I had a hysterectomy a year ago in May at 43. I originally went to the gyne because of heavy periods and pain in my abdomen so she suggested an
Endometrial Ablation but when I had my ultrasound it showed a 7 cm fibroid on my right ovary and Endometriosis so I was ruled oot for the ablation and had the hysterectomy. The plan was to leave my left ovary for the hormones but once she opened my abdomen my left ovary was encased in scar tissue from an ectopic pregnancy that almost killed me in my early 20's. Good thing she decided to remove the left side as well because my right ovary had cancerous cells when it was biopsied. My oncologist's plan is to follow me for 5 yrs with CT scans and CA125 blood draws to keep the cancer in check. I was very lucky to not have chemo or radiation but I did go into sudden menopause which they would not give me hormone replacements for because of the cancer. I was put on Effexor for the hot flashes but then had a severe reaction to the SSRI and was hospitalized again for this reaction. The doctors said that if the reaction would have progressed any further it could have been fatal!
It has been hell not having HRT the past year but last month I changed my Surgical Oncologist and have now been given HRT and I feel so much better.
I truly do not know how my husband has put up with my this past year. Talk about mood swings!!!
In the mean time, I have developed Osteopenia from lack of hormones and that is how I recently broke my arm when I slipped and fell in my kitchen. The Orthopedist was very concerned that my break was so severe and ordered a bone density test. My bone loss is so severe that I am borderline Osteoporosis and have been started on Boneva (you know Sally Field
) to help increase my bone density. Overall, I do not miss my uterus but my lack of estrogen producing ovaries have made a mess out of me physically and emotionally. But when I take a step back I have to be very grateful that I am one of the lucky ones that had their ovarian cancer found very early. It is a deadly and silent killer of woman. My cousin is in stage IV and fighting for her life. Sadly she is not winning her battle.
Because of the link between estrogen driven cancers I have also had a recent scare with a mammogram. I am now having diagnostic mammos every 6 months to watch calcification in my left breast. My last oncologist visit went very well and I can take a deep breath for at least another 6 months.
Personally, if I was in my 20's I would want to make very sure that I explored all of my options regarding having a hysterectomy at such a young age. I would make sure to do as much research as possible, join a support group to learn from others experiences, look into clinical trials and speak to SEVERAL surgeons at
different hospitals for their opinions for your treatment. A support group will guide you to the best possible surgeons in your area that deal with your issue. You this as a tool for your treatment. When you do go for doctor appointments take a pen and paper along and write your questions down. I would not make this lift altering decision lightly. This is not just decision for having children, it is a decision that will impact you for your entire life. This has been a very difficult year and a half for me health wise but I try to stay as positive as possible with what I have been dealt. I am so sorry that you are faced with this at such a young age.