APPENDIX

Questions You May Wish to Ask Your Doctor

AS YOU PREPARE FOR surgery and your initial recovery, you may or may not have questions. Looking back, I thought I was prepared. However, I had not educated myself on what comes after hysterectomy and oophorectomy: surgical menopause. The following is a list of questions you can print out and take with you to your doctor.

Is this surgery necessary? Are there other options?

Will decisions need to be made while I’m unconscious?

Are there any nonsurgical options I could try before agreeing to surgery?

Are there benefits, or risks, involved with doing nothing and continuing to monitor my situation.

When you say full hysterectomy, what exactly will you be removing?

Are there any organs worth fighting for?

What are the repercussions of life without a uterus, ovaries, and cervix?

Are there any further risks for me post hysterectomy and oophorectomy? Are there benefits?

What can I do ahead of time to prepare well for surgery and surgical menopause?

May I use arnica, bromelain, or peppermint tablets before and after surgery to speed healing?

What will my sex life be like after surgery? Will I still enjoy sex? Will orgasms be the same, harder, or better?

Will sex be painful? For how long?

Will my vagina be shorter?

Are there support groups or books you can recommend?

What does my partner need to know/prepare for?

I have small children. What tasks will I be too limited to do?

What can I expect for recovery time?

What scars will I have?

Will I require hormone replacement therapy? How soon will I start it after surgery?

How long will I take hormones?

Is taking hormones safe for me?

Can you help me understand the difference between bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? Which type do you recommend for me—and why?

What symptoms can I reasonably expect hormone therapy to eliminate?

How long should I wait before starting or changing the dosage of hormones?

What symptoms can I affect through lifestyle changes?

How long will my symptoms last?

Does your practice offer counseling or emotional support?

What type of follow-up will be required and recommended?