If this happened to you every month, would you have a hysterectomy?

[mummytowillow]

I've always suffered with my periods for as long as I can remember

My month goes like this:

Terrible nausea/squits two days leading up to ovulation, to the point I feel dreadful.

Severe ovulation pain for two days for which pain relief does nothing.

Then the PMT kicks in, tiredness, spots, nausea etc

Then heavy painful period requiring super plus tampons and pad with flooding. Sometimes I can't go to work as its so heavy.

Period stops then starts again two days later.

I've been to gynaecologists, had mirena coil which helped but went missing. Side effects were terrible though.

Can't take pill as I'm overweight and too old (44). Been offered ablation but that doesn't cure ovulation pain.

I don't want anymore children but I'm a single mum (DD6) and wouldn't have anyone to look after me following op as parents are in 70's. I also have to drive DD to school.

I'm also terrified of GA's so can it be done with a spinal?

Appreciate any advice please. Thanks

I had total hysterectomy 4 years ago at age of 38. Worse decision I've ever made. I found recovery easy but the complications that this operation has caused and the havoc it has wrecked on my body are far worse than the original symptoms (which were pretty much the same as yours)
I wish I could turn back the clock as I feel as if I've mutilated myself. Think long and hard .

Itwillbebetter so sorry that you have feel that way and thank you for posting. If you feel comfortable please could you share what the negative sides are to having a hysterectomy in your 30's? I totally understand if you don't want to x

Mummytowillow hope that you get some relief soon. Gynae troubles are miserable and there doesn't seem to a good fix that fits all.

I've had thermal ablation and it made a huge difference ie stopped terrible heavy periods altogether. I see what you're saying re ovulation pain but it could be worth an initial try as it's less invasive than hysterectomy. Maybe if you at didnt have the bleeding (or at least not so badly) it might perhaps become more managable? I'm so sorry though, you sound like you've had enough of it all

twinkle
The catalogue of things that have happened since the operation is numerous! I have had to have another operation to rectify a hernia and suture problems. I've been under pain management clinics for nerve damage .I'm on a whole list of medication to control pain. I have had extensive problems with implants and HRT.
The surgically induced menopause has been horrific (even on HRT) it makes PMT look mild!
I now suffer excruciating joint pain which has left me virtually housebound and I and my rheumatologist firmly believe its hormonal.
This is just a tiny snapshot of things that have happened. I have had four years of total crap and my youngest Son cannot remember a time of when Mummy was not ill.
I totally under estimated the damage you can do to your body by removing your ovaries. It has knocked my whole body out of kilter and I've gone from a fit and active woman to a shadow of myself. I feel like I'm trapped in the body of a 90 year old. How I wish I could turn back the clocks....
However I have also met women who say its the best thing they've ever done so maybe I'm just unlucky
I would strongly advise anyone to think long and hard, it can have far reaching consequences.

Iwillbewaiting thank you for posting such an honest and open post about such a difficult subject x
I am so very sorry to hear that this has had such awful and ongoing impact on you. It is a real help to us who are considering hysterectomies and reminder that they are no quick fix and can create future troubles.

I totally understand the living in the 90 year old body. I had one blissful year after two prolapse repairs and was pain free. Am now back to being utterly restricted and in pain. Am also in my 30s with young DC.
Thank you again for posting it has really helped me compile my questions for the consultant.
Mummytowillow how are getting on?

Sorry that should have been Iwillbebetter

Mummytowillow, sorry you're having a shitty time of it.

As other posters have mentioned a hysterectomy would not cure your ovulation/hormone related problems so you would also need both ovaries removing. This makes the operation far riskier. It is likely that if you go down this road you will be advised to loose weight first both to see if it reduces the symptoms and to reduce the risk of surgery (which can be done under spinal if it is an open rather than keyhole procedure).

The first step before surgery is usually to try someone on GNRH analogues. These are injections every 6-12 weeks that place you into a chemical menopause. If your symptoms are much better on this it shows that the surgery will be beneficial and if they're not it prevents you from having unnecessary major surgery. Some GPs will prescribe this but it's usually best through gynae as they will then follow you up and can manage you appropriately depending on results.

I hope that explains it a bit. Sorry if its not helpful.

It sounds like endometriosis to me too (I have it) ovulation and periods horrendous but I still wouldn't go down the hysterectomy route.

I echo what others have said, have you had any surgery to investigate why you are so ill? I was fobbed off for years and told that I just had painful periods and to get on with it

Luckily I then found an amazing female GP who was a bit more thorough with her questions and was referred to a fantastic consultant.

BettyOff I agree, having GNRH analogues would be a good trial run. I had this when I was only 27, so fake menopause for 6 months to clear out any endo deposits and I took HRT. Mine was a nasal spray taken daily.