Hysterectomy and Side Effects

A local woman is warning others about removing the uterus and ovaries.

Fifty-one-year-old Angela Wheeler had her reproductive organs removed ten years ago. Now she says she can never be happy again.

Wheeler wishes she knew of her other treatment options before the hysterectomy.

Now she's joining the hysterectomy educational resources and services, or HERS, and wants women to say "no to the surgery until they know all the information."

Angela Wheeler said, "Women really need to be there best advocates and do their research an make those decisions for themselves and not let doctors or anyone else make it for them."

Doctor Andrew Cracker, an OBGYN at Glen Meade, said, "Doctors should explain why the surgery is being done, all alternative treatment methods and possible complications. Then the patient has to make an informed decision."

For more information on if a hysterectomy is right for you, talk to your doctor. You can get additional information about hysterectomies at www.hersfoundation.com.