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Need Opinions FAST!
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12-02-2001, 09:21 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 52
Hysterectomy: December 6th, 2001
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Need Opinions FAST!
Hi gang,
My surgery is on the 6th and now the big question is, should I get everything removed-or leave one ovary? I'm having a TAH with the right ovary removed for endo and adeno-not sure if the left has much if any endo on it. My doc and my brother the doc, both feel I should get everything taken out at once. I'm 35, and could very well be starting perimenopause. Just need some opinions soon! I have to talk to my ob/gyn tomorrow to let him know what I want out. My internist doc things many of my health problems are related to my period, so getting everything removed could help alot. My brother (also an internist) suggests getting the appendix out too while doc is in there. HELP!! Any thoughts from anyone???!! I know it's my own personal decision but I'd really like your thoughts.
Thanks a ton!
Queen Amy
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12-02-2001, 09:42 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 2,551
Hysterectomy: December 19th, 2000
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Need Opinions FAST!
I think the "old school" way of thinking was that if you had endo, and left one or both ovaries, the endo would grow back. But I've heard more recently that some doctors are leaving ovaries now. Do as much reading as you can (maybe at http://www.obgyn.net) on the latest theories, and see what you think. If your doctor is an old guy, he might just be doing what knows best. On the other hand, having it out now sounds like the surest way to avoid more endo, and possibly more surgeries down the road.
When did your mom go through menopause? Sometimes that can give you an idea of when you will. In my case, I was 38 at the time of my hyst, but my mom didn't hit menopause until about 55, so I probably have a lot of years left with ovaries going strong (I only had fibroids, no endo, so keeping mine didn't have a down side). But if you're mom got to memopause at 40, then maybe losing your remaining ovary now, "to be on the safe side" wouldn't be so bad.
As for the appendix, it's probably a coin toss kind of decision - I've heard both ways. My doctor was of a mind that if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and I agreed. Could be just another possible source of complications. I don't know what the rate of appendicitis is, on average, but ask your doc. If one in 20 people eventually gets their appendix out, maybe now is a good time. If it's one in 1,000, maybe it's best to hang onto it and hope you're one of the lucky ones.
Do a lot of searching here for "endo" (and sometimes "endeo" - lots of folks misspell it). Sisters have posted a lot of good information, and some great links to even more info.
Best of luck with your decision!
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12-03-2001, 05:35 AM
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Hyster Sister.
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Posts: 4,293
Hysterectomy: July 6th, 2000
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Need Opinions FAST!
Hi Amy,
HorseWoman raises some good points. I had endo problems for over 20 years. When the Dr. opened me up for my hyst, he saw that endo had ruined my left ovary, but that my right ovary was perfectly healthy, so he left it in. I was 43, and showing no signs of going into menopause. My Dr. felt that the chances of endo returning (slight) did not outweigh the benefits of me being able to make my own hormones with a healthy ovary.
Generally, perimenopause doesn't start until at least age 40. If most of your health problems are related to your period, remember that you won't be having your period any more, even with one ovary left. But you will be able to make your own hormones that are necessary for your wellbeing. Just something to think about.
Once you lose your ovaries, there's no putting them back. If you kept a healthy one, and there were problems later, you could always have it removed laparoscopically, which is minimally invasive.
Like Horsewoman says, do all the reading you can on the subject, and make the decision that's right for you personally. Click on "search" at the top of the page.
My very best to you...
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12-03-2001, 02:36 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 309
Hysterectomy: June 26th, 2001
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Need Opinions FAST!
Hi Queen Amy, I had everything removed but one ovary. I wanted to keep at least one if I could because I didnt want to start HRT now if at all possible. So far so good. My doc said that it will do its thing until I reach menopause which is about 8 years away. I feel great and havent had any problems at all. I left it up to my doc to take them both if he thought it would be best, but lucky for me, my right one was okay.
Not sure about the appendix. If it isnt bad I dont know if I would want it removed.... although I know they can act up at any time.
Take care!
MB
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12-03-2001, 03:11 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 1,999
Hysterectomy: December 10th, 2001
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Need Opinions FAST!
When we started discussing hysterectomy, my main concern was becoming a raving hormonal psycho woman. (I had been on Lupron before that gave me menopause symptoms and it just was not pretty). My viewpoint was if I could avoid taking both ovaries, and HRT, then that was the best choice for me. I have several years until menopause should hit me naturally and I have a history of not doing very well on medications ... I get every lil side effect!
My doctor is of the belief if it isn't broke, don't take it ... which I like, so that's how my decision on what to keep has been made.
You may want to do a search on appendix. I've read several posts about the pros n cons hows n whys for doctors doing this or not.
Anyway, read read read! The more you know, the better prepared you are to ask questions and make decisions.
Good luck with your research
BSQ
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12-03-2001, 06:01 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 20
Hysterectomy: January 18th, 2001
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Need Opinions FAST!
Hi Amy - I decided to have my ovaries out after talking to a few dctors. I have a strong history of breast cancer and it was decided by me and my docs to have my ovaries out. I had my hysterectomy in January and I'm doing great. I really don't have any problems with hot flashes (just some warm feelings sometimes) - nothing major. It's a big decision for you and you just have to sit down and weigh the pros and cons because it should be your decision and not just the decision of others. Take care and good luck on the 6th. I know I was worried but everything went okay and now it's December and I'm glad I had this done.
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12-03-2001, 06:08 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 1,393
Hysterectomy: September 17th, 2001
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Ovaries
Hey there! Well I am 11 weeks post op and I have kept one ovary. I had severe Endeo, lost my right ovary because of it but the left ovary thank god was clear. I personally was glad to have been able to keep one. The thought of hormone replacment for me was not something I wanted at this stage. I think it is a very personal decision and one that you have to be comfortable with. Personally for me I am glad and know that my GYN will keep a good eye on the one remaining ovary should Endeo raise it's ugly head again.
Best of luck with making your decision.
Hugs Vicki
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