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Upcoming hysterectomy 11/28, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
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11-19-2016, 06:47 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 51
Hysterectomy: November 28th, 2016
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Upcoming hysterectomy 11/28, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
My surgery is scheduled for Monday, 11/28. It has taken a lot for me to finally getting to this point and being okay with the loss of my uterus. I have sever adenomyosis and the pain has become unbearable.
Yesterday at my pre-op appointment my doctor mentioned on my paperwork "possible oorphinectomy". I stopped her because the removal of my ovaries was never discussed as a possibility. There is nothing indicated that they are unhealthy or need to be removed. She said it was standard verbiage because she may have to take one or both ovaries if they look suspicious. "Looking suspicious" is too vague of a diagnosis for me to consent to. I stressed over and over that I do not want my ovaries removed. I just turned 40 and there has been nothing indicating that they should be removed. She hugged me and said she'd do her best to help me keep my ovaries. Again, "doing her best" is too vague to be reassuring.
I'm so upset right now. Part of me wants to cancel my surgery. But then I sit here in utter agony from my heavy uterus sitting on my colon and putting pressure on my sacrum. I cannot sit or stand still without terrible pain. I HAVE to get this done. But I'm so terrified that I will wake up and find that my ovaries are taken, too. Even if they "look suspicious" I still want the opportunity to discuss why and be able to make that decision for myself.
What should I do? I've been so upset about losing my uterus and dealing with recovery and I finally got to a place of peace with it but now there is this. I don't know what to do. Has anyone faced this? What should I do?
Since I will be under anesthesia can I require that my husband be consulted prior to ovary removal in the event they look "suspicious"?
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11-19-2016, 06:53 AM
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Posts: 19,781
Hysterectomy: May 29th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Pre-op, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
If you don't sign the paperwork that includes the phrase "possible oophorectomy," then your ovaries can not be removed during surgery. Your doctor would have to complete the hysterectomy and then at a later date, discuss with you the possibility of doing second surgery. Explain to your doctor that you would rather risk having a second surgery than having your ovaries removed without your full consent.
However, note that by signing the paperwork, you have legally given consent.
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11-19-2016, 06:58 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 51
Hysterectomy: November 28th, 2016
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Pre-op, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
I signed all of my paperwork yesterday. I got emotional during the appointment and it all didn't set in until driving away. I have 9 days until surgery. Can I void that paperwork and request new paperwork?
I'm so completely upset about this. I've been crying since I left my appointment and didn't sleep at all last night. Can she refuse to do the surgery if I say I don't want the possibility of losing my ovaries?
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11-19-2016, 07:09 AM
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Posts: 19,781
Hysterectomy: May 29th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Pre-op, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
Yes, you can void that paperwork and request new paperwork. However, be aware that this may delay your surgery.
*Technically*, yes, your doctor can refuse to do the surgery. However, I don't think she will. For one thing, there's no evidence that there's anything wrong - let alone immediately life-threatening - with your ovaries. (If there *was* a possibility of something immediately life-threatening, she would almost certainly refuse.)
For another thing, your doc sounds like a pretty understanding sort. What's she's missing here is that in your specific case, you really, truly would prefer to run the risk of having a second surgery. That's not how people usually feel. You need to make your feelings clear to her on this point when discussing the new paperwork. She's in "calm the upset patient" mode. You need to get her into "*listen* to the patient" mode.
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11-19-2016, 07:16 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 51
Hysterectomy: November 28th, 2016
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Pre-op, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
Thank you for your reassurance and insight. I will call on Monday. My concern is that she won't be available next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. My surgery date (11/28) was the last available date this year and I was hoping to get it done now because I have already met my huge insurance deductible. I don't want to delay. Postponing until next year would be expensive. Yes, I do know that my body is more important than the finances involved but the cost unfortunately is a factor. Plus my mother is flying in to help me, my husband has taken time from work which wasn't easy. Postponing would make a mess of things.
Oh, I just want to scream! I don't want any of this!!!! (not that any of us do.....)
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11-19-2016, 07:44 AM
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Posts: 19,781
Hysterectomy: May 29th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Pre-op, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
If you can't redo the paperwork without postponing, then maybe just having a heart-to-heart with your doc and making sure she understands that you would prefer to have a second surgery if need be will alleviate your concerns?
And yeah, this is the club that no one wants to join. :-(
But... it's got lots of wonderful, strong, caring members. :-)
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11-19-2016, 08:37 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 644
Hysterectomy: March 28th, 2014
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Pre-op, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
Hello,
Initially my surgeon said that most women she sees want "everything" out during hysterectomy. I felt strongthly about retaining my ovaries and requested that they remain.
My surgeon agreed to my request but would have the last say upon visually inspecting my ovaries. I put my trust in her abilities to make the right decision for the best possible outcome.
I remember going into surgery thinking wow this whole ordeal is out of my hands. The two biggest things I thought about was my ovaries and the possibility of an open surgery.
Turns out my ovaries passed inspection and remained but I did have my Fallopian tubes removed as per recommendation by my surgeon. Perhaps have another chat with your surgeon and make the changes that you don't feel comfortable with. I wish you all the best and a worry free recovery. Take care.
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11-19-2016, 08:49 AM
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Posts: 19,781
Hysterectomy: May 29th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Pre-op, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
Where do doctors get this idea that "most women" want everything out? Med school?
What I see on this board is a lot of women questioning whether their ovaries should go or not and trying to get solid information on this subject.
Personally, I have a friend who decided not to pursue a hysterectomy for a fibroid after her doctor insisted that her ovaries would have to be removed as well.
My own story is that I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. When my doc said that the ovaries were going as part of the package, I said, whoa! *Why*? She explained that endometrial cancer is fed by estrogen, and on that basis, I agreed to have my ovaries removed. But it certainly wasn't my first choice - and I was already four years past menopause at the time.
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11-19-2016, 09:11 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 644
Hysterectomy: March 28th, 2014
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Pre-op, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
Yes I agree "the one size fits all" approach is rather outdated. I think the other thought for some surgeons is let's take care of everything in one surgery.
The other concern I had with removal of my ovaries was how would I access help or advice on hormone replacement. Though women's healthcare has improved we still need to make more positive changes and continue to advocate.
In your case I can see you were able to make an informed decision. There is power in knowledge. Thank goodness for all our fabulous hystersisters encouraging and sharing. Cheers to continued good health.
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11-28-2016, 09:31 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 51
Hysterectomy: November 28th, 2016
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Upcoming hysterectomy 11/28, dr mentioned possibly taking ovaries, very upset
Update:. I ended up having a chat with my doctor and she assured me that she understood my position and would only take an ovary in the case of severe abnormality.
I had my surgery this morning and the first thing they told me when I woke up in recovery was that I got to keep my ovaries. Phew!
I think it's so important to have good communication with your doctor, and voice any concerns or questions. I am thankful for hystersisters for giving me support and confidence to call my doctor back.
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