“Ayla, I have some bad news” she said. “I’m going to be hospitalized in two weeks for a bladder lift and hysterectomy.”
“Why do you need a hysterectomy?” I asked.
“Because the doctor said the hysterectomy would help the bladder lift surgery. I have trouble of urinating frequently. Every 10 minutes I need to pee, it drives me crazy, so the doctor suggested amputating my uterus because it’s useless anyway and can only drop even more over the years.”
“Gloria” I turned to her, “please, listen to me, your uterus is a vital organ, according to the last tests you have done it is healthy. Why take it out? Every organ plays a very important role and the uterus is of great importance in a woman’s body, at any age, even many years after baring children. Your womb served as a sanctuary for the life that earned you the title of mother. Please see another doctor to give you a second opinion.”
Gloria agreed, and scheduled an appointment with a leading expert in the field of urogynecology for a second opinion.
A text message I received from her announced:
“My dear Ayla, thank you for sending me to get a second opinion. I would like to come see you on Thursday and tell you what the doctor said.”
On Thursday morning, Gloria came to my clinic, holding a wonderful pastry that she made for me. “This is a gift from me to you. You saved me!”
“Thank you so much, Gloria. That is so kind of you” I replied.
I looked at her, admiring the beautiful woman that she is. Her wrists were decorated with colorful gemstone bracelets. A bright red lipstick colored her lips. She is 75 years old. Her elegance fascinate me. She recently became a great-grandmother. How radiant she was…
“Ayla, the doctor I visited said that in the past, the uterus was amputated during surgery to lift the bladder in the case of a frequent need to urinate, but these days, the uterus is not amputated unless there is a tumor or a suspected tumor. The doctor said my uterus was wonderful and he wouldn’t hear about the hysterectomy… He explained that he would lift my bladder along with my uterus, thus preventing the unnecessary hysterectomy. By doing so, the frequency of going to the bathroom will be prevented. How can I thank you? I was so lucky to have listened to your advice and prevent a complicated and totally unnecessary operation.”
I was very moved to hear the wonderful news that lifted her spirit.
* * *
Important advice:
When it comes to a health issue that requires careful consideration, it is advisable to seek another opinion before deciding on drastic changes.
Additional counseling will give us a broader view of the symptom that is a concerning us.
A big thank you to my beloved Gloria, who agreed to share her story in order to enlighten other women to understand that their bodies are sacred, and as such, they deserve to be taken care of in the best and safest way.
