HElP!!! I have to be a patient

<font face="Verdana">Text</font>I am 43 y/o and have to have an abdominal hysterectomy (uterus only) this week. I can't get my doctor to slow down long enough to answer my questions. Can somone help?

1. I usually walk 1 mile twice daily--How long before I can do this.

2. How long b/4 I can drive a four hour trip. My first grandbaby is due 10 days after surgery.

3. The surgeon is offering to remove my overies if I want. Why would I want to do that if they are not giving me any problems? Are there any benefits to this? Surely I've got six or seven years b/4 menopause.

4. My dx is uterine fibriods, why does my cervix "feel funny." It is elongated with a rough, irregular surface. Last PAP in May 2003 was OK.

Usually disclaimer applies. I know no one is giving "medical advice." I'm<font face="Verdana">Text</font> just scared.

Unless you are having issues with heavy bleeding or questionable masses, a procedure to remove fibroids is generally elective and not an emergency procedure. There are many ways to manage or remove fibroid tumors. Unfortunately, I cannot guide you in making the correct choice, but someone should and that someone should be your doctor. There are many questions that should be answered and many of them are directly related to your own personal plans. Are you done having children? Are you interested in preserving fertility? Then, the question of the ovaries...they are important glands (not just egg sac's) that support the overall well being. They shouldn't be removed, just because your doctor was in the neighborhood!

Find a doctor that is willing to present you with choices and discuss outcomes with you. As I've grown older, I've found female doctors around my age to be the most understanding of the female aging process and most willing to take the extra steps needed as our health continues to change.

God bless and good luck to you. Also congrat's on the new grandbaby!

Tanya