Two Hysters Walk Into a Bar...

I go with my DH to see his band play at this bar on Friday night. Two ladies I know show up and sit at my table. One has had a “total” (ovaries, uterus and cervix). One has had a “partial” (uterus and one ovary).

Total Girl tells me she’s on HRT and that it’s all wonderful. She’s dancing, singing and telling me to focus on healing before I go in and not to worry.

Partial Girl is telling me horror stories about her doctor and how she still has mixed felling, so on and so forth.

It makes me wonder… Is it chemical or is it your attitude? Or is it a mixture of both?

My pre-op is the day before Thanksgiving, and my surgery is the Tuesday after. I have to make this life alternating decision. Ovaries or no?

Help me hystersisters… You’re my only hope.

I had a vag hyst and kept my ovaries. I have had a good recovery and only have minor complaints. I did not want to be put in a surgically induced menopause. My feeling is if your ovaries are working, there is no need to take them out. There is a good article on this site about whether or not to keep your ovaries. I don't remember where it is, but I think if yoiu click on articles, you will see it. Maybe another hyster sister will tell you exactly where it is.

I strongly believe part of the healing process is a positive attitude. You need to remember that those hystersisters that had relatively smooth recoveries will not post as often as those having problems/issues.

As far as HRT goes, I kept my ovaries because they were fine and didn't want to go into menopause at my age (34). Keeping your ovaries is a very personal issue and one that only you and your doctor can determine.

Try to remain positive after your surgery and even if you have problems, remember that eventually the healing process is going to be over and you can go on with your period-free life.

Here's the thing I forgot to mention. I've got fibroids "the size of grapefruits". They are so large, they can't see the ovaries. If the ovaries are bad, then I guess they gotta go. But if they're good, then I've got to tell this gentleman what to do. So, the question I struggle with remains; should they stay or should they go?

Hi!
I can only tell you that due to circumstances, I didn't have any choice - mine was a TAH/BSO. Since Oct 25, I've had a sum total of maybe 3 "hot flashes" and as far as I know, I was still not done with menopause despite being 10 yr older than you. Attitude really makes a difference. People don't understand how I can still be positive despite what they found but keep telling them "what's the use of gloom and doom - will only convince myself and I've got too many things I still want and need to do". Keep chin up - whatever you decide will be the best for you.

May you have days, s and s


Jeanne

I had my TAH at age 44 6 years ago. Kept my ovaries as they were fine. I had huge fibroids. My ovaries are still working without a hitch at age 50. My doctor saw no reason to remove perfectly good organs and I agree. Ask your doctor. -Melanie

Do as much research as you can on keeping vs losing the ovaries. Talk to your doctor and see what he recommends. You didn't say how old you are, but if you're close to menopause, your doc may have different advice than if you were younger.

My doc's plan was to look at them while he was doing the surgery, see if they looked healthy and proceed from there. I'm sure your doc will do whatever the two of you decide is best for your health

I lost my ovaries unexpectadily due to severe endo we did not know that I had. That was very upsetting to me @ the time because by ultrasound they looked fine. I am 43 and did not want to go into surgical menopause.

Honestly, I feel much better on the estrogen patch than I did with my own hormones-but again, my ovaries were diseased. And, I do not have to ever worry about ovarian cancer. My Dr. is going to check my testosterone levels next month and may add some compounded cream to the regimen if my levels are low.

Best wishes with everything

Sweet Pea
TAH w/BSO on 9/19/05. Vertical incision for giant fibroid uterus weighing 1238 gms. Endo , adeno and severe adhesions. On Vivelle Dot and doing well.

HI...I had huge fibroids....fibroids and uterus removed was approx l0 lbs.. I begged to keep my ovaries...because I didn't want the surgical menopause..and because I have had an anuerysm and so HRT wasn't an option for me.
Seriously...I have never felt better!!! I was in the hospital for 4 days..I had a great recovery...I have my ovaries..I get a bit of PMS..which is crazy..but no period..which is great...
It's true...too many post all these horrific stories...which I focussed on before my surgery..not enough of us post how truly easy this surgery is...
Honestly...I have never felt better...I had no idea how fibroids drain you..Good luck with all your choices...hugs, r

Hi flasissy,

Are your ovaries healty? Here is a link to an article which may help you decide what to do: Keep Ovaries? Keep One or Both? .

While many women, regardless of what kind of surgery they have, seem to fly through recovery without any problems, others seem to have serious complications. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting who will suffer complications and who will not.

So, you ask, is it attitude? No, Not IMHO, it is not. There is one thing to think about though. The woman who is having a great deal of pain and bleeding before her surgery, will likely be more content with the discomforts she experiences while trying to recover (especially if she is actually feeling better than before). Women who do not experience any pain or other discomforts before their hysterectomy are more likely to be unhappy with the surgical menopause that an oopherectomy throws them into.

Learn as much as you can about your options so you can make the best decision for you.

s,
Kay