Should I have remaining ovary removed?

01-03-2002, 10:14 PM

Hello ladies. I have decided to post this topic in hope for some advice on what to do about taking out my remaining ovary. I will try to bring you up to date. I had a TAH 11 weeks ago and started having terrible back pain, big time swelly belly, headaches, fever, and soreness about 7 weeks post op. Finally broke down and called the Doc back since he had already released me at 6 wk. post op....... They said take it easy more, and give myself time to heal. Well i tried that and nothing was getting better so...... I called back and they scheduled an ultrasound to reveal 3 cyst on my only remaining ovary. Well now that explains it I guess. I was perscribed 6 weeks of birth control and that was a week ago. I am still hurting alot and I am depressed. I want to be better. I am 25 and my Doc wants to try to keep this ovary. Well my ? you ask.......... Should I take it out? I can not handle this anymore. I have suffered since 14 years old with terrible cramping, severe adhesions, stage 4 endo which led to my hysterectomy in the first place. I had the surgery to get rid of the pain and now this....... I just can not take it anymore! I do not know what to do, all I know is I do not want to play the waiting game again. I am lost. Please if anyone could shed some light i will take all the advice I can get. I am on the same birth control pills as before my hysterectomy to help treat the endo, but I have felt sick since starting them again. Why would this be? thank you in advance for any advice you have for me! God Bless!

01-04-2002, 06:04 AM

VirgoAngel

Wow you are realling going through a tough time. Have you spoken yet with Adrite about endo? She is our resident expert on the subject...I will try to flag her down for you.
Probably if I were in your shoes I would investigate using progesterone. Here are a couple links where you can read about it.
http://www.natural-progesterone-advisory-network.com
http://www.johnleemd.com

there are also some articles about progesterone by going through the dropdown menu at www.hormonejungle.com
I hope this helps some

Becky in OHIO

01-04-2002, 03:01 PM

01-04-2002, 11:44 PM

WOW! I guess you are right I do have some research to do! That is alot of links but I thank you so much for responding with them because I have not a clue how to make this decision. I feel trapped either way. I thought that maybe if the birth control helped I would just keep it, but I do not want to continue to go through this knowing I could continue to get them (cyst). I will research the links you provided and let you know my progress. Thank you both for replying ladies. I am blessed to have this site!

01-05-2002, 06:39 AM

VirgoAngel,
We are here for you as you wade through the material. One thing I would keep in mind while you are making your decision. Once you remove the ovary it IS final. You can not put it back. If you decide to keep the ovary, you can always change your mind at a later date. Remember we are here for you

Becky

01-05-2002, 09:49 PM

Thank you Becky for your reply. I am going to research all I can before I make my decision. I am just discouraged right now and Iwant relief but I guess I need to think about the long run. I do appreciate your reply. I have noticed that most of the post I have subscribed to you have been one of the ladies that is always willing to lend not only an ear but the best advice you have and that is so welcome! Thank you so much for your concern! God Bless you and I will keep you updated!

01-06-2002, 06:24 AM

VirgoAngel,
Sending continued

s from OHIO
Love
Becky

01-06-2002, 10:32 PM

Ok ladies the more I read the more Q's I have. Forgive me if some of them are ridiculous. First about the progesterone after a hysterectomy. I understand this from what I have read, Please correct me if I am wrong. Ok, it is important for sisters with endo to be put on progesterone after the hysterectomy to keep not only the endo at bay but also to prevent hyperplasia. Am I right on that? If so then my Q is this....... What if you were left with an ovary (like me) but also had the hysterectomy due to stage 4 endo and are NOt on HRT? Do I still need to be on some progesterone? I did read about progesterone and think that maybe I need more of it. I think (by my symptoms) I have more estrogen than progesterone. Also once your uterus is removed doesn't that keep you from getting any kind of cancer "hyperplasia" of the uterine lining anyway? I hope I did not confuss any of you with all the questions. I am having a hard time absorbing all this. OBVIOUSLY! lol....... Also as I am on birth control for the cysts, does it matter how much of what hormones are in the birth control pills? Sorry ladies for all the questions...Just trying to make sense of all this. God BLess!

01-08-2002, 09:49 AM

Hey again. Well it looks I have been here alot the past week or so....I went to the Doc today AGAIN! He wants to remove the ovary! He wanted to schedule it for THIS Friday but I said no, so he scheduled it for next Friday unless I decide Not to do it. Well, my options are limited you could say. Because I am 25 the lupron will only be affective for 5 years (IF it works that is) and then I have 20-25 years left before natural menopause. I mentioned that I had stge 4 endo and he thinks that it is not only the cysts causing problems but the endo coming back (which he warned me of). It has only been 12 weeks since my hysterectomy and at this point I just want some kind of relief. As I said I do not want to make a hasty decision but it looks like either way I LOSE! I can not continue to live with this pain and I do not know how I will handle full blown menopause! I am just so depressed! I do not know which way to go. I guess with my surgery scheduled that is the route I seem to be taking ... Please someone give me some positive thoughts! God Bless!

01-08-2002, 10:23 AM

Endo is such a devilish disease because you really do feel "da*ned if I do, dam*ed if I don't" :evil:

This is a VERY personal decision, and I totally understand your desperation for pain relief. You have to do what you have to do.

I will suggest this, however. Please look into compounding pharmacies before surgery. They seem to be easier on the system for endo sufferers (who show heightened sensitivities to hrt anyway). Look into using the tri-est and progesterone (natrual only) and perhaps you won't have such a bad time of it. Be prepared, at you age, it's not going to be easy, but niether is living in pain.

If you decide NOT to do it, you might look into a pain mgt clinic. They often treat endometriosis/pelvic pain sufferers.

Should I have remaining ovary removed?

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