anemia and ovarian cysts

I am 32 years old and severely anemic (hemoglobin was at 8.9). I had an iron infusion in August 2002. I am now at 11.2. I have had ovarian cysts for about 10 years. I was on the depoprovera shot to suppress the cyst formation and now have been bleeding 5 weeks straight with ovarian pain. I saw a gyno the other day and he says that it's sounding like it's time for a hysterectomy. My hesitation is that I know there is quite a blood loss. Can anyone tell me how much or if they have had any complications with blood loss? My doc also wants to remove my appendix. Any feelings on that? I am now on estrogen to try to stop the bleeding until it's time for surgery. I am looking at a December? surgery if I can get it at a good time for school. I am a college student and have finals in December. I am assuming I'll be down for at least 2-3 weeks with a possibility to drive again after that to continue with winter quarter. Any help would be greatly appreciated. This is a great website. I love to see women helping each other at their times of uncertainty and need.

Hi brandiloo2,

No surgery here yet, but as with any major surgery blood loss is a concern. Your doctor will not operate unless you are healthy enough for the surgery. If you can slow down the bleeding and hang on until Dec. you will be fine. You will be tested in pre op. Also, just keep talking about it so no one will ever overlook it! Some of the sisters here had to have transfusions but mostly because of a complication.

It seems that it use to be common to remove the appendix during the surgery. Ask you doctor about it. I believe you have the right to say what body parts can be removed. Make sure you double check the paper work at pre op if the appendix is to be removed or not.

If you are having a total abdominal hysterectomy the recovery is 6-8 weeks. I believe the driving is resumed by week 2 or 3. You will also have a weight restriction so.... careful of those books! This is major surgery. This is not a piece of cake. I do wish you my best. Take care,
Maralyn

I wish I could be more helpful...

Hi Brandiloo

First off, every surgery is different -- my gyn told me I lost about a tablespoon of blood, and I had a TAH! Maralyn is right about the recovery time --- even if you have a vaginal hyst, the recovery time is roughly the same (probably 4-6 weeks) because even though you don't have an incision, there are hundreds of internal stitches that need to heal.

Take the opportunity to educate yourself now. There's an Options and Alternative message board which is also great, as well as some resource links which can help you find some answers.

As far as the appendix goes, my doc said she always checks it to make sure everything's okay, but she didn't remove it...

z