Question 79
Doctor N,
I am 30 years old and have two children, and am a single mother. When I was sixteen I had one ovary and tube, along with part of my other ovary removed due to damage by ovarian cysts. When I was 19 a Dr. finally had the common sense to do a laparoscopy and found that I had adhesions between 1-2 inches all through my abdominal area. (most likely caused by scaring from the first surgery) Well 11 years later its back. I went in two weeks ago for a D&C to help alleviate the extreme periods with clotting I was having. At that time he had mentioned doing another laparoscopy and tying my remaining tube. Well , today went I went in for my check-up he mentioned that it might be a good idea to do a hysterectomy due to the fact that this seems to be a recurring problem.
I was grateful that the biopsies came back negative for cancer and anything else. I had prepared myself though that if it was cancer to have a hysterectomy, but now that it's not......... I do know that bare minimum I want the scar tissue removed so that I can stop hurting all the time and or rely on pain pills during my period. It also causes me to only have bowl movements very 3-4 days and they are painful. After all this information I've given you I guess what I am asking is about the after effects, both emotional and physical, of hysterectomy's. I've heard horror stories about hormone replacement therapies and also the sudden lack of sex drive and enjoyment of sex. At 30 years old I have finally met an incredible guy who is unlike anyone I have ever met, and have finally been able to achieve an orgasm. So, I really don't want to lose the enjoyment part and I feel I'm too young to lose the drive. I also don't want to start growing facial hair or my voice to get deeper (things I've heard about hormone replacement therapy) Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated!
Reply:
I am sorry that you are going through all this. I think that the first thing you should do is read the sections of the web site that address the issues that you have raised and then get back to me with your impressions and concerns.
I would read all the sections under the headings, Hysterectomy, Sex and HRT. You can access them from the Main Menu on the home page... http://www.DrN4u.com I think this will give you some insight as to the nature of the problems that may occur and potential options to resolve them. An appropriate HRT program should preserve quality of life and health. The "horrors" of HRT exist in those circumstances where the program is not suited to the individual and the symptoms experienced in these cases are usually those of unsuccessfully treated hormone deficiency.
I will wait to hear from you.
Dr N