I had my follow up appointment today with my OB/GYN to get all the test results back from the test I wrote about here, here, and here. Michael went with me to hear all the details also. For starters, the mammogram was normal, follow up in 6 months. The blood work came back, and I am not pregnant, nor am I in menopause. All my hormone levels are right where they should be. My thyroid is fine, and I am a little anemic, from all the bleeding he said, but I can control it with iron supplements easy enough.

The uterine fibroids on the other hand are ginormous, 4.5 cm is the largest one, and my uterus is the size of a three month pregnancy. My right ovary is fine, but the left one has a little scaring on it. He recommended having a Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy or LAVH as it’s commonly called, and I am thrilled! I have wanted this over and done with forever as I am in so much pain and discomfort.

I do have some options though that we discussed, and I think I’m going to go with his suggestion to have a total LAVH, which will remove the uterus, the cervix, but the ovaries will stay. We talked about the other options and he said he doesn’t do the Endometrial Ablation anymore because it just doesn’t work. He said everyone of them he has done has been unsuccessful in the long run. There is the Uterine Artery Embolization that is done mainly for women still in their child bearing years that still want to become pregnant. Well, I’ve had my tubes tied for almost 13 years now. Having more babies is not in the plan.

We talked about pain management and I have a few options there also. I can have the regular anesthesia, which requires a higher than normal amount for this type of hysterectomy procedure, followed with a morphine drip that I control. Or I can have the regular anesthesia along with a regional block which is very similar to an epidural. When I wake up, I won’t feel anything from the waist down for the 3 days in the hospital, and I won’t need the morphine drip.

He gave me some books to read, and said to go home and sleep on it. When I have made my decision, call his office, and he will get started with the plans. I am happy, excited, scared, nervous, fearful, and everything else that goes along with having a major surgery. 3 days in the hospital, and 4 weeks recovery time at home. There is a lot to think about, and I am going to do just what he says. Sleep on it. I need a nap. My brain is exhausted.

hysterectomy, LAVH, Endometrial Ablation, Uterine Artery Embolization

On this day..

• Beaches and Palm Trees - 2005
• Chris Daughtry - Higher Ground Video - 2006
• PSAT Scores - 2007
• Get Your Spring On - 2007
• JanSport 8000 Meter Challenge - 2007