Without going into too many details that most people would not want to know about anyway, I find myself faced with a decision that most women fear they will have to someday make. For extreme medical reasons, and exploring all other options available, I have decided to have a hysterectomy.

I am not about to try to say I am not scared. In fact I am so scared it is all I think about most days. But I found a site dedicated to women just like me, and those who have gone before us. These women have willingly and loving shared their stories and useful information at a great site called hystersisters.com.

This site was started by a woman who had been through a hysterectomy, and felt that by sharing our stories, we could help others who are facing the same procedure.

What I think is cute about the site is that women who have been through the procedure are referred to as "princesses", and those who are waiting for a surgery date or waiting for the date to arrive, are called "ladies in waiting".

The site is very easy to navigate-on the home page there are drop down boxes for different categories including "Princesses stories", "Ladies in waiting", "Punctured princesses", and "The hormone jungle". Each of these categories has at least 10 items in the drop down box for different questions women have, stories of surgeries and recovery, what to take to the hospital, what not to do once home and too much to possibly list here.

The site also includes message boards where women who have been there respond to questions from women like me who have no idea what to expect throughout this whole ordeal. There are various sections in the message boards including: Announcements, Pre-Op support, Post-Op support, Hysterectomy Options and Alternatives,Hormone Jungle, Cancer Concerns, The Road Less Traveled, and many more.

The site also has calendars for women to post their surgery date, and another for birthdays. There is also a map of the world showing where members of the site live. There is also a chatroom for members to use.

Hystersisters.com also has a book recommendation center on various topics relating to hysterectomies.

I am so thankful to have found this site. Going through this procedure is confusing and scary enough, but with this site you can connect with thousands of women who know exactly how you feel and can share all they know.

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