“Insights about hysterectomy from a possible candidate”
My troubles started in 2003. At least my confirmed troubles did. Before that, I didn’t have the time nor the money to indulge my aching parts. I had laparoscopy to remove an ovarian cyst seven years ago. They said it was benign but they had to remove the ovary as well because the cysts were spread out. It was either removing the ovary or just the cyst which could have taken a lot of time which would have had the risk of me bleeding out. It was a decision they did on their own, I wasn’t consulted and I was not even made aware of until I confronted the hospital with it.
I’ve lived with the on and off pain after that until late last year when they finally had a diagnosis. ENDOMETRIOSIS. Apparently 1 in 10 women get the disease. There is no cure for it but can be treated. Basically the lesions develop and can be found anywhere inside the body, typically along the pelvic area. And as usual, in my case, my lesions developed not along the typical area. I had surgery last year to remove a lesion which was under the muscle tissues on my lower abdomen. It had to be removed because there was a blood clot that could cause internal bleeding, the doctor said.
One of the options or procedures discussed with me was HYSTERECTOMY. If things would go wrong, if I bled out or if the lesions were scattered, the doctor wanted to know if I was okay with having my uterus removed. I was like “yeah, whatever”. I didn’t know anything about that procedure, all I could think of was ending the pain and whatever was ailing me.
Now after reading some article, googling and seeing photos online, I changed my mind. Unless my life is hanging in the line, unless there are no other available options, I would not want that procedure.
There are two types of hysterectomy: abdominal (subtotal and total) and vaginal.
Subtotal abdominal
In a subtotal hysterectomy only the uterus is removed while the cervix is left intact.
Total Abdominal
In a total abdominal hysterectomy the uterus and the cervix are removed.
Vaginal
A vaginal hysterectomy is always complete, it is impossible to leave the cervix. The vagina is opened into the peritoneal cavity by cutting around the cervix and than pulling the womb down through the vagina. The walls of the vagina are very elastic. and can stretch wide enough.
Hell, I don’t want any kind of those. But what if it’s the only option on the table? Gawd naw! That last type, the vaginal hysterectomy looks especially nasty! Damn!