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Leah,
You have every ounce of my sympathy and empathy - it can be so
frustrating when "woman things" get in the way of enjoying your children
and even the mundane parts of being a mom.
My advice to you is to see a urologist and get his/her opinion of the
best treatment option for your incontinence as well as getting a second
opinion on the hysterectomy. If you are indeed at a high risk and have
had abnormal paps in the past I would be asking questions about that.
Have you had any other tests/procedures done as a result of abnormal
paps in the past?
I had a hysterectomy about 18 months ago - for me it was the best thing
ever! My sex life actually improved because even though I had had a
tubal done, I still had that fear of pregnancy in the back of my mind
(my babies were pretty big)
and intercourse was extremely painful for me. I have one remaining
ovary and though I required a short-term estrogen replacement therapy,
my ovary is and has been functioning just fine. The reasons for my
hysterectomy were varied - I had a history of Cervical Dysplasia that
had advanced into the uterus, adenomyosis and a rapidly growing ovarian
cyst. I don't know if hysterectomy is considered a cure for stress
incontinence - I would be asking how and why.
Bottom line - gather as much information as you can about your options.
Start with visiting the various Special Sections on OBGYN.net and if you
don't see anything applicable to you on the current issue - check the
past issues and I'm sure you'll find some articles that you can print
out and take to your doctor. You need to feel comfortable and confident
in your own mind that whatever procedure is performed is the best one
for you. That will allow you to set a positive mindset for an easier
recovery.
OBGYN.net Hysterectomy & Alternatives
http://www.obgyn.net/ah/ah.htm
OBGYN.net Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy
http://www.obgyn.net/hysteroscopy/hysteroscopy.htm
My best to you!
--
Lea
OBGYN.net Special Sections Coordinator
Chronic Pelvic Pain http://www.obgyn.net/cpp/cpp.htm
Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy http://www.obgyn.net/hysteroscopy/hysteroscopy.htm
Young Woman
http://www.obgyn.net/yw/yw.htm
my opinion is my own and comes from nothing but life experience.
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