Blind-sided at my pre-op appt - UPDATED

So I got some unexpected news today at my pre-op appt and I am not handling it well at all. I am scheduled on June 24th for a Vaginal Hysterectomy with anterior and posterior repairs PLUS a bladder sling. Originally I was told that I was keeping my ovaries and tubes. Today however, when I reviewed the HysterSister pre-op questions with my OB and asked him about the ovaries ant tubes, he said after reviewing my chart and my past history, that back a few years ago, he discovered some endometrosis (I currently have no symptoms)so his recommendation is to remove everything.

I'm not on board with this and told him so. He wants to cancel my surgery now because he feels I'm too emotional. Don't get me wrong I really do trust and respect my OB however, this surgery, for me and I assume every woman, is an emotional thing to go through. I'm very thankful that I had that questionaire that I downloaded from this site and asked the question (almost didn't because I was *sure* I was keeping my tubes and ovaries after our last discussion.) but, I'm just blown away. I took me almost a year to prepare myself for this surgery and I only scheduled it 4 months ago as I needed to be emotional prepared for it, and honestly I was, until today and I heard about taking the tubes and ovaries.

So, he told me he'd leave them, but, isn't happy about it. If it's medically necessary and I'm going to have problems later down the line if I don't, then I guess that's what needs to be done. I just didn't like the blind-side, which is not normally my Dr's style.

Currently, I'm at a loss, and very emotional. I'm barely keeping myself together with this sudden unexpected news. I'm only 39 and it's off to menopause for me? I have no idea what to expect, no idea how to feel other than like someone has just ripped my heart out.

I called back later and asked if removal and storage of eggs might be possible, but, he has already left for the day. I'm not even sure that's what I want to do, but, I'm so confused right now.

Advice ladies?

Ice Princess,

I was sort of in the same boat. When I was preparing for my LAVH, I knew that one of my ovaries was diseased and had to go. But, after doing all of my own research, I was VERY adamant about not losing both ovaries. My surgeon was VERY frustrated with my decision. We knew I had extensive endometriosis. He even got snippy with me right before I went in to the O.R. I told EVERYONE that would listen that if the ovary was healthy, it was to STAY!

Anyways, came out of surgery only to find out that both ovaries had to go! Turns out another endometrioma had developed on the GOOD ovary and it was larger than the other one. So it too was diseased from the endo.

You are your own best advocate! If you leave your ovaries in, just know you run the risk of needing future surgeries. You have to be okay with that. Personally, I was okay with that. I also knew that taking out BOTH ovaries was still no guarantee that the endo wouldn't come back. Even the LAVH for endo, I KNEW it wasn't a cure. But, it was worth a try!

By the way, I met menopause at the age of 30! I am still under a year out but, so far, so good.

See you on the post op board.

((Ice Princess))

I am so sorry that things are not going as planned! You are right! This is an emotional surgery! Finding a kink in the works can throw you for a loop!

First, I do not advocate that the ovaries automatically be removed if you have endometriosis. An automatic oophorectomy is not the protocol for any of my doctors, including my endometriosis specialist. The decision to keep or remove the ovaries is a decision that needs to be made on a case by case basis, considering the specific health, needs, issues of the patient.

I kept both of my ovaries and have no regrets. Yes, I have had additional surgery for endometriosis. However, I would have needed surgery with or without my ovaries. My GYN did not have the skills to remove all of the endometriosis so some was purposely left behind necessitating a surgery with an endometriosis specialist.

Besides considering your ovaries, I would also suggest you consider the skills of your surgeon. Is he able to excise endometriosis from anywhere and everywhere? If not, you might want a more skilled surgeon. The more endo that can be recognized and removed at the time of your surgery, the better! There is no cure for endometriosis so you want to carefully weigh all of your pros and cons each step of the way!

Have you had a second opinion about what is best for you? No matter how much each of us trust and like our doctors, it is wise to get a second opinion before any major surgery. And this is a major surgery!

If you and your doctor are not 100% on the same page, do consider postponing for now. You don't want to have to live with any regrets!

I wish you all the best!

I just had my TAH,BSO, lysis of adhesions, ablation of pelvis, and bladder sling and hemmroidectomy and then another surgery for bladder repair due to them putting a hole in my bladder during the original surgery.

I had both of my ovaries removed due to severe endometriosis and adhesions. The dr wants me to start a estrogen patch after 8 weeks recovery to allow time for the endo to die off if any remains from the surgery.

it was the right choice for me. But, I'm also in surgical menopause at 32.

Amy

My doctor was an advocate for leaving even a part of one ovary in if possible in order to avoid hrt. My endometrioma was attached to both ovaries, and my remaining ovary had a hem. cyst on it. But I do still have it and am glad that I do. It is ultimately your decision to make, and if that means a second opinion or moving on to another doctor well, that power is in your hands. All the best to you!

Are you working with an endo expert? I had endometriomas removed from my ovaries. I can't see why anyone would need to remove your ovaries. Perhaps a second opinion, and soon, would help?

I'd also highly recommend using natural compounded or OTC progesterone for avoiding any post-op symptoms. I think it has also helped keep my cysts from re-appearing.

Good luck.

Get a second opinion. You've waited this long.
My first Dr (OB) suggested removing the lot. The second one (onc-gyn) thought it was a good idea that I wanted to keep the other ovary, which turned out to be the right thing, in the end, as it was perfectly healthy.

There is such a huge difference in how various doctors approach these matters according to education, experience and skill level, that it really pays to shop around.

Thanks for all the information and advice ladies.

My surgery is canceled until I can find a new Dr. After doing my own research and talking with a few other medical doctors about my condition, I called my Gynecologist back and stated that I wanted my pre-op paperwork changed to read something along the lines of "Ovaries will only be removed if cancer is present".

Well, the nurse called back and told me he flat out refused to even consider letting me keep my ovaries, if I was to have him as my surgeon, things will be done his way...no further discussion in the matter." Well, the day before I was praying someone would make this decision for me....I guess a greater power (not the Dr) did. If this is the attitude he is going to give a patient of record for 15 years (I have been a faithful patient and have always done as he has told me, until now) for making an educated and informed decision then good riddance. I have an appointment with a new surgeon, actually a husband of my co-worker, who is a very dear friend of mine.

With all the information I have found doing research, you don't have to remove ovaries for *slight endometriosis*. It's ultimately my body and my decision, IMO. After 5 consult/testing appt's with my now previous Dr, not once did he mention removing my ovaries until I brought the questionnaire from this site and reviewed with him. I am so glad that I took the time to download that page and ask the question of I would have woke up without my ovaries.

I've learned my lesson and will be sure to ask, ask, ask if I am not sure about something.

Ladies, be sure to ask questions at your pre-op appt's. I thought I knew exactly what I was going in for, then got hit with that blind-side. Be informed and if in doubt, get a second opinion. I wish I would have but am so grateful now that I get a second chance (maybe more). Do your research and be informed.

Thanks for reading my little rant.

Best wishes to all.

Will update after my appt on July 2nd.

Good for you! You will be in my praryers.