r/Fibroids•
ghostbustier

Considering hysterectomy but extremely nervous about prolapses

Advice needed

I have a 12cm fibroid, as well as several smaller ones, that has gotten a LOT worse in the past year in terms of symptoms and impact on my life. I'm currently working with a medical team in Ottawa, Canada, on treatment options and they've recommended three for me to choose from: UFE, Open Myomectomy, and Laparoscopic Total Hysterectomy. At the moment, I'm wondering if a hysterectomy is the best way to go, but it's an option that makes me very nervous.

A bit more about me and my fibroid: I'm 40 years old, never had children and do not plan on having them. The wait time for the ALL options is about 2 years, thanks to our abysmal healthcare system, so by the time I get any of these I'll be 42. I have prolapsing that I've been dealing with as this stupid fibroid has grown (cystocele, rectocele, and uterine) and I've been doing pelvic floor physiotherapy to try and do what I can to manage. My fibroid causes primarily bulk-related symptoms (back and leg pain, constipation, digestive issues, bloating, acid reflux, cramping, pelvic floor pain, fatigue, sleep disruption, urinary incontinence and frequent needing to pee), although my periods have gotten progressively worse this year (heavier bleeding, more painful cramping, pain and spotting outside of my period window). But so far, the period changes are manageable.

The option that SEEMS to make the most sense in my head is the hysterectomy because it's the easier surgery, it's a definitive solution, and I won't ever need to worry about these stupid fibroids ever again. That being said, because I already have a history of prolapse, I understand my chances of experiencing more or having mine worsen, are likely higher.

The prolapsing has had such a huge impact on my mental health and self-image and I'm so scared of winding up in a cycle of dealing with prolapsing and surgeries and all that garbage. The last thing I want is to resolve one thing only to create another issue that directly ties into something that has caused me so much distress. But because I know I have so much anxiety around the issue, I'm scared this anxiety is colouring my view of a hysterectomy and the potential relief it could bring.

I've heard so many lovely stories of women who've had them who see such a reversal of their symptoms and a huge boost in quality of life. That's all I want for me. I want my body to be okay. I don't want repeat surgeries down the road, I don't want MORE health problems. I just want to feel like myself again for the first time in years.

I'm hoping someone here has experience and/or words of wisdom they can impart on this front to either help quell my fears, come up with some questions I might be able to ask my surgeon, or give me some food for thought when it comes to my options.

Thank you!

Posted Aug 11, 2024, 6:45 PM UTC

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