So much for having a choice about it!!!!

My insurance had changed since my last pap so I found another doctor, one I know and have worked with personally (am an RN) and I saw him today. He did an exam and I was SHOCKED to hear what he had to say!!!! Seems there is little chance I have a choice in the matter. My left ovary is extremely HUGE and has some apendages. My right seemed normal. We went back to his office and talked. He told me that my symptoms are of extreme endometriosis. This explains the weeks and weeks of heavy bleeding and cramping and painful intercourse. I've been bleeding now since Christmas day and this is normal for me. He says that I need a full hysterectomy and at least my left ovary out. Regardless, of anything, that ovary is coming out. But he is encouraging me to have a bilateral oopherectomy.... I have a lap scheduled for the 5th of march to take a look and for insurance coverage. He said if he can take it out laproscopically he will remove that ovary and tube but if not, he wants to do a full abdominal hysterectomy and depending on what he finds on my right ovary a bilateral oopherectomy. He's already told me that he knows he can't get the ovary out with the lap so this is just BS to prove to the insurance I need it.

I do have a question though. He said that while he recomends the right ovary be removed too (said that if I was this bad on left its highly unlikely that I don't have endo on the right as well - plus I didn't tell him that I had the same pain but not as often or bad on the left) Its up to me but even if its clear most likely it will reacure on that side and I will have to have another surgery (also have symptoms of endo on intestines as well) later on. So his outlook is do it all now instead of come back in a few years.

He also said that there are no risks with hormone replacement therapy. I thought I heard there was...... I'm going to read about it after I get done posting but what do you all think? I trust this doctor, I don't want to waste time with a second opinion, should I keep the right ovary if its clear? I'd like to keep at least one.... be as natural as possible you know?

Heather

This whole hormone thing is so confusing (I'm an RN too). My doctor says avoid hormones unless you simply can't avoid it due to the risk of breast cancer. I'm quite a bit older than you are though so I was already hitting the perimenopausal staqe. I would tend to agree with your doctor's thoughts based on what I have read here about endo but you need to make the best decision that you can. I think the insurance company requiring the lap is nonsense. Why have two procedures when you could just have one? Good luck. I know how shocking it is to have the doc mention hysterectomy you.

By the way, I am only 29 (have 4 kids don't want anymore though) and have no history of breast cancer, plus I breastfed my 4 for 4+ years. However, I really feel like I am leaning toward taking my chances of having to have another surgery later on given my age. I think I want to keep my right ovary if possible....

What do you think....

Hopefully, you had several transvaginal ultrasounds to help w/the determination of all that you mentioned you have going on. Most insurances want you to have (but might not require) you to have a second opinion. I had four ultrasounds in a year and a half, which showed problems, as well as labwork. Sounds like your anxiety is high...you may want to have a second opinion. I had total abdominal hys w/bilateral oophorectomy...(8 wks ago...still adjusting, but doing well) and I think that if problems are that severe, you may want to go the whole route...I was told there was a possibility of problems in future, so I decided instead of facing surgery somewhere down the road, to do the whole thing. Personally, I'm glad I did because now I don't have to worry that I would have problems in the future, that I would need another surgery...but recovery takes awhile...

It's a big decision...please talk to your doctor again...If you don't feel comfortable and secure w/it...get a second opinion...at least having another dr. affirm the 1st one will ease your concerns...

Geez, I can hardly believe a dr. would tell you there's no risk with hormone replacement...that's irresponsible...there's always risk w/ANY medications...I held out 8 weeks post surg, and couldn't stand myself (!) Flashes, etc. were increasing (although they weren't too bad initially)..As of last week, I am now taking Vivelle dot. I was not an advocate of hormone therapy (due to all those reports of side effects, etc.)...It's a highly individual decision...but it has helped immensely...

You need to have 100% confidence in your doctor and certain in your decision before you proceed...I wish you good health, in any case!

Hopefully, you had several transvaginal ultrasounds to help w/the determination of all that you mentioned you have going on. Most insurances want you to have (but might not require) you to have a second opinion. I had four ultrasounds in a year and a half, which showed problems, as well as labwork. Sounds like your anxiety is high...you may want to have a second opinion. I had total abdominal hys w/bilateral oophorectomy...(8 wks ago...still adjusting, but doing well) and I think that if problems are that severe, you may want to go the whole route...I was told there was a possibility of problems in future, so I decided instead of facing surgery somewhere down the road, to do the whole thing. Personally, I'm glad I did because now I don't have to worry about 'what might develop' ... In that sense, it's been a relief...but it is a big adjustment, to be sure...

And a big decision...please talk to your doctor again...If you don't feel comfortable and secure w/it...get a second opinion...at least having another dr. affirm the 1st one will ease your concerns...

Geez, I can hardly believe a dr. would tell you there's no risk with hormone replacement...that's irresponsible...there's always risk w/ANY medications...

I held out 8 weeks post surg, and couldn't stand myself (!) Flashes, etc. were increasing (although they weren't too bad initially)..As of last week, I am now taking Vivelle dot. I was not an advocate of hormone therapy (due to all those reports of side effects, etc.)...It's a highly individual decision...but it has helped immensely...

You need to have 100% confidence in your doctor and certain in your decision before you proceed...I wish you good health, in any case!

I think if I were in your spot I would get a second opinion. Not because it sounds like you don't need surgery, but because you need advice regarding leaving an ovary if you have endometriosis and the advantages and disadvantages of HRT. I agree that it really is best to be 100% sure about the procedure and your doctor. In this case you want to also have some confidence that you will be dealing with someone knowledgeable about HRT after the surgery. Your doctor may be a fine doctor but it sounds like he might not be very creative when it comes to dealing with hormones. Just my opinion, of course.