Need Advice re TAH (endo patient)

I am scheduled to have TAH on 9/15. I think it's just the "week-before" panic that's setting in, but now I'm wondering, should I get another opinion (even though, I've known I would have to have a hysto eventually since I've had endo for over 11 years)... and I am scared about them taking my overies. My dr says there is 65-75% chance of pain relief w/ a partial hysto, but a 95% chance of pain relief w/ a total... she said that I'd only have to continue on my same birth control that I'm on now for my HRT, but I'm just concerned.

Anyone that has had both overies removed, how difficult was it to get your horomones regulated after? How do I know if it's right to have them removed?

and most importantly, how do I stop panicing & 2nd guessing myself???

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Hi;

I know how you feel, with all the stuff we read and some where along the line we get panicky its normal, but its good to be able to get all the info we need and ask all the questions we need to make a comfortable and the best decision for US!!

I had endo for over 15 years, and eventually I knew that I had to have a hyster, but not until the doctors (I went for a second and third opinion) said I had a huge ovarian cyst and lots of fibroids in my uterus was when we decided it was the best thing for me.

I chose NOT to take any HRT because I read and asked lots of questions and came to the conclusion that there is a large risk the endo can come back if we take HRT, and I didnt want that to happen, specially not after a hyster.

its been almost 6 months post op, and I am not taking any HRT, have almost no menopause symptoms and feel great!

I suggest that you really do research on endo and HRT, ask your doctors, go to second or even third opinions and make the best decision for YOU!!!

All that fear you are feeling is normal!

Keeping my ovaries was not an option as blood flow to one was severed from endo. Plus, endo had pretty much destroyed my other ovary.

As far as HRT goes, it is a juggle in the begining. I have been on four different types before finding the right one. I still do not believe that I'll ever be 100 % again.

What you're feeling is normal. I'm 100% convinced that I'm doing the right thing for me, but I'm still really nervous about it. It has helped a lot for me that I've had at least 3 separate doctors tell me the same thing - I need a hysterectomy. So if you think it would make you feel better about your decision, maybe you should talk to another doctor, even though you may need to put off your surgery. If your symptoms are bad enough that you don't want to delay the surgery, then maybe you already have your answer.

As far as HRT, I have no experience yet, but in my pre-op appointment today, my doctor told me that there are certain hormones and dosages that can be used to treat menopause symptoms without feeding the endo. We didn't discuss details yet on that, so I'm not sure exactly to which hormones she's referring.

For what it's worth, I'll be having both ovaries removed. I have stage 4 endo and I know from ultrasounds and pain that they each have large cysts on them, and the doctor said if they don't go it will get worse.

Hi

It was about a month and a half from my first visit to the actual surgery. I've been with my OBGYN for over ten years. After an ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, etc. they found cysts on both sides and believed there to be endometriosis. I knew that my doctor wasn't one to push a hyst. unless she thought it was medically necessary with all my issues. Anyways, the right ovary was unrecognizable (7cm) due to the cyst. Smaller cyst on the other ovary. Endo was all over the place including my appendix. She said I would have been in the hospital in a week or two because of that. She also said that I would be having surgery again in a year or two if I didn't take the ovaries. This would be my best shot at eliminating the endo (there are no guarantees...can return)

I'm 34 yrs and she said that I am too young not to be on estrogen. She did write a prescription for Premarin but I have not started it yet. I had a few more questions before I start that.

To be honest, I can't believe how insanely worrisome I was before the surgery. I had never been in the hospital before and put to sleep. I had them administer a sedative through my i.v. and it took the anxiety away...felt normal. It will take time to heal but you will be better for it.

Clean, clean, clean your house! It took my mind off a little and made it less stressful coming home. Good luck!