In my 20's I wanted a hysterectomy so bad. Why? Well I started my period in elementary school and often had to miss a day or two because I was in so much pain and I could barely walk that I just slept. I eventually grew accustomed to the pain or maybe it was the pain killers I took that finally got me to just deal with it.

I knew I did not want to have a baby so I figured; why not a hysterectomy. However that was not realistic.

About four years ago I started having horrible periods again totally unpredictable ( I was never really predictable) and the pain and feeling worn out just came back again. I had a physical and shared with the Nurse Practitioner some of my symptoms. Her response: "Don't worry it is part of getting old, if things get worse we can check into it". I was thinking old? I am in my thirties I am not old; but I figured ok maybe I am. So I endured. Then last spring my physical blood work came back that I was severely anemic. The Physician Assistant called me in and wanted to know how I was feeling what was I doing etc. I didn't think of saying anything about my periods but then I thought why not, things are getting worse. I told her my symptoms and how they had gottten worse. She was surprised to hear that I had been told to not worry and that it was part of getting old. So began my journey.

I increased my iron supplement and had to have a recheck in three months. In the meantime I had moved to San Diego so I opted to stay in my HMO network as my PA seemed to really diligent to doing things right.

When I finally met Dr. Conner I had new hope. My ultrasound showed I had fibroids. I was certain I wanted a hysterectomy and was surprised when she said she wanted to do a diffrent procedure as my iron levels were too low for surgery. So I figured ok she is the professional and I will go with that.

A month later and probably the worst period ever and most humiliating things happening I went back the birth control did not work. I was not scheduled to have a period until December and here in November I had a 3 week period and it was constant heavy.

I went back to my appointment with Doctor Conner and this time she said my iron level was up (finally) and she wanted to get approval from my HMO to do a hysterectomy. I was schocked and surprised. I agreed and so we went.

I was initially scheduled for 12/20/11 but I opted to reschedule for 1/9/12. It was scary but I knew it would be ok.

Do I regret it? No not yet. I had a lot of pain initially and it comes and goes now. However, I tell myself if I don't have to worry about having an accident, feeling worn out, and I am able to have a normal life than it was so worth it!!!!