Hysterectomy with fibroids and rectocele surgery

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I am being told that I should have surgery, a total hysterectomy and rectocele. My husband does not want me to for a lot of reasons. He is worried about me and my health. I have been reading about it and I am very confused. The doctors think I should. I get fibroids about every 5 years and than a D&C each time. I bet bleeding that can go on for months and months. This time I only have had a little spotting on two days so far. I am using progesterone suppositories to reduce the fibroids. I am using compounded hormones that are rubbed on the skin now. For about 15 years I used the regular hormones and this year I changed. I think they are safer. Without them I have hot flashes.

I have read and heard from other women who have had the hysterectomy that they are much happier. But I have read that the women have less of a sex drive. Is it true. There seem to be a possibility of a lot of problems. Can anyone help me.
Lissie S.

Hi Lizzie, I was told that the fiberoids would shrink with age! I had them 10 years ago, but now at 62 they are never mentioned at the doctors' office! My advice on surgery is read and read in this site! Then figure it out. I was fitted for a pessary last week, haven't gotten it yet, but another friend told me Vitamin A is helpful for dryness and never get constipated. This is my biggest problem. Don't know what constipates me so much! Nancy

Lizzie,

For a relatively new, non-surgical treatment - involving MRI and focussed ultrasound - for fibroids check out:
www.fibroids.net and www.insightec.com
See also this brochure from the Lahey clinic in Mass: http://www.lahey.org/pdf/healthmag/laheymag_spring_2005_p7.pdf
This procedure is done at several locations in the US and abroad, but last time I checked, the major insurers would not cover it, and the cost is in the ballpark of $25,000!

J.

Thank you, I will look everything up. My husband is worried about surgery because his first wife had colon cancer two times and he does not want me to have a lot of problems. The women I have talked to lately have had the hysterectomy and they are all very happy. I looked webmd.com up and they said it is the most over done surgery and in many cases not needed.
I have had 4 or 5 D&C's over many years. I am confused and frustrated. I just turned 64 and am not having any bleeding this time.
Thank you for your suggestions. I belong to Kaiser. They are, I think, limited in what they may do. I will have to waite.
L. S.

Thank you, I have been put on progesterone suppositories to try to shrink the fibroids. I also heard that women do not have any interest in sex after this surgery. I eat green beans for constipation. They tried a pessary in me. I hated it. I do not think they were able to get them all the last time I had a D&C in 2001.

L. S.