hysterectomy and the alternatives

[Yorkiegirl]

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Dunno about the alternatives. I had a hysterectomy in Dec 07. Took about 3 months to be properly over it. And that was with having a baby and a GA and a large blood transfusion at the same time so I'm guessing that it doesn't usually take that long to recover.

They left my ovaries in, so I know, from the profusion of spots on my face, that my period would be due in the next few days!

Isn't the mirena a hormonal coil? Is it the hormones that you need - couldn't you have injections?

Depends on how big the fibroids are thier position within the uterus.

Sometimes, an endometrial ablation is possible (where heat is used to destroy the womb lining). Another option is an embolisation procedure which disrupts the blood supply to the fibroid (if there's just one) and causes it to shrink. I've never heard of a mirena with a cervical stitch, but don't see why that couldn't be an option.

From my experience, gynaecoloists try to avoid such major surgery in the first instance for someone as young as yourself.

I hope his helps.

This helps, even.

And gynaecoloGists.

....I haven't even been drinking!

Endometrial ablation is certainly a better option than hysterectomy, according to the gynae I saw last month. (You would still have to use birth control tho').

I understand what you're going through, with heavy periods, but a gynae is likely to see a hysterectomy as the very last resort and would probably want you to try hormone treatment first.

HTH

Hi Yorkiegirl

You can have a myomectomy whereby they just remove the fibroids. It is still major surgery like a hysterectomy. In case you do possibly want to have more children.

Or there is a process called uterine atery embolization whereby you have the artery supplying the fibroids 'stopped' (sorry not very articulate tonight) which stops the supply of blood to them. Not offered by all health authorities. I considered whether I could have it done privately.

I think that hysterectomy is definitely the last resort esp at your age.

I am quite a bit older than you and decided not have a hysterectomy for my fibroids (I have several quite large fibroids) for all sorts of reasons. I was also anaemic due to the heavy periods. If you get your iron levels up then this may help make the periods less heavy.

The other things I did were to visit a homeopath who treated me and also advised me not to drink tea, coffee and alcohol during period as this increases bleeding. I do still have one cup of tea but do stick to the no alcohol and coffee while I have my period.

When they were first diagnosed I felt in a desperate position, I was drained and each month passed some enormous clots and had constant flooding. Sometimes not being able to leave the house.

But over time (2 years) things have improved (my general health has also improved) and my periods are now three/four days long still heavy but nothing like they were. I can go to work with confidence.

I also use a mooncup which I swear has shortened the length and heaviness of flow.

Please consider all the options as imo hysterectomy should be surgery of last resort. There is also a yahoo group for uterine fibroids. It is US based but still useful info.

My sister had ablation for this, BUT at the time, she was warned that it could permanently affect fertility. In her case, it was a non issue because she was done having children and her husband had had a vasectomy years before.

It was, however, very effective.