topic Re: Partial Hysterectomy in Wellness

Partial Hysterectomy

Irishwit — Fri, 30 May 2014 03:11:42 GMT

I have reached the point of miserable, intensified Perio-Men. symptoms (heavy bleeding, pain, moodiness beyond, and more), so my dr. recommended a partial hysterectomy.

I am deciding between dr. removing only uterus or cervix/uterus? She gave me pros/cons for each but wants me to decide. I've looked at blogs and research online. Removing ovaries unnecessary.

Advice?

Thanks

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

HULAGIRL — Fri, 30 May 2014 03:23:03 GMT

I had the full one and appendix......no micro surgery. best thing I ever did.....would do it again in a heartbeat. I got my life back after years of misery.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

Ibby114 — Fri, 30 May 2014 03:25:21 GMT

It really depends if you have any issues with your cervix, uterus or ovaries. Review your family history too.

I had a partial but kept one ovary- the other one wasn't getting over cysts as it should have. Review the options with your dr, you also don't want to do anything that would bring on an incontinence issue.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

betteb — Fri, 30 May 2014 03:30:08 GMT

I had a total hysterectomy. My ovaries were not good and my doctor, a Gynecologic Oncologist, felt leaving the cervix was just leaving a chance for cervical cancer.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

Big Sister — Fri, 30 May 2014 04:59:00 GMT

I've had the total H. If leaving the cervix in, I would be concerned down the line about cervical cancer.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

Kjelle — Fri, 30 May 2014 05:05:34 GMT

I had everything out but the cervix. I don't think there is any reason to think you would have an increased risk of cervical cancer after having uterus and ovaries out. Continue to get your pap smears. If you ever needed to have the cervix out, it is a much simpler procedure than the hysterectomy.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

LindaLovesLabs — Fri, 30 May 2014 05:11:16 GMT

When I had a hysterectomy, I chose to have the ovaries and cervix removed with the uterus. After consulting with my doctor, I did not want to risk necessitating another surgery in the future. Ovarian cancer, in particular, can be very dangerous. I have never regretted my decision.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

mousiegirl — Fri, 30 May 2014 05:12:26 GMT

Unless you "need" your ovaries, guessing you are in your forties, so this may not warrant it, but if you don't need them, and once you enter meno, you won't, I would have those removed also, but research this. It is just one less thing to worry about, but again, this depends on your age, etc. Generally, from 52 on, ovaries are useless.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

colliemom4 — Fri, 30 May 2014 05:35:26 GMT

I know many people that have had a hysterectomies and kept their ovaries and are fine. However I do know one person that had to have another surgery to have her ovaries removed. She said it wasn't bad.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

Pearly Shells — Fri, 30 May 2014 06:30:26 GMT

I was like you plus I had several big fibroids. I had a partial three months ago. I kept the ovaries (didn't want instant menapause) and cervix (didn't want to risk damage to bladder and nearby nerves, and also you know what is supposed to be better if you keep your cervix). I had laproscopic surgery done with a robot (look up Da Vinci). Recovery was super fast. I went home that day, had only a few days of soreness and was driving in a week.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 30 May 2014 08:10:36 GMT

On 5/29/2014 mousiegirl said:
Unless you "need" your ovaries, guessing you are in your forties, so this may not warrant it, but if you don't need them, and once you enter meno, you won't, I would have those removed also, but research this. It is just one less thing to worry about, but again, this depends on your age, etc. Generally, from 52 on, ovaries are useless.

Exactly. I am almost 57, and just had a complete DaVinci assisted hysterectomy in March. I feel great and have been since just a couple of days post op. Even so, I was still on certain restrictions during my recovery. My reason for seeing the gynecologist, in the first place, was for abnormal bleeding. I already knew I had a large fibroid, but testing found I had thickening in the uterus. After initial testing, she first suggested a D & C and hysteroscopy. When they did the biopsy, the results were precancerous, so she suggested getting everything removed because ovarian cancer can sneak up on you usually you don't find out until it's too late. At my age, the ovaries weren't doing anything for me anyway so I was convinced that taking them was a proactive measure. Same for the cervix. I don't regret my decision at all and would make the same choice all over again. Just and FYI, if you do experience a weakening of the bladder/sphincter keep up with your Kegel exercises.

You might want to check out the website hystersisters dot com Lots of articles and discussions you can read there about other womens' experiences.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

luv my Golden — Fri, 30 May 2014 08:48:24 GMT

I implore you to have a total hysterectomy and this is why. I had a total hysterectomy in my forties and whenever I would go to my gyno I would have extensive other tests run as well because my mother died of ovarian cancer,her mother died of ovarian cancer and I had a growth on my left ovary and I told the dr. I felt like I was a sitting duck. I had my surgery with no problems except for hot flashes, but they eventually left. In 2002 I had breast cancer in my left breast and had a mastectomy done. I was unaware of the gene that connects the ovaries and the breasts. I found it in the first stage and it had not gone to my lymph nodes, thank God. When ovarian cancer is found it is usually in stage 4 and it is most likely in the lymph nodes. It is like a silent killer.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

lovescats — Fri, 30 May 2014 11:10:49 GMT

I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

HULAGIRL — Fri, 30 May 2014 11:43:01 GMT

On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

I did not. The only thing I noticed was some soreness for about a week because I'm sure things were moved around a little when doing the surgery. The first time I urinated after catheter removal was slightly unpleasant, but that probably was because I was nervous. No problems at all after that and I'm fine to this day.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

Ibby114 — Fri, 30 May 2014 13:12:28 GMT

That's why I mentioned you don't want to do anything to bring on incontinence issues- cervical cancer is easy to diagnose with pap smears. And also to discuss your family history with your doctor. Leaving one ovary still allows you to go through the natural progression of menopause, my dr explained that's much healthier for women in the long run.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 30 May 2014 17:48:28 GMT

On 5/30/2014 hulagirl said:
On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

 a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

I did not. The only thing I noticed was some soreness for about a week because I'm sure things were moved around a little when doing the surgery. The first time I urinated after catheter removal was slightly unpleasant, but that probably was because I was nervous. No problems at all after that and I'm fine to this day.

My experience is similar. More than the actual operation, I was fearful of the whole catheter thing - never had one before. Fortunately, my doctor has it put in, in the operating room, after the patient falls asleep, and removes it before she wakes up. I was up and using the bathroom the same afternoon as my surgery. There was some minor discomfort in the beginning. The first time was the worst of all - a little burning feeling, which is normal. The internal discomfort was indeed from things being moved around, bumped, retracted, etc. Nothing I experienced was excruciating or unbearable and I felt absolutely fine within a few days. As I had gotten older, I did notice a little weakening (leakage), but that was LONG before my operation. I actually asked my doctor if she could tighten things up a little while she was in there. She said she doesn't do that, plus it could even make matters worse. She left it alone and it's no worse than what it was before. I do try to keep up with the Kegels, but do forget. They definitely help.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

lovescats — Fri, 30 May 2014 18:04:40 GMT

On 5/30/2014 JeanLouiseFinch said:
On 5/30/2014 hulagirl said:
On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

 a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

I did not. The only thing I noticed was some soreness for about a week because I'm sure things were moved around a little when doing the surgery. The first time I urinated after catheter removal was slightly unpleasant, but that probably was because I was nervous. No problems at all after that and I'm fine to this day.

My experience is similar. More than the actual operation, I was fearful of the whole catheter thing - never had one before. Fortunately, my doctor has it put in, in the operating room, after the patient falls asleep, and removes it before she wakes up. I was up and using the bathroom the same afternoon as my surgery. There was some minor discomfort in the beginning. The first time was the worst of all - a little burning feeling, which is normal. The internal discomfort was indeed from things being moved around, bumped, retracted, etc. Nothing I experienced was excruciating or unbearable and I felt absolutely fine within a few days. As I had gotten older, I did notice a little weakening (leakage), but that was LONG before my operation. I actually asked my doctor if she could tighten things up a little while she was in there. She said she doesn't do that, plus it could even make matters worse. She left it alone and it's no worse than what it was before. I do try to keep up with the Kegels, but do forget. They definitely help.

I appreciate you all and ibb38 answering me because my bladder control is fine now. From what I understand though is if it gets worse because of the hysterectomy that's another operation they can do which I'm not interested in. Now my sister who has passed was a nurse and she did not believe in surgery unless you really had to because she said doctors don't really know what patients go thru.

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

Pickwickpapers — Fri, 30 May 2014 18:12:22 GMT

Please do yourself a favor and get a second opinion from a gyn surgeon that is not in your doctor's group. Most insurances will pay for the 2nd opinion and it is always a good idea. Also ask around and if you decide on the surgery find a surgeon that specializes in gyn surgery and has good recommendations. Good Luck on whatever decision you make!

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

Ibby114 — Fri, 30 May 2014 18:43:49 GMT

On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
On 5/30/2014 JeanLouiseFinch said:
On 5/30/2014 hulagirl said:
On 5/30/2014 lovescats said:
I just wanted to ask those of you who had the complete hysterectomy did you have

 a weakening of the bladder/sphincter

I did not. The only thing I noticed was some soreness for about a week because I'm sure things were moved around a little when doing the surgery. The first time I urinated after catheter removal was slightly unpleasant, but that probably was because I was nervous. No problems at all after that and I'm fine to this day.

My experience is similar. More than the actual operation, I was fearful of the whole catheter thing - never had one before. Fortunately, my doctor has it put in, in the operating room, after the patient falls asleep, and removes it before she wakes up. I was up and using the bathroom the same afternoon as my surgery. There was some minor discomfort in the beginning. The first time was the worst of all - a little burning feeling, which is normal. The internal discomfort was indeed from things being moved around, bumped, retracted, etc. Nothing I experienced was excruciating or unbearable and I felt absolutely fine within a few days. As I had gotten older, I did notice a little weakening (leakage), but that was LONG before my operation. I actually asked my doctor if she could tighten things up a little while she was in there. She said she doesn't do that, plus it could even make matters worse. She left it alone and it's no worse than what it was before. I do try to keep up with the Kegels, but do forget. They definitely help.

I appreciate you all and ibb38 answering me because my bladder control is fine now. From what I understand though is if it gets worse because of the hysterectomy that's another operation they can do which I'm not interested in. Now my sister who has passed was a nurse and she did not believe in surgery unless you really had to because she said doctors don't really know what patients go thru.

I had a mesh sling inserted when I had my partial hysterectomy- right before the FDA banned them. I was in and out of the hospital for 2 months, fighting several infections and ultimately an abscess that almost took my life. When I mentioned watching for incontinence issues I speak from personal experience!

Re: Partial Hysterectomy

Irishwit — Fri, 30 May 2014 22:51:53 GMT

Thanks to everyone for responses and pts. to raise with dr.

I am in my late 40s, have 3 fibroids (dr. concerned they are growing), and no history of ovarian cancer in family.

Scheduled for July 1. Looking toward same relief most of you experienced.

Ah, womanhood.