AIBU to ask for a Hysterectomy with a high BMI?

7 replies

DaniO2 · 26/03/2022 14:13

I've been suffering from very heavy periods for a while due to fibroids. I'm 46 (childless) and would really like to have a hysterectomy and have the whole lot taken out.

All month I have symptoms, like a dull ache, pressure, back ache and needing to pee all the time.

My BMI is currently 36. I'm trying to lose weight with a low carb diet but it's hard to lose weight - coming off at a rate of about 0.5lbs a week, so it will take a long time to get to a normal BMI.

Has anyone else had a hysterectomy at a smiliar BMI? Am I being unreasonable to ask for one?

I don't have health insurance, but I do have some savings, which might be enough for me to go private.

My late mum had a hysterectomy at 42 for fibroids, and yet she was slim. She said it was the best thing she ever did. I'm really struggling to cope with the symptoms - the last thing I want to do is exercise! But I wonder if they'd tell me to go away and lose weight first as sometimes I think doctors say that in response to every symptom. :(

I understand there are extra risks, but am I being unreasonable to ask my GP to refer me for one now?

OP posts:

Scottishflower65 · 26/03/2022 14:21

I had severe long painful floods every month and had everything out 3 years ago. Was a similar BMI then. Had to go private as NHS don’t usually do “just” for fibroids especially when in peri menopause age group. I was told the fibroids would shrink after menopause. That doesn’t work if you take HRT though so I went private. Life changing in a very positive way.

Original poster

DaniO2 · 26/03/2022 14:39

That's really helpful @scottishflower65 thank you.
It's got to a point where I've been thinking it will never be sorted because the weight is coming off so slowly.

OP posts:

RampantIvy · 26/03/2022 14:42

I believe the risks are higher and recovery time is longer with a higher BMI, so don't be surprised if the GP asks you lose weight first.

Good luck.

VillanellesOrangeCoat · 26/03/2022 14:46

Similar situation - had the Mirena coil instead and that was life changing. After six months periods stopped altogether along with the associated cyclical symptoms.
Might be worth considering if you get fobbed off

Newhorizon21 · 26/03/2022 14:54

@VillanellesOrangeCoat

I agree with this, I had a Mirena inserted for similar reasons in my early 40s,

Sarahcoggles · 26/03/2022 14:59

You’ll be offered a mirena coil before surgery. Any gynaecologist who does a hysterectomy on someone with a high BMI before trying the mirena is negligent.

Original poster

DaniO2 · 26/03/2022 15:35

@VillanellesOrangeCoat

That sounds promising. I'm glad it worked so well. I haven't been offered anything by my GP and haven't seen a gynaecologist. My GP ordered an ultrasound scan and just said the results were fibroids. There was no offer of any treatment, and I went away when I should have pushed harder for help. It's just exhausting.

I just had a quick read up on the Mirena and it sounds really good. I did read it might not be good for people prone to ovarian cysts (which I've had in the past) and sometimes the position of fibroids can make fitting it impossible.

I think I need to make another app with GP and asked to be referred.

OP posts:

Flip