soul searching...need advice

Hello ladies, hope all is well with you.

I had my TAH on October 3, 2003 but left my right ovary...About two months ago I started having all the old familiar pains and symptoms..By the way I had the hyst. due to stage IV endo and firbroids....I seen my dr last Tuesday and he felt what he called a "mass" that he thought was attached to my vaginal cuff, bowel and colon. He scheduled me for an transvaginal ultrasound on Thursday. The tech said she couldn't see anything on the left side so it is either scar tissue and adhesions (what's the difference of the two?) or the endo is back. She also checked the one ovary I have left and said it was enlarged and that there was an endometrial cyst on it..........So now here is what I need the advice on.

I know I will have to have the scar tissue removed because it is affecting my bowels and don't want to start a whole new set of problems with that. But should I go ahead and have the ovary removed too?? I am 31, and don't know which would be worse....leaving the ovary in and dealing with the cyst, or having it removed and dealing with hrt. I have had surgery for the last three years of my life and just want all this to be over so I can move on with bigger and better things in life!! Thank goodness my dh is supportive and understanding but, it sure has taken a toll on our marriage!!

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated......Prayers to all...thanks for listening...

Crystal

Crystal,

It sounds like you've been through the wringer. I'm very glad you've got the support at home that you need. It makes a big difference!

I believe that the choice to have the ovary removed depends upon your other health factors/risks. Is the doctor convinced that the cyst is benign or is he concerned about it? If the cyst is benign and you opt to leave the ovary in, then you need to evaluate how much pain and anxiety it is causing you. One thing worth considering...with your history of endo, many docs won't put their patients on HRT, (at least until they've been completely free of endo for several months). You are very young and probably quite concerned about entering menopause at your age.

I think you need to have a heart-to-heart with your doc regarding your current situation as it sounds rather complicated. Since your DH has been supportive, it might be nice to have him present when you meet with the doc again to go over all of your results. Maybe such a meeting will provide you with the info you need to move forth with a decision you feel comfortable with.

s

Jay-Jay

Thanks for your support and advice. I didn't even think of the hrt and how it affects people with a history of endo. I have a dr's appt. on August 9th to discuss my options. I know he did say that if the mass was scar tissue he would have to get in there and remove it...as for leaving in the ovary, I am still not sure what to do. I really like my dr and he is very open and willing to listen with what I want. I just know that I can't keep having surgery on a yearly basis!

This next week is going to seem like an eternity before I can get in to see the dr. My dh is off that day and is planning to come along with me. I know the ultimate decision is up to me, and I just want to make the right one...any good books out there I need to read?

Your from St.Louis--I live right across the river!! How coincidental is that!! Thanks again for your support, it means a great deal. Although my family is really supportive of me, there are times I feel alone in this...this website has truly been a blessing to me..

God bless and prayers to you for your own good health..

Crystal

Ladybug,
I feel for you, I really do. Having to decide the best way to go. I will admit I was surpised to read that one ovary was left when you had endo. Typically endo growth is encouraged by the presence of estrogen, or atleast that is what I am led to understand. I know the thought of surgical menopause is scary, and I felt it for few weeks, emotions etc, but it is survivable. I did not have endo, I had massive adhesions, cycsts, and lots of inflamation to the ligaments etc surrounding the cervix. I know that I had hoped to keep my cervix and would have loved to have kept atleast one ovary and the cervix. Sometimes you have to say "Just do what is best to make me well and not have this problem anymore". Not an easy thing to say or do, but you have to decide what you can and can't live with.

I would suggest you speak with your doctor and find out if it is infact the endo back, and if it is follow his advise. If you have doubts or questions on his suggestions, please get a second opinion.

Many best wishes!

An excellent book on this is Elizabeth Plourde's, "Your Complete Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal, & Hormone Replacement"

You may want to consider a visit with a good, fertility endocrinologist as they have made a lot of progress in treating endometriosis in the past few years. (without surgery) Our ovaries are much more complex than doctors origionally thought and they contribute MUCH to our overall health. Unfortunately, hysterectomy often leads to ovarian failure and leaving just one ovary at the time of hysterectomy actually increases the odds of failure or problems like yours. A fertility endocrinologist is a doctor that is trained in the WHOLE endrocrine system, including the gynecology. More specialized!

I hope you can get some help without having to undergo more surgery.

Lots of hugs,

By the way, my "mass" turned out to be non-existent and my pain is caused by stool hitting an old surgical clip left in me. I don't know what your symptoms are, but hormone problems can cause BOWEL problems. Always, always get a second or third opinion before surgery!

Hi Crystal,

Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. It's a tough decision to make, so make sure all your questions are answered and most importantly, go with your "gut" instincts. It's your body and you are the one that has to live with it, so make sure it's your decision. Now, my 2 cents

I,too, had a Hyst and left my ovaries. Within 7 months the "familiar" pain was back. I had both my ovaries removed but was put on HRT immediately after surgery. Within the year, I was again having pain. I knew that with my hyst, I should have taken my ovaries out, because Endo feeds off the estrogen. But, I followed my docs decision. I knew that with the BSO, I should not have taken any HRT's, because once again, Endo feeds off estrogen. But, I didn't stand up for myself and let my doc "reassure" me that I would be fine.

I,too, am young (30) and just want this nightmare to go away! I want a quick fix, a cure! No woman should have to go through this!! I am now realizing that there in no quick fix or cure. But you can educate yourself and don't give up or give in!

Hang in there. You've come to the right place for great support and advice!

April

Hello Everyone -
I just had a partial hysto. for a fibroid on 6/24/04 (uterus and cervix). To make a long story short they found a leiomyosarcoma in my uterus. So I am basically doing 3 mt. CTScans to see if it metasises. Anyway, I went for my 5 wk. check at my reg. OB's office yesterday and I told him about this pain on my left side. SO he examined me and said my ovary is enlarged and I am ovulating. Should I be concerned about this?