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  Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
         Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | A while back I posted on here asking about opinions on having a hysterectomy at age 34..... almost everyone that replied was all for doing it and everyone was beyond supportive.I have been on medical menopause for the better part of this year. Today is my third injection with only 2 left before I have to get off it. I'm terrified of coming off the medicine. I spoke with the surgeon today. He is still supportive but before doing surgery he is asking I think some more and talk about it. He said mortality rates increase with removing ovaries too.However, I will see him again in December and he can do a laparoscopic hysterectomy in January or early February. So anybody care to spend the next two months talking with me about it, sharing your stories, and just helping me not stress so much? I know I want to do this but is it the best thing for me? |
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 Livin in the Dinosaur Age
Posts: 1993
         Location: the other T-town, Oklahoma | Is is Lupron you are on? Surgery is my next step. I have struggled with endometriosis, adhesive disease and masters-allen syndrome since I was a teen. I have tried the meds, multiple surgeries and am ready to have it all taken out. I am hoping next year. I am 37. My case may be different, I have no children nor do I want them. That probably makes my decision easier. Sorry I never read your first post. |
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  Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
         Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Yes to Lupron. No kids here either. Had a miscarriage last December. |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
    
| No advice, but I certainly know you've felt a million times better and are able to function on this medical menopause. I think that should definitely be a major factor in your decision. Do you really want to feel the way you felt before the menopause, or have the surgery and be done with it? |
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Sideways Riding Expert
Posts: 11371
        Location: ND--it snows, it floods, it snows, it floods | Mortality is increased IF a person does not due hormone replacement therepy or at least that was according to my docs. at the Mayo clinic. I was told that due to my age (31 at the time) I would need HRT due to bone density loss and other issues. I've chosen to go ahead with the HRT and wear a patch that I change 2x a week. I'm 7 years post-op and cancer free. The only other thing my doc. asks is that I do a mammogram every year when I turned 35. No issues at this time. |
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  Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
         Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | That is the main driving factor. And what we talked about today. I never realized how much pain I was in until starting Lupron. I just ignored it. I'm terrified of being like that again. This year has been so good despite other non health related issues. Even with the Lupron side affects I've been so much happier on a daily basis. Tired, but happy |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
   Location: North Dakota | have you looked into endometrial ablation? My SIL will be having this done next week, her doc highly recommended it. I think it is a waste, because eventually you will need a hysterectomy, however, with age being a factor and the possibility of issues, the ablation might be a great thing to consider! |
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  Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
         Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | No I haven't because the endo isn't the only concern |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
   Location: North Dakota | for what it's worth I know they do ovarian ablation too....I just don't know what "parts" ail you-which is OK with me :) I had very little knowledge about ablation until my SIL pointed me in the direction of information. Seems like a useful tool in the right situation. For me, I'm a "get it done" type of decision maker. When the time comes that I know i will eventually need a hysterectomy, I will schedule and be done with it. The agonizing over not taking care of yourself, is mind boggling TO ME, I want a decision made and to move on with life. If you are terrified of another month of having symptoms-what are you waiting for?? If you truly do not want children-move on-get that diseased organ out of your body and live your life! Well wishes on your decision. And seriously, there is nothing judgemental about you waiting, I just know for me, once I make the decision (and in your case I would schedule) I feel a whole lot less stressed-"impending doom" is my worst enemy! |
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  Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
         Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | The endo isn't on my ovaries. Yet. Not even on my uterus. It seems to really like my colon.....So not sure an ablation would work.I guess one thing that I will confess I worry about with having a hysterectomy is losing the desire to be intimate. I know hubby ain't going anywhere and won't love me any less but. ..... |
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 Peecans
       
| missroselee - 2014-10-17 11:06 AM
The endo isn't on my ovaries. Yet. Not even on my uterus. It seems to really like my colon.....So not sure an ablation would work.I guess one thing that I will confess I worry about with having a hysterectomy is losing the desire to be intimate. I know hubby ain't going anywhere and won't love me any less but. .....
I dont really know you but I really sence that you and your husband are very strong. I feel that you two will work anything out no matter what and stay strong. He just wants you healthy and happy. You can work the rest out as it comes. |
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 Livin in the Dinosaur Age
Posts: 1993
         Location: the other T-town, Oklahoma | missroselee - 2014-10-17 11:24 AM Yes to Lupron. No kids here either. Had a miscarriage last December.
I also did the Lupron for 6 months. The only side effect I had from it was the hot flashes (which isn't something I am used to) and not sleeping (which I don't do anyways). I didn't realize the Lupron helped like it did until I was done with the course of it. 2 months after I was back in for a laporscopic surgery to have my right ovary and appendix out, the endometrial implants adhered the two together. I did good for about 6-9 months after that surgery and now I am back to the same place I was. My gyn is very hesitant about doing the hyst, but I am ready. Will talk to him again in December at my next appt. I also have implants or adhesions in my colon that are horrible. I wouldn't play around with anything besides the hyst if it was up to me. The longer you let it go the more scar tissue forms and it is a vicious cycle. Preserving your colon is pretty important. Good luck on your decision, I am walking the same path you are right now. |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
   Location: North Dakota | missroselee - 2014-10-17 12:06 PM The endo isn't on my ovaries. Yet. Not even on my uterus. It seems to really like my colon.....So not sure an ablation would work.I guess one thing that I will confess I worry about with having a hysterectomy is losing the desire to be intimate. I know hubby ain't going anywhere and won't love me any less but. .....
I think this is a very big deal, but, there are treatments and things that will help if you do have a decline-right?? Not to scare you any but a co worker was in my office and was telling us about his son-not even 40 yet, had colon surgery yesterday and the cancer has spread into his spine and liver. UGH-makes me want to go get a colonoscopy just to make sure. So many worse scenarios than is imaginable. Yet, a decision not taken lightly. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this at all-what a mess. (and a trial) :( |
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  More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
          Location: Riding Crackhead. | I have a hysterectomy scheduled for the 29th. I've put it off as long as I can, am not looking forward to having a surgery but I'm sick and tired of the symptoms. |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
                    Location: In the Hills of Texas | missroselee - 2014-10-17 12:06 PM The endo isn't on my ovaries. Yet. Not even on my uterus. It seems to really like my colon.....So not sure an ablation would work.I guess one thing that I will confess I worry about with having a hysterectomy is losing the desire to be intimate. I know hubby ain't going anywhere and won't love me any less but. .....
I never had a problem in that department and I had my surgery when I was 30 in 1980. Best thing I ever did. |
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Expert
Posts: 1280
      Location: Texas | I had a hysterectomy (total) when I was 29 ( after 2kids); I have been on HRT (estrogen only) ever since. I am 50. It was the right thing for me, and my doctor assures me that the estrogen is helping me not hurting me. I would not want to NOT take it (?? I would probably be incarcerated if I didn't take it). Good luck. Any questions just ask. |
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 Night Watchman
Posts: 5516
  Location: Central Montana | Up until this spring I've been able to handle my endrometriosis with progesterin only. I've been on it for 8 years but started having some side effects. I'm not sure what the next step is going to be. Possibly Lupron and if it works then we'll go from there. I've asked two different times with two different doctors about a hysterectomy but have been shot down. I've had a different doctor for a few years now and haven't talked to him about it yet.
I also wonder if a partial (taking ovaries only) wouldn't lower the estrogen level enough rather than doing a total. |
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