Doctor Wants to Take Out My Uterus. I Would like to Avoid It.

I see you're in Pasco. It may be worth talking with one of the GYN/oncologists in spokane. They are Melanie Bergman, MD and Elizabeth Grossen, MD. They can help you make an informed decision. You would hate to acquire cancer because you chose not to, but pre-cancerous cells don't necessarily mean you will get cancer.

Hi A.,

I had my uterus removed at age 35 and I'm now 38. While I had it because of fibroids, and not pre-cancerous cells, I am really glad I did it, and I am not dealing with any side effects. My surgeon left me with onew ovary, so I am able to produce enough hormones and not have to deal with menopause, and I have not had to go on hormone treatments or deal with any other issues.

You may want to ask your doctor if leaving your ovaries is an option and just remove your uterus, and if so, this may actually be something you want to consider, especially since you are done having kids. Your ovaries will produce the hormones you need, so you won't have to deal with the unpleasantness of menopause at such a young age, and all the health issues that go along with menopause.

Please feel free to contact me privately if you would like to discuss this further, if not that is ok too!

Good luck in whatever you decide.

I had my uterus removed in January due to prolapse (very rough labor and delivery). I have never heard of any real issues regarding the removal of the uterus, except that your childbearing days are definitely over. The problems are when the ovaries are taken, because then you have the issues of hormonal imbalance.
As for recovery, a little rougher than I expected, but I couldn't be happier. We were done having children and now there is no worry over birth control, it is great.
This is only my opinion, but if I were presented with your situation, cervical cancer is a terrible terrible disease and there are some pretty strong statistics that show the it is very likely that you could be the victim of this given the detection of HPV, why put yourself and your beautiful children through this, it would be an easy decision.
Do the research though, but I really think that you will find that there isn't a lot of problems related to uterus only hysterectomy.
I found a lot of information on the HysterSisters website.
Take care of yourself and my prayers are with you.

I have a friend who lost her battle with cervical cancer this past fall. It was painful 7 year battle. Ups and downs. She just had a hysterectomy done the previous spring. In retrospect, she wished she had done that when she was first diagnosed. She was done having her kids, but really didn't want to be that aggressive for what was pre-cancerous pap results. Her youngest will be a jr in high school this year. Her youngest daughter will be a soph in college and her other 2 daughters are grown and have careers, but you never outgrown your need for Mom. If your physicians are recommending this surgery it's for your life. What are the other problems you are speaking of? are they as great as losing your life? You don't get second chances to remove the early stages of cancer, because it's no longer 'early', it's later. This doesn't make you less feminine. Yes, you many need hormone replacement therapy, depending on whether or not they take your ovaries, but have that discussion with your ob/gyn or oncologist. Go to www.laf.org This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They have all sorts of resources and links to specific cancer support groups that may be able to answer your questions. Take good care of yourself. What you do now will determine what you get to do later.

A.:

I have never personally had this problem but I know someone who has. My good friend didn't want to have a hysterectomy either so she opted out for a procedure where they did some kind of shocking or burning of the lining in her uterus. Her doctor had recommended just to have the hysterectomy because it's less likely she would have to worry about having any complications. She didn't feel he was correct so she decided to do the burning thing. After that procedure, everything was going good for her. About a year later, she started having sever pains that they could not get to stop. She had to end up scheduling for a hysterectomy anyhow. Ultimately the decision is yours, but other procedures might not be as effective as deciding on a hysterectomy. In the end, you might just have to do it anyway. I hope that helps even though it wasn't my personal experience. :) Good Luck!

Wow!! Really!!
sounds extreme!
I would definately get another opinion or two!
I love my gynocologist who happens to me an amazing surgeon.
She was one of the first doctors to not castrate women just because they were in there removing the uterus. She refused to remove the ovaries too just because they were there and "they do not do anything after 40" any!!
I cannot say enough positive about her.
her name is
Elizabeth Newhall
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Even if you choose not to contact her. I cannot stress highly enough doing your own research! Which this listing on Mamasource is a great beginning!

Having uterus removed is sometimes a good idea. Having said that it also does a lot more than just hold babies!
Even just the fact that it is a space holder and helps support other organs etc.

Okay, I feel like I have rambled on.
If you have any questions that an acupuncturist may be able to help with.
If you want to de-stress from all of this and learn ways to build up immune system with nutritionals and acupuncture
give me a call.
M. Hawkins, LAc
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Hi A.,

I must admit that I'm on the paranoid side (I'm a nurse and always think the worst case scenario) but if it was me, I'd take it out. I am so afraid of getting cancer.

Last year, I had some breast cancer scares and I cried for days thinking that I would die and leave my kids. I did have to have some ducts taken out (I'm done breastfeeding so it was no big deal and I feel better). I'd feel the same about my uterus. I have to have an endometrial biopsy done next week for some unusual bleeding (another cancer scare) and really just want my uterus taken out.

I even told my OB (who I work with) after my 4th C-section, that if I had any bleeding issues (I tend to bleed a lot) that I did not want any heroics to save my uterus but just take it out. I did have some extra bleeding but not enough to warrant her taking it out - I was actually a little dissappointed. That sounds so strange but it had served it's purpose.

Now, if I do end up with a hysterectomy now, I'm a little worried because I also get serious infections after every surgery that I have. I am currently have a central IV line in for a post-surgical infection on a ruptured thumb ligament. It has taken 4 surgeries in 2 months, much pain, loss of work and financial strain and mental anguish to beat this infection so really the thought of more surgery scares me just as much as cancer now. Infections can be deadly.

Anyhow, sorry this is more about me than you but there are lots of things to consider. Infection is always a risk of surgery but cancer is a big risk too.

It would be good to get a second opinion as many have already suggested.

C.

HI A.,

I personally have no experience with what you are going through, but I just finished reading a More magazine article from Dec 2008 called "The Endangered Uterus" by Peg Rosen and it talks about how often so many doctors immediately go to removal of the uterus as the very first option when certain health issues come up. It also tells why keeping the uterus is important if you can. Anyways, this is a really good article that I would recommend you read if you can get your hands on it from the library or online. I can understand some advice that people are giving about not wanting to take a risk with cancer...totally agree with this, but at the same time....definately seek a second opinion and perhaps even a third.
Some advice from the More magazine article:
Look beyond your own community...Dr.s are often hesitant to disagree w/peers who practice in the same circles. Check out the staffs of nearby teaching hospitals and ask for names of drs from support groups dealing w/your particular issue.
Consult experts in other cities-w/out leaving home. Online services such as Partners Online Specialty Consultations (econsult.partners.org) and some centers such as the Cleveland Clinic (eclevelandclinic.org) offer online consults. If the second opinion differs, seek out a local dr who can perform the alternative treatment.
Ask about the options. Whichever dr you see, request a diagnosis and an explanation of all the possible treatments.
Let your regular ob-gyn know you are getting other opinions. "If your dr resists, that's a red flag. Don't try to spare someone else's feelings at the risk of harming yourself," Richard Bercik MD of the Yale School of Medicine.
Even if you do end up having a hyterectomy, you don't have to opt for open abdominal surgery either. There are less invasive methods for removal of your uterus such as vaginal hyterectomy or laparoscopic hyterectomy. Many drs don't offer these options because they simply don't have the experience to be able to perform them. Also,they don't have alot of reason to learn the new procedures since insurance co.s don't offer better compensation for procedures that are better for you, but more complicated for the surgeon to perform.
I wish you much luck, good health and wisdom in your decision and hope you are able to find something that is the perfect option for you!

Go someplace completely different and get a second opinion!

I work with gyn-oncologist in Vancouver. You should definately get in with a gyn-oncologist for an opinion. Pre-cancer and cancer is their job so they know what to look for and what procedures they can do to see if hysterectomy is needed. If the final outcome is that you do need a hysterectomy you should definately do it. I've seen too many young women suffer the consequences of leaving parts in that should have been removed. Cancer is very real but when treated aggressively in the early stages it is very cureable. I would definately choose to lose my uterus rather than lose my life.

You said CIN (which stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), however, did not say grade (1, 2 or 3). The grades determine how advanced your cervical cancer is (how many layers of tissue it penetrates), which is important when deciding on treatment. This is a clear case of poor informed consent. You should expect your condition explained to you in detail as well as your treatment options & alternatives including benefits & risks of each. I would suggest asking for clarification from you doctor or getting a 2nd opinion.
By the way, it doesn't matter whether you are done having kids. It depends, how advanced your cervical cancer is, but there is absolutely no reason to have a major surgery, just because you have done with childbearing. Check out this helpful website: http://www.medifocushealth.com/OC006/Understanding-Cervic... Read it to educate yourself & to know which questions to ask your doctor next time you see her. Good luck!

You're questioning your Dr. so get another professional opinion. However, I had a partial hysterectomy immediately after having my son via c-section. This was due to a grapefruit sized, irregular fibroid that my Dr. didn't like the look of . . . We had to decide before my husband and son left the operating room. With my ovaries left intact, I have had no side effects, but I can tell you, not having a period is the BEST!! Have not regretted the decision at all. We didn't know for sure what the thing was until after they lab tested it, but that uncertainty was plenty for us to go ahead. Good luck and follow your instincts.

Get second opinion to avoid problems mainly mental. But watching people die from cancer in family and myself having problems I had mine taken out complete hysterectomy. I did develop lung cancer and had right mid lobe taken out 9 years later. ( I am a non smoker) So weigh the situation
I will pray for you.
S.