Having an Oophorectomy...?!

[PurpleLostPrincess]

I'm having an Oophorectomy at some point, finally had the go ahead last week - waiting for the date to come in the post. I've rung the consultants secretary to see if I can get a general idea of when it will be i.e. next month or next year, just so we can plan around it.

I had a TAH 18 months ago and the recovery was extensive due to problems (I'll see if I can find my old threads and do a link). This op will be done abdominally again as keyhole isn't an option because of my hysterectomy scar.

Just thought I'd see what other people's recovery was like in terms of hormones. I'm 34 and will be launched into clinical menopause - anything's better than the pain I've been living with though!

At least I have an idea of the recovery from having the TAH. I want our bedroom decorated beforehand - we stripped the wallpaper before the TAH and it still hasn't been done! Also I promised DD2 we'd do her room by her 13th birthday which is end of August. So will be busy bees over the next few months. I just wish I had some energy to get on top of things! DH suffers with MH issues so hoping he will have a good phase! Friends and family have offered to help which is a relief!

Tell me your experiences please

Ouch! Not had an oophorectomy but have had a clinical menopause from radiotherapy. HRT patches had me restored to fairly normal within a week. A friend had her ovaries removed with her hysterectomy and the hormonal recovery was fine. So positive responses if not strictly answering your question ;).

Thank you ThingOne. Sorry to hear you had to go through radiotherapy, but thank you for sharing something positive as far as hormones go

Bump - anybody else?

Have managed to speak with somebody and they said it'll be around 18 weeks, taking us up to October/November time... I'm so pleased it's going to happen but I'm in such agony and it seems like having to wait a lifetime!!! I'm trying to get on with 'normal' life but it's not easy...

Just wanted to give you some support -that does seem like a long time! Will getting in touch and telling them just how much it's hurting help? Any chance of going private?

Thanks youarelove - you are lovely!! No chance of going private unfortunately as totally skint, but I am thinking of ringing in a few weeks time if a date hasn't come through. The consultants secretary is really nice and I've spoken with her a few times before - she's very sympathetic which is helpful. Whether she can actually 'do' anything is another question though. I've always had the attitude that if you don't ask, you don't get - it won't hurt to ask at least and if it's a no I'll just have to wait.

Since I was admitted back in December I've kept a scale in my head of how bad the pain is, for instance today has been around a 6 out of 10. Generally it's been around a 4/5. If it gets to a 7 or above, that's the time to go up to A&E and DH and I have that as a backup plan. The oramorph takes the edge off it but I try to limit my usage as I'm worried I'll get addicted to it.

No problem!

I'd keep badgering them - spare appointments come up all the time and if you don't keep reminding them of your presence then they might forget about you and not offer the appointment to you.

It's fairly ridiculous that you need to go to A&E for pain relief though - can't believe that they'd rather you did that than give you the operation - it's more expensive surely if you keep going and the NHS is all about money!!

Are there any other ways of managing the pain (sorry if I'm being patronising here!)? I have very polycystic ovaries (not PCOS though) and have to stick to a boring strict diet to try to keep them under control (e.g. lots of soy products, low GI foods etc). It's fairly soul destroying but it seems to work and stops the pain I used to get when the cysts formed. Have you looked into something like that? Or a TENS machine? Is it that sort of pain? Clutching at straws here - seems dreadful that you're being forced to live through such pain.

Sending lots of un-MN-hugs x

Have only had to go to A&E the once thank goodness, not an experience I'm in any rush to repeat ...

I had no idea that my diet could have an influence on the pain - they've not mentioned anything about managing it, just given me more painkillers! I'll get googling now though, if it works for you it's definitely worth me giving it a try. The lady said I need to bring my BMI down anyway - I've lost 10lbs in the past 2 weeks by just cutting out the crap and forcing myself to eat breakfast rather than starving (just don't normally have time!). I don't have any appetite so it's been an effort but well worth it I guess.

Hadn't thought of TENS, that could help too!

You're right about keeping myself on top of the pile though - I'll ring her tomorrow just to make myself known and see what the state of play is. It's always worth being tenacious ime!

Sorry to hear you suffer with cysts too - is there any solution on the cards for you?

You may as well try to help it with your diet - not going to do any harm!

Well done on the weight loss - that's a huge amount! At the very least, that'll make the surgery less risky/recovery easier hopefully.

Make a pain of yourself I reckon - worth it if it gets you through the queue sooner.

I'm actually having a cyst removed tomorrow morning - they 'think' it's a dermoid, but it could be an endometrioma - basically they have no idea so they want it out.. So need to wait and see and then decide on the best course of action. I conceived DD1 with no problems at all - first night we tried! - having stuck religiously to my diet, so hopefully once this cyst's out of the way the same thing can happen (we want #2!). After that, I'm back on the pill - never had this problem when I was on it...

How did it go youarelove? Hope you are recovering well?

I rang the lady again last week, she said it will be around September/October time but she's happy for me to keep ringing every couple of weeks for an update and has put me on the 'standby' list in case they get any cancellations.

Not doing too well with the healthy eating these last few weeks, been very low and in agony, often don't have much of an appetite. I just want to wake up feeling well and not in so much pain all the time! Right now I'm in agony but I know if I take painkillers I'll feel all mushy, I can't win

Hey

Have name changed.

Glad that you're hopefully making some progress up the list - sounds like the lady's on your side anyway!!

What a horrid situation. Can you try some nutritional shakes? Are they any easier to get down? Hope that you're feeling better...

The surgery went well - once they got in there they discovered that my ovary had twisted around 3 times so they had to untwist it and then remove the mass, so it took longer than expected, but apparently my ovary was in good shape when they left it and everything else looked normal. Their initial thoughts were that the mass was either a fibroid or a lipoma - definitely not endo. Pretty much recovered now other than the cuts, although they're healing well. The woozy spells are finally ending... Still waiting for the results of the biopsy on the mass though - my consultant's meant to be calling me any time and the longer I have to wait the more nervous I get... Not quite sure what I'm expecting the results to be, but just want to know...

Oh my goodness maxbucket, twisted 3 times!!?? That must have been agony for you - ouch!! Have you had your results yet? It's the not knowing that's the worst isn't it! Glad to hear they left things looking good though.

I'm due to ring again Mon/Tues so will let you know if I get a date. Other than that I've just been struggling through each day. I had my hair highlighted today so I'm feeling a bit better about myself. Also we've sorted out DD2's room so we're at least able to walk across it without treading on toys . Just have to get the paint for DD2's room and start decorating while she's away next week. Then she gets back for 1 day, then she and DS are going to France for 2 weeks. It'll be quiet with just DD2 in the house but we're going to my parents caravan in Wales and I'm so looking forward to it!!

You're going to think I'm absolutely bonkers!

Got a call from the lady this morning to say they have a cancellation for next Tuesday - that's next Tuesday!!!! . I was literally in the middle of dropping off DD2 at childcare so asked if I could ring her back after speaking with DH and my parents...

Thing is, DH doesn't drive, so we were all geared up for Sept/Oct as DS would then be able to drive DH to the shops etc, my parents have elderly relatives over from Canada so with DS in France we'd be well and truly stuffed, especially with no DD1 and DS to help DH with DD2. Also I promised DD1 her room would be decorated before her 13th birthday (end of Aug). Having had the hysterectomy and seen the pressures it put on the family around me, I don't want to suddenly drop them all in it without some sort of preparation - am I being silly? I'd feel ever so selfish if I went ahead... not to mention that I'm soooo looking forward to having a week at the caravan which is something that I've wanted to do for months on end and I really need it.

I rang back and said thanks but no thanks so she'll let me know when a date comes through for Sept/Oct - she knew it was only on the off chance anyway. Also, despite the pain I've been in, there may be others who need surgery more urgently than me. I spoke with DS this evening and he said that he and his sister would much prefer to be around when I have the surgery, partly to look after me, but also because we're really close and they wouldn't want to be in France worrying about me - bless him!

Having said all that, my pain kicked in this afternoon and I felt like such a pleb for having passed up on the opportunity to have gotten rid of it. I'm 95% sure I've made the right decision, apart from when I'm in pain!!

Bloody typical - pain has hit new heights last night and today and no amount of painkillers or oramorph is kicking it... must hang on, must hang on...

Hello, just popping in to say I've got the date for surgery - phew!!!!

I'm going in on 20th Sept and have my pre-op on 12th Sept. The pain had eased a bit for a week or two but has stepped up from yesterday, I can only assume I'm ovulating...?

Anyway, we have DD1's room decorated finally and we now have a few weeks to decorate our room. I didn't realise how much of a pressure it was on us - since we got the date we've been getting on really well, it was like a black cloud hanging over us!

Good luck. With regard to the oromorph, I don't think you can become dependant or addicted to it if you are using it for pain control.

Thanks rips, I only take it every now and then if the pain gets unbearable and the codeine doesn't cut it. The bottle says to have a dose 4 times a day but I'd be off my rocker if I did that! Unfortunately I have to hide it as DH has a problem with prescription drugs but that's a whole other thread...! I guess that's why I'm very wary of what I'm taking as I've seen DH get ridiculously addicted to stuff, but then I haven't got the addictive nature he has (and the MH problems!).

Purple you need to keep on top of the pain, rather than try to sort it out once it has got too bad.
I would be having a word with my DH, issues or not.

Trust me, we've had many a 'word' about it - it's the one and only thing we ever row about. Our GP is amazing and is aware of DH's issues, so I only ever get a weeks worth of tablets in one go as he has a history of finding them and taking ridiculous amounts. This hasn't happened for at least a year, but I know him too well and daren't risk it with the oramorph. He used to have a big marujana (sp?) problem and we split up over it 2 years ago. He was allowed back after 2 months on the basis that he stays clean, and has done ever since. Our lives changed dramatically for the better, but he suffers with sciatica (sp?) and seems to have replaced one addiction with another, albeit not to the extent the other one was. I've waffled now!

Anyway, I agree about keeping on top of the pain, but because it fluctuates so much I don't want to be taking lots of painkillers unneccesarily. Also, the times when I have the maximum dose for a prolonged period of time, it gives me constipation so I have to take movicol. The pain of the build up makes it all worse - maybe the mass next to the cyst aggravates it...?

I don't want you to think I'm being awkward at all, I'm very open to discussing stuff and being challenged as it's healthy to question these sorts of things in life. I always appreciate different people's thoughts on mn, that's the whole point imo

Can you ask your GP for some Lactulose for when you take the codeine? I am allergic to codeine, but was given it when I had a brain aneurysm. I had to have the lactulose at the same time. It is horrible stuff, but effective.
Fingers crossed for a happy outcome soon for you. And, has your DH tried a TENS machine? I have a really lax lower back and when my discs are throbbing, I use mine and it helps a lot.

Counting down the days now! Less than two weeks to go...

Haven't touched the bedroom yet but will be hitting it this weekend and breaking the back of it. My Dad is watching DD2 downstairs while we get on with things - she's just turned 4 and is into everything so best keep her out of the way!

I have a list of things to keep me busy while recovering and it's growing slowly.

1. Watch the past 3 weeks worth of Eastenders that is saved in the planner.
2. Watch seasons 6 & 7 of CSI NY, and possibly start one of the other CSI's (have only just discovered them).
3. Read the Twighlight books.
4. Read all of Kathy Reichs books.
5. Play Rummikub online.

When I had the hysterectomy, I pushed myself too hard too quickly, mostly due to boredom more than anything else. So this time I'm going to do it right and rest, rest, rest.

DS(17) has agreed to cover the school runs until I'm driving again - we car share with some friends of the family over the road as their girls go to school with DD1. Although he has his own car, I'd rather he used mine so we've made sure his insurance covers him. DH's motorbike has been in for repairs for over a month but it should be ready in time (I'm the only driver).

DD2 has playschool/childminder a couple of days a week which should keep her busy. It's just up the road so it'll be good for me to walk her there as I didn't do enough walking last time imo. Because of DH's MH issues, it was really hard last time for him to go anywhere without me, but I'm hoping this will give him a bit of a push (in the right way), especially if his bike is running.

Off to write more lists of things so I'm organised in my head

1. Complete Angry Birds

I would say that it will be around 2-3 weeks depending on how recovery goes and infection, about the same as appendix ops, although it is both sides the incisions are much smaller and don't affect mobility the same as TAH. They used to offer HRT because the reduction in oestrogen is linked to osteoperosis but it has been a while since I worked on a ward, so not sure if they still do.

The pain should be controlled well enough on regular diclofenac (unless asthmatic) and paracetamol by the time you are discharged, certainly shouldn't require any opiods.