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Post by Karen on Dec 5, 2010 20:54:04 GMT -5
Good luck! As for the hyster question, some women have their uterus removed but not ovaries, so that might be an option to consider if that's the direction you're going in. As for the nerve severing, I'd be a bit skeptical of that. I know it's really helped some women manage pain, but I'm a believer in getting to the root of the pain, not just blocking it. Of course, if I were desperate enough to get some relief, I'd probably consider it!
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Post by Tamela on Dec 6, 2010 23:44:42 GMT -5
Okay, I am back home now and met with Redwine today. Let me first say that although I didn't like what I heard, he is a really down to earth guy and very honest and makes sure you understand everything that is going on with you. He is very knowledgeable and really caring.
I got there and was given an exam by him. The exam literally lasted maybe 5 minutes. He prodded around and hit all the right spots (as it hurt really bad). He then talked with my husband and I for an hour. He never told me what I SHOULD do but gave me options based on my record review and the exam he gave me. He said he felt nodules in the pelvic area (not sure exactly where) and he said this was indicative of extensive endo. He feels that what happened with my last surgery was they simply removed the cyst I had and said that was all done, no more endo, when in fact an ovarian endometrioma is usually indicative of extensive endo. He said in addition to endo it does also look like I have Adenomyosis which is a whole seperate issue from the endo. Anyway, we talked and talked and talked about all the options, pros cons of each, risks, outcomes, everything. He was very through and at the end of it I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I have decided to get a hysterectomy. I never thought I would say that or decide on that. I have always been against it. But from talking with him today and learning everything I did, it really is my best chance of being pain free. I told him for now I have decided on 1. Removing my uterus 2. Removing my right ovary (it has been a source of cysts for 3 years) and 3. Keep my right ovary.
He told me there is a 5-8% chance that a cyst will grow on my right ovary and it's a gamble that I am willing to take.
I then asked him, if I was his daughter what would he recommend to me? He said same thing. Hysterectomy (to handle Adenomyosis) and then surgical excision of any endometriosis found and removal of right ovary).
I feel that this really is going to give me the best chance of a pain free life or greatly reduced pain so I can live a somewhat normal life. I am 37 and don't want any more kids and I have been dealing with terrible pain since I got my period when I was 13. I am ready for some drastic measures to give me a drastic change.
The staff there are so incredibly friendly and helpful. I really am glad I went and I will keep you all posted. I am trying to work out the insurance maze now (he doesn't take insurance) and figure out a time that works. My Mom wants to come (she lives in California) and my husband and I are going to both have to take a week off of work.
He also suspects that I have bowel endo and so I would need to do a bowel prep. He said it was just some stuff I drink and then it makes me poop and cleans me out. (YUCK!)
I also got a two page letter saying that I had to come off certain drugs (luckily Im not taking any) a certain amount of time before surgery and get this....no sex 10 days before surgery!!!!! AAHHHHH!!!! What will I do?!?!?!?!? LOL!
Okay, guess this is long enough. I will post more when I find out about my insurance and schedule the date.
I do feel good about my decision. I can't say I am excited for the surgery...more like nervous....but I feel it's the best shot I have.
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Post by Karen on Dec 7, 2010 7:11:07 GMT -5
Wow, sounds like it was a big appointment for you! Glad you felt like you got the info you needed and you came to a decision that you're ok with. Best of luck getting things all squared away!
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Post by chicagogal2 on Dec 8, 2010 19:50:58 GMT -5
I'm happy for you that you met with him and are comfortable with your decision. It's your body and you know what is right for YOU! Best wishes and please keep us posted!
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Post by pretty on Dec 8, 2010 19:56:47 GMT -5
wow honey! what a day huh? Really glad you feel well cared for and hope your surgery goes awesome. I love coming to resolutions like this myself. It's such a big relief.... hope you're feeling awesome!
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Post by Tamela on Dec 9, 2010 11:16:39 GMT -5
Thanks! Yes I feel really good about this decision and it was quite a day. I had always told myself never to get a hysterectomy but when I actually learned more about adenomyosis and talked to Redwine it just made sense. I have since found a forum called Hystersisters and they have some really helpful articles and forums to help me prepare. I already booked a cute cottage where my mom husband and I are staying. It is five mins from the hospital. www.bendcottages.com/sunrise.htmThe ladt who booked me a room gave me a discount because of my surgery and was such a sweet lady. She had nothing but positive things to say about Redwine. I'm researching a bunch if stuff on this site which always helps!!
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Post by Tamela on Dec 9, 2010 11:17:47 GMT -5
Oh! And I have booked my surgery for March 8th!!
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Post by Tamela on Jan 11, 2011 15:46:51 GMT -5
I thought I should put on here now an interesting conversation I had with Redwine. My husband went with me and asked him what causes Endo and Redwine discussed the different theories that we all know about but then he said something interesting. He said he feels it's herditary and that before you are born it is already known how severe you will have it and where it will be located. He says that it develops as the person ages and only up to a certain point and then it doesn't grow beyond that. He said that is why he won't necessarily recommend a surgery for teenagers because the disease hasn't fully developed yet and it will justean more surgeries down the road. I found that pretty interesting!! I talked to my naturopath today and she was very supportive of surgery and said she could help with natural or synthetic hormone therapy 6-8 weeks after my surgery. I have paid the deposit and actually started on weightwatchers little over a week ago. I want to try and lose some weight before my surgery. I have lost 6.5 pounds so far and love this diet!! Even though the surgery is 6 weeks away today was the first time I got a little bit nervous.
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Post by pretty on Jan 11, 2011 16:01:44 GMT -5
lol, weightthingychers! how did that happen!
wishing you well, hoping it goes great...
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Post by hellsbells on Jan 11, 2011 16:04:55 GMT -5
Because it has 'tw@t' in the middle! Censored!! LMFAO!!
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Post by pretty on Jan 11, 2011 16:06:35 GMT -5
ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! I want to go to weightthingychers!
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Post by omaklackey on Jan 11, 2011 22:23:31 GMT -5
It sounds like your making a good, and well informed decision. The best kind! I definitely don't regret my hyster and the ovaries can just go to Gehenna because I don't mind them being gone as they kept making more and more cysts every month. I actually like the "no" hormone thing once I got used to it. So anyways... good luck and If you have any questions about my hyster blast away? I have never heard anything about ten days before, no sex? Its six weeks after wards of no sex, I would hate to add another ten days to it. Did he say why?? That's very strange. Also www.hystersisters.com/is a wonderful resource for any questions you might have.
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Post by Tamela on Jan 30, 2011 13:25:28 GMT -5
Ha. I mean Weightwatchers. My stupid auto correct on my iPhone. I have lost seven pounds so far! Yes, it's no sex about a week before and 6 weeks after. I will ah e internal stitches at the top of my hoo ha and can get an infection. My husband and I are already planning alternatives!! ;-) I am now only four weeks away and the past two months have been hell. I have had horrific low back problems the past two ovulation cycles. Last week I ended up with sciatica and went to the ER. I am doing better now but have some numbness in my foot and calf. I am hoping it gets better. All the while I keep thinking if there is Endo relation because I did absolutely nothing to cause this much with my back. No lifting, no twisting, etc. Doesn't make sense. Only common denominator is that both months was during ovulation. Anyway, surgery should be interesting to see how much Endo he finds. I have joined hyster sisters website and have found it to be really helpful.
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Post by rhodygirl on Feb 4, 2011 20:22:33 GMT -5
I'm just getting caught up on this and am very excited for you that you will be having this surgery with Dr. Redwine!!! As for the low back problems and your suspicion of them being related to the endo, I thought I'd tell ya that I have horrible low back pain that I am positive is related to the endo. During ovulation and a day or two before my period is the worst. I can't even walk through a grocery story and go shopping, I often have to grab a few things and leave because I can't walk around for long enough to do my shopping.
I have a question if you don't mind me asking? Did Dr. Redwine give you any idea what your surgery may cost? I'm considering all options right now and trying to gather as much info. as possible.
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Post by Tamela on Feb 4, 2011 23:18:57 GMT -5
Interesting on the back. The catch 22 for me is that I am getting a hysterectomy and that can sometimes create low back problems. Argh. Yes, cost. That is the downfall. 9800. And that is NOT ninety eight dollars. îÂÂ. It is pricey but to me if this is my last surgery, then I actually saved money. And how can you put a price on your health and happiness? One thing is for sure: I have dealt with enough pain in the past year to last me a lifetime and as much as i try and not have it affect things, it has affected my enthusiasm towards life. I am getting nervous for surgery which is now only 4 weeks away but looking forward to it too. I would much rather deal with the hormonal side affects than anymore pain.
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