I'm 26 (almost 27) and have 3 kids. Last July I had really bad pain went to the er and got diagnosed with a complex cyst on my left ovary. Pain got better after surgery but then came back. Back in March I had another lap surgery that resulted in finding another cyst on my left ovary. I've been on every birth control known to man and have even done hormone therapy along side the pill. My doctor is now talking about either taking just the ovary or doing a full hysterectomy due to the chronic pain and bleeding. I'm getting a second opinion (which is difficult because I've been with this on gyn for over a decade) but in the mean time I thought I would seek some advice. Does anyone have any experience or any advice they can Offer?
Update::one surgery turned up a hemmoragic cyst where the last one in March turned up a paratubal cyst as well as cysts in my ovary. As one as a path result stating that the blood clot they sent in was not from having my normal period. Everything is benign but there is always free fluid present!
I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago. Best thing I ever did. No more constant pain. No more periods or cramps. No more pads or tampons. No more birth control. If you are done having kids, get the hysterectomy. I've never felt better.
How can you raise your kids if you're in pain all the time?
Are you done having more kids?
If yes, then have it all out.
If no, then get pregnant soon as possible and THEN have it all out.
It's a matter of you deciding when you've had enough pain and bleeding.
Most women go through menopause in their 50's.
Can you live with this for 25 or so more years?
I couldn't.
In your place, I'd choose hysterectomy.
I opted for a complete hysterectomy 14 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did.
I had 1 child and I was without a doubt done and family complete.
You are young but you've got 3 kids. If you are done having children I'd seriously consider the hysterectomy.
One of my reasons did surgery was to stop having outpatient procedures as well.
I had them take everything too, no more going back for other procedures. I've never been happier!
The website www.hystersisters. com was very helpful to me.
Best wishes to you!
You are still so young. I think I would just want my one ovary removed so I still had the option to have more kids.
Even if you think you are done having babies there are lots of reasons why woman change their mind.
I'd probably go with just having the one ovary removed that's causing you difficulties. Complete hysterectomy seems like an over reaction to make sure there's never further problems when just having the ovary removed might solve it.
These cysts go away when you turn 50. I remember when I was given that news--I was about 38. Good luck.
The most important question here is this: Are you sure you are done having kids?
Because you are young (and really, nothing to do with babies), if it were me, I'd consider the most minimally-invasive procedure possible. In my late thirties I was dealing with some recurring cysts on my right ovary. One was very large and required repeated MRIs to monitor the mass; thankfully, it shrank on its own. The concern was that if the cyst twisted (because it attaches to the ovary on a stem of sorts) and ruptured, it could destroy the ovary. I've also had cysts rupture, ended up in the ER and so I know how painful it is and why you would never want to experience that again. Honestly, if someone had offered a hysterectomy at the time, I would have jumped at it. Fortunately, this resolved, I found a great GYN and the use of birth control pills has been effective in stopping ovulation. It was also discovered that I carry a genetic mutation which can cause lots of reproductive problems due to the fact that I cannot methylate B Vitamins, which are essential to reproductive health.
I'm glad I didn't do the hysterectomy because there are benefits to being able to make your own hormones. That said, I think your second-opinion is wise. If it were me, I'd also look into your genetics before deciding on what sort of procedure to go for. If you are someone like myself, with a predisposition to dysmenorrhea or PMDD, maybe the whole enchilada would be the best choice in the long run. Good luck to you.
