Arctic....to try to convince you re ovaries...

OK, I'll bite! 10 years ago my paps were showing dysplasia. Had a cone biopsy, paps every 3 months for 3 yrs, then back to yearly.

In Nov '99 dysplasia showed up again. I had numerous paps, 2 colposcopies, and a cone biopsy. What it meant to me was that I would worry for 2 wks after each procedure, book another procedure and worry about that, etc. I spent a good deal of time going back and forth, could not plan travel, and was generally annoyed or upset for 10 months. Of course, I was always thinking of the big "C".

So, when the dr suggested a hyst I would have fought him if he wanted to leave the ovaries. I now love the idea that I will never have to face ovarian cancer.

My intellect tells me you are sooo right, but my emotional well-being is so much more important to me.

Your turn!

Hi EM

Where the heck is that original post? There was no mention of problems like you are describing. I was speaking in general and I stick to it Depending on age, reason for hyster, and any other extenuating circumstances, of course, but in general I still say don't take them if there's not a good reason. If you're going to worry yourself sick about getting ovarian cancer, then that's a reason to have them out. I really do wonder what the chances really are of getting ovarian cancer anyway. I realize it's hard to find (if you're not looking) but what are the statistics really, if you're not in a high risk category?

Anyway, I say learn everything you can, examine your soul, then do what feels right. PMS didn't seem like a strong reason to have the ovaries out, unless maybe the person was 54. And then just maybe.

Sorry Arctic, I knew after I submitted that I should have referred to which post. It was JenniLee " Pre-Op Concerns" and your reply just beat mine. Your tag line said "try to convince me" and I just had to take the challenge!

You hit it right on the nose....I was 54! Seriously though, the thought that I've avoided ovarian cancer is important to me. I think I would have wanted DD to take them 10 years ago if it had come up. There's no family history of gynological cancer. I just felt that if I had to go through surgery I'd want it all out and not have to face ovarian in the future.

AND you were post menopausal!! Give me a break. Of course you made the right decision for you! That's a lot different than if you were 20 years younger, which could have been the situation that we were discussing! Very funny.

TRUST ME PMS CAN BE A VERY INFLUENTIAL ASPECT OF WHETHER OR NOT TO REMOVE OVARIES. I HAVE FOREVER MOCKED MY FOUR SISTERS FOR BEING "WHUS" ALWAYS BEING ANGRY AND CRYING AND MOANING--GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!
GOD DID. . .
SINCE THE BIRTH OF MY LAST TIME I HAVE HAD HORRENDOUS PMS!!!!!!
I DON'T WANT MY CHILDREN TO REMEMBER THIS BLONDE TYRANT WHO CALLS HERSELF THEIR MOTHER. IT IS THE MAIN REASON WHY I AM CONTEMPLATING REMOVING THEM. I CAN LIVE WITH MY PHYSICAL PAIN BUT I CAN'T LIVE WITH MY ANGELS' MENTAL PAIN!

I DO know what PMS is all about. Not only did I have a good dose of it myself, but I had two teenaged daughters who often had it at the same time!!!

However, major surgery is overkill, IMO, for PMS. There are many, many other avenues to follow for control of PMS.

"I DON'T WANT MY CHILDREN TO REMEMBER THIS BLONDE TYRANT WHO CALLS HERSELF THEIR MOTHER. IT IS THE MAIN REASON WHY I AM CONTEMPLATING REMOVING THEM. I CAN LIVE WITH MY PHYSICAL PAIN BUT I CAN'T LIVE WITH MY ANGELS' MENTAL PAIN!"

DearJenniLee: Wow! Has a reputable doctor diagnosed your emotional status as PMS? Have you tried ways to find out the root cause to the emotional swings? I feel I should tell you that having ovaries out does not necessarily mean you will be without emotional swings. In fact, you'll probably have weeks to months of trying to work your emotions and hormones out if the ovaries come out. I'm not saying forget the hyster if that's what's prescribed, but do consider the possibility that there could be something more to the emotions then just hormones.

Dealing with emotions at 3 months post op, that's me!

I found a few years ago that I get terrible PMS at times. However, I can manage it with a little hormone and a great vitamin. I experimented a little before things settled down. The vitamin I take is marketed by a cosmetics co - email me direct if you want any more info.

In my case, Micronor (Mini-pill) seems to help. It also helps with the skin for some reason. I expect I will go back on it after the visit to the castle, since I am definately keeping my ovaries. But, I am only 31. Big difference from the more experienced sisters.

But Mom went throug the big CHANGE at 52. If I were 10 years older, I would probably have him take them out.

YEP! FRAID SO! MY DOC HAS BEEN GREAT! HE JUST DOESN'T BELIEVE MY HORMONES ARE OUT OF WHACK. I CAN ALWAYS TELL WHEN I'M GOING TO START BY MY LACK OF CONTROL (EMOTIONAL) 3 DAYS BEFORE AND FIRST 2 DAYS. HE SAYS IT IS PMS. I STILL THINK I'M PERIMENOPAUSAL BUT HE WON'T TEST BECAUSE OF MY AGE (38). MY AUNT AND GRANDMOTHER WERE IN THEIR LATE THIRTIES, ALSO.

Jenni Lee,

I'm not saying not to have your surgery either, but I'm wondering if your expectations of what it will do for you are a little unrealistic. If your doctor won't even test your hormones but will take your ovaries out, is it possible that a second opinion might be helpful? Just a thought . . .