Re: AT WHAT AGE DID YOU STOP HAVING A

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@novamc1 wrote:
@BirkiLady

you wrote:<< If you truly had a hysterectomy, why would you have gone through menopause? There was no menopause following a hysterectomy for mom or any of my friends having such surgeries. They do have mammograms annually.>>
___________________________________________________

I had a hysterectomy at a relatively young age not long after birth
of second child. I did not have ovaries removed. Removal of uterus only is called "a complete hysterectomy".

Therefore, no menopause until I got old enough for ovaries to completely dry up and not even be seen during any type of imaging.. I was old by then and went through meno at a normal age.

For reasons stated earlier, I do not have regular mammograms--------too much radiation exposure is just too much if not indicated as necesary.

Any suggestion that I take hormones (ever) would be a definite NO for me. I have too many friends who started taking those at a young age and wound up with cancer.

THESE ARE MY OPINIONS ONLY. Everyone else needs to follow a doctor's advice or their own opinions.

A hysterectomy is a GYN surgery procedure, which simply refers to the removal of the uterus, including the cervix. The terms “partial hysterectomy” and “total hysterectomy” are commonly used by non-medical people but are not technically accurate. Partial hysterectomy usually refers to removal of only the uterus.

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

@JeanLouiseFinch That's how I've always heard the terminology used, too. Thanks.

Money screams; wealth whispers.

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

@Qshopper1991 wrote:
I haven't had one in several years and I'm 55. No more period; I can't justify going anymore. Besides, I HATE it. If I start bleeding or something falls out, that's when I'll go again.

Also, I only had two mammograms. One at age 40 and one at age 41. I stopped because they were painful and they left me very bruised. Then I read that it is very, very bad for breast tissue to be bruised. So no more mammograms. I do self checks. To be honest with you, I truly believe it's the mammogram itself that gives women breast cancer. You can disagree all you want, but I'll never get another ever again.

@Qshopper1991

I was very interested in your post. Last year I had the worst experience getting a mammorgram. I am due to get another one in October and I am getting upset just thinking about it. I was never really bothered that much by getting them. I would experience a bit of discomfort --- I mean --- it's not a pleasant experience to get your bosoms all squashed up on a hard plastic tray--- but it was for a few seconds and then done. Last year, it was so very painful because I was bruised --- regular bruising and blood bruising over my entire chest and up under my arm pits. It was excruciating. It took weeks and weeks for all of the bruises to heal. I never read where it was dangerous though to have your chest bruised up but quite honestly I just don't know if I can face going through this again! I would worry though not getting the mammogram.

I read that some have gotten a thermogram --I have never heard of this. Is this an option that women are offered if they have issues with mammograms?

As for paps, I have always gotten them and so far, they have always come out o.k. I am 66. Each year they get more and more unpleasant to have.

I don't know what the answer is to this. To go through all the physical pain of getting these tests done or not get them and then worry that you could have something wrong???

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

LIndaMJ · ‎11-02-2014

Per my GYN, I haven’t had a PAP for the past 3 years. I am now 67. As for the mammograms which I used to dread for reasons already mentioned, 4 years ago I started having the 3D. They have been so much easier for me and alleviate my former and frequent callbacks.

tends2dogs · ‎05-08-2010

@AngelPuppy1 I also mentioned that I have thermograms instead of mammograms. If I was bruised the way you described, I would think that whoever performed the test didn't know what the heck they were doing. Bruising is a sign that the tissue has been inflammed, the last thing that you want. There are other testing means such as the 3D mentioned in another's post. I would discuss this with my doctor. I agree that it is too bad that these tests have to cause so much anxiety and pain to women.

The thermogram is as simple as standing in front of a camera with your arms over your head. You turn to different angles for the pictures, 3 in all. Then you run your hands under cold water for 2 to 3 minutes. They take the pictures again at the same 3 angles. That is it. They send them off to be read. I have it done many, many times. They compare each years test with the past years.

I hope you can find an alternative way of testing. I did and it has worked for me so far.

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

I will be 63 this year-tommorrow as a matter of fact!! Last year my NP told me I no longer needed a pap test, so I am done...I found them to be slightly painful and so I am glad that part of my life is over.

I have had the test since I was probably 18 years old, never a negative report, so I feel OK about giving up that test.

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

@tends2dogs wrote:
@AngelPuppy1 I also mentioned that I have thermograms instead of mammograms. If I was bruised the way you described, I would think that whoever performed the test didn't know what the heck they were doing. Bruising is a sign that the tissue has been inflammed, the last thing that you want. There are other testing means such as the 3D mentioned in another's post. I would discuss this with my doctor. I agree that it is too bad that these tests have to cause so much anxiety and pain to women.

The thermogram is as simple as standing in front of a camera with your arms over your head. You turn to different angles for the pictures, 3 in all. Then you run your hands under cold water for 2 to 3 minutes. They take the pictures again at the same 3 angles. That is it. They send them off to be read. I have it done many, many times. They compare each years test with the past years.

I hope you can find an alternative way of testing. I did and it has worked for me so far.

@tends2dogs

Thank you for your reply! I am in a quandry as to what to do. I have a gynecological appointment coming up in September and I plan to talk to her about it. I only wish I would have taken pictures of my bruised chest area so I would have proof of how badly I was bruised. I do seem to have an issue with my skin any more that I get blood bruises, etc. very easily. I have gone to many doctors and undergone many tests but have gotten no answers. I know that testing to detect breast cancer is important but I don't know if I can go through this again!!!

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I had BC at age 34 and have had more mammograms than I care to remember. I have a + BRAC gene and due to that plus scar tissue from my lumpectomy I now get the 3D mammos. I have also had to have a few biopsies done - thank goodness they were all neg.

My Grandmother was diagnosed with BC at age 80. So I would never stop getting them until I was so old I decided it would be OK to cash in my chips.

tends2dogs · ‎05-08-2010

@AngelPuppy1 I would hope your doctor will take your word about the bruising. There are other ways of testing. Like I said before, 3D is an option. Not many doctors are going to suggest Thermogram.

I know what you mean about the blood bruises. My DH and I get them so easily now a days. I think it comes with getting older.

Like I said before, talk with your doctor about this. Don't worry about it until September. Life is too short for that. You and your doctor will come up with a solution.

All the best~

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!