Here’s what I believe:

(1) If you don’t truly need a hysterectomy, don’t have it! Look for alternative treatments.

(2) But if surgery really is the right (and only) answer for you, be smart….

Learn all you can. Prepare well. Recover well. And then move on, because
— as the old song says — “You’ve got a lot of living to do.”

If you’re struggling with the decision right now, try to distance yourself from all the noise and emotion that surrounds this issue. Focus, instead, on what is true for you.

You know, I came of age during the sixties. From a Catholic girls school straight to “Women’s Lib” and bra-burning. (”Gee, I’m just happy to be wearing a bra, and now they want me to burn it?!”)

Anyway, those tumultuous years helped form me into the woman I’ve become. Someone who does not like to be told what to do. (Well, actually, Mom says that attitude began much younger.)

So in the five years it took me to decide whether or not to have a hysterectomy, I did not want anyone telling me NOT to have the surgery. Nor did I want anyone telling me I MUST have it.

I read everything I could get my hands on about the pros and cons. I listened to my doctors’ advice.

I knew there were consequences to the surgery. I knew that a small number of women faced serious complications. I also knew that many thousands of women each year undergo the surgery unnecessarily.

But in the end, I was the only one who lived inside my own body. Only I knew the moment when the daily pain became intolerable.

Only I could make the decision.

And once I decided in favour of surgery, I knew I wanted to turn a stressful event into a time to rejuvenate myself.

How could I prepare well for the surgery? How could I make my recovery a time of renewal? How could I use it as a time to reconnect with my husband and family and friends?

No matter what your decision is today (Yes, No, or Maybe later), I urge you to step outside all the worry and confusion for a moment. Imagine that you’ve made your decision — exactly the right decision for you — and life is better than ever.

You’re feeling healthy, happy, and wise.You’re so glad you listened to your own body and heart.

Now here’s my wish for you….

If you decide to explore more alternatives, may you find the exact right solutions for you.

And if you decide to go ahead with the surgery, may you turn this event into a life-enhancing time … truly a Happy Hysterectomy.

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