Warning Females Issues: Freaking Out!!

I'm 23 and am going to have a hysterectomy on August 11th. At first I was okay with it, now I am totally freaking out! I know I shouldnt be, I've already had two beautiful girls and my tubes are tied anyway, but still! I feel like I'm too young to have this done, I mean what if I decided I wanted another kid (in a fit of insanity lol!!) I know in my heart I'm done having children. I had always wanted two kids (preferably girls) which I got. They are both healthy happy kids and I'm so blessed to have them. I also have a 11 year old stepson who is a doll. I know I cant chicken out and not do it, uterine cancer runs rampant in my family on both sides. I have endometriosis so its gotta go. I guess I just needed to whine about it and get it off my chest! Anybody else had a hysterectomy?? If so PLEASE email me and let me know what to expect. My mom and all 6 of my aunts have had it done, but they were all in their late 40's and 50's so its totally different. they were about to go thru menaupose or had already started. Thanks again! Krystle 260/171/130-135

I am sorry to hear that you are going to have to have a hysterectomy. I can only imagine what it is like to be faced with something like that at such a young age. You seem to have a really good outlook on it though. I would assume that your biggest issue is going to be the hormonal changes that are going to happen. With as m any women in your family who have had to go through this it sounds like you will hopefully have tons of support! Good Luck to you, Ellen

Thanks Ellen! Yeah the hormones are one of my major concerns, but I know I will feel better and not have the cancer issue to worry about later. I guess I'm just being a big baby right now. My hormones are screwed up enough b/c of surgery! Thanks again! Krystle

Hugs and sorry to read you're going through this. It will really depend on whether or not they take your ovaries. I kept my uterus, but lost my ovaries at age 15 due to a cancer scare and so I'm in menopause. If you keep your ovaries - then you don't have anything to look forward to other than not getting your period. (much preferrable to an early menopause). For me, I have to make CERTAIN I get my calcium, I have to take really good care of my heart (no estrogen to protect it), I have a hormone ring I use (like BCPs, only not enough estrogen to get into my bloodstream and make me miserable) to keep the girl parts healthy and pink, I do weight bearing exercise to protect my bones. I'll be wishing you the best. ~Lara

Wow Lara, youve been thru a lot! I'm so glad you responded. Right now they are definetly taking out the uterus, cervix, left tubes and ovarie. The right ovarie they are not sure about yet Doc said it looked okay from ultrasounds and other tests, but if she doesnt like how it looks shes going to take it out too. I really am hoping that everythings okay with it. She said if I keep it it will make up the hormones from the other side so I wont have to take anything else, if not well you know the drill. Thanks for letting me know about taking care of my heart. I know we all need to but especially if they take it all, you made a good point. Thanks again! Krystle

Hi Krystle, I am 25 and I couldn't imagine having to go thru what you are having to go thru. I think that it is smart that you are looking into your future as far as the cancer goes, but what if you do decide to have another child. I think that I am just playing the devil's advocate, but I think that your man should have a vesectamy (sp?) Just because if you decide to have kids again it is able to be reversed and yours isn't, just some food for thought- Sara p.s. I just got accepted to have the surgery and my husband wants childern now, what do you think I should do, being as though you are close to my age?

Well, Ive had my tubes tied for four years and hubbys had a vasectomy too so I know there will be no more kids. I have two girls of my own and an 11 year old stepson so I am definetly done. Sometimes I get baby fever, but I know that 3 is enough, but when I see little babies I sometimes forget that ya know? The hysterectomy is b/c we found out I have endometreosis (after a few months of being in agony). I guess I'm more afraid that when they get in there they will have to take the ovaries too and then Id have to be on hormones. Plus the thought of going under anesthetic scares me, but I know its got to be done. Thanks for your response! I would probably wait a year AFTER surgery and then try to get pregnant. You will be in better health and more fertile too. At least thats what Id do. You never know if things might change the next year with insurance and all and then youd have to pay out of pocket-if thats even an option (not really to managable with young ones - they cost lost of money with diapers and formula and clothes the first year). Thanks again for responding and good luck with surgery/babies. Both have made my life a wonderful experience already. Krystle

Thanks for responding to my email to you, Krystle! My mom is the one who got me connected with this website, her and I are both going to do the surgery, probably in Jan. It is nice to talk to someone close to my age that has already gone through this. I want to thank you for all your advice you have given me so far, it is more than my mom could have given me, being as though neither have been through the surgery. Good luck with your surgery, if that is what you decide to do. Thanks for being here for some of us that didn't know others were out there! Sara