Hyst question

hrrizen · Feb 19, 2004

Have you thought about a tubal ligation? It(hyst) seems like a lot to go through(pain and at least 6-8 week recovery) just to prevent pregnancy... are there any other health issues involved? Whatever you decision i wish you well.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 19, 2004

NO HYST UNLESS YOU HAVE SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS that make any other alternative impossible!

It's major surgery , as you know.

I have NO idea your medical history, but unless you have tried all other alternatives to solve whatever medical issues you have, please don't go this route. Also keep in mind, most insurances companies act like you are pulling teeth to get them to pay for this surgery, UNLESS IT IS SHOWN there is NO ALTERNATIVE to take care of a true medical problem. Even then you may have a battle on your hands.

That said, I don't know if you are aware; hysterectomes are performed two ways: lady partslly, or abdominally.

Both involve general anethesia use and its risks and pain/bleeding as well as potential for infection post-op.

You will need at least 6 weeks to recover if you are like most people. You will be given an order to lift no more than 10 or 15 pounds for 6-8 weeks. I am telling you this so you can plan ahead, if this affects work or any other area of your life heavily.

lady partsl hysts are easier to "bounce" back from, as no major musculature is disturbed in the abdomen. In my experience, I have noticed these women get out of bed earlier and more readily than those having undergone abdominal hyst. As a person who has had FOUR abdominal surgeries(csection, ectopic removal and adhesion removal, a problem that can often arise after surgery) I tell you, you can't take it lightly. Recovery is long, slow and painful oftentimes. Some woman are taken by surprise when after 4 weeks, they still don't feel themselves. Some do much better and bounce back VERY rapidly. It's individual.

Also discuss leaving the ovaries in place, esp if you are in your 30s. They do better than a pill to keep your hormones steady. Unless you have a strong risk of cancer, I would opt for just the hyst, not the BSO (bilateral oophorectomy).

Between you and your doctor, you need to begin real and honest dialogue as to what treatment is best for you. If you have fibroids, there ARE other options --- as there are for heavy bleeding. Ablation treatment and/or D and C may be discussed with you. Some will ladies tell you it's worthless to go those routes, and that they wound up have hyst anyhow. You have to have an honest talk about what is best for you and of the LEAST RISK to your HEALTH. Like I said, hyst is NOT minor stuff. Remember the inherent risks of hospitalization-- nosocomial infection-- being one.

Also, I mentioned adhesions. Sadly I have personal knowledge how bad they can be. They are a real risk after any abdominal surgery, one I did not think much about til I developed some so bad, they involved my bowel and bladder. It's no joke when you have them, mine took 5 hours of surgery to remove and cost me 3 days in the hospital as well as weeks off work. It's painful stuff..... What a scary thing to know if they had gotten worse, I could have developed bowel obstruction or bladder problems.

I say all this NOT to talk you OUT of hysterectomy, if you really need it. I am offering the other side, is all. You have to weigh out carefully ANY medical procedure; risks versus benefits to your health and wellbeing are always of major concern. And sometimes, excessive bleeding or matters of inconvenience ARE used by women to have a hyst. I have seen it time and again. NOT good reasons in MY book if other avenues have NOT been at least explored.

You state you are done having kids. Your post indicates little other reason to have a hyst and like I said w/o knowledge of your medical condition, I can't say more. Just pursue ALL avenues before making a decision like this. I wish you healthy and speedy recovery if you do decide to proceed with hysterectomy. If you have more questions, please PM me; I am a GYN surgical nurse as well as OB. GOOD LUCK and sorry this was so long. I am a really opionated person, I know. :rolleyes:

kc ccurn · Feb 20, 2004

SmilingBlueEyes, thank you for your post. You brought up some good points to ponder. I actually have an appointment with my gyn NP this afternoon and will have question list in hand. I really appreciate your opinionated self :chuckle Thanks again!

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 20, 2004

SmilingBlueEyes, thank you for your post. You brought up some good points to ponder. I actually have an appointment with my gyn NP this afternoon and will have question list in hand. I really appreciate your opinionated self :chuckle Thanks again!

My sincere hope was to help you, not discourage you, if you need this surgery. I ,for one, NEVER take any form of surgery lightly, as a nurse or a patient who has had a few. So, I felt I would be remiss if I did NOT present my opinions from a nursing and personal standpoint. I wish you good health and luck in the decisions you reach regarding your healthcare!!