On 22 January 2008, I had a hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy means removal of the womb (aka uterus). Some women use it as a form of birth control. In my case, it was to remove the fibroids once and for all that were in my womb. Both my gynaes encouraged it because I have no intention to have any more babies as my son will turn 16 this year; my daughter, 13. (The fibroids were giving me severe anaemia).
I asked three of my friends who had had fibroids. Two of them had fibroids recurring despite their open surgery. The first friend opted for a key-hole surgery the second time. The second friend did not wish to repeat the "trauma" and decided to wait till her menopause, which she expects to happen soon. The third friend underwent a key-hole surgery and also encouraged me to get a second opinion.
I also have three women colleagues who shared with me that their mothers also went through a hysterectomy for a similar medical problem.
Both my gynaes agreed (for once) that the fibroids are best removed by a hysterectomy. (Many years ago, one gynae suggested that I do a key-hole surgery for removal of a cyst, while the other gynae suggested that I wait and see.)
One of my gynaes predicted a heart attack if the surgery were delayed. So that did it - I made up my mind: I will undergo the hysterectomy by key-hole surgery.
I was on GA so I have nothing to report about the surgery except that I went into the operating theatre at 10.25am and awoke at 12.20pm.
After the surgery, I asked the surgeon if there is now a vacuum in my abdomen. He said the womb was previously surrounded by intestines so the intestines will just fall into place. I also asked the ward doctor (on behalf of my female colleagues who wish to know) how to prevent fibroids. She said there is no way to prevent it.
So from now onwards, I will not have menstruation. As my ovaries are all right and still intact, I will still have the natural symptoms of menopause as the natural body clock decides.
Goodbye, Factory of My Procreation. You have served me well. Now, I only have a photo of you (fibroids and all) to remember you by.
5:54 AM
& Any other bits about you (:
