I think you should move fast because of the risk of more blood loss, and decide soon, but I think you should consult with a top gynecological surgeon about how possible it is to remove the fibroid(s) without removing the uterus. Only go for full uterine removal if someone (who is well thought of for his or her competence to remove fibroids and so doesn't have an axe to grind towards hysterectomy) says it is impossible to treat the situation in any other way. It kind of sounds like you said you don't want more kids, your ob/gyn figured it didn't matter and recommended a hysterectomy because it is easier for an average doctor to do than remove just fibroids and leave the uterus in place. But in your shoes I would be unwilling to lose the whole organ if the fibroids can be dealt with differently.
How awful! I am sorry you are going through this! I assume you've been told to take iron (preferably an absorbable form along with vitamin C to enhance absorption).
Having had a hysterectomy 12 years ago and now suffering the after effects (of which I was not informed by my gyn), I would refuse a hysterectomy unless I had confirmed cancer (proven via biopsy). If you have a surgeon with good myomectomy skills, he/she should be able to remove just the fibroids allowing you to keep your uterus and its LIFELONG functions. And there may be some non-surgical (medical) options. For example, tranexamic acid (Lysteda) is generally very effective at reducing bleeding.
Although hysterectomy is one of the most common (and overused) surgeries, it causes permanent damage in a number of ways. It displaces the bladder and bowel which oftentimes causes problems, such as urinary and fecal incontinence, especially in the long-term. It destroys skeletal integrity since the uterine ligaments are the support structures for the pelvis keeping the spine, hips and rib cage where they belong. That's why women's figures change after hysterectomy. The torso collapses causing a shortened and thickened midsection and that "apron" of "fat" in the lower abdomen. These changes tend to lead to chronic back and hip problems and even rib cage pain.
Many women report (and men corroborate) a loss of libido and sexual responsiveness after hysterectomy. One thing is certain - a woman cannot have a uterine orgasm without a uterus. Speaking from experience, this is a big loss. There have been men on forums who have said it feels different and they have difficulty climaxing.
Studies show that hysterectomy with ovarian "conservation" increases risk of heart disease (#1 killer of women) and metabolic syndrome, thyroid cancer, renal cell cancer, and rectal cancer.
Ovarian function is usually impaired due to the loss of blood flow and feedback with the now absent uterus. One or both ovaries are oftentimes removed (castration) at the time of hysterectomy even when that was not supposed to happen. Ovary removal (and likely impaired ovarian function too) has been shown to accelerate aging and increase risk for many health problems including heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, hip fracture, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, cognitive and memory impairment, dementia, parkinsonism, vision and skin deterioration, sleep disorders, mood disorders (depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings), sexual dysfunction.
Again, hysterectomy is grossly overused and rarely necessary. Unfortunately, this surgery is entrenched in the ob/gyn specialty and emphasized in Graduate Medical Education. Resident requirements were just increased from a MINIMUM of 70 hysterectomies to 85. Yet residents don't have to do any myomectomies. There are a number of hysterectomy forums for the very reason that there are a lot of women suffering the permanent negative effects of hysterectomy.
There are some resources out there about the lifelong functions of the female organs and alternatives to hysterectomy if you want to do some additional research. I hope this helps you make a decision. Don't allow yourself to be rushed into any surgical procedure since you are stuck with the results, both good and bad. Of course, you need to make sure you maintain adequate iron levels.
I wish you the best!
I became severely anemic with a hemoglobin of 6 after only bleeding excessively heavy for about a week and a half with my fibroid. It was the size of a grapefruit. I received about 6 or 7 bags of blood transfusions because I was dying of blood loss with the same symptoms you had. My gyne did an emergency abdominal surgery to remove the fibroid but left my uterus intact. This was because I was only 37 at the time and was still hoping to have kids.
In your case, since you're done with kids, having a hysterectomy is probably a good idea. However, having needed a transfusion already and being severely anemic yourself at this point, I strongly urge you to get in to see a gyne this week and make a decision ASAP. You will continue bleeding and you will need more transfusions soon so you can't afford to wait. I'm not trying to scare you, but my experience with my situation taught me how quickly this type of bleeding could turn deadly. Please take action on this today and don't wait.