Hi again ladies, a few days ago I posted about my abdominal hysterectomy coming up in a few weeks, YAY and all my trials in my past with my female plumbing. In short I suffer from chronic migraines, endomitriosis, tilted uterus, ovarian cysts that rupture every few months, chronic leg, pelvic and back pain and all these things greatly affect my quality of life (hence the hysterectomy). I have had numerous surgeries in the past 15 years which is the reason for the abdominal as opposed to the other methods of surgery. My GYN has told me that she will only be removing my uterus unless she sees that my ovaries do not look healthy. Her reasons are because I am small framed, Caucasian and new studies about the ovaries protecting the heart.
My concern (which I will bring up at my preop) is I will still ovulate and in turn still produce ovarian cysts that will rupture. Also it probably won't reduce my migraines as my hormone level won't decrease (right?). I'd also like my face to stop breaking out, but I am sure that's not a huge concern of hers, haha.
So, the many of you out there that have had this done, what are your opinions? I am aware of being put into surgical menopause (I have done medical menopause twice before - I know what I am in for, it will just be for a longer period of time) and I am prepared for that. I think I am just scared of having a partial and then later on down the line having to go back in to remove the ovaries. Have you ever heard of this being done?
As always, thank you SO much for your help. It is greatly appreciated!
K.
I had a full hysterectomy 10 1/2 years ago. Anything I can answer specifically for you I'd be happy too. :)
E. in colorado
My sister and my mom both had partial hysterectomy -- leaving in the ovaries. My sister had ovarian cysts, but not quite as often as you have described. Both say it was the best decision they could have made.
Your hormone levels should decrease, since the uterus is a hormone producing organ, but you should discuss that with your doctor. As for your breakouts not being your doctor's concern -- they should be because they are a concern of yours. In our society we forget that doctors provide a service to us. We are not controlled by them and they rely on our business to maintain their livelihood. If your doctor is not concerned about the things that are concerning you, then he/she should not have your business. But that probably isn't an option now with surgery so close. If you are truly worried about ovarian cysts and hormone levels with leaving your ovaries in place then make sure your doctor understands your concerns. Write them down (or just print out your post) and take them with you. If you think they won't be addressed in the pre-op or will take more time than is scheduled for the pre-op, make an extra appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. You are going to have major surgery, so make sure that ALL of your concerns will be addressed by this surgery instead of just going with what the doctor says. This is YOUR body and YOUR life, make your doctor understand how it is being affected, your fears, etc.
Good luck with your surgery, I hope it helps and solves the issues you've been having.
My ovaries were left-but I did not have a history of cysts-I don't know how to advise you, but I will pray for your recovery!
My sister had a full hysterectomy last year after years of struggling with endometriosis (and painful ovarian cysts). Main reason she decided to ditch her ovaries was because when she was on lupron she felt fantastic. The specialist said that it probably was because it shut down her ovaries temporarily.
She also decided to get rid of her ovaries because she was dealing with advanced endometriosis that had spread into her abdominal cavity and was concerned about the possibility of re-occurence.
She is on bio-identical hormones now, and says she feels better than she has felt in years. She still has migraines though, but those run in the family.
Good luck!
ETA: Her regular obgyn would have done a classical incision (more like a c-section) but referred her to someone specializing in hard cases and he was able to do the entire surgery laparascopically through a smaller incision.
I chose to get rid of everything and I am glad I did. I have an HRT patch, never any issues with weight gain, sex drive, etc.
I did not want to have to deal with any of it anymore so once and done for me.
I guess it depends on your health and your Dr recommendations. Best wishes to you.
Have you ever considered trying an alternative approach? I can recommend two doctors in the Denver area who can help you balance your hormones and deal with most of the other things as well--without surgery. I realize your going to probably do the surgery regardless of what I say, but the other things you are worried about post surgery, these two docs can assist you with. Let me know if you'd like their names. (I've balanced my hormones in a natural manner--that's what makes me think they can help you as well.)
Good luck!
J.
I had a full hysterectomy at 26 and it was the best thing to happen to my quality of life for myself and my son! No more pain and 3 week periods! I am now 43 and take a little pill each day I still have an occasional hot flash but no other side effects in that department! They talked of leaving me an ovary but both had cysts at the time of my surgery so they took it all. I feel that this is a blessing, no more pain no more cyst removals. The choice is between you and your Doctor but I know I have absolutly no regrets!
My sister had a partial because of severe endometriosis. It didn't help at all. They went in to remover her ovaries and they were gone. They said that they were absorbed by her body because of non-use or whatever it's called.
