New here, with prior tummy tuck

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum & am looking forward to your support & opinions. For years, I've had ovarian cysts off & on, bigger & smaller...you know the drill. I'm 43, I have 2 children (after being told I could not get pregnant...miracles do happen), so future pregnancy is not even an issue. I'm more than estactic with 2 great kids. Recently, I was having very bad pains/cramps to the point where I could hardly walk. I was put on depo provera to reduce the chance of additional cysts, but I did not do well on that. Mood swings, constant bleeding, the cysts got larger and the lining of the uterus got thicker. Basically the opposite of what was supposed to happen. My last ultrasound showed that my ovaries are (in the technicians words) "a mess". My gyno is recommending a total hysterectomy (ovaries included). While I'm not against the idea, it does scare me. I'm really not familiar with hormone therapy, or whether I even need it (?). I also recently underwent a hernia/muscle repair and tummy tuck in August , and I'm really worried that this operation will affect everything that has healed. Has anyone had a tummy tuck THEN a hysterectomy? I don't see my gyno until this Tuesday, and I will be asking her these questions as well. I just wondered if anyone had any opinions. Thanks so much for reading this long post & for letting me vent

I don't know about ovarian cysts, but I have had a lot of success with natural progesterone cream for my large fibroids that should have been out ions ago. Perhaps do some internet research and see if the cream will shrink your ovarian cysts, it shrunk my fibroids and nothing else would. We are in an estrogen dominant environment and you eat and live in this which promotes growth of cysts, fibroids and even causes cancer. Do your homework for one last chance.

Audrey

Thanks Audrey for the reply. I've had issues & problems for years with female plumbing. I'm emotionally ready to have it removed. My mom just recently passed away from cancer of the uterus & bladder, so I do not want to take any chances on something that may be genetic. Since the lining of my uterus is thicker since being on the depo, I feel like it's a "sign" to take control & have it all removed. I'm OK with that, just a little scared. It was also suggested by another board that I inquire about having the hysterectomy vaginally since I had the tummy tuck. Can anyone give me any advise or experience on that, and the recovery time?
Thanks!

That is a miracle that you had two kids and I am happy for you. It was a miracle that I was even able to have my own daughter. I also used the Depo Provera shot for heavy bleeding but mine was caused by messed up hormones not cysts. The Depo did stop my bleeding but I couldn't take the side effects either.

I have never had a tummy tuck...although looking at my belly after a c section and a hysterectomy, maybe I should consider it??

I wanted to respond mostly to your questions and concerns about HRT and being apprehensive of a hysterectomy.

For me personally, HRT has been a life saver. To make a long story short, my ovaries produced hormones that were defective. These hormones affected my quality of life to the point that I ended up having them removed. When I began the HRT, I was more level. I was more emotionally balanced. I didn't experienced any hot flashes, night sweats, usual menopausal symptoms. My quality of life has so drastically improved from the HRT that I would recommend it.

Of course, that is a personal experience. You have to discuss the pros and cons with your doc and do what you are comfortable with.

As for the hysterectomy itself....well, physically I am alot better off. I don't bleed nonstop for days and days on end and my hormones are balanced. I healed quickly and didn't have any complications. The hysterectomy has been hard on me emotionally as I am only 31 and have alot to come to terms with as a result of the surgery.

If your doctor does the hysterectomy properly and you follow all the healing guidelines that he/she sets forth, then there is little reason to believe that you would have any problems.

It is scary to have a surgery that takes away your uterus and female organs. But you have to basically decide between the quality of life you have now and the quality of life that you could have after the hysterectomy. If you are miserable now and your periods and other problems are making life miserable and unbearable then maybe a hysterectomy would help your quality of life be better? Only you could decide that one, since it is so personal.

I hope you don't feel alone in your fear and uncertainity. There are lots and lots of sweet supportive women on this site who can offer you more in depth info, empathy, and comfort.

Hang in there! I wish you the best in whatever decision you make and with your upcoming doc appointment!

Sincerely
Mustang30

I know there is one woman on this site that had a tummy tuck along with her hysterectomy. Perhaps she shall see your post. May all your questions be answered , I wish you the best- Cath

Hi

I'm sorry to hear you have having problems with ovarian cysts. I have a sister in-law who is having the same problems and I know she is in alot of pain.

I don't have any personal experience with your situation, but wanted to share some articles in the resource section about cysts. If you type in "cysts" in the search button, you will be directed to the different links.

resources...click here

Here is a link which shows the different types of hysterectomies and their recovery time. It is important to follow doctors orders to have a smoother recovery.

Hysterectomies...click here

I know for some women having their hysterectomy has been a very good experience for them. Other women have not had the same good fortune and have had some complications.

As far as HRT is concerned, for me personally this has been my biggest struggle. I have found that I can not live without hormones due to many physical and emotional changes that took place from the loss of my ovaries. It was not easy finding the right amount and type of hormones which has helped me to feel better again. There are women who go on hormones and have no further problems and then there are women who search for a very long time trying to find something to replace the valuable hormones that our ovaries provide.

I think it may be very helpful to do some research and alot of reading before you make a decision. Here is a link with some information on different types of hormones.

Hormone articles

Hormone resources

It also may be helpful to get another opinion, just to be sure all your options have been explored.

Good luck with your decision and hopefully you can find some answers to help you with your decision.