Scheduled for a Da Vinci hysterectomy

Doc says I qualify for the Di Vinci hysterectomy. Said my cervix will not stay and wants to take my ovaries. I cannot take hormones, they make me very mean. Kids and friends have threatened to divorce me if I took them again!!! I'm afraid it I don't have my ovaries will I be able to tolerate hormones. scared! Told doc I give her permission to remove ovaries only if they are diseased or cysts are on them. Need support and knowledge, please!

There are quite a few factors with whether to leave the ovaries or not, like your age also. There is no guarantee that they will work 100% even if left behind...just something to keep in mind. Research it on your own, then discuss the pros+cons with your doctor.
I did keep mine as I am 42. Alot of the literature I read the cut off is around 45 usually, since menopause is not far away for most. I have no clue yet whether mine have weathered the storm so to speak, but in time we will see. I think there is a 1 in 75 chance of getting ovarian cancer with keeping them though. It really is a big decision I think.

Doc said cut off was 44 and said it would be good to take them out, but it's the hormone thing that scares me. If I have them removed and then I can't take hormones, what there will I be? This past week has been sleepless nights weighing the pros and cons. U r right it is a big decision to make. Thanks for the input.

I had them check out my ovaries and see if one looked good enough to leave, with the understanding that if they both looked bad he could take both of them. But I woke up and had one ovary! The right one is here for now! I also had my hyst done via Davinci and loved it!

(((Debokay))) using HRT, especially bio-identical HRT as most of us here use (that means hormones that are the same as what your ovaries made), is a very different experience from taking synthetic hormonal medications while you still have working ovaries. Many women who do not do well at all on birth control pills, for example, ultimately do fine on HRT once they find the right one(s). Talk with your DR about what might be available to you should it become necessary to remove your ovaries, or should they fail as a result of the disruption in their blood supply that occurs when the uterus is removed.

Good luck with your surgery!

s,
-Linda

There seem to be many different hormone choices, so I would think you could find something that works. I think there is alot of hormone literature on this site (hormone link).
Also, check out womentowomen.com It is a good website with natural and synthetic info. as I recall.

Debokay

At my pre-op dr. said she may not be able to leave the ovaries. It was very upsetting to me....as i've read lots of different things about it. One is it increases heard disease risk if taken and there is a history of heart disease in my family. Re-read and that risk is really low. People seem to do fine once they find the right hormones. So, today, the day before surgery..i'm okay. Our plan is to keep them, but if the doctor decides they must go, then it will be fine. You will be fine too. *hugs*

Good luck!

Hey there,

Had my Da Vinci at the end of July...I was totally upset (like crying bigtime...and I'm NOT a cryer)and "freaked out" when I woke up in the hosp and found out that she had to take both ovaries. It was the 2nd biggest fear I had about surgery...I mean, I REALLY wanted them to stay. Well, turns out I was upset/freaked out for nothing. I had some ups and downs figuring out hormone dosage, brands that I liked, getting around my allergy to patches etc....and am now ovary free and completely O.K. with it. I think the trick is trying out and finding a hormone level, brand, kind, etc... that works for your body. I am completely shocked that is isn't more of a big deal.

Also, consider yourself lucky to get to do Da Vinci....it is amazing and I was back at work in 2 weeks (which, by the way...is WAY too early no matter how good you feel) and had an awesome recovery.

Good Luck and Blessings,
Tank

Everyone thank you for your thoughts, they help. Went to see another doc today and found out my bladder and rectum have fallen. Not only will I need a hysterectomy, but I will have a bladder sling, which I am glad of..take care of it now instead of 20 yrs later, but shocked to find out I will have my rectum corrected also. I was told the surgery which is Thursday at 11:3o will last around 4-5 hours. I will be in the hospital for 2-3 days. Do appreciate everyone's comments and prayers.

HRT is fine if you do not have breast cancer history.

My OB GYN said nothing about a "cut Off" but she knows I can not do HRT, so at age 48 I am keeping my ovaries and hoping to make it to my normal menopause around 51 like my mom.

Yes heart disease is a concern without ovaries, and another reason I keep mine!

Music gal