WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 1997: Re: Is it okay to request a hysterectomy?

Re: Is it okay to request a hysterectomy?

From: Garry E. Siegel, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 31 Oct 1997 21:29:59 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: karen: "Is it okay to request a hysterectomy?"

Karen:

I am not an expert on endometrial ablation, but some people would not have done one when you have an abnormality of your endometrium (uterine lining), and you had 2--polyps and hyperplasia. As such, it is no big surprise that you continue to have problems (this is from my new perspective on your older problem), for which I'm sorry. Furthermore, your wish to have a hysterectomy is reasonable, since you clearly have a problem that was not solved by a lesser method (ablation) or by medical therapy. Your insurance concerns, and the fact that your doctor is moving are real issues, and to get an earlier appointment, and to set up surgery earlier if you wish is not only reasonable but it represents good thinking.

>From a doctor's viewpoint, most of us really enjoy doing surgery (I
don't mean that we want you to need it; rather, if needed, we enjoy performing the operations), and when a patient who is educated about her situation has exhausted her other options or wishes to go to surgery that is medically appropriate, it is an easy situation for us!

You may even want to get an idea of the date you want your surgery done (with some leeway for the doctor and hospital's schedules), and call the office and ask them to schedule it even before you see the doctor, or to talk to the doctor briefly and pick a time/date for the surgery even before you meet with the doctor.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Garry

No private emails/educational advice only

At Fri, 31 Oct 1997, karen wrote: >
>I have been having trouble with heavy bleeding with my periods since
>2/97. I have had a D&C with diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia and
>polyps. After several months of provera and other conservative
>management, she gave me the choice of a hysterectomy or endometrial
>ablation. I chose the ablation. I had no period for three months after
>the procedure, then the last two months have had 5 to 6 days of heavy
>flow followed by 7 to 8 days of light flow with annoying cramping. I
>would normally wait until my next pap smear due in February to talk to
>my doctor about the other option of a hysterectomy. I just found out
>she is leaving the area in January. I am really bummed about this
>because I have grown to respect and admire her. Due to insurance
>constraints, I have no where else to turn for the next six months or so.
>Would it be presumptuous of me to call her in November and ask her to do
>a hysterectomy before she leaves, before our insurance carrier changes,
>and while I have already met my large deductible for this year? I am 44
>years old, have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and high blood sugar which
>are all being treated. I have quit smoking after 24 years though. Sorry
>this is so long. Any thoughts, opinions, or other help will be very
>much appreciated.
>
>--
>Karen
>

--
Garry E. Siegel, M.D., FACOG
Private Practice
Roswell, Ga.

Next message: Kelly: "Re: Ovulation Question."
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In reply to: karen: "Is it okay to request a hysterectomy?"

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