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Upcoming hysterectomy 6/25: Doctor is concerned. So, should we do TAH or TAH and BSO?
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06-10-2018, 09:52 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 5
Hysterectomy: June 25th, 2018
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Upcoming hysterectomy 6/25: Doctor is concerned. So, should we do TAH or TAH and BSO?
Hello I am a newbie to this forum, so I hope that I am posting my introduction in the correct place. I am posting bc my hysterectomy is schedule for June 25th (pre-op is June 13th) and I am in need of guidance on how much of my reproductive parts to have my Dr. remove.
I am 53 yrs of age and have had really heavy cycles for the past 3-4 years. I have also had two endometrial cyst removal surgeries - one at 35 and another at 42. About 2 years ago, I had an ablation in the hopes that it would resolve them, but the following May and then last October, I had two heavy cycles that lasted two weeks each. Most recently, for the past three weeks I have had extremely heavy bleeding. So, I went to my doc since I was becoming concerned (and annoyed).
During that visit, she found that I had an enlarged uterus (= to a woman who is 3 mos. pregnant) as well as an enlarged left ovary with what looked like a 'mass' on it. I have been seeing her for about 9 years now, and this is the first time that she has told me that she is concerned. This really scared me, so she prescribed progesterone and we agreed that a hysterectomy was needed - scheduled for June 25th, 2018.
If it's helpful, I am married but have never had children.
Now, my mind is all over the place wondering if this is going to be just a routine procedure (if there is such a thing) or if I am looking at something more serious. So, I have joined this site to consult with you all for advice and guidance.
My primary question is whether I should just take out everything - uterus and both ovaries - given the size of my uterus and the appearance of my left ovary. I am concerned about the hormonal impact of this decision, but I don't want to risk cancer if I leave the other ovary in given how much my uterus has enlarged since the ablation and that my left ovary is also impacted.
Hearing any experiences on this would be really helpful.
I'd also appreciate any guidance on what the recovery period is like. Should I take 6 weeks leave from work to recover since this is the common recommendation on most sites? How incapacitated will I be, and for how long? I've briefly scanned the forum and see that there are helpful garments and other supplies to have on hand that will make the recovery easier, so I'll check for that here. Figuring that will help.
Are there any dietary recommendations that I should consider that will keep the discomfort to a minimum and improve my recovery?
Basically, I am walking into an unknown situation and am open to any advice on how to assure the best results from the procedure. So, I'll look forward to hearing from you all on how to plan for this event.
So grateful to have found this forum!
Best,
Nhsh1018
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06-11-2018, 03:08 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 342
Hysterectomy: October 23rd, 2017
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Upcoming hysterectomy 6/25: Doctor is concerned. So, should we do TAH or TAH and BSO?
It truly is a blessing to have somewhere to talk to other women. Couple of questions for you...how did the doctor “see” the mass on your ovary? I’m assuming an ultrasound was done? The reason I ask is because I had a large cyst on my right ovary that was found during an ultrasound for an abnormal pap. My gyno could tell this was just a cyst but regardless had to be removed because it was big and she was worried about it twisting. If your doctor saw a mass, I would be a lot more comfortable having it investigated further by a gynecologist oncologist.
As far as what parts to have removed, I guess this all depends on what the mass on your ovary is. That would be my number one concern. I would ask to be referred if your gyno doesn’t know what it is. If there is even a small chance of it being something concerning, you want a doctor with experience in that area dealing with it.
I had robotic surgery so I can’t help with recovery on TAH. Many of the women seem to like the binders, some of them will be by shortly I’m sure!! Please keep us posted and best wishes to you.
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06-11-2018, 06:09 AM
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Posts: 8,056
Hysterectomy: April 14th, 2015
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Upcoming hysterectomy 6/25: Doctor is concerned. So, should we do TAH or TAH and BSO?
If your right ovary is healthy, and there's nothing to suggest uterine or endometrial cancer, then I would suggest that you keep it; I was fortunate to be able to keep both ovaries. If ovarian cancer is the main concern, then I would suggest that you have both Fallopian tubes removed, as was done in my case, because recent studies suggest that it often starts there. As for the hormonal impact, if you end up having both ovaries removed, you will go into surgical menopause, but it may take a few weeks to kick in, as your body uses up any remaining hormomes; if you end up keeping your right ovary, you may experience menopausal symptoms for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, as your body adjusts to the reduced hormonal output As for your post-op diet, an overall healthy diet, with emphasis on adequate protein, zinc, and Vitamin C, will give your body what it needs to heal itself properly. Increasing your intake of magnesium and fibre can help to deal with the dreaded constipation. As for returning to work, that depends on whether your duties include activities that are typically contraindicated post-op, such as bending, reaching, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing or sitting; just follow your surgeon's instructions, and listen to your body, and you'll be okay. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery!
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06-11-2018, 07:44 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 7,531
Hysterectomy: October 23rd, 2006
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Upcoming hysterectomy 6/25: Doctor is concerned. So, should we do TAH or TAH and BSO?
i would keep one ovary if it's possible!
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06-11-2018, 08:13 AM
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Posts: 19,781
Hysterectomy: May 29th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Upcoming hysterectomy 6/25: Doctor is concerned. So, should we do TAH or TAH and BSO?
If one of your ovaries is healthy, keep it. You're not done with menopause yet and even afterwards, it will produce low levels of hormones that contribute to your bone density and heart health. I *did* have both my ovaries out, but that was *only* because I had endometrial cancer.
What kind of work do you do? If it involves a lot of physical activity, you might need more than six weeks. In my case, I was working at a part-time desk job that occasionally involved handling 30-40 lb boxes in the archives area. My commute was a 1.5 mile walk including a a steep hill. I returned at four weeks because by then I knew I could do the walk and still have enough energy to get work done once I arrived. However, the boxes had to wait until six weeks, and even then I could just handle one or two each day. At eight weeks I could sling boxes around all I liked, no problem.
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06-11-2018, 07:54 PM
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Posts: 17,510
Hysterectomy: May 17th, 2011
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Upcoming hysterectomy 6/25: Doctor is concerned. So, should we do TAH or TAH and BSO?
Hi Nhsh1018 -
If your doctor is concerned, can she send you to a gyn onc? Or can one be made available during your surgery?
Whether or not you keep your ovary may be determined during your surgery. If it is healthy, and your surgeon agrees, you may want to keep your healthy ovary. Here are articles:
Should I Keep My Healthy Ovary?
Should I Keep My Ovaries if I Am Near Menopause?
Recovery is different for everyone, but you do need to think in terms of weeks and not days. You will need help with cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, shopping, driving, etc. Here are 10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy. Be sure to read the related articles. What I found most useful were the following:
-Meals in the freezer that can be put in the microwave
-Easy foods for breakfasts and lunches
-Loose fitting clothing
-Prepare your recovery corner with pillows and blankets
-Small pillow to hold against your tummy for coughs and sneezes
-Super clean your house
-Get your hair cut
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