Just 1 wk til surgery, questions about ovaries and appendix

Hi Sisters,

I'm just a week away from surgery (Feb 7th) and getting anxious. I'm feeling more anxiety about what they will take (or not take) during the TAH. My dr sees value in leaving my ovaries (if possible), but I've had several good friends that have made it to the other side, tell me to have them take the ovaries too, to prevent possible future problems. My concern is the hormone problems this will create. I am so confused, but let me share that my ovaries produce high levels of estrogen, which has caused the huge growth of fibroids (18 cm) and now I have read that high levels of estrogen can also be a cause of breast cancer. I would love to get thoughts about taking/leaving ovaries and the benefits. I have also been told that you can request to have your appendix removed at the same time, any thoughts about this? I want to be done with all this and don't want to have a case of the "I wish I hads" after surgery. you guys are my "team of experts" and any thoughts would help make this last minute decision so much easier.

My best to all,

There are some tough decisions invloved with having a hyst. I kept my ovaries because it was the best option for me. My appendix was taken out, as it was about to burst from endo. There are many opinions about which organs a lady should keep when having a hyst. It is best that you make this decision with the advice of a medical professional after you have completed your research. And a second medical opinion is advisable. It is usually best to keep any and all healthy organs. Here are some articles we have available that may help you.

Keep Appendix?
Keep Ovaries?
Keep Ovaries? Keep one or both?

Best wishes to you for your decisions and your surgery.

Hi KittyKat,

I am nearly 2 years post op and I am still very glad I lept my ovaries. They are working great. I do get monthly PMS and it just consists of some breast tenderness and some mild irritability. Just like I had in pre-op. Just no period.

My ovaries were healthy and my Dr. felt it would be advantageous to my long term health to keep them. I read on Hyster Sisters that the ovaries secrete important hormones that help with the bones, skin and hair. Also, ovarian cancer does not run in my famiy.

I have read on Hyster Sisters that if a woman has endo and/or cysts in pre-op there can be a higher chance of post-op ovary removal. I had ~garden~ variety fibroids.

Best wishes. You will make a good decision. Don't worry.

Mary

Hi Kitty-Kat
I lost one ovary in one operation and then the other ing another surgery with a remenent left behind by accident. I to have ovary's that produce VERY LARGE amounts of estrogen. Even with just the tiny microscopic piece that I had my endo was growing like wild-fire. My new doctor found it and took it and my uterus out. No hrt here breast cancer on both sides of my family. My appendix came out in second surgery. It was ready to burst with the endo all over it.

Dear Kitty Kat,

You do not mention how old you are.

I also had a high estogen level and a 20 week size uterus due to fibroids.

I had planned on keeping my ovaries, but unfortunately I had extensive endo and he removed them-much to my dislike @ the time. However, I am on an estrogen replacement called Vivelle Dot and have done very well on it-it is one of the closest to what you ovaries naturally produce. Also, I am 43.

Best wishes with all of this, I know it is scary.

Sorry, should have mentioned that I'm 43. This is a tougher decision than the decision to have the TAH. And I have heard and can see benefits either way. I'm so confused in fact, that perhaps I should just leave the decision to my surgeon upon her inspection of the ovaries. That way the health of the ovaries would be the determining vote. Not sure I should use that approach with the appendix though, my initial vote is to just take it with the uterus.

I love this site and the opportunity it gives all of us to discuss our experiences!