WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for September, 1997: Re: Depression after hysterectomy

Re: Depression after hysterectomy

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 10 Sep 1997 19:20:11 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: sleep loss since hysterectomy"
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: STD's and Infertility"
In reply to: T.: "Depression after hysterectomy"

At Wed, 10 Sep 1997, T. wrote: >
>I am a 43 y/o who had a hysterectomy over a year ago following 3 years
>of chronic pain due to 7 fibroids and adnomyosis. I am not writing
>about the pros and cons of having a hysterectomy but about the
>depression I have.
>I lost 2 pregnancy's and didn't have children so my depression is due a
>lot to the loss and feeling so misplaced in a society so focused on
>parenting and families. But I also have been told that there is
>depression after a hysterectomy from the bodies changes not necessarily
>to do with the loss issues. I still have 1 ovary and I'm not taking any
>HRT. Since Ive begun looking on the Internet just this past week I have
>found hardly any information on this topic. It seems to all be geared
>to HRT. I'm looking for real stories of
>women's experiences not necessarily just solutions. I feel so alone in
>my experience of being single and not having children before my surgery.
>All of the women I know who had a hysterectomy had children and have
>that experience that shines in their life and have grandchildren or will
>have to look forward to.
>I am currently on antidepressants and in therapy and both are helpful.
>I'd really like to connect with you, whoever you are, who has felt the
>same way I do and is will to share your experience, strength, and hope
>with me.
> Sincerely
> Trish

Trish, I'm so sorry for all you've gone through. It must be very difficult. I'm sure many people will give you their experiences about hysterectomy. I just wished to point out a study done several years ago but psychiatrists evaluating patients prior to hysterectomy and following the surgery. They were able to successfully predict post-surgical depression by pre surgical answers. That means, basically, that the mechanism that causes depression was there prior to the surgery. That is not to say that the loss of reproductive organs and all that sicnifies did not have an effect.

Good luck.

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
OBGYN.net U.S. Representative, New York
Great Neck, New York
http://www.obgyn.net/states/bios/marchbein.htm
http://www.obgyn.net/women/advisors/harveym.htm

*Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purpose only.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.
**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: sleep loss since hysterectomy"
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: STD's and Infertility"
In reply to: T.: "Depression after hysterectomy"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: