endo = hyster. ????????

Hi everyone.

I'm new here.

I just had laproscopic surgery (wk ago) to clean up the endo. they could get to and 1/2 of my left ovary removed due to an ovarian tumor. I apparently still have severe endometriosis in areas that couldnt be reached laproscopic. and seem to still need my appendix out (tumors there also). All of my biopsies came back negative (yeah) and my C125 score was dramatically lowered after the procedure (which had been high).

My gyno is suggesting Lupron as a conservative alternative to a partial hyster. (uterus and remaining left ovary - leaving the right ovary still for hormone production).


I am of course fearful of even a partial hyster. (taking the hormones after mostly - i'm already a bit "high strung" lol) but havent read much good online about Lupron. More afraid of hyster. than i realized until doc said it + take hormones. was in shock. I'm 34. NOW??????

A few months ago had started the new Nuvaring (sp?) before found out about everything else, which I love - to regulate periods and it is GREAT! cuts time in half with much less PMS cramping etc. (added bonus - my skin is fantastic!)

Have researched endo. - started looking at hyster. info and found this site (LOVE it!) - but really have no idea what to do. Can live without having more children but not sure want to. Dont think am in life threatening situation, do have pain and some misery associated with endo. but have had so long not sure HOW bad i do feel. i dont know if that makes sense? haha

Am thinking - clean out as much as endo as possible when take out appendix next month, see if Nuvaring keeps my pd. under control - and so endo. lessens severity and skip Luporn shot all together (scary side effects) -- but really have no idea what to do.

friends and family seem to be leaning towards hyster. so am healthy - but the early menopause and hormone therapy etc. is freaking me out. what if i go nuts??? ugh.

any suggestions/ comments appreciated
thanks - Jen

HI Jen to Hystersisters

I know this is a hard decision to make. I had my hysterectomy for endo and was faced with the same decisions you have.

My deciding factor was that the endo had taken over my bladder and I was told I might end up using a catheter the rest of my life.

I wanted to share some articles from our resources that may be helpful. Endometriosis

Here is an article that is about surgical excision of the endo to gain the best long term pain relief. Surgical excision

Here is an article that mentioins using progesterone therapy as a means of keeping the endo under control Progesterone to treat endo

The early menopause is something to definently consider. Some women have a very hard time trying to find an HRT that works well for them to relieve their menopause symptoms. The ovaries are removed in some cases since estrogen feeds the endo and the doctors might require a waiting period of 3-6 months before starting estrogen therapy. If you do decide to have the hysterectomy and the doctor does not remove All the endo, then by keeping one of your ovaries you may continue to have problems with your endo.

I have had a successful outcome with my surgery and for me it was the right thing to do...but there area many women who have not had great success and still have problems with their endo even after their hysterectomies

I think the best thing to do is read as much as possible about endo and the possible treatments available and I also feel it is very good to get a second opinion from an endometriosis specialist.

Tabby - Thanks!
the articles are great direction to look - have been all over internet - and getting so much confusing info - just wanted the facts to help with a decision!!! def. thanks!

my husband and family ARE concerned endo will take over my bladder, stomach etc and is why they are leaning twds hyster. - i am now looking into alternative options (incase) and also WHAT the benefit of keeping ovaries is - because i do have 1 and 1/2 - which might help decrease the early menopausal symptoms and create need for less hormone therapy??? ( i hope) doc said he will treat with hormones afterwards - i think as part of the questions i'm writing down for next appt will be exactly this. will i need less amount hormones if i have even one ovary???
reading posts here it seems having an ovary makes HRT optional? which i didnt know.

thanks again - is weird but i feel little isolated in making this decision, and is me - not my family or friends - i know they all care - but is a much bigger thing to me than i thought something like this would be.