Hysterectomy a step too far right now?

[JiminyCricket]

Hi long term mner, haven't posted for ages, grateful for any thoughts, and sorry if tmi. I have a large fibroid which is causing me the full range of incontinence problems (go about a million times a day, bladder not emptying properly, leaking, often can't go at all first thing in the morning for about half an hour, which is kinda painful, have wet myself quite badly now in various locations - M & S cafe, tesco and a swimming pool change room so now pads all the way). But I don't get bad (any) periods from the fibroid because I have a Mirena in place (but the threads are lost - I wanted to have it out becasue its causing me annoying itching on my arms and legs which is one of its side effects). Stressed and not sleeping well too. Saw a gynae doctor the other day and have gone on waiting list for hysterectomy (sub-total, leaving ovaries and cervix). But now reading about hysterectomy more I think I might be better off just putting up with it? But then some days it all makes me really miserable, other days its kind of just normal. I'm guessing my symptoms would get worse (periods) if I had the coil out. Slightly worried the coil might get expelled, because my last two did and now I'm guessing that was becasue of the fibroid. But I guess I would notice because I did last times. I'm 39, don't want any more babies. Feel kind of stuck.

Glad you're OK - the only thing I have to add is that coughing is definitely not fun at the minute. Right, bed now I think.

Well done Jiminy. Now, you need to be sensible and rest. If you try to do too much too soon you'll set yourself back, so be a good girl.

OK mum

Take care demolitionduo - hope all goes well and that you get good care taken of you in hospital - be thinking of you.

Thank you Jiminy. I'm all set now & surprisingly calm. I am so knackered by the fibroid that I don't have any energy to waste on fretting!

I hope you are recovering well & the pain is lessening. Speak again once I'm nipped & tucked!

Take it easy demolitionduo. You'll be feeling so much better soon.

And Jiminy, you'd better be resting...

So glad to hear you're doing so well Jiminy.....you'd made me feel heaps better thank you! Hope you are getting lots of rest!

Am feeling very emotional and sad this week....lots of tears! Am having my very last period this week....which has been particularly horrendous!

Good luck Demolition! Will be thinking of you and look forward to hearing about your recovery too xx

Slinky I hope that you are OK, do you have much to prepare before you go in, or can you start to concentrate on you? I was so emotional, I couldn't even speak to anyone without welling up, think some of the school run mums will be very wary of me now!

This is me so far -

Emotions - I have had one bout of tears, from feeling overwhelmed from trying to do too much. A nurse told me that some days I would feel up to anything, and that i should 'potter' rather than stay in bed, but that other days I would feel not able to do anything. Its really true, except that I didn't really imagine what 'too much'meant. e.g. I can make a cup of tea, open the curtains, fetch the post - but if I do all three at once that's me exhausted for an hour. So iyswim I can DO more things than I thought I could, but manage LESS things than I thought I could.

Scar - took my dressing off today and put on a new one they gave me, scar seems fine, hiding underneath my belly overhang . Sometimes it feels like its getting loads better, then sometimes feels sore, I guess when I am moving around more.

Sleep - apart from the first night in hospital I have slept really well, especially last two nights - I think stress and fibroids have been affecting my sleep for a while. And I am positively luxuriating in not having to get out of bed in the morning (even to go for a wee, good riddance fibroids). Having an hours sleep in the day too. I recommend a V cushion, I got my old one out and its so comfy.

Pain - not too bad, taking pain killers less frequently now, haven't had too much wind (sorry tmi), although I understand this can get bad

Occupation - sadly have developed an aversion to daytime tv already, but watching some good taped things (The Mentalist today), and reading a bit. But happy not doing too much at all so far (OK AlmostFifty?? )

Dd's - I am hating not being on top of school trips/book bags/etc, but am learning to step back otherwise everyone turns to me to find things and I get stressed and emotional, if I leave them to it it all goes fine. DH is fab, despite still trying to get the kitchen fitted and go to work as well (he's had some days off and time off since I came out though). I am doing homework with them though, and card games and some other nice bits. And lots of tv. And trying not to be grumpy.

All in all not bad for week 1 - thanks for the support, it means a lot

Whole woman thanks for your information.

For me (and a probably a lot of women on this thread), a hysterectomy was a last resort. I had huge fibroids, horrific bleeding, anaemic and bordering on depression. I really had no other choice as it had a huge impact on my quality of life.

Was thinking of starting a new thread as this conversation is no longer about my original post - new thread here The pre and post op thread

Thank you for your lovely reply Jiminy....so glad you are feeling so good! You have made me feel so much better. Feeling very emotional again today and had a little cry at work. Will finish work tomorrow and will miss it so much :( Am glad I've got half-term next week before op. as we have lots of sickness bugs going round school so at least I have a chance of being "germ-free" beforehand!

Wholewoman...this op. is a last resort for me. I can't carry on as I am as it is having a huge impact on my daily life and TBH your post hasn't made me feel great as I'm still quite emotional about it all.

Thanks Jiminy for the new thread.....will sign off here and move over :)

Really upset to hear so many problems but more upset that my message was deleted by mumsnet when the information I was trying to offer was sooo valuable for me. If you can have a look at Christine Ann Kents book or website, she is an american, and learn about your pelvic area, even if you have no problems or many problems she explains things so easily, now I really understand my internal workings in a way no professional has ever done, I suppose they just don't have the time. Valuable exercises for us all. Boo to mumsnet for deleting. I'm 57 now, had problems eve rsince my first baby born 37 years ago , painful periods that put me in bed etc etc, my G.P. told me I didn't have a prolapse, struggled for years with back pain, couldn't stand for long, now seeing a physio who couldn't answer the questions I ask, but this book did. Please don't delete this message, its genuine, and can help so many mums.