Double hyst? Help!

Hi ladies...Let me start by saying this site is the best site! You all are wonderful...Well, I had a partial hyst. in June of 2001. I signed not one but TWO consent forms stating what they would do. After the surgery when I was in recovery. The doctor came out to talk with DH, and told him "I hope she won't be mad at me, but I left her ovaries." Of course DH really doesn't have a clue about that stuff. But when I wake up (fully) he told me. To tell you the truth I was a little upset, and confused as to why he didn't take them. I know there is alot of debate about to leave the O's or take them...But, the reason I was having a hyst in the first place was because I have endo pretty extensive. And had been having alot problems 2 year prior. And as you ladies know coming to that decision of even having the hyst is a hard. I was prepared to go into surgical menopause. Because I had been on the Lupron injections to try and get rid of the endo. That is another story in itself! Anyway, that same familiar pain return about 13 weeks post op. I tried to dismiss it as just post op pain. But in my heart I knew it was the endo. And by then I was so frustrated that he was right there! Why didn't he take the O's. Needless to say I am scheduled for surgery March 13th to the remove the O's. But I am soooo scared, what if it doesn't work. Please tell me it will help! I have read so many stories that the endo has returned. I have been beside myself. I have been so moody, weepy, angry, very short tempered with the kids and Hubby. I feel so bad. And now facing the fact of going into surgical menopause, scares me! See what I mean making these decisions again. By the way, the DD that did the first couple of surguries and partial hyst. will not be doing this one! My new doctor is wonderful. But about 1 month ago he and my primary had to prescribe Demerol for pain. It was getting so bad (the pain), as my body was used to Percocet. I cried, and cried. I am so hurt that I have to take these awful drugs still!!! I have been praying, and my best friend was telling me remember "there is purpose in your pain" What is it! So sorry this turned out to be a book, and I am whining so much....I really needed to get this out, with women who definately understand! Thanks...Love. Jos

Hi Sweety and here is a big I had surgery in June and my DR removed my ovaries. I am 51 and she seemed to think it wouldn't be many years on HRT. I am doing fine I have taken some lengthy trips through the hormone jungle but in all these 8 months haven't been bad. I know it is awful for you to have to go back through that again, but it can't be helped just look to the future with out pain. It should help and if they get the remaining endo you shouldn't have too many problems. Of course I think they don't want you to take HRT for a while so it can die out if any is left. God Bless and just keep your eyes on that painfree future.

Dear Jos,
Oh my, I would be upset too!

I'm assuming when they remove your ovaries, they will clean up any endo they find too, right? Will your surgery be laparoscopic or abdominal?

I'm soooo sorry to hear the pain has returned. That has been my worst fear too. I had a TAH/BSO in late November primarily due to severe stage 4 endo. I'm 13 weeks post op now too ... but I'm still feeling really good and not having that old familiar pain. However, my gyn was very agressive in treating my disease. I had the TAH/BSO, plus peritoneal stripping. My gyn was assisted by a gyn oncologist (the oncologist actually trained my gyn, so they were delighted to be working together again). The gyn oncologist did the "stripping" ... they actually cut the peritoneal membrane from about 5 cm above the vaginal cuff and then peeled it away all the way down into recto-vaginal area. The reason for this was that my endo was very bad around my colon and recto-vaginal area ... my surgical report describes in some detail the additional excisions deep in my abdomen.

I took no estrogn for 12 weeks ... I just started low dose estrogen (0.3 mg) about a week ago. However, I've been taking megace (a progestin) ever since surgery and also a multi-vitamin, soy supplement, and TUMS for calcium. The megace is a further measure to suppress any endo remnants that may have been missed. At six months, my gyn plans to put me on combined estrogen and progesterone ... again, the progesterone is to offset the potential effects of estrogen on endo regrowth. At one year post op, the plan is for me to begin taking estrogen only. From everything I've read here, this is a pretty unusual and very aggressive approach ... but after doing all the reading about potential endo regrowth, I'm in agreement with my surgeons and willing to do whatever it takes to help keep this stuff from growing back. So far, so good ...

My experience on this regimen ... primarily night sweats, but those tapered off some at about 4 weeks post op. Some hot flashes too. All in all, this is no big deal for me compared to what I was dealing with pre-hyst. I'm so glad not to have pain... the menopausal symptoms are an aggravation, but not painful.

Read all you can, talk to your gyn and ask every question you can think of. The hrt decision is yours, ultimately. I'm sending prayers your way that this next procedure will put an end to the endo forever. Keep us posted on your plans and how you are doing!

Beth