Why I had a hysterectomy

[kjrn79]

I am five years -post total hysterectomy.  Did I need it?  I'm not sure.  Was it elective?  Not exactly. 

My mom's sister died at age 68 of leiomyosarcoma, which is a very rare uterine cancer.  Everyone always said I "took after her".  Our personalities are similar.  Apparently my periods were similar to hers.  I started late, I had no cramps/ no trouble/ and very little regularity with my cycle.  As did she. 

I had trouble getting pregnant (unlike her).  I was on Clomid, and miscarried twice before having my one son almost 20 years ago. 

After having my son, "people" said my personality changed, I was the bitchy/witchy PMS person.  But I never could see that.  Since my cycle wasn't regular, my PMS could last for a month.  My ex- "couldn't take it".  He encouraged me to see a doc about the PMS, but I thought the problem was HIM. 

Then 5 1/2 years ago, I didn't get a period....for 2 months, 3 months, started worrying about it, but I was in the middle or preparing for a big Federal review at work....let it go, let it go....then started spotting.  I spotted continuously for another 2 months until I "could" make a doc appt.  Apparently my aunt spotted for several years and never went to the doctor.  THAT was on my mind.

My doc was surprised, but also knew my history/ family history.  (One of the reasons why it's so great to stay with the same doc as long as you can!)  She did a biopsy at that appt (OOOUUCCCHHH) and the results came back with a stage 1 changes...not cancer, but pre-cancer. 

She laid out the options....we could do this or do that, and maybe put off the hysterectomy for "a while" but I was/am single at the time, was 47 years old, probably not having any more children (incapable probably)....I opted for the hyst.   I opted to get my ovaries taken too, maybe that would help with the "mood swings" I heard I had.  ;P

It's the best thing I ever did!  I went through instant menopause....I think I had night sweats no more than 10 times since...none of those other symptoms....to me, it's like an INSTANT cure for ailed me.  And NO MORE PERIODS!  Heaven.  :)

The post "mortem" on the uterus showed precancerous changes throughout...no further treatment was needed.  I'm happy.  Five years later. 

[ymadaris2]

Aug. 6, 2010 at 3:09 PM

glad you are healthy