pros and cons of hysterectomy vs decapeptyl injections for fibroids

[Jlg-]

Hi- wondering if anyone else had to make a decision between continuing decapeptyl injections (simulate menopause to control fibroids) or having open hysterectomy? Been on the injections a year now. There isn’t much research on long term use of injections which ‘switch off’ your hormones, and I can’t use hrt with them as this grows my 3 fibroids impacting bowel and bladder ( mri shows both are displaced by fibroids) Am pretty decided to go for surgery as a definitive solution ( not sure if injections will continue to control symptoms and what long term side effects might be) but just wondering if anyone else weighed up the risks/benefits.. grateful for any input!

[MamaofFurBabies]

I had injections for over a year and because they really helped my symptoms I knew a hysterectomy would work too. I am 3 weeks post op and so far so good in terms of symptoms being gone obviously just have post op pain etc. I do have hrt now too.

Its a big op though so definitely take your time. From agreement to operation the wait was a over a year too so that is something to consider ❤️

[Jlg- in reply to MamaofFurBabies]

Thanks so much for your reply. I have been on the waiting list for surgery for almost a year as initially the injections didn’t work till I dropped the hrt. I was definitely on for the surgery when nothing else was working and when hrt gave me pain from enlarged fibroids, now it’s a more difficult decision, but think I am going to go through with it. . I worry about the long term unknown effects of injections vs known risks of op and the fact that without hrt I am at risk from osteoporosis. Plus the largest fibroid is visible and clearly pressing on other organs. Good to know you made the decision - hope you are having a good recovery? Be good to know more about your last 3 weeks..

[MamaofFurBabies in reply to Jlg-]

I had to fight for the op and the injectios because I dont have my own biological children and I am only 34, didnt help my consultants specialism is fertility.....we know our own bodies better than anyone.

Recovery hasnt been too bad, well as I expected really. First week or so its not fun if you sneeze, cough, laugh. Its a conscious roll to get up etc. I am lucky to have no pressure to go back to work as I still have some pain and can't drive. The biggest thing for me has been the mental health side of things Eg feeling abit useless and stuck but I know it's only a few weeks more and then it should be a life of no pain 😍😍

[Jlg- in reply to MamaofFurBabies]

Thanks so much for letting me know more about your first weeks post op and all the best with your continued recovery.