Hi! I am 37 yrs old with 3 beautiful children. I have had bad paps on and off for years. I just had my 1st leep and it showed no cancer but severe dysplasia that was very high in my cervix. My dr. recommends a hysterectomy because he says it is hard to watch with a pap smear cause of the location. I love my dr. and totally trust him but just would like some more feedback. Any advice? thanks!!

I too had severe dysplasia. I had the leep and cone biopsy and so far so good. My doctor never suggested a hysterectomy to me, but mine wasn't that high in the cervix.

There are quite a few woman on here who will advise against a hysterectomy and perhaps you should read through some of the past threads to see the reasonings.

If you are uncomfortable or unsure about your doctor's suggestions then you should seek a second opinion. That is a major surgery, and from what I hear, it doesn't always solve the problem.

Best of luck to you!

Do you know what type of cells were affected? There are two types: squamous (surface) and glandular cells in the cervix. You should try to get a copy of your path report. Find out what kind of cells were affected (if it is glandular, you should research adenocarcinoma in situ); also whether or not the LEEP removed all the dyplasia. It's time to have a good conversation with your doctor about why he is recommending a hysterectomy. Good luck.

I had carcinoma in situ and the first doctor I saw did a LEEP but told me that he thought I should have a hysterectomy. He implied that my lesions were large and fast, etc, etc.

I saw another doctor who said it was premature to discuss hysterectomy. She said that even in the case of invasive cancer a hysterectomy is not always the best way to combat it. I even saw a gyn/onc who said that a hysterectomy often can make the problem worse, not better.

I am NOT saying that your doctor is giving you wrong advice, I'm just saying that if I were you, I'd get at least a second opinion, if not a third as well.

In my case, I ended up having both a LEEP and a cold-knife and now I am dysplasia free. Yes, it may come back, and eventually I may have to use more aggressive means to fight it, but for the moment I'm really happy that I did talk to other doctors, and didn't just go with what the first doctor advised.

Good luck!

They are all right on. I would always see someone for a second opinion. I trusted my Dr 100%, but still went outside to what they had to say. Mine was also in the canal and had a trachalectomy done instead of the hysterectomy b/c I wasn't sure if I still wanted kids. Now that I have had a child, I would consider a hysterectomy if the cancer came back. Actually am thinking about it right now. Went to the Dr for a PAP and she was unable to get the brush in the canal due to the scar tissue closing the hole into the canal. I have not heard about a hysterectomy making the cancer worse. BUT, I haven't reached that point and have not researched those areas. These threads have been helpful for me. I just can't believe what some of you have been through. That's why I say second opinions!!

I second the second opinion! Good luck to you~!!! Wendy

Ok so you have three children. Are you wanting to have any more? If not, take it from me. I have had a hysterctomy and I am THRILLED NEVER to have a period again. It even lessens your cramps, that is, I had my ovaries still intact. Anyways, you can't go wrong. It's up to you and the age of your children. If they are young, you may want to consider waiting a bit. :0) Hope this helps! Jules. :0)

thanks for the reply karen. All i know that it is glandular and the margins weren't clear. I asked if they could do another leep and they said it wouldn't make any difference cause the bad cells are too high to get for a leep or a cone. I am going to see him after x-mas and schedule my surgery. I will keep you posted. thanks, Clare

My baby will be 6 months when i have the surgery. How long do i have to wait before i can pick him up? thanks, clare

Hi Clare,

RE: how long before you pick up the baby. Well, it is generally recommended you don't lift anything for four to six weeks. I know how hard it is not to pick up your kids (mine were turning 3 and just turned 4 when I had my surgery). Your doctor should be able to give you some guidance about that. Having someone who is able to help out is really important. Especially for the first few weeks. Check the hysterectomy board here too, the ladies there might have more information for you :)

You have 3 children that you want to be there for...i have 2...be there!! I will have a hysterectomy because I will die without it....maybe with it...