Have you had a hysterectomy?
 

Hi everyone my name is Stacy im 25 years old. I figured i would ask you women on here if you have gone through a hysterectomy. I have Endometriosis really bad and it causes me to be in sever pain and bleed everyday.Im having a really hard time coming to terms with having a total hysterectomy. Im not married or have children yet. I know i need to have this done soon. i would love to hear the stories you guys have of your hysterectomies. For i don't feel so alone.

I am sorry you have to deal with that! I remember my friends mom had it done and all i remember is her being in pain... =( i am sorry i am no help to you, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you

Hi hun your not alone. My daughter who is 23 also has Endometriosis really bad , she has been in lot of pain and lots of bleeding sence she had her last baby who just turned one. they took her into surgery to remove some of the scars but there was just to much. so they are wanting her to have a hysterectomie too. blood vessels from bleeding so much swell and become so painful and raw. I'm sorry you are going through this too.

I had one, I think it was 3 years and 2 weeks ago. I am sorry that you are faced with this at such a young age. Has your doctor/you looked into alternatives? For someone as young as you are, I would probably suggest you seek 2nd and maybe even 3rd opinions.

I don't regret my decision but I was mid 40's and beyond where I wanted to have kids. For me it was the right decision (health wise mainly) I had sort of a different form of the endom. and it was causing me issues. while my surgery was suggested, mostly on a decision that was more elective, once my surgeon got in there, he realize the severity of it and I would have probably had to have it done down the road. Nothing that would have put my health in danger but just having lots of pain ane issues.
Personnally, I think 25 is young to make such a life altering decision and would consult another doctor. JMO. good luck. Hugs to you.

I think it depends on your feelings about children. If you really want them, I'd seek another opinion. I had mine in, I think '92, but I'd had my tubes tied after my last kid back in '76, when I was 21. Yeah, I know, but the surgeon knew I was serious. My hysterectomy was due to andometriosis and fibroids. Ando is when buildup of tissue and fluid is embedded inside surrounding muscles and not just clinging to the walls or so my gyno said. Anyway, I went through about 20yrs of pain, passing clots etc.. probably similar to what you are experiencing and I gotta tell you, the surgery was a miracle cure. To never go through any of that again is pure bliss. If you have no option, you can possibly leave your ovaries in and later harvest eggs. My ovaries were left and I still cycled and went through menopause. Otherwise you'll go through shock menopause. I wanted them removed to avoid the fear of ovarian cancer but... check this..you can still get ovarian cancer, even with your ovaries removed. Yeah, shocked me, too. Women are just screwed no matter what. I'm not sure how, but gyno told me and I did some research and it does happen. So, might as well leave 'em in. They produce hormones in God given levels that keep you sane :). Just something to think about.

The kid issue is a whole 'nother thing. I remember many many years ago, Ann Landers did a poll asking parents if they would have it to do over would they have their kids and surprisingly the overwhelming majority, would not! Having kids is kind of a crapshoot. You can raise two kids exactly the same and one will be a success and one will be a crack whore. I swear, there is no way to guarantee which one or why one will break your heart. I've been blessed, but I've seen alot of heartbreak. My son gave me wonderful granddaughters. My daughter is 33 and she still hasn't decided if she will ever have kids. She followed me into law enforcement too young, at 18, and it made her cynical before she started reproducing...LOL If I were in my 20s today and starting, no way I'd have kids, not in today's culture...nope nada...more dogs...no kids...

But, it is a very personal decision.... I don't envy the fact that you have to make it at your age.

p.s. (on the upside, the sex is waaayyy better after a hysterectomy :D)

Been through that myself
 

Hi Stacy, Just to let you know you are not alone. Unfortunately there are many women having or have had this done. I worked in the medical field for many years and it still caught me off guard. I had to have my total hysterectomy due to uterine cancer that I was lucky enough to have the Drs. catch during a pap test. I had everything removed. Had some pain after but now days they keep that pretty well controlled. I was very lucky to have a husband who's job allowed him to come home about every hour and a half to check on me and get me what ever I needed. I also had to loving furbabies that never left the end of my bed or the floor next to my chair. I was really down for awhile until I realized how lucky I had been and how much better I felt after all was done. Keep your chin up and know you're not alone. We will be thinking of you, Good luck!:):aimeeyork:aimeeyork

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! :eek: 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.:D I truly do not know how my husband has put up with my this past year. Talk about mood swings!!! :eek: 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. :thumbup:

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. :(

Hi! I devloped endometriosis in my late 20's. When I was in my early 30's I had an 8 hour operation at Texas Women's Hospital where they lasered the endometrial implants throughout my pelvis and abdomen. I was totally symptom free until I was 39 and finally had a total hysterectomy.

At your young age, I would definitely seek an alternative to hysterectomy. A second opinion is definitely recommended.

Good luck and hopefully you'll be able to avoid a hysterectomy. There are so many side effects to having one at such a young age. I took hormone replacements until I was in my early 50's, which prevented a lot of the problems such as osteoporosis - but since I stopped taking them - I have developed osteoporosis very quickly.

So sorry to hear that, my grandmother had her at 24:eek: after her two childrens, she was happy not to deal with all that mess every month.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. But I would recommend that you get several opinions before you make such a large decision.
I had endometreois (sp) too. I was in my early 20's when they found it. I went through the lazer surgery to remove it. It helped for about 3 years. The good news for you is that if you have that done, you can have a baby. Being pregnant actually stops it from growing. The birth control shot that lasts for 6 months, I think, is a good option too. It will stop you from ovulating and will help with the symptoms.
I had my hystorectomy when I was 28. I had two children though. The doctor said that since I had my tubes tied it would be the best decision. Some times I regret it because I didn't get to have a child with my 2nd husband. He understands, and I am very lucky that he has accepted my children as his own.
Since I have had it done, I do have some issues with hot flashes, but it's nothing compared to the pain that I was going through before. The sex doesn't hurt any more. It's actually very nice. The first year though, was kind of tough as your body is going through a lot of changes. You might experience some unusual dryness. Hope I'm not being too graphic.
Good luck with your decision, keep us up to date.

You certainly aren't alone but I would also suggest you get a second or third opinion to be sure. I had trouble starting in my mid 20's but the doctors I saw wouldn't do anything other than birth control pills because of my age...said I was too young for menopause...they should have told my body the rules! Anyway, I had a partial hysterectomy a year ago in May and a total hysterectomy last February 5th and it was the best day of my life! I feel wonderful and life is so much better when you're pain free. I thought I had back problems and couldn't lay on my left side or my stomach...once the hysterectomy was done I can lay any way I want and no more pain in my right side...no more discomfort and crankiness. Sure, I have hot flashes but they can be dealt with...I consider them a fair trade off for the pain I was in and I also live in Illinois and hate the cold so they will come in handy mid winter! ;)

I joined a site that might help you find information and support, you might give it a try: Hysterectomy Support Discussions, Before Hysterectomy, After Hysterectomy, Recovery - HysterSisters

Also, don't be afraid to seek counseling before you make any decision about this...if you feel you need it. This is a huge decision for someone your age. I never had kids of my own and I always wondered why I wasn't 'allowed' to be a Mother but little did I know what was in store for my life. When I met my husband (of 29 years now) God saw fit to give me a step son who needed me and later chose me to be a foster mother to countless children who needed me. Sure, I never 'gave birth' to them but my life is now filled with children and grandchildren...and I feel great!

One year ago my 28 year old daughter had a complete hysterectomy. She had severe Endometriosis, and suffered for several years in pain. The last year was really bad. The tissue build up around her colon caused colonitis which was extremely painful. The past year she has been like a new person. The pain and colonitis are both gone. She is working full time and taking a full load of classes. She never had children, and it was sad to have that choice taken away, but her quality of life is so great right now. Being so young I know what a big decision this is for you.

You are not alone. I am 31 and have been dealing with Endometriosis for quite some time now. I am in pain every month and sometimes I can't even get out of bed!!! I have tried the birth control and the Lupron injections and nothing has helped. I am going to start a new treatment plan this next month. I am not for sure what it is all about yet but my doctor will not do a full hysterectomy due to my age. I am done having kids but doctors are now afraid of Osteoporosis setting in among other things. I have asked over and over to have the hysterectomy and he will not budge! I think it has alot to do with new treatments that come out. They want to see if something is going to work for us!

I would get a second opinion. I have been to 3 doctors in the past year for this.

If you need to talk I am here!!!:)

What a wonderful post and you are a great lady! We never know what is in store for us but I do believe there is a reason for many things...just can't figure them all out. I also had a hysterectomy when I was 31 and while I missed not having my own children my family and friends shared all of their children with me. Aunt Boo Boo took the kids for vacations, helped out with college and was always there for them. I know it is tough not having children but I don't feel we should be defined by the ability to have them or not. There are many children that need our help either with adoption, or foster or Big Brother/Big Sister etc. I chose to help yorkies and deal with the ones with lots of issues..this is my pass it on.

I agree with getting a second opinion but I do know life is to short to be in pain all the time nor are you living a full life if you constantly regret what could have been.

The only real complaint I have was that I had to start to shave at a very young age.:D:p:D Most woman don't have to do this until much later in life...:eek:

Hi, I began having problems with endo at 15 years old, it was controlled with birth control pills at that time, it did seem to help! I was fortunate enough to have had 3 children but had a complete hysto just leaving my cervix @ 37 years old. I was in so much pain I called my OB who met me at the ER , I needed an emergency hysto...you are so young and there are alot of alternitives out there, maybe this is an option for you. I HIGHLY reccomend the Hystersisters website, I have been a member for 10 years!! They are wonderful and offer alot of support and there. Please visit the website it offers so much information and alternatives!!

Wow...what a coincidence...I just came on here to take my mind off of my Hysterectomy surgery on Monday. I too have endometriosis and have suffered for many years....last 6 months I haven't been able to do anything without ending up in excruciating pain. I'm 41 years old and never had children biologically but I do have two gorgeous daughters that we adopted and we brought them home right from the hospital. So even if you can't have children biologically there are other alternatives.

If I were you I would get at least another opinion from another endo specialist. You have to way the positives with the negatives. I wish I would have given up hope of having my own child when we adopted our girls and had the surgery way back then. I was 30 years old at the time and had been trying for 6 years. I think I suffered way more then I had to by holding on to that hope and in the meantime I have put on 50 lbs from fertility drugs, antidepressants and danazol (male hormone used to treat endo).

Only you can decide what's best for you. I know now that I could have also been happy without children. Took me till I couldn't have them anymore to get there but I'm there and I encourage you to put yourself first. Pain changes people.

I'll pray for you...I'll post how my hysterectomy went. Hopefully not to painful. :(

Hugs!!

I had one a year and a half ago.

I had a partial last September. I keep my overies. I was so anemic that I had to have it done. I was taking iron infusions every month just to try to maintain my levels.. any lower and I would had to be hospitalized.

I don't regret having it. Sometimes I do wish I had got a second opinion.

Thanks everyone for telling me such private stuff it really helps. I have had endometriosis for 6 years now. And the past two years i have been in ridiculous pain. Every day my pain is like a 5 then i get on my period and i end up in the hospital because i pass out from pain. I have a really amazing doctor here in Illinois Dr Charles Miller he is a wonderful infertility doctor and is a specialist in endometriosis. I have seen so many doctors the last 6 years about this i have had surgery lazer out the endo but its on my bowel, bladder. ovaries i also have it in the muscle walls of my uterus its called something when its in the uterus i forgot though. its frigging everywhere. My doctor does not want to preform the hysterectomy but i come to him crying like every month. lol. i just seen him a few days ago. and we decided to try a procedure where he cuts nerves in the back of the uterus to will help with the uterus pain and cervix pain and he will clean me up the best he can its 75% successful compared to 85% successful with a hysterectomy. if it doesn't work But i really really hope it does. Then i will go in for a hysterectomy and leave my ovaries. Im still going to have crazy bleeding and with a hysterectomy i would have been able to eliminate that problem but i have nothing to loose i will at least be able to say i tried everything. The thing that freaks me out with a hysterectomy is how the heck sex will feel without the cervix and having just a cuff at the end. Im ok with the kid thing i really don't want any i never have but i will have my ovaries and their are amazing women out their that will carry your baby for you. blows my mind how nice some people can be. it just really stinks to have to deal with this so young. non of my friends can relate to me. really appreciate you guys talking to me

Inabowina.....is it a luna that he is going to perform? The only pain that it helped me with was the pain caused by the endo in my cul de sac. Now for that it was a miracle because it never came back. One side effect I did notice was that my sensation to urinate changed. I only felt pressure of a full bladder but not the sensation that is normal. I find the negative to that is by the time I realize I have to go it actually hurts because I am so full. So you have to learn to go before you get to that point, which I did and have had no problems. I'm pretty sure I also read somewhere that it can affect your ability to orgasm. Make sure you asks lots of questions about the side effects and again way the pros and cons.

Had my hysterectomy on the 21st of September and was amazed that I woke up without the pain I had before surgery. I was so happy!!!! I had a complete TAH/BSO.....it was very painful but my doctor also said that she had a really difficult time with my surgery because she had trouble even finding my ovaries and uterus because I was such a mess. I had a lot of abdominal pain afterwards and still have quite a bit of pain, lots of swelling. I had hot flashes and night sweats the first week but they seem to have subsided. Migraines seems to be an issue for me so far I have had two doozies. I'm not taking HRT because we are trying to eliminate whatever endo is left in my body. That's why I don't understand why you would have a hysterectomy and keep your ovaries. Endo is feeds off of estrogen...which is made in the ovaries. Chances are you would still have problems if you don't get rid of it all. If you want a good resource for hysterectomies join Hyster Sisters....it's awesome. From my experience so far my hysterectomy is a blessing and I feel like a new woman. I know several woman who have also had them for endo and all say it changed their lives for the better. I know it's a difficult decision because you are so young but definitely consider it in the future.

Keep us posted

Yeah that:thumbup:. Why would you keep your ovaries? Do lots of research before surgery. If you keep the ovaries you will still have to take hormones and you still run the risk of endo. I had my histo at 34 and it was the best thing I ever did. For the first time sense I started having periods I finally feel human. I was on HRT for the 1st year after and started having migraines then I quit taking the HRT and the headaches went away. Every one is different with the HRT some need it and some don't. i have hot flashes once in a while some big some little but all in all I'll take those over the period hell any day. For me the worst thing about the surgery was the cath. The best things are no more pain and no more acne.:)

I had a full hysterectomy but I had already had my dtr. I was in so much pain every month that when I went to the gyno I told him straight up, If you suggest a hysterectomy I will not refuse it. Best thing I ever had done, though if I had been younger, I might have though differently. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Just a thought
 

ALTHOUGH I CANT IMAGINE YOUR PAIN BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY I REALLY THINK YOU SHOULD GO TO EVERY LENGTH TO WEIGH ALL OF YOUR OPTIONS YOUR STILL VERY YOUNG AND ALTHOUGH YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE HAD THE DESIRE TO HAVE CHILDREN THAT MIGHT VERY WELL CHANGE WE CAN NEVER PREDICT WHAT THE FUTURE MAY HOLD I WILL DEFINATLY KEEP YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAY THAT THE FIRST SURGERY THAT YOU MENTIONED IS SUCESSFUL AND WORKS FOR YOU ALSO KEEP IN MIND THAT GOD WILL NOT GIVE YOU SOMETHING YOU WONT BE ABLE TO HANDLE ALL THE BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND IF YOU NEED A FRIEND PM ME:rolleyes:

Ask your doctor lots of question. Write them down and take them in with you.

I seen someone said that you still had to take hormones if you keep your overies. That is not true for me. I keep my overies and do not take any hormones.