Seeking Moms That Have Had Full Hysterectomies

I had a full hysterectomy almost 6 years ago now. In my case even though my 2 children were grown, I was reluctant to do the surgery, I was afraid I would feel less of a woman. I put it off for quite awhile and as time went on the bleeding got progressively worse each cycle, to the point I was almost passing out. When the surgery was done, my Dr showed me pictures of the endemetriosis. It almost totally covered my ovaries and uteras wall. I was glad I finally did it. My daughter was diagnosed with endemetriosis before she had her first child. She had a laparoscopy but was told it would come back and the only thing that would hold it off (though not totally cure it) other than surgery was to get pregnant. She's had 2 children now and so far so good, but she still has that chance it will come back.

Did you ask your Dr. if you could try to get pregnant before having the hysterectomy? Sometimes that holds it off. Then perhaps you could have the surgery after.

Just an added note, since I had the surgery, it has actually freed me, because I don't have to worry about when my cycle is going to hit. I was very irregular. It's nice to be able to wear light colored pants if I want.

I'll pray for you and hope it works out for you, but I'd definitely see if the Dr. would say it's ok to get pregnant first.

M. -

My heart goes out to you and your family. I personally have not gone through this, but I have a very close friend who is. I would suggest you seek a 2nd opinion before allowing a full hysterectomy - you owe that to yourself. I can get you the name of great doctors in the New Tampa area if you'd like. Best of luck.

I understand you completely, I had a hysterectomy 3 years and I dealt with a lot of issues, if you feel you need someone to talk to I will be happy to talk with you. You can contact me here.
B.

Hello. I am so sorry to hear the pain you are going through. My gyn problems are different but potentially affect my reproductivity (is that a word?) also. One thing we have talked about is adoption. My fear is that having had one child and nursed him, that I won't have the same kind of bond with an adopted child. I go round and round about it, but I thought I would put it out there to you. Whatever you decide I wish you luck.

My advice. seek a 2nd, 3rd, 4th opinion. there is more that can be done to help protect your fertility and get you out of pain besides a hystercotomy.this is a last ditch effort. you need to find a doctor that knows and understand your desire to have more children. get as many opinions as it takes till you find a doctor that is willing to do what it takes to make sure that all has been done before talk of a hystercotomy comes up again. there may be new treatments, new surgeries. I just think it is strange that this doctor would tell you this is the only thing left to be done, without exploring other options for you. Keep seeking professional advice. i'd suggest going and seeing a fertility specialist as well. they may know more than the average OB about endo and further treatment options. It is all up to how badly you would like tohave another child with your dh.
hth
B.

To start with, I have had a full hysterectomy and love it. Prior to mine, I had fibroid tumors removed and endrometriosis was also a problem. When I found out I would need one, my Husband and I were only married a few months.Another child was not even a topic. We had children already, I had one and he had 3. But we made the choice to have one together. So after only being married for a couple of months, I had the tumors removed and got pregnant. My understanding is that even with endrometriosis you could get pregrant and it would relax a bit until after the baby. Get a second opinion. I recommend getting a second opinion also. If you are in St Petersburg, Fl area try Dr. Thomas McNeill. I can not say enough great things about him. After another doctor messed up a surgery on me, he fixed it...Love him....

Anyways, I am sorry for your situation. But I am sure you Husband loves you for you not what you could maybe give him in the future... Good Luck!

i haven't dealt with this but i just wanted to say im so sorry that you are going throught this.
have you considered a surrogate? there are of course options. some may be for you some may not. again, im so sorry for your pain.

RUN, don't walk, to either here:

Women's Health and FertilityCare Ctr at St Anthony's Hosp
Phone: ###-###-####
or here:

Fertility Care Services of Tampa
Phone: ###-###-####

It is a Catholic organization, so the LAST thing they will do is a hysterectomy. They will try anything and everything to clear up your endo and help you have more children. Don't let the Catholic thing scare you off- as far as I know, they'll address your medical concerns alone.

If you are not positively sure you want a hysterectomy, I would recommend you get another opinion. I have had severe endo (adhesions, cysts, etc) for years and have battled with it tremendously - numerous laparascopies, etc. Because of where I was in my life (either not married, just married, wanting kids, etc), the drs found many other alternatives to help me deal with the endo. Have you tried lupron? Have you had a uterosacral nerve ablation? These you had a laparascopy in a few years? These are all options that are viable and would probably bring some level of relief to you if you are wanting to put off having a hysterectomy. Best of luck to you.

Dear Marci,

Take heart, you will feel fantastic after the surgery.

Did you ever consider adoption?

We did and it is wonderful.

D.