Hysterectomy or not ?

[DonnaRose]

Hi All

Hope you are all well, I have just had a phone call of my GP after a worrying 2 weeks, i went to him with a large mass in my abdomen, he was worried and referred me to the Colorectal team as the mass seemed to be too high to be in my uterus, I had a CT scan & ultrasound within 2 weeks, Ultrasound showed 2 large Fibroids measuring 10cm & 8 cm, hysterectomy is definitely recommended, has anyone had the same for advice?

Thank you

[bantam12]

I have a fibroid and ovarian cysts and have been pushing for a hysterectomy for several years, finally my Gynae has agreed. You don't say how old you are but if you are done with all your bits then go for it ! But I would get an opinion from a Gynae first.

[DonnaRose in reply to bantam12]

Thank you for your reply

I am 46, and had problems in the past , endometriosis and poly cyst ovaries.

The 2 fibroids are very large so I think I hysterectomy is the answer. I am seeing gynaecologist next week, I suppose it’s about weighing up the pros and cons 😊

[JacqCh]

I'd suggest myomectomy (just remove the fibroids, keep the uterus intact). I did that last year to remove a 16.5cm fibroid, after resisting hysterectomy for years. Excellent results! Why remove your precious organ unnecessarily?

[Acmiles in reply to JacqCh]

I would research hysterectomies before committing. Fibroids are benign. I chose to keep my bits. Myectomy not on the table for me (doctors reluctant to do them) so I have just lived with my fibroid (i have many) I did find a progesterone cream and that has done a lot to help me. Those bits matter beyond reproduction.

[JacqCh in reply to Acmiles]

I searched extensively for a surgeon willing and skilled to perform myomectomy, efforts well spent! It's technically more challenging hence surgeons always recommend hysterectomy (i.e. the easy way out).

[Ellisdo]

I would not yank the uterus out unless absolutely necessary. I was referred to a Oncologist after some gynecological issues. The recommendation by the oncologist was for a full hysterectomy but I had doubts. I am 60 years old and obviously past menopause but was still reluctant to do so. The recommendation was based purely on his speculation that I had endometrial cancer despite the fact that my biopsies showed no malignancy. I did a lot of research and went against doctor wishes and had a DNC. The pathology came back with no hyperplasia or malignancy. I am so relieved and also happy that I did not undergo major surgery that could cause other issues. A uterus is a major organ and can even be tied to cognitive function. Good luck with whatever you decide but just make sure to do your research.

[K5100]

Hello, I am 42 years old and last year I was referred for suspected fibroids. (I could actually feel a lump in my lower abdomen).

I had an ultra sound scan and due to the nature of my fibroids they referred me to an Oncologist Gynaecologist. It was very scary at the time.

I then had an MRI scan which showed that I had fibroids or (large adnexal mass) that they couldn’t be sure wasn’t risky.

I had a conversation with my consultant and he advised a hysterectomy.

I was shocked at the time as I still felt that I was too young.

However we discussed the fact that my family was complete and that I had the option of a full hysterectomy or keeping one or both of my Ovaries.

He advised that if I had my Ovaries removed then it would mean that it would avoid any future visits to the Gynaecology department and take that risk factor away.

It was a no brainer after all of the worry and taking to my husband about it. After all I didn’t need them anymore.

I was worried, but without question I decided that a full hysterectomy was the way forward for me, especially as there was a cancer risk.

The surgery was difficult at the time and recovery I would say is 12 weeks in total but I would do it all over again because in the long term it has really helped.

I know that everyone is different but I can honestly say that it is the best thing that has happened to me. I had two large fibroids removed and a few small ones plus slight Endometriosis.

I used to suffer with anxiety, bloating, heaving periods and blood clots and for me I feel so much better these days.

You hear about the menopause instantly kicking in but I have only had a half stone weight gain and slight loss in sleep, and not one hot flush!

I feel like I have bypassed the long slog of going through the whole menopausal process.

The positives completely outweigh the negatives and I am so pleased that I have had this done. I have spoken to a few other ladies along my journey and they have said they felt like a new woman and I completely agree.

Obviously everyone is different but I just wanted to share a positive story if you do decide to go down that road.

If you have any further questions I would be happy to help xx

[SraB]

I am 41 with an enlarged uterus and several fibroids. My only symptom was heavy bleeding which gave me severe anemia. I tried the combined pill plus iron, it was a disaster, ended up with the internist, cardiologist and gastroenterologist.. oh yes and the one for the ears . Then tried mirena, horrible anxiety and my body sent it out. They didn't believed me, then had a hemorrhage, then the echo and camera in the womb confirmed : mirena was gone. Then changed to only progesteron pill. Less issues , but still no energy and headaches and just sick feeling. The gyn recommends hysterectomy as next step. Like there are no choices. But I recently found out about embolisation, so I want to ask next week!