When I was younger ( 16 - 18) I had a simular experience with my AF. And I also have a family history of hysterectomys from these problems.I was expereincing extreamly heavy bleeding to the point where I would faint from blood loss and some months even hospitalised due to the pain. I also had a laporoscopy and was put on the pill and advised to "skip" my AF, and was only allowing myself to have an AF once every 3 cycles. After a few years my AF regulated itself and the pain all but stoped along with the heavy bleeding. Its amazing how well the BCP combined with a laporoscopy can work for people with these problems. Fingers crossed it all works out for her. But she is in the best hands. Try not to focus so much on what happened to your mother that was obviously at least 18 years ago, science has progressed so much since then, there will be so many different options to help control your sisters AF now. Good luck and best wishes. i hope that my story gives you a bit of hope.