My sister went through this...

She had the resources to see NUMEROUS doctors to get not only a second opinion, but up to a fifth.

I remember that she said that one doctor said that one important consideration was her age...and at what age she could expect to go through menopause.  At the time she was 45, and woman in my family don't start menopause until at least age  50.  So, she had five more years at LEAST of this sort of pain, heavy bleeding, etc. and she thought she could not do it and keep up with her lifestyle (mom, scientist, girl scout leader, artist, etc.).  Your hormones slow down considerably as you approach menopause, so for many women, if they can stick it out that long, the reduced hormones eventually makes the problem go away.

Three of the doctors recommended a hysterectomy, but she  saw another doctor that was pioneering a new procedure that did involved removing the cysts, but leaving her female organs intact.  I don't remember exactly what it was, but something involving freezing or burning them off I think?  It was an experimental procedure and she had to go to a research hospital to have it done.

She said she healed fine and was home that same day.  The problem is gone, she still has all of her femals organs, and she feels GREAT.

So, get a second opinion, or third, whatever and consider your age and how close you are to menopause and a relief of these stymptoms.

Do a lot of research, having a hysterectomy is a VERY serious procedure and I have read that far too many male doctors recommend its removal at the drop of a  hate.  The traditional thinking is that once you are done having kids that the uterus and other female organs are obsolete.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I have read of womans bladder collapsing into the void left from the removed uterus, or their intestines getting blocked by tangling, etc. and then needing FURTHER surgery.

Probably your best bet for a good second opinion would be a good FEMALE gynocologist.

Just my ESH.

Isabela

(((Ziggy)))

I had a hysterectomy when I was 32.  The pain was simply unbearable each month.  I had to look at all my options too.

1. I had 4 children depending on me

2. at the time I was working for $3.25/hr and their A father was not working at all

3. I didn't want anymore children

4. I had reached the point that I was not willing and/or able to bear the pain anymore

I think you could make a list of the pro's and con's.  The first being willing to get a second opinion of course.  Then, do you truly not have anyone to help with your kids?....no family nearby, no Al-anon/AA family or close relatives near?

This is such an important step, and a list of pro's and con's can help.  Include the possibilities of not having something done now and what the risk may involve in the future.  Medically speaking a 2nd opinion from another Dr can help there.

My prayers are with you as you are the only one who can truly make this decision.

Love and Hugs,

Irish54

(((Ziggy)))

2 months ago I had ablation done and springs put into my tubes to block eggs and sperm from getting to each other.  It was an out-patient procedure and I was back on my feet the next day.  Ablation can be done in many different ways now.  It emliminates the heavy bleeding and my doc said I should do this first before considering a hysterectomy.  Just because you have always endured the pain and misery of your cycle does not make it OK.  You are anemic and all over the place emotionally and physically due to the hormones.  I say get another opinion and see if an ablation will help you.  You can make payments to the hospital so you do not have to be hit with a huge bill either way.  Your health is more important than a bill.  It is priceless...take care of you first.

Julia 

Thank you guys.  You are all right.  My health is too precious.  How can I tell people I sponsor, or just someone in the program that , we have to take care of us first and get ourselves healthy first, before we can help pick up the pieces for those we love.

My OB/GYN and his wife share the same office.  They are both OB/GYN.  She had to literally scrape me off the floor once when he was out of town.  After her exam and what her husband had wrote in my chart after my last baby, she told me she felt that was something that needed to happened (hyst). At the time he didn't agree.  He change is mind and felt it needed to happen right away for what ever reason.

The cyst did rupture this morning.  Finally!  I am very, very sore.  I finally broke down and took something for the pain.  I am still bleeding heavy but not like the last few days.  I am going to take it easy today and probably go to a meeting tonight.  I still feel very emotional.  A "baby doll" commercial made me start crying!  A doll!  My fuse is short along with that. 

I am interested in looking in to ablation Julia spoke of.  Seem like was something that was disscussed and ruled out at one time.  Something along those lines.

I am going to call and talk to the hospital.  See what I can do payment wise.  I owe them money already.  I will also make an appointment with the OB/GYN and go from there.  My parents live an hour from here, so I will call and talk to them when I know a little more.  They might be able to trade off.

Thank you!

Ziggy

Hi (((Ziggy)))

I don't have any experience in this area, I am sorry you are going thru a painful time.

I did find out earlier this year that hospitals have funds set up for situations like this and you may qualify. When I lost my insurance through my husband earlier this year and all the money troubles began, I had copay fees due and was able to apply for a community care or sometimes called hardship funds to help ... it ended up covering all my copays at the time.

A coworker of mine who is not able to work much due to back problems was preapproved for community care for soem expensive tests she needed. But I do not know the particulars.

Maybe one of your local hospitals has something similar if needed.

Jennifer