Laporoscopy Or Hysterectomy?

Hi, I myself am 28 and have the same problem although you are braver than me, I havent said I would have the big h yet. I wish you all the luck in the world, please keep us posted as to how you are doing.

All the best

lisa

I can only give you my experience... From age 20-34 I had a total of 7 laparoscopy surgeries. With each surgery, I developed scar tissue plus the endometriosis always returned, and quickly. We did successfully have 4 children and the decision was made to do a hysterectomy because quite frankly, I was tired of being sick all the time and not feeling like doing things with our kids. There were some complications after my surgery (the doctor did not tie-off a bloodvessel in the stomach wall and I developed a hematoma sp?) although it seemed like hell at the time and I wondered why I made this decision. Today, I am very happy I did. One thing, I know some people say they have no side effects and don't need hormone replacements. I thought that too - but the side effects are there and you need to come to terms with them. I started estrogen/progesterin right away and felt great...Sex life was wonderful! No pain!!! But with aging comes weight shifts and I gained about 10lbs over 5 years. I asked my doctor if it was the estrogen (not wanting to think it could be just me!) and she said yes. Well, I did the stupidist thing after that visit....I took myself off the estrogen. At first, I was okay. Then about a month into it, I couldn't sleep at night and was getting increasably irritable during the day - fly off with no reason! Then the worst...I started losing my hair. The week before christmas 2002 I noticed a dime size bald spot - you can easily cover that. By feb 1, I had lost the hair from my forehead to the crown on the left side - completely bald! No stubble or anything - soft as a babies bottom! I wore ballcaps all the time and I ended up buying a hair piece (which there are some great ones out there). Nobody knew because I was too embarrassed. Then, I finally realized I needed to start talking about this in case it happens to someone else - they need to know it can happen and what can be done. My dermatologist prescribed a cream that you put on 2x/day and within 2wks I had hair coming in. I am happy to say I now have all hair grown back and my natural color (sometimes it can come back white). I truly believe it all stemmed from a hormonal embalance I created when I got off my estrogen. I now take a natural hormone replacement and I am very happy with it. I know I have gone into great detail, but it is important for you to realize the different areas hormone replacement can effect. I have had my ups and downs because of the hysterectomy, but I had them before it too - it can be a toss up, but I can tell you I have more energy now than I ever did during my time of endometriosis.

I just had a partial hysterectomy 2 weeks ago due to the same problem, I still have my ovaries and my cervix so I would not go into surgical menopause, so far no problems, just a little sore from the surgery but that is about it. My doctor told me if my ovaries were to badly infected with the endo and he could not burn it off of them he would have to take them, but when he got in there he said everything looked really good. Keep us posted on your decision.

I am in the same boat (lap vs. Hyst.) but am 41 and haven't had any children but I also have a large fibroid growing through the wall of my uterus. I need to make my decision this month. I am visiting several other doctors this month with my records in hand and instead of asking for a second opinion, I will ask, "if I were your patient, what would you reccomend?" this way I feel I might get more complete choices instead of doctors who might tend to just easily agree with their colleagues.

My other concern is that because I have had such bad experiences with bc pills - make me crazy, I don't know if I can tolerate and hormone replacements. But I did visit this amazing pharmacy near me that mixes hormones to a person's personal needs so I am hoping that it an option.

Wishing you well and let me know how you are feeling please.

Dear la -

the natural hormone therapy is just that....A compound that is mixed for the individual's needs. I am so grateful for having found a doctor who believes in it (my gyno didn't). It took 3 months adjusting and it was just right for me. But a person's body changes and so should their med's with it. So as your needs change, so can your medicine. Just be sure to let them know before ordering each mth if you are experiencing anything out of the ordinary.

Ks

I can relate to your fears of surgery. I got word today that I have hysterectomy as my only choice. I have very large fibroids that are causing all sorts of unpleasant problems. Backaches, unexpected bleeding, heavy periods and bad cramps etc. I almost wish I was years younger again. I am 45. Good luck to you. Let me know how it goes. Take care,
linda

Unfortunately the only person who can make the decision is you. I had a hysterectomy three years ago when I was 30 after nearly 19 years of suffering endo, heavy and painful periods and laterly cervical erosions.

It is major surgery and would be pointless saying that the surgery was painless. Lots of women feel that it's going to make them feel less of a woman, but I can honestly say for the first time ever I felt good about myself.

Endo is for all those who have suffered it, one of those hidden illnesses. Nobody talks about it and very few people give you sympathy. I lost my fallopian tubes at 25, had an endometrial ablation when I was 27 and of course a few years later had the lavh. I did get to keep my ovaries, although they have a habit of going to sleep every now and again.

I wish you all the best whatever your decision - it's not easy, I know but you will make the right decision for you. :d

I was diagnosed a year ago with endo after having a lapro to help my cramping that could not be helped with pain meds. They had lasered the lesions, but I still have the same amount of pain as before. I am unable to take any type of hormones to help either, so I finally decided to have a partial hysterectomy. I still have one ovary and my cervix. They did it laproscopically and I only spent one day in the hospital. I only had a little pain near my larger incision and was feeling great in a few days. I have never been happier. I no longer have to work my schedule around the days I have cramps.

Well, according to your first post, you probably already had the surgery. My only question was going to be if you and your husband want children? Or if you already have them. But even with a whole hysterectomy, endo can come back. Less likely, but it can. I was told that I probably have endo about three years ago, but I wont get the laproscopy to see. I have heard that a lot of doctors automatically cut it out while in there looking, and I dont want that. I can manage my level of pain and if I do have it, I will wait until I want children to have it cut out. Some doctors will only cut it out twice and then strongly recommend a hysterectomy. It is nice to know I am not alone with the pain. Although I am not 100% sure that is what I have, I can sympathize with the pain.
Let us know what you decided!

I have finally consulted with all the doctors I could and found a great one. We have come up with this plan: for now (april 5th) she is going to do laparoscopic removal of the fibroid, endometrial tissue, scar tissue, re-arrange my pelvic organs so my appendix is where it should be and lift my uterus up so it is not resting on the base of my spine. I will only have to be off work for two weeks. Then, in 2-5 years, when any chances of getting pregnant have worn out, she can actually do a laparoscopic hysterectomy (not vaginally assisted - everything laparoscopic) and I will again only need to be off work for 2-3 weeks then. Wish me luck