Possible ceaserean-hysterectomy

[jbpkr]

I am due to deliver our 10th child on November 7th. I have placenta accreta, which may result in a hysterectomy, depending on the degree of the accreta, which will not be known for sure until the baby has been delivered. If the placenta is easily removed manually, a hysterectomy will not be necessary. But, because the placenta is attached to my previous c-section scar(s), the uterine incision this time will be towards the top of my uterus. The doctor says this will make carrying another pregnancy dangerous for me and for any future baby, since an incision there, coupled with my previous low transverse scarring, makes rupture much more likely, as well as making it unlikely that a pregnancy could be carried beyond 18 weeks. She recommends a tubal ligation in the event that I am able to keep my uterus, for this reason. I am struggling with this only because I do feel it is a “life of the mother” issue, and while my fertility is likely waning (I am almost 47), I know NFP can be difficult to follow during perimenopause. I have no issue with having the hysterectomy if it becomes apparent that not having it would cause hemmorhage - and I find myself almost wishing for that scenario only because then I would not have the worry of repeating this scenario or worse. Anyone been through something similar? (name removed by moderator)ut welcome…

 

[on_the_hill]

This sounds like a tough situation for you to work through, and you have my sympathies.

1. You ought to talk to your priest about the dilemma.
2. I see that you’re a new member of CAF. Your post is likely to bring a lot of thoughtful responses, and likely a number of disagreements. See 1.
3. My thoughts in situations like these is to always err on the side of caution. A lot of people disagree with that position. But maybe I’m weak when it comes to such things.

My wife has had three c-sections and the resulting scar tissue makes any future pregnancies very, very high risk, and they would almost certainly end in tragedy for the baby.

In other words, I’m somewhat sensitive to your dilemma.

 

[jbpkr]

Thanks for your response. This will be my 5th c-section - no complications with the previous 4. I will be going to confession as well as speaking with a priest about this matter - just trying to figure out which priest to talk to. Not comfortable talking about our sex life with the priest we sit in front of every Sunday, but not looking for an easy out, either. My faith is strong, but this is an area that I am struggling with, so maybe it isn’t that strong after all…maybe the decision won’t be mine to make after all.

 

[His_helpmeet]

The Church does not allow procedures that are intended to cause direct sterilization. (In a situation such as a hysterectomy for placenta accreta, sterilization is a side effect, not the direct intent of the procedure. The intent of the procedure is to fix a medical problem. This is called the “double-effect” principle.)

I’d recommend that you find a good NFP instructor if you don’t need a hysterectomy, and follow the rules strictly. Using a method such as Marquette might be better as I believe this method requires the use of a fertility monitor.

 

[Rose74]

The Church does not allow procedures that are intended to cause direct sterilization. (In a situation such as a hysterectomy for placenta accreta, sterilization is a side effect, not the direct intent of the procedure. The intent of the procedure is to fix a medical problem. This is called the “double-effect” principle.)

I’d recommend that you find a good NFP instructor if you don’t need a hysterectomy, and follow the rules strictly. Using a method such as Marquette might be better as I believe this method requires the use of a fertility monitor.

Marquette can only be used on women with cycles between 21 and 42 days. Many women of OP’s age do not have cycles in that range. She should consult her priest and work with her doctor to ensure the best outcome in her serious situation.

 

[ahollars]

My mother had a hysterectomy to stop severe hemorrhaging. I am the 3rd of 7, and she was 43 at the time. She could have died without the procedure.

You have 10 children. You have done your duty faithfully. If this is happening to you, then don’t worry. You did what you were supposed to do.

 

[1ke]

I am due to deliver our 10th child on November 7th.

Congratulations! My birthday is the 10th, November babies are awesome! ha ha!

She recommends a tubal ligation in the event that I am able to keep my uterus, for this reason.

A tubal ligation is an intrinsic evil, it is never moral to have such a procedure.

I am struggling with this only because I do feel it is a “life of the mother” issue

Contraception and sterilization are always moral evils. If you have a serious reason to avoid, then abstaining is your option, either periodically or completely. If it is a “life of the mother issue” it is prudent to avoid. It is immoral to contracept or sterilize yourself.

(name removed by moderator)ut welcome…

I am sorry that you are experiencing these issues with your pregnancy and possible need for a hysterectomy. If it is medically indicated that your uterus should come out due to its damage or placenta adhered to the uterus, then you should move forward with that. Sterilization needs to be put firmly put out of your mind, please do not succumb to your doctor’s desire to do a tubal ligation, as it is grave matter.

 

[MJJean]

This is about to get totally gross, but for a good reason.

My mother had multiple abdominal surgeries. Scar tissue grew over the years after her last surgery and wrapped around her intestines and had begun invading other organs. She suddenly spiked a high fever and began literally vomiting fecal matter out of the blue. Fine one day and very ill the next. She was rushed to the ER and nearly died before anyone knew what was going on. Emergency surgery, 4 feet of dead intestine removed, as much scar tissue removed as possible, and a long recovery followed.

Personally, I’d request the hysterectomy and that the doc remove any visible scar tissue in your abdomen from the previous surgeries as a preventative measure. Considering you are catholic and cannot use contraception or have a tubal, already have 10 kids, are 47 and likely close to menopause as well as being at risk for all sorts of complications I think any reasonable doctor would go ahead and do it. If your doctor is against the idea then perhaps speak to other doctors. Maybe even find a Catholic OB/GYN that understands both your faith and your medical condition.

 

[MomaMary8]

My prayers for you. I have not had a similar experience. I’m am only 44 and wonder if I’ll ever conceive again…

I think 1ke gave a very good response and as the first response said, wise counsel of a priest would be a good thing. You know what is right and wrong. You know a tubal ligation is immoral (for sterilization purposes.) What you need now is guidance on how to carry this cross. You need someone to support you in the difficult moments when a dr will give immoral options to you. You need guidance in your prayer life to help keep the Holy Spirit active inside you. Perhaps praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to help you in this time. Stay strong and stay close to the Lord! He will carry you through this time!

God Bless!