Any Hyster Sisters here?

[Coral]

I had a hysterectomy in April 2008 due to a plethora of female issues that ultimately landed me in the hospital needing a transfusion. I'm so happy with the results that I wish I had had one much sooner. I certainly do NOT miss monthly periods!

[Ruby Red Crystal]

I had a hysterectomy in 2003 due to Adenomyosis. It was a great relief because all the symptoms I had been dealing with were gone, including horrible periods. I didn't realize just how bad things had gotten until after my surgery. Every time I changed purses, or got out my suitcase I would I would find tampons and kotex because I never knew when it may happen. Even the glove box of the car had supplies. What a relief to have that gone.They were able to leave my ovaries so I was not immediately forced into menopause. I would agree, I had mine early and I encourage anyone having problems to talk to the Ob/Gyn.

[Coral]

Ruby, I also still have my ovaries. My GYN wanted to save both, or at least one, if at all possible. Adenomyosis was one of my issues. That, endometriosis and fibroids. For a few months I was bleeding almost constantly and was scared to leave my house because I could start hemorraghing at any time. Oh, I'm getting shivers just thinking about it. *Cringe* Definitely a huge relief not to have to deal with that any longer!

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

I am so happy this subject has been posted, a warm (was that a hot flash?) thank you Coral. I'm suffering now on occasion from the "gush" syndrome, and am being stoic at present, as I need to go to Toronto and my Doc. soon.

I'm assuming that finally at 56 menopause actually might be kicking in ? Are there warning signs or things I need to watch out for with such occurrences? I find I now must be ever at the ready and prepared for a surprise, which is quite annoying and it is such that I find it draining ( pun intended)! I seem much more tired of late.

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Thanks for posting and Cindy, I don't care. I hope they (the men) are! One of the chaps here has a decent sort of group going about Sex after 50 - and it's interesting to read what the men are writing about performance pills. I think at our age, the more information shared the better we are better able to cope. It's a fact of our lives, and hiding about it will not help us, or the men how love us. I'm not suggesting one need give out exacting detail if one is not comfortable in doing so, but sharing what tests are important, what symptoms to watch for, and the results of this versus that is empowering and comforting.

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

I also want to say that that is quite the sword of Damocles's you have over your head Cindy. I would suggest you might consider getting a 2nd opinion, and trust your instincts. You are not automatically domed because of your family history, but certainly it bears close watching. Have you had the two most important tests, the CA-125 and the TVU Tests ?

[Darkhairblueeyes]

You should get to a doctor as soon as possible. In September of 2006 I had a radical hysterectomy....I had very heavy periods and had 'gushing' also...and my periods got longer and longer and heavier...until I was hemorrhaging all the time...and I had uterine cancer , stage III...and had to go through all those cancer treatments...
...aside from the gushing ...do you feel really tired all the time...I mean really tired...an unnatural tiredness...that isnt relieved by rest, sleep, exercise...nothing...you wake up tired and go to bed exhausted...and you wake up exhausted...if you have those symptoms...and pain and bleeding during intercourse when you hadnt had that symptom before...if you have those symptoms ...go to a doctor immediately...make an appointment tomorrow and tell them your symptoms when you call to make the appointment...they might try to fit you in right away...like the next day...or within the present week...ask for a D&C and a vaginal sonogram...that is how they found my tumor and the biopsy confirmed it as cancer...fortunately I had a slow growing cancer...I had endometrial carcinoma...there are two types of uterine cancer...the slow growing one that I had...and the rapid growing one...and you dont want to fool around...get it checked out immediatley...if it is the rapidly growing one...a week or even a few days makes a difference...
I knew something was very wrong and kept going to the doctor and different doctors...and they would do a PAP and that would come back negative and they would tell me I was alright...but I knew in my heart that I wasnt...but didnt speak up...a Pap is only good for detecting cervical cancer not uterine cancer...the doctor didnt do anything until my symptoms were profuse and undeniable...so mention those tests to your doctor if he doesnt suggest them...it could be a matter of life and death...no kidding...I am serious...this is in response to Dazzling Zoomer Gal...

[Raelein MB Haley]

In reply to LaFilleFrancaise: You said you were sad at the time because you had always wanted another child. I had to have a hysterectomy when my only child (my son) was about 2 years old. Endometriosis, and lots of pelvic pain. It made me very sad, because I also wanted to have another child. I don't think I have ever really gotten over not being able to have one, though I have a step-daughter, and now, a new grand-daughter. My doctor said we could wait, and I could get pregnant and have another child first, but my husband at the time said no. (He was a jerk!) Afterwards, I wished I would have just had a child with my best friend. (Male, of course!) :) P/S: I also had a total hysterctomy. I was very depressed afterwards for quite awhile. Nothing about life made any sense.

[Not the girl next door]

I was lucky enough to have both Adenomyosis and Endometriosis. I received two options. Get pregnant or have a Hysterectomy. I opted for the later. I really didn't realize how bad I felt until I went through with it. They left one ovary so I wouldn't go through early menopause. I was 32. I have no regrets

[Coral]

By Maria: "Have a happy period"? They need a kick in the ass.

NO kidding! *rolls eyes*

[Ruby Red Crystal]

I had two previous c-sections so it was not an option for me. I had some minor complications but would not go back for anything.
What complications did you have?

[Coral]

Ruby, I had 2 c-sections prior to my hysterectomy. It was LAVH (laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy) with no complications, other than the fact they found a fibroid the size of a soft ball behind my uterus they weren't aware of.

Sunny, you don't have to answer this, but I'm curious as to why they took your uterus and ovaries at such a young age. Did you have cancer?

[Jaylee53]

This is a hug....(((((HUG)))). I wish you peace...happiness and a lifetime of good health.