Advice on talking to mom?

[Deleted]

TMI AHEAD:




My mom has uterine fibroids pretty badly. She had to see a gynecological specialist today about them, and they are recommending a hysterectomy. I think it is really freaking her out (obviously) and I don't know what to do/say. I don't know if she wants my opinion or would even listen to it. My dad hasn't said much about it at all after her appointment.  Her largest fibroid is 17cm, and when she is on her period she goes through a super plus tampon every hour.

I just don't know what I can say/do to help her get through this, and I know she won't go to counseling. I think she has been battling depression for years, also, and it is finally getting better (she refused to ask a Dr. about that too)

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Deleted]

My mom had a hysterectomy years ago. It was rough for awhile, but she got her hormone medications figured out and she is doing great!! I think it's important to realize it takes awhile for things to get back to "normal".

[Deleted]

May 3, 2013 22:43:03 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

My mom is going through the exact same thing medically. I really don't have any advice on talking with her. But I want to suggest that your mom get a second opinion. A second doctor told my mom there is another procedure that can be done to avoid a hysterectomy. Good luck o your mom.

They are going to possibly try to shrink them with some sort of injection, and there is something similar to a heart cathetarization that they can do to shrink them. They said hers are large to the point though that even if they shrunk, she would probably need the hysterectomy to be comfortable.  This was her second opinion, her gyn gave her the same advice and wanted her to see the specialist.

[WOT?*]

I'm sorry to hear about your mom. My mom had a hysterectomy in her 30s (or early 40s). She was bleeding so much that she had to use diapers to contain her flow. Then when it came time to see the doc, no blood or anything.

I believe the procedure the PP is referring to is an ablation, which I had in lieu of a hysterectomy when I started having fibroid problems in my early 40s. They "burn" the endometrium so it will not regrow. I've had two periods in the past six years, when I had some regrowth of tissue. It's been a blessing to not have to worry about bleeding effusively or for long periods of time.

They are able to do some amazing things surgically now. The hysterectomy can be done laparoscopically so there is minimal scarring and the recovery time is very quick. If she's worried about losing her uterus and "not being a woman" (lots of women subconsciously feel this with a hysterectomy) have her get another opinion about the possibility of a D&C and ablation in lieu of the hysterectomy.

Best of luck to her.

[pooh8402]

My mom and stepmom both had fibroids and endometriosis. Both got hysterectomies in their early 40s and both say it was the best thing they ever did.

They got them within weeks of each other too so I was dealing with 2 bitchy hormonal menopausal women every time I came home from college.

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[snickers]

I am sorry your mom is going through this.
My mom had something similar, and says getting a hysterectomy was the best thing she has ever done. I don't remember what it was like when she came home because I was too young, but she says it was fine after a couple of weeks.