dVH/RALH: Nervously awaiting Sept 11th ~ Wondering whether to keep ovaries

Hello,
I'm 48 and recently learned about my fibroids and a hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled fallopian tube). Due to these, my infertility, age, and history of dysplasia and ovarian cyst, I originally decided to have everything removed. Now I'm re-thinking whether to keep my ovaries. On the one hand, things aren't right and I don't want trouble later. On the other, my natural harmones seem better, even if I'm only producing them a few more years?? I don't know.

I'm also wondering whether my gyn will be able to use the DaVinci system as planned if she encounters adhesions and scar tissue. I had a pelvic surgery in 1998 and had adhesions and scar tissue at that time. Who knows what's there now. Can the daVinci system/laproscopy persevere through moderate scar tissue?

I finally get to meet my surgeon tomorrow, and will discuss these things. Thought I'd get your thoughts too, since there is such a wealth of experience here.

Also, when I was in my gyn's office, she tried to do a biopsy of my uterine walls, but wasn't able to "get in". Does anyone know why that would be? Since the purpose of the biopsy was to rule out cancer, I guess it hasn't been ruled out. That worries me, and I wonder when that determination will be made.

I look forward to reading more of your stories and learning more about you.

Hugs, and say a prayer for me on Sept 11th.

I opted to have my ovaries taken out because of any future potential ovarian cancer issues... I had endometrial cancer, but figured while they are in there, they may as well wipe the board clean. I didn't know how else they would catch ovarian issues if I kept them in there. Menopause sucks. There are all sorts of random issues or pains I have and I don't know whether they are menopause related or other causes - so I feel like I'm running around now trying to rule out everything else under the sun (for headaches, abdominal pain, gastro issues, etc). But I'm a worrier and I felt like keeping the ovaries in would cause me more stress not knowing if they were healthy or going to end up cancerous or what. Thus my choice to have them taken out when they had to take out the uterus and cervix (and fallopian tubes). Good luck on whatever you decide!

The hysterectomy decision was mine to make and I wanted a say in whether or not my ovaries stayed. I wanted to keep things natural in the hormone department. The surgeon had the last say upon visual inspection. Everything else was removed and fortunately the ovaries appeared healthy.
My endo biopsy was good and the final pathology was good as well. I had previous cryotheraphy for cell changes on my cervix. Every two years I will need to have a vaginal/cuff swab. I wish you all the best on your decision and surgery

Hi Missy704 -

Keeping your ovaries is a personal decision. It is based on your health, your family history, and other issues. You need to consider these items with your doctor. Here is an article for you to read that may provide information for you:
7 Reasons Why You Should Keep Your Ovaries.

For me, I lost everything - I did not have a choice. BUT, I would have kept my ovaries if I could have. Surgical menopause for me was MISERABLE! I am on HRT, and it has given me my life back. BUT, it is not the same as my natural hormones.

Bottom line. Make the decision that is right for you.

dear friend, I too was very nervous, so much that I could not sleep or eat right and had to go on anxiety meds BUT had I known it would all work out so much better than I could ever expect I would not have spent all those days and nights in worry.
I suggest you have a completely honest conversation with your doctor BEFORE the surgery and ask about keeping your overlies and what is the risk apposed to the benefits.
I asked my surgeon to determine the health of them when he was performing the surgery and if they were healthy I wanted to keep them. I had the surgery, it went well and I have my ovaries. The tubes were removed but the ovaries were kept.
One bit of advice,.... listen to your surgeon, do as you are told and be positive. Think of how much better your life will be once this is behind you.
I am thrilled I did it, sorry I waited so long to make that decision. The recovery for me is not even 30% of what I had been expecting....if only I knew this before I would have gone into this with am much healthier mental attitude.

Hi! I would talk to your doctor about your risks and benefits of keeping your ovaries. Everyone has different factors! For me keeping my ovaries was the best choice and when I had my surgery they looked great so they stayed. I had everything else (uterus, tubes, and cervix) removed.

My surgery was done by DaVinci and I am so glad I had it. I have had minimal pain and a great recovery. I'm 3 weeks post-op and just feeling really tired this week. I am not sure about the ability to cut through adhesions or scar tissue but that is something to ask your doctor!

I wish you the best!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Missy704 Hello, I'm 48 and recently learned about my fibroids and a hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled fallopian tube). Due to these, my infertility, age, and history of dysplasia and ovarian cyst, I originally decided to have everything removed. Now I'm re-thinking whether to keep my ovaries. On the one hand, things aren't right and I don't want trouble later. On the other, my natural harmones seem better, even if I'm only producing them a few more years?? I don't know. I'm also wondering whether my gyn will be able to use the DaVinci system as planned if she encounters adhesions and scar tissue. I had a pelvic surgery in 1998 and had adhesions and scar tissue at that time. Who knows what's there now. Can the daVinci system/laproscopy persevere through moderate scar tissue? I finally get to meet my surgeon tomorrow, and will discuss these things. Thought I'd get your thoughts too, since there is such a wealth of experience here. Also, when I was in my gyn's office, she tried to do a biopsy of my uterine walls, but wasn't able to "get in". Does anyone know why that would be? Since the purpose of the biopsy was to rule out cancer, I guess it hasn't been ruled out. That worries me, and I wonder when that determination will be made. I look forward to reading more of your stories and learning more about you. Hugs, and say a prayer for me on Sept 11th.

I just had my Davincini Total Hysterectomy. I let my Dr decide about the ovaries. When he got in there and the ovaries looked healthy we would keep them, if not remove them. I was able to keep both of mine and haven't had any hormonal problems. I am 3 weeks Post Op today. I also thought I had cancer since I had so much Precancerous stuff showing up all of the sudden. They were able to tell immediately that there was NO cancer. My understanding is the DaVinci method is better for recovery but you will have some scar tissue.

I will be praying for you! Just drink plenty of water and Eat clean before the surgery to help get you ready. I was a nervous wreck, but it really wasn't bad at all. You GOT this!!

Firefighterice

Thanks Sisters!!

I finally met my surgeon today, and she is awesome! She answered my questions and recommends that I keep my ovaries if they are healthy, as you have suggested.

She says the daVinci system can handle any scar tissue or adhesions and not to worry, though an abdominal cut is always a possibility. She said the switch was usually made in cases of a large uterus or excessive bleeding that can't be addressed laproscopically.

She says I will leave the hospital the same day! Yay!!

I have new confidence after receiving your words of encouragement and hope and after meeting my new doctor. Also found out that I will not be docked any pay at work for my 2-4 week medical leave. It's been a great day.

I think I'm ready.

Thanks so much friends! I wish you all speedy recoveries.

XOXXOX,
Missy704

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Missy704 Thanks Sisters!! I finally met my surgeon today, and she is awesome! She answered my questions and recommends that I keep my ovaries if they are healthy, as you have suggested. She says the daVinci system can handle any scar tissue or adhesions and not to worry, though an abdominal cut is always a possibility. She said the switch was usually made in cases of a large uterus or excessive bleeding that can't be addressed laproscopically. She says I will leave the hospital the same day! Yay!! I have new confidence after receiving your words of encouragement and hope and after meeting my new doctor. Also found out that I will not be docked any pay at work for my 2-4 week medical leave. It's been a great day. I think I'm ready. Thanks so much friends! I wish you all speedy recoveries. XOXXOX, Missy704

That's great news! I felt better after my DaVinci procedure than I did with the pain and problems before surgery! I had to stay overnight though, standard procedure here. I couldn't believe I felt so well after a few hours I was walking myself to the bathroom and I could eat something. If you get nauseous or puke after surgery I recommend asking for the anti-nausea patch. It did wonders for me! Plus the anesthesiologist pushed anti-nausea meds through my IV before they woke me up. I wish you the best and a smooth recovery!

I forgot to mention that I had the patch so that there would be no problems with the anesthesia and I am so glad I did. I had no problems at all with nausea. I would highly suggest it:-)