Hysterectomy-more Afraid of Potentially Having Ovaries Removed

I had uterine cancer, had a hysterectomy and ONE ovary removed, two years ago. (the OTHER OVARY was removed with a tube years back) So I have no ovaries, no nothin' haha. At any rate I cannot take hormones due to the cancer. I am happily cancer free. I do however have this: a husband who still chases me around the bedroom. A body that seems to respond to that and strangely enough do not have the same stinky body odor. I have a pretty happy life that has nothing to do with my hysterectomy and all the parts that were put back together work fairly well. (i.e.if this isn't too upfront without being tacky, medically, my body lubricates itself the same as it did before.I am not finding that my moods are any more severe, other than that I have had to deal with some family issues (recent hospitalization of my younger child, son previously in the service, etc.) that could potentially cause tons of tears. As it is I handled it all and am so happy to be alive and not bleeding all the time. That was horrible...so hope this helps you.

I had a hysterectomy this past Feb and it was the best decision I've made about my health!!! It was done with the DiVinci method - I was in the hospital for 24 (if even) hours. I was resting for 48 and shopping on Thursday. My sister was here to care for me and my men. I had NOTHING to worry about. so I believe that helped IMMENSELY in my recovery.

it has been a TOTAL relief NOT to have to worry about all the issues. I had EVERYTHING taken out - I'm 45 - i don't know how old you are - but I guess I was one of the lucky ones, I have NOT needed HRT.

Having the hysterectomy meant for me that I no longer had to keep an extra set of panties or worse, clothes with me should my body decide to start bleeding.

I no longer have to worry about getting pregnant. I lost three babies and two in one year - one at 22 weeks - so it wears on your head and your heart too.

With all the problems you have been having - don't fret. It's a GREAT option! You are done having babies. Since I don't know your age - maybe the doctor can save one ovary.

GOOD LUCK!!

I had everythng taken out a few years ago and have done great since. I take hormone replacements and they are just fine. Studies show, women who take hormone replacements do better and survive and recover better if they have a heart attack than women who dont take HRT. The risk of breast cancer is such a tiny % higher in a few studies but actually lower in other studies, its not something I worry about, (and my own mother had breast cancer). I dont have all those parts to develop cancer now so thats a big weight off my mind. I plan to take HRT for as long as I live because it helps replace what my body is missing since the surgey. I see no problem with it and am very glad I had it done.

I had my ovaries removed when I was 37 due to a growth that ended up being ovarian cancer. I never took hormones and breezed thru surgical menopause. My mom had a really easy menopause too so I probably inherited something good on that front. There are also all kinds of all natural hormone replacement options if you get to that point instead of premarin. Good luck!

I just had a hysterectomy 11/8 and found a website that helped so much .... Hystersisters.com ... Good luck!

You need to ask questions, and possibly get a second opinion. I had many fibroids and very bad endometriosis and I had a hysterectomy..... and I kept my ovaries.

It was the best thing I ever did for myself. It ended so many problems. But I never considered -- nor did my doctor recommend -- having my ovaries removed. And obviously I didn't need that because I have never had any problems since. I don't understand the connection between the ovaries and endometriosis.

Updated

I agree with Debbie. Your case sounds pretty serious, and leaving ovaries in there is just an invitation to ovarian cancer down the line. If they end up needing to remove them, they won't be pulling them out of your vagina either - it will be abdominal surgery.

Not everyone who has a complete hysterectomy does HRT. You might need to, but maybe not. I have to admit, I'd have the doctor take my Fallopian tubes and my ovaries if it were me.

Good luck!
Dawn

I was 38 and thru having kids when I had uterus only removed. Had abdominal inscision right thru bikini cut from previous C-sections scar. My Dr. said at my age its better to leave working ovaries, I'm glad we did. It has been great all these years until hot flashes started a couple years ago. But, I went about 12 years without having to take anything. I use bioidentical cream hormones. Works for me. I'm telling ya- those fibroids have a mind of their own -- bleed when and as long as they want. Mine was 6cm. and I had to get transfusion so that I COULD go thru the hysterectomy. I feel like the oral contraceptives I tried for awhile to lighten my flow was actually making the fibroid grow. (the estrogen effect). But, the end result was - Yay! No periods, red rivers, cramping, etc.... Wish you the best!

I would be more worried about cancer chances than needing to take hormones. was going to add something else but thought better of it

OMG.... I had complete abdominal hysterectomy at 40. It was the BEST thing I've ever done for myself!!!

I am on an HRT patch, no issues, no weight gain ( still petite 0-2), I did get larger perky boobs which I love, sex drive increased ( no fear of oopsie)

I got a lot of info from www.hystersisters.com. Very blatent... To the point info both pros and cons.

I could not be happier with my decision. Never felt or looked better... Love it