There was a time, when I was in my mid 20s, where my struggles with Endometriosis just became unbearable. I felt like every moment of my life was simply filled with pain or dealing with side effects from the hormone treatments I was on. My life became a sea of drugs, headaches, painful digestion and really just pushing myself through each day, trying to simply stay above water. I didn’t dream of any kind of bigger life for myself but just wanted to get a job that was easy enough so I could leave early if I needed to and not have too much stress. Endometriosis controlled my life and I was totally and utterly sick of it!
So, there I was… visiting my gynecologist, in an incredibly fragile place, practically begging him to take everything out of my body because I just wanted it all to be gone! I really believed that if they just removed it all, then somehow I would feel better, that somehow I could finally live some kind of normal life!
Luckily, my gynecologist advised me against it. He insisted that this was really my absolute last resort and that he would generally try a whole bunch of other things before doing it.
Sadly, this is not what I have seen through my experiences with my clients. I receive so many emails and questions about whether we should just have a hysterectomy, because doctors seem to believe this is the only way to approach Endometriosis. I am frequently shocked at how easily and often these recommendations are made for some basic situations, which I know can be remedied by following my REACH Technique© that is not drastic, painful or harmful in anyway.
I recently got asked about whether a young lady should have a hysterectomy because she has a cyst on one ovary. I can’t believe that the reaction is, “Oh, there is a cyst we can’t seem to get rid of, so let us cut out every part of your internal womanly anatomy!”
Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery performed on reproductive-aged women and more than half a million are performed in the US every year. The scary thing is that nobody seems to appreciate the importance of our ovaries, our hormones and all those bits doctors are so readily and easily prepared to cut out.
Here are some clues:
- There are always surgery risks, such as bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia and injury to nearby organs, nerves and tissues. Nevermind the fact that with every surgery come more adhesions!
- It will alter your sex drive and you are likely to experience early menopausal symptoms.
- Having a hysterectomy does not cure Endometriosis! According to the Women’s Health U.S. Department of health and human services, having your uterus removed doesn’t cure Endometriosis.
- Your hormones are important beyond Endometriosis! They ensure your overall sexual health and bone health. This affects your sleep, your moods and even your digestion! The body doesn’t operate in a vacuum; every part influences other bits!
- You will likely need to go on hormone replacement therapy, particularly if you have your ovaries removed, which brings a whole host of other symptoms with it! These carry similar risks to the contraceptive pill, including blood clots, stroke and heart disease.
- This is an emotionally traumatic experience that you are putting your body through. Please, don’t forget this! Many women experience postoperative depression, insomnia, loss of appetite and just feeling “lost”.
There is one key thing I do want to mention which I was informed about through an amazing Chinese doctor some time ago.
“When a body has an imbalance, which is displayed in the form of some or other disease, it will continue to display this imbalance. If we cut out the place where that imbalance is currently occurring, then chances are, it will simply move to the next area of the body.”
I have personally witnessed this experience with a friend of mine, who had severe Endometriosis, then had a hysterectomy and is now struggling with bowel cancer.
There are a few things to think about here and I know it is not an easy decision but please know that there is a way to live a life that is pain free and symptom free, even with Endometriosis!
Having been in that place in my mid 20s and now living a life that is completely free of Endometriosis, I can tell you that it is possible. Please consider your long-term health and the essence that is your womanhood and opt for a “first do no harm” approach for your body. My REACH Technique© can offer you a complete and natural approach for Endometriosis, which doesn’t involve any hospital visits!
I would give it six months of using my REACH Technique© approach and if you still don’t get some relief, the hysterectomy will still be available after that time.
This Post Has 11 Comments
Sorry for such a late response. I hope you were able to find a more suitable doctor and have managed to avoid surgery sweetheart.
Feel free to reach out to me directly and I can guide you further on melissa@endoempowered.com
This is the very first post/advice that I have read about that speaks against Hysterectomy. It is refreshing. Although, I have both Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. I’ve been struggling with this the last 2 years but it seems to be quickening in its severity. I am already experiencing emotional trauma over accepting what it’ll mean to have this procedure at 27, and I haven’t even had it yet!! I’d love to hear more about your approach, as well as whether you suggest my getting a second opinion. My gynecologist is good, but he was so quick to recommend the surgery and no other methods that it makes me wonder if that’s the only way..
Big hugs Mindy and know that you are on the right track. I followed the advice of doctors for 15 years and didn’t get any better and only got worse. Also make sure you are signed up to the REACH beyond Endo program which is coming out soon – it will give you heaps of insights on how to treat this totally naturally.
It is sad but I think more and more woman are realising that surgery causes more harm than good. I also agree with you – it is nonchalance for sure! 🙂
The body created the disease – which stands for dis ease or imbalance. Whatever has caused it, it can also heal it.
What if you had Endometriosis and Adenomyosis? Leave a diseased organ in my body?
I went into the ER last year and found I have new endometriomas on my left ovary. I have had one surgery, 6 years ago, and I strongly agree with your last bullet point about putting your body through a trauma. Things have not been the same since, and I am still working to heal the trauma in my body.
I am thrilled to know that you had a doctor that kept surgery with organ removal as a last resort. I have chosen not to have surgery for now, and am still trying to work my way through a lot of symptoms, but the pressure to have surgery really bothers me. And the nonchalance about it. I have had to stay away from a good friend of mine who also has endo — she has had a hysterectomy, and yet still has cyclical symptoms. And yet she still “buys in” to the medical model that surgery is the treatment, and judges my decision and symptoms.
Thanks Melissa. It is shocking!
thanks for the reinforcement. i have two cysts on my ovaries and have gotten two opinions and both doctors will basically not help you b/c in western medicine’s opinion the only option is to get surgery either to remove the ovaries or the laparoscopic. it’s like talking to a brick wall going to western docs; here have some hormones or try this surgery. i’m at my wits end. i have scheduled a chinese medicine visit in a few weeks. i am hoping this works, b/c, yes, jobs are very difficult to keep with this disease. and my digestion seems to be worsening – an after-the-period pain that will carry on for a week or more now. anyway, your blog is illuminating and i am trying to hold fast to all you write here even when family members seem to agree with the western docs opinions. it’s very frustrating.
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YES! Thank you for writing this girl. As you know my hysty was a disaster.
It kills me to see how fast medical professionals as well as other endo women, suggesting a hysterectomy.