34, endo and facing complete Hyster and HRT..Help!

I have had problems for 11 years and been diagnosed with endo. and a cyst on my right ovary. My doctor wants to do a full hysterectomy with an abdominal incision. I of course am very frightened. I dont want both my ovaries taken out but he insists that if I dont do both I will be back in several years with problems and need the other removed. HRT just seems so extreme for someone my age, since I have no current problem with the other ovary. Also I dont understand why I cant have a Laproscope procedure. I am so lost right now. And I lack the courage to just tell him what I want.
Any suggestions?

I will be praying for you to make the right decision. I had a total hysterectomy @ the age of 34 and for me it was the right thing to do because I had such problems. If you are uncomfortable, please get another opinion to set your mind at ease. The HRT has been the most difficult for me. It seems to be hard to get the perfect balance. Good luck to you and keep us informed.

Thank You, I do plan on a second opinion. I'm afraid it may be the same, but it doesnt hurt. I worry about the HRT because my hormones are already unbalanced.

I don't know where you live, but I'd also recommend a 2nd opinion. I am so happy that I went with someone who was highly experienced with dealing with endo and who could perform the hyst. via a laparoscopy.

The question about whether to take the other ovary or not is a tough one. My surgeon was very experienced and we decided to wait until he was 'in there' and could see if he thought both ovaries needed to go or not. Is that a possibility for you?

Hope all goes well for you!

Brenda

P.S. I had a BSO/LSH and I had widespread endo and adhesions.

I sufferred with endo with adhesions for years as well. I was just about your age when my gyn discussed a hyster as an option for me. I personally was not ready and so we went with less invasive options. Continuous birth control pills so I wouldn't have a period, then an endometrial ablation which for me was a miracle "cure" for 2 whole years. I underwent a second lap procedure after that for him to "go back in and get more endo" and remove an ovarian cyst. I've tried different things since about 2006 to control pain and bleeding and just resorted to a LSH 12/17/08. It went very well and I'm doing just fine. If you end up staying with this current gyn, I would just ask why you are not a candidate for the lap. I do agree with the other sisters here that a gyn who specializes in endo may be your best bet. Best wishes to you!

There is nothing worse than feeling like what is recommended for you is the wrong choice. I agree with the others that you need a 2nd and maybe a 3rd opinion.

My Dr. gave me his recommendations only after doing a laproscopy, and looking at what he was going to be dealing with. He immediately followed his recommendation by telling me that he would be very willing to refere me to two very close major metropolitan areas for more opinions and would set up appointments and transfer records. I originally got the idea that it was something too messy for him to deal with and that he wanted to refer me. I asked that specific question to him and he let me know that this is his specialty, something he sees and does everyday, something that he is very good at doing but understands what kind of a decision this is for women and that we should be informed and comfortable with anything that we choose for ourselves.

It ends up that he was the person to do my surgery and although the road has not been a paved road of roses, I know I did not make a mistake and I have his support with all the new challenges I face.

Don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with! It is your body, even if it is diseased! You have the final say!

Good luck making your decision. You have lots of people who will be cheering you on regardless what you choose for you.

Having a hysterectomy with ovary removal is hard decision. Since there is no cure for endo.

I would suggest a second opinon or seeing an endometriosis specialist

If you have your ovaries removed there is the issue of hrt and it causing your endo to come back. Where if you leave your ovaries they produce estrogen. Endo can come back there isn't one answer for all of us

I had my ovaries removed and I do well. It has been some trial and error to find what works best for me. I do use some over the counter remedies as well as a prescription estrogen.

Then again there are some ladies that have their ovaries because it is better for their overall health. You need to do what you and your doctor feel is best for you.

Feel free to post questions pertaining to endo on the Endo Forum