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WOMEN'S
HEALTH FORUM
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VOICES OF
HYSTERECTOMY FORUM
Whether you are considering a hysterectomy, or have already had one,
this is your place to meet other women who care and understand what
you are going through.
MENOPAUSE
FORUM
Menopause, or the time before menopause called perimenopause can be a
frightening experience when you don't know what to expect. Join our
active menopause forum and find out that you are not alone!
PREMENSTRUAL
SYNDROME (PMS) FORUM
Do you experience a wide range of emotions and physical symptoms
before your period? Share remedies, or just vent, and find support
from other women who know how it is...
What Women Are Talking About...
HAVING
SECOND THOUGHTS
"I'm 44 years old and have just been scheduled for a total
hysterectomy in March. I'm now having second thoughts. I have been
having 2 week periods with the first 5 days or so being the heaviest.
The remainder of the time it's fairly light and is more of an
annoyance than anything. The last 3 months my doctor has prescribed
progesterone for 7 days of my cycle starting with the 20th day. It
has had no effect on my period. He is not able to do an biopsy
because of scarring on the the cervix and stenosis. He has now
recommended the hysterectomy. I'm wondering if there is any other
treatment and if I'm jumping into this too fast? I'm not wanting
anymore children so this isn't a factor but I'm concerned about a
decrease in sexual pleasure. Any suggestions?"
HOW
LONG DID IT TAKE FOR YOU TO FEEL FULLY RECOVERED FROM
HYSTERECTOMY?
Take our poll, and discuss your recovery after hysterectomy!
ESTRACE
"I had a total hysterectomy last year. I have been on estrace since
then. The doctor just told me my estrogen level is twice as high as
it should be. I don't have hot flashes or mood swings, however, I
wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep. Also,
I have no appetite. I am looking for alternatives. Has anyone had
problems with estrace? Has anyone tried alternatives such as herbs or
soy products?"
VORACIOUS
APPETITE
"We all talk about the mood swings, which to me are the worst
symptom, but I have also been experiencing such an increase in
appetite that I am afraid very soon to be twice my normal weight!
There are some months that I cannot get enough food. And fruits and
veggies do not satisfy... I need protein; cheese, eggs, meatloaf or
good solid foods like bread and butter. I crave fats bigtime! Does
anyone else experience this? Do you know why it happens and what can
be done about it? I look forward to hearing from anyone who can
relate."
FIBROID,
WEDDING, SURGERY DECSION
"I was told by one doctor that I need an operation for a 7cm
subsersal fibroid. It has an endometrial echo of 4mms. I'm still not
sure how big it actually is. I have found out that I have one kidney
which seems to be working fine( still waiting on results from an
Ivp.)I also have localised fluid collection adjacent to lt. ovary
which is likely due to hydrosalpins or adhesions. I am 34, have no
children and was actively planning my wedding. Second opinion advised
surgery. I went back to my first doctor who now advised that I try to
get pregnant before surgery as he cannot guarantee fertility after
the operation. I am completely confused. I'm considering a third
opinin but I don't want to seem fickle. Please help."
NO
PERIOD FOR A YEAR
"I've always been irregular and have missed a year before but not
since i was about 17. I've never had periods closer than 40 days
apart. My doctor says that this is alright, and maybe even normal,
for a woman who isn't on the pill. is there anyone out there who has
this problem? I had my first period when i was 11 and it was a full
year until i had my second. on average, i'd say my periods are 3-4
months apart. i generally have "normal" periods but occasionally have
only spotting that lasts a few days."
ABDOMINAL
DISCOMFORT
"I have been having very low abdominal cramping (like the kind I used
to get before being on the pill) and some abdominal swelling. I have
also been feeling a little bit constipated lately, and I don't know
if this is the origin of all the discomfort. Also, my lower back is a
little sore. I know they sypmtoms are awfully vague...but does anyone
have any thoughts? I have thought pregnancy, ovarian cancer, cysts,
endometriosis...what about irritable bowel syndrome? Does anyone have
any insight on this??? I have no idea what to think!"
SYMPTOMS:
HOW DO YOU KNOW?
"So ... how do you know if you HAVE an ovarian cyst? and what causes
them? and what's a fibroid? You would pretty much have to ask for an
ultrasound to find out wouldn't you? Cause I'm sure for normal
examinations, the doctor isn't gonna volunteer to set one up for you
(unless you're having problems I guess). I know nothing about this
and haven't even had a pap or anything like that yet ... so forgive
my ignorance!"
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