To keep or not to keep

In my previous thread about keeping my ovaries, some posts referred to further surgery if the ovaries fail later. What does this mean? I realize that after surgery, my ovaries may not resume their function or that I may go into menopause earlier than normal. Is this the failure they are speaking of? Since when does this require surgery. One post said the ovaries could develop the same problems the uterus had. Fibroids? Help! I am still considering whether to keep them or not and want to understand all the scenarios.

Your ovaries can develope something called a fibroma, a little more dense than fibroids but I understand very similar. I was originally diagnosed as having huge uterine fibroids due to size and ultrasound. During surgery it was discovered to be a 2 1/4 lb ovarian fibroma on my left ovary. It was biopsied (sp) while I was under.

I'm not sure how common they and whether the possibilty of getting one is reason to have your ovaries removed. I do know they usually don't grow to the size mine did.

Prior to my hyst I had already decided to have my ovaries removed I was tired of hormonal mood swings, night sweats & hot flashes. Post-op I've been fortunate, it seems we got HRT right the 1st time around. Time will tell : )

It is a very tough & personal (with Doc's input of course) kind of decision.

Paige
SLH BSO
9/22/00

Hi Bevietoo,

There are millions of women in this world who are walking around with ovaries that have failed, or ceased to function. That, in and of itself, does not necessitate surgery. As I understand it, the ovaries are the only human organs we can expect to fail before our own lives naturally end.

I'm glad Paige could get her HRT right the first time...she is fortunate. My remaining ovary seems to be working fine, so I'm not even needing to worry about HRT yet ...it's not always easy to arrive at the right HRT.

Please go to this page on this site to get some more good info: http://www.hystersisters.com/ovaries.php

This appears on the "Hop To More!" pull-down menu under Helpful Hints for Ladies In Waiting, I believe, but you can just click on to this URL. Hope it helps.

My very best to you...

Linda