December 2, 1998

Dear Dr. ------:

I would like to take this opportunity to bring to light something that has been troubling me for some time now. I bring this to your attention because my frustration started when I was diagnosed, by you, with uterine fibroids almost two years ago. This is not meant as a condemnation of you or your practice, only as a way of presenting my view regarding outdated thinking on the part of many doctors and healthcare providers.

When I came to you in January, 1997 complaining of heavy, long periods, you determined that I had large uterine fibroids. I explained to you that I was 33 years old and had no intention of having children. At this time, you told me I should consider hysterectomy as a means of ridding myself of these fibroids. You briefly explained other options, but thought since I wasn't considering children, hysterectomy would be a good choice and ordered an ultrasound. I left your office in tears. I returned to my primary care physician with a plea for a second referral. I sat down with the results of the ultrasound with my new gynecologist to discuss my other options. He agreed that my tumors were quite large and that some sort of surgery might be necessary in the future, but he told me that hysterectomy should be my last choice, not my first. From that point on, I knew I was in the right hands.

Why is it that many physicians cling to this archaic, one-sided view of a woman's reproductive organs? When the word "hysterectomy" is thrown out to be considered as the first choice for this condition, is any consideration given to the sexual functioning of a young to middle-aged woman? Would we ever tell a middle-aged man that his reproductive organs should be removed since they are no longer needed? Absolutely not! So why does this continue? Because many physicians are not willing to abandon the "old stand-by", the "this is the easiest and quickest way" method. We as women deserve and demand better healthcare and better advice for our future, and I have chosen to speak up about it.

After waiting almost two years since my initial diagnosis, I chose to have a myomectomy. I am proud to say that it was the best choice I have ever made for my life, my body, my spirit. I have spent countless hours studying, reading, and chatting with others just like myself on the Internet in order to make this informed and wise decision. I am fully aware that my fibroids may grow back. I intend to ride it out until menopause, at which time I will have to make an important decision regarding hormone replacement therapy. I intend to reach menopause with all my reproductive organs in tact; which is more than my mother, her relatives and her friends can say. Maybe one day most women will be able to make this statement - but if, and only if, more physicians stop relying on the old standards and become aware that there are many other choices for their patients.

Sincerely,