a moment. I still have my ovaries (my choice and doc's recommendation), so I still go every year for my annual physical. I had some adhesions from my appendectomy, but it didn't seem to be a problem. My advice - git 'er done!
hysterectomy
I just had a hysterectomy done a couple months ago - and for me personally it was one of the best decisions I have made. I have tons more energy now, no pain, and even have more of a sex drive (which of course my husband loves!). In saying that, every individual is different. There is a website called HysterSisters dot com - check it out - very helpful with information and answers to questions you may have. Good luck to you whatever you decide.
Hysterectomy, my story sm
I had to have a TAH-BSO. My fibroid was the size of a soccer ball, so that was the only way it could come out. My doctor recommended, since I was over the age of 45, to remove the tubes and ovaries to prevent future possibility of ovarian cancer. I was on estrogen for a little while (first estradiol patch - didn't like it, then Cenestin), but I didn't notice any hot flashes or anything really different, so I stopped taking the estrogen. It was so nice not bleeding so much any more. I was out of work for 6 weeks, though. Also, if you have stress incontinence or any other problems in the area, they can fix that all at the same time, so it really was worth it. I had umbilical hernia surgery in the past so don't know about the adhesions, but I was fine. Also, won't need yearly Pap smears any more, just once every 5 years or so (according to my doctor). Good Luck
Your upcoming hysterectomy
I agree with the other posters. Best thing I ever did and I, too, was 42. Actually had gallbladder out in April 1998 and hysterectomy in July 1998:( I had everything removed so did not have to worry. I had the vaginal surgery, almost had to have abdominal because of size of uterus. Thank God it went well vaginally. I agree with Janet, I could have gone to work the next day. Felt absolutely GREAT!! What is more, I was working in-house for a clinic and had sick time built up and my doctor was gracious enough to give me 8 weeks off, during the summer have you and.........I was paid for doing it. Good luck!
Please help. Had a hysterectomy last year
and ever since I am drying up like a prune. My sinuses are always clogged and the top of my eyelids are so dry I can hardly put eyeshadow on because it just flakes off. Has anyone else had this problem after a hysterectomy or while going through menopause? Is there a miracle cream out there for my dry skin? I've tried a few but so far nothing works.
Had my hysterectomy 13 years ago, and
although they are not as bad as they used to be. And no, I am not ERT.
Hysterectomy question
Hope you do not have to. You are way too young. I had one 10 years ago, had cervical cancer, so abdominal with bikini cut. I had a long recovery, 5 days in hospital, 8 weeks out of work. I was very sore and tired for about the first 2 weeks. It was very tiring just to blow dry my hair. Then 3 years ago had to have ovaries out through a vertical midline incision. That recovery was much better. My sister-in-law also just had a hysterectomy, vertical midline and she recovered very quickly. Was out of the hospital in 2 days and really felt great a few weeks later but had to be out of work for 4-6. I all depends on your tolerance and I think the incision if abdominal.
Good luck and take care of yourself. Definitely get a second or even third opinon since you are so young.
MT with the hysterectomy - are you back among us yet?
s
If you are referring to me, I had the hysterectomy. sm
I posted here and got a lot of great advice from everyone. I am the one who had the left ovary removed first and then found out I was borderline cancer and the doctors recommended a complete hysterectomy. Well, I did have the hysterectomy and thankfully, all went well. Nothing had spread anywhere and all turned out fine. I am doing very well. Had my procedure laparoscopically and robotix assisted so less invasive. I spent one night in the hospital and actually was back at my computer the next day....on a limited basis of course...but I must say I have been lucky so far. Only hot flashes here and there, but other than that I have felt pretty good. Thanks for asking, if you were referring to me.
Had a hysterectomy 20 years ago
Still have my ovaries, though, and am going through menopause. That sure doesn't help matters! 
The 50 pounds after the hysterectomy? (sm)
I have gained a lot in the last 6 months and wonder if it is related to my hormonal issues. Did you lose weight after your hysterectomy?
I just had a supracervical hysterectomy last
However, I felt pretty good after a week. I was back typing right away, pretty much, but not an 8-hour shift. I'm an IC, so I can kind of type when I want. Hubby had to do deliveries, but he worked it into his lunchtime. I am just glad I did it because I was tired of suffering. D&C didn't work either. Birth control didn't work. I had adenomyosis though confirmed after surgery, so I guess that was my biggest problem. There was something wrong and it was causing problems for me. So, I'm glad to have it done with.
The reason it is called a hysterectomy is sm
in Victorian days, doctors, of course were male. They thought women were hysterical, in the psycho sense. They freely did "hysterectomies", removing reproductive organs, and even a woman's clitoris, hoping it would calm them down. (probably make them more like men).
Had a hysterectomy 6-1/2 years ago, not for cancer, but
by far, one of the best decisions I ever made. I did get to keep my ovaries, but knowing what I know now I still would have it done even if it meant both ovaries being taken out, too. I know it's a tough decision and my prayers are with you. I'm glad the cancer was contained to the one ovary.
Had hysterectomy years ago and not dried up per se but
my face was doing exactly as yours, the flaking of the eyelids. My surgery was in 1984 so it was not that. My dermatologist told me to never ever again put regular soap or those good smelling products on my face and told me to use Cetaphil soap (get at your drug store, Wal-Mart, etc) and I was not believing her but it works. The dry flaky eyelids went away as well as the other dry parts on my face. I tried a lot of the other things the people mentioned on MTs to me but finally found the answer. Try it, I do not think you will be sorry. Hey, by the way, my eyebrows even had dandruff (none on head) in them and that was terrible. Good luck!
Update on hysterectomy for anyone who is interested. sm
Hi everyone. Well I had the hysterectomy this Tuesday done laparoscopically assisted and robotix assisted, so less trauma to the surrounding tissue. Have 5 very small cuts on my abdomen and uterus, tubes and right ovary (the only one remaining) were removed. It all went well. Stayed overnight at the hospital and came home Wednesday morning. Feeling really well. Was sore for the first couple of days and only had to take Motrin. Feeling really good today with hardly any soreness. I have to take it easy for a few weeks without any exertion, but otherwise feeling well and am so relieved it is over. So far no symptoms of hot flashes or anything, but I'm still waiting for that to happen, so we will see. I am happy to say I am please with the outcome so far and now I feel I can move on without worrying about that issue any more. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and words of wisdom.
Had ablation 3 years ago, having hysterectomy
I first asked my GYN about a hysty when I was 38. I was very irregular and never knew when I would start, except that I figured out that the days I stood in the shower and cried my heart out was always the day prior to starting. He said I was too young.
Fast forward to age 43. GYN recommended lap supracervical hysty but agreed to trying Novasure ablation to buy some time. For the past 3 years, I had only light spotting for half a day and my emotions were better, but still I felt I was overly emotional than what I expected from the surgery.
In January I had to take a Medrol Dosepak for something. On the same day as my last dose, I had a full-blown period. I have now had 3 in 40 days. They are worse than ever. I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy on Monday.
If you do consider an ablation, my advice is to stay away from steroids! It did buy some time for me, but combined with another health problem I have had (IBS/celiac sprue), I have been miserable for a year and I'm eager for this surgery!
My physician never brought up about hysterectomy, I told him
I wanted to see about this but this situation different. I had ongoing bleding that could not be controlled and then another person in medical field told me how their friend almost hemorrhaged and not being able to stop the bleeding in the nighttime. I immediately called my physician and asked for a hysterectomy. So glad I did. This was in 1986 and loads of typing then on AIDS patients and how blood could be responsible. I did not want a transfusion at that particular time. My view only. No problem with the surgery at all. Now there are other means of controlling but past childbearing, saw no reason to just have the periods.
Let us know what you decide - nm
nm
I think you should tell them and let them decide what they want to do.
My husband died six months ago suddenly and unexpectedly. My niece, who just turned 12, has always been extremely close to my husband and me, and spends a lot of time at our house. LIke your children, she had never experienced death in a close relative before. The day he died, my brother and sister-in-law picked her up from school and broke the news to her. She was sad of course and she cried for quite a while.
Her parents gave her the choice of what she wanted to do in regards to go to the funeral home and/or attend the funeral. She chose to come to the funeral home and sit with me, and to attend the funeral.
She later wrote on the subject when the class had to write an essay at school about a life altering event. She wrote about how much she loved her uncle and she felt that was her last chance to say goodbye, as she didn't get to say goodbye before he died. She was sad that he died suddenly and she didn't know ahead of time, and that seemed to hurt her a lot, even though nothing could change that.
As for me, her presence at that time made me feel a little better. My husband's death has made she and I even closer. She's very smart and mature for her age. She knows sometimes when I get a little sad, that I'm thinking of my husband, and she totally understands, cause she still misses him too.
I know this is kind of rambling, but I hope it makes sense. I think kids want to be a part of our experiences, the good and the bad, and I think to exclude them, even when you think you're protecting them, makes them feel left out.
Good luck to you and your family. My prayers are with you.
Hysterectomy. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and opinions. I have decided to go ahead with t
After obtaining the opinions of different physicians, the concensus is that my safest bet to avoid developing cancer given my borderline ovarian tumor is to proceed with a total hysterectomy. After pondering and fretting, although I am not thrilled with having a hysterectomy at age 42, I also don't want to be faced with developing cancer in the future, as they tell me I have a 20% probability of developing problems in the other ovary with my history. So full speed ahead....hysterectomy it is. If anyone of you has had a complete hysterectomy, I would love to hear from you regarding how you fared after the whole thing, if you required hormones, felt good, felt bad, etc. Thanks in advance.
So then why take any drugs at all? Or why not let's just decide which
x
Couldn't decide whether to
laugh or vomit with that story!
if you decide to give
my suggestion would be to get something bigger than 0-3 months. they go through that stage so quickly and lots of people give that size.
How do you decide to have a baby?
This is different for EVERYONE I'm sure, but in general, if any of you are mothers... did you decide the time was right, did it just happen... did you plan?
I've been told if you wait until you can afford to have children, you'll never have them...
The predicament is this. my future husband is ready to have a baby now. He wants to be a father, and as much as this makes me fall in love with him all over again, I joked with him that his biological clock was ticking and he said in all seriousness, that he guesses it is. However, mine is not. Not now. Will this happen to me? Does it happen to every woman at some point? We are in our late 20s, but I am just asking in general, how do you compromise on something as big as having a baby? I do want a family and children, but I guess I'm just looking for people's stories on this one... Thank you!
How do you decide to have a baby?
This is different for EVERYONE I'm sure, but in general, if any of you are mothers... did you decide the time was right, did it just happen... did you plan?
I've been told if you wait until you can afford to have children, you'll never have them...
The predicament is this. my future husband is ready to have a baby now (when i say now, we would wait until after marriage). He wants to be a father, and as much as this makes me fall in love with him all over again, I joked with him that his biological clock was ticking and he said in all seriousness, that he guesses it is. However, mine is not. Not now. Will this happen to me? Does it happen to every woman at some point? We are in our late 20s, but I am just asking in general, how do you compromise on something as big as having a baby? I do want a family and children, but I guess I'm just looking for people's stories on this one... Thank you!
Easy for men to decide
Some guys are good dads - willing to pitch in and help take care of the child's needs, and give it plenty of time and attention.
There are quite a few guys out there that like the IDEA of a child - as long as it doesn't cramp their style. This means it all devolves upon the mother - care of the child 24/7, criticism from him and his family if you aren't doing it their way, but of course any bragging rights are all theirs.
Then there are the demands of academia - when your child gets sent home with a backpack full of paperwork to review on a nightly basis, whose job will that be?
Another thought is the possibility of divorce down the road - what happens then? Quite a few dads who let mom do all the work suddenly become superdad when the thought of child support comes along, and they will do anything to win custody so that YOU have to pay THEM. Even if you win custody, the head games with visitation schedules, daddy's new girlfriend pushing her way into the picture, etc. never end.
Be careful. Having a baby to stroke a man's ego can get very messy very fast. Its a huge responsibility and too often the mother does all the work and the father takes all the credit. Take the worst case scenarios into consideration before you decide.
So who gets to decide what is illegal and what is not? You? sm
That's a slippery slope. Like the poster below who wants sugar taxes - actually that's not a bad idea since sugary drinks and snacks are making our kids fat. Let's see - then we should tax fast food or control the amount that fatties can eat, right?
Where does it end?
So even animals help decide our fate???
Where did you read this or learn about this? I've never heard that animals will speak for or against us on judgement day...interesting. Guess I'm in the clear, I don't do animals, don't own them, don't abuse them, don't like 'em!
Be careful if you decide to wean
and hand feed with formula and syringe. Don't know about your type of birds, but I have a parrot that I hand fed with a syringe and the breeders instructed me and watched me do it myself to be sure I was doing it correctly before they let me take him home. Apparently you can kill them if it goes down the wrong way, but it was really easy feeding him. Maybe there's somebody in your area who is a bird expert you could talk to?
I re-read, so you do live together - you have to decide if he is (sm)
going to function as a dad or not, and if so, you need to BOTH be involved in decisions, not just him. If he is not going to function as dad, he should not be involved in conferences at all.
Mercy is for God to decide - she should rot where she lays
I posted below - but have more to say. She needs to rot where she lies. That may sound harsh but I have no compassion for her and anyone else involved in those horrendous crimes they committed. "Charles Mansion brainwashed me" or whatever it is she claims. Oh brother - let me get my violin out. She knew what she was doing. You would think at some point while she is in the act of doing the horrendous things she did she would think somewhere in her pea brain - wait a minute, this is not right, and she could have easily sneaked out or called the police or something. I lived across the whole country (east coast) and still felt the horror that happened to them. It was hard growing up knowing that those pieces of garbage were out there and it could have happened to any of us just as easily. They just happened upon that house. I had nightmares because of it. Between that and the Hillside strangler and all the other creeps out there, it was hard not to have nightmares. She committed the crimes and she needs to do her time. She had no mercy for Sharon Tate and her unborn child and she so much as said so. Why she would think the court should have mercy on her. Brain tumor? Good and I hope its a very painful death for her. I always say do unto others. If she committed torture, then she should be tortured. The only one she should be asked Mercy for is from God. Maybe she should contact Roman Polanski and ask him if he thinks she should be let out early. "I would like to be out one day" Give me a break! I'm sure Sharon Tate and the other people would have liked to live. They should tell her and her family that they have no right in asking to be let out. I don't care if she can't sit up in bed. That is her problem. In fact I think they should post all the crime scene photos in her cell and let her look at those day after day and say until she dies and tell her this is why you are not being let out. Besides, if she has brain cancer who knows what she will be thinking as it progresses. Well I'm glad she's "not the same person than when she went in". But then again that's what all the prisoners say too. She did the crime - do the time (and I hope she suffers. I have no tolerance for what she did).
Is that good? I can't decide whether this would be tasty or not? nm
.
Well in my mind lust is when you decide
to give in to something and enjoy it, which I have not and will not do in this case.
The puzzlement for me is how the attraction comes out of nowhere like that, and of course this time when it happened it is more troubling because he is so young. It must be pheromones. I think that's the best explanation.
Yep, some oldies decide on invitro
to have kids but I don’t want to have a kid in college just when I would like to retire. I see advanced maternal age listed all the time when the mother is only 34 or so, so wonder what category 41 falls under. Too many birth defects possible as the mother ages. Others can have their kids if they want at past 50, just not my cup of tea.
funny thing about when you decide to give up...
on men/relationships...That is when the right one comes along! That's how it happened for me. I, like you, had decided I was done with men, too many bad experiences, and then I met THE right guy for me. That was almost 11 years ago and we have been married for 7-1/2 years. We have a happy marriage and a beautiful little 15-month-old girl. It's when you stop looking that the right one comes along!
The most important thing, though, is to trust your instincts. They will never steer you wrong. From your description, it sounds like a good thing, but if there is a doubt that nags at you, don't dismiss it. Just don't let prior bad relationships cloud your judgment, because they are all different.
when u decide on a city, suggest contacting....
I'd call the Chamber(s) of Commerce of whatever city you decide to stay in and ask them the condition(s) of the area(s) post-Katrina.....just my opinion.
Have fun on vacation!!! :)
I just don't see why any parent would just allow a child decide to move out
It makes no sense to me. He is 16 years old and still a child. I guess I just don't understand how you have no problem with him deciding to move out and not even try to do anything about it other than take his house key. It sounds as though this 16-year old is running the show here. The whole thing is very disturbing to me.
Hi, Kelly, in case you decide to use Rogaine,
please check with your doctor first because of your thyroid issue!
Changes of a Down syndrome baby go up with age, though. You'll need to decide if an amnio & its
s
DH not happy = his prob. Let him leave or stay or decide
d
I'm 36, married 5 years, and still can't decide. I wish I had an answer for ya. But you're
x
Maybe if she sees the baby, she'll decide not to have it sucked out of her and thrown away like t
x
stick to your guns and let the bride and groom decide who they would like at the wedding(sm)
Twenty years ago there were 150 people at my wedding. I knew MAYBE 20 of them. My parents INSISTED on inviting every single long-distance cousin and relative, most of whom I (and certainly my husband) did not know and had never met. Granted, MA and Dad were paying for the wedding but I've always felt like I missed out on having MY wedding because, in order to stay within their budget, I only invited about five or ten friends. And my husband and his parents felt like they COULDN'T invite anyone because of the budget restraints and my parents' guest list. We ended up with about 20 people on my husband's side of the church (basically his immediate family), three of his friends, five of mine, and the rest were mostly my distant, DISTANT unknown relatives (with a few close relatives scattered among the many distants). I look back now and wish that I had taken better charge of the situation. It certainly would have cost my parents less money because I wasn't going to invite that many people.
How old is your child/children and when did you decide he wasn't worth the effort? nm
!
Message to Mom of 3 below.
Wow! First of all have to give you compliments on stating your opinion as I figure you knew you would get nailed. I am also one that is a firm believer of kids have the ability to learn, sometimes through tough love and sometimes through every day simple life. Although I would disagree with you about the "coat incident" I still can relate to you on trying to teach kids to take care of your things, etc. I love my kids dearly, but I know at any moment I could be taken from this earth and I want them to be as prepared as they can be at 8 and 9. I don't expect perfection, but when they do "screw up" I make sure they definitely know it (and remember it). I think most people now do not appreciate children the way we do. They are very intelligent if you give them the opporunity to be. They deserve respect just as adults do (when they earn it.... just like adults). We have to teach them to be adults and it has to start somewhere. Again, I don't completely agree with you, but overall I understand what you are saying. Please ignore any misspelling in my post... I am using my husband's keyboard, which is "stiff as a board!)
Sorry, should be sm for above message
nm
See message...
I believe homosexuality is a sin, but I also believe that sexual preferences should be personal and private. I would not refuse to shop at a store because a clerk was gay, but frankly, that is something that I shouldn't even know about a stranger. A person's sexual behavior should be totally private.
See Message!
I paid my balance off in full, received a finance charge statement of about $42. I called the credit card, and said I do not understand - I paid the balance in full, what is this charge for. Act like you need them to help you understand. They adjusted my account and took that finance charge off and said I will receive a statement of the adjustment and my balance is now 0.
It really all depends on how you handle it and in what way you speak to them. Try it that way and see if they will adjust it off.
Good luck!
See message
I just had my ovary removed due to a cyst and surgery went well, I did well postop and was relieved that it was over. However, just found out that the pathology report showed carcinoma and now I have to have a total hysterectomy and staging workup. Anyone been through this that can offer some comfort in what to expect? Thanks.
|
