Would love to hear from endo sufferers who kept ovaries

I'm 38 and scheduled for a LSH on Sept. 28 and my doctor recommends I have both ovaries removed since I have endo. I've asked that he leave at least one and he said he would if and only if there is no endo on them. He still is encouraging me to rethink it because he said the risk of the endo still growing is great and he has found often a second surgery is required later to remove the ovaries.

I'd love to hear how things are for those of you with endo who kept one or both ovaires. Has the endo grown back? Have you had any problems? If so did you have to have another surgery?

I'm so confused that I think hearing others experiences would help. I change my mind for what to do daily. Keep them or not...

I am 8 week post-op and I had severe endo and kept both ovaries. My doctor told me once my uterus was removed the endo would die on it own. I had it checked and it was gone only 7 weeks out. I would encourage them to keep the ovaries... they don't really need to come out unless there is no option around it.

I'm 39, I had stage iv endo for 16 years. I had Lapro in March to remove some adhesions. Doc found that my tubes filled with endo and my left tube/ovary was completely engulfed with endo and adhered to the uterual wall. So when I had my TAH 8/1 I thought I was only keeping one ovary, He was able to save both!!! and assured me he got all the scar tissue/endo adhesions so lo chance of regrowth.

unfortuntaly hyst is not cure for endo, if doc doesn't get it all, there is always a chance for regrowth it feeds on the estrogen. If you are not in menopause years I would suggest if doc can save your ovary's keep them!!

also check out http://www.endo-resolved.com/specialist.html

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Originally Posted by vgtigger unfortuntaly hyst is not cure for endo, if doc doesn't get it all, there is always a chance for regrowth it feeds on the estrogen. [/url]

Really - that is one of the main reason for my surgery so it wouldn't grow back, plus other issues but that was the main issue. Thanks for the information.

It is a personal and difficult decision to make, to keep your ovaries or not, when you have endo. Endo is believed to be fed my estrogen, whether from your own ovaries, as part of your HRT, from supplements with plant estrogen (black cohosh, soy), from the endo making its own estrogen, etc.

As I was 25 at the time of my hyst, my dr and I felt that keeping my ovaries was best for my overall health. However, I was told up front that I might need a BSO in the future. And since a hyst is not a cure for endo, and since I had endo intentionally left on my bowel walls, I do still have endo issues and pain. However, I made the best decision for me.

Other drs feel it is best for women to have their ovaries removed if they have endo as there can be microscopic endo left behind as it was undetected, and your ovaries can feed that. Some drs do not allow their endo patients any form of estrogen for this reason. Other drs feel it is best to have the BSO just wait for a space of time before starting HRT that includes progesterone to combat the estrogen.

Have you had a second opinon? Have you been able to see an endometriosis specialist? Some women find seeing an endocrinologist for their hormone issues is very benefitial, and some endocrinologist (esp reproductive endocrinologist) are knowledgeable about treating women with endo.

Do your research. Learn all you can about endo and your ovaries. Reading through the Hyster Sisters' Endo/Adeno Resources can provide you with tons of information. Talk to your medical professionals. Weigh the pros and cons.

My decision might not be right for you. Do what is best for you. It has been almost 6 years since my hyst and I still feel I made the right decision. I don't know what my future holds. I know I have had more pain in the last year than ever before, although it eased quite a bit for a couple months. But if I had to do it all over again, I would still keep my ovaries.

s to you as you search through your options to decide what is right for you!

I have had endo for 23 years. I am scheduled for my hysterectomy on the 14 of September 2006. At this point I only have half of an ovary left and it's in terrible shape. After I was given all my options I decided to go with the total hysterectomy. I lost my 1 of my ovaries from having chocolate cysts. Each surgery that I had made the endo come back even worse. After my hyster my doctor is not going to immediately put me on estrogen. He is going to wait -- I'm glad --. But everyone is correct, hysterectomy does not cure endo. Good luck on your decision and you have lots of women on this site for support.

I know that it is a confusing time for you right now. I am 42 and am on my 5th week after a LSH, removing left ovary and tubes, endometriosis, adhesions and fibroids. Even though I know and was informed ahead of time I still asked to keep my right ovary even though my dr stated that endometriosis may come back and more surgery. Oh well, there goes that tummy tuck! (lol) Anyway, I don't feel comfortable staying on hormones until I am 50 or so (family pattern of menopause) nor do I want to go through menopause now. It is really a personal decision. I am very glad I had the surgery and still have some PMS (get weepy) but feel great at 5 weeks and am working 10-12 hours per day! I wish you the best and to make the best decision for you.