Ovary removal and endometrial ablation and cyst removal, anyone?

[BodenGroupie]

Waiting for a date to go in for this op and wondered if anyone has had it and what the recovery time was like. Also, what happens (or doesn't happen) when you only have one ovary?

I'm having a 6m cyst removed and the doc thinks he may be able to do all three things via a laparoscopy. I've had a smaller cyst removed before and had two weeks off work, mainly because of the gas they pump into you and the effects of the anaesthetic.

Consultant was really unhelpful so I went through the phase of googling my symptoms and scared myself silly - got over that now and just want to get this all over with but would like to know what to expect.

Just to warn you, the Mirena coil is usually not recommended for people with a history of ovarian cysts.

Pinkbun - That sounds pretty rubbish. Surely if they biopsy the cyst and it's fine then there would be no need to remove your ovaries. If there is something of concern in the biopsy, then they can take the next step if they need to. A second opinion sounds like a very good idea. You should definitely question the consultant about his reasons for wanting to remove the ovary from the off rather than waiting to see whether it is necessary.

My operation is planned for 30 June. I think because of my age that it's just a 'take everything out' approach and I'm really upset that they don't consider any other way. Basically, the consultant asked me if I wanted to be in the same position a year down the line. I really hate not being in control of my own body.

I would insist on getting another opinion- you are entitled to this even under the NHS!

Unless the cyst looks suspicious, then they could continue to monitor it.

Does it look suspicious? what have they told you about it?

If a cyst looks malignant, they can biopsy it whilst you are being operated on and decide what to do next; they usually prefer to remove the ovary if it is malignant, as draining/removing it can release cancerous cells into the body.

However, you seem to be talking about ONE ovary- why should they want to remove the other one as well?

I think you need to ask ore questions and also postpone your op until you are happy with what is being done to you- it's your body!

mirena- can't see why this is relevant- you won't need contraception or lighter periods without ovaries. Also neve heard it was contraindicated for ovarian cysts.

mrsmerryweather
Thank you so much for taking time. I asked the consultant if he could biopsy at time of op but he said no. The other ovary does have cysts on it but they feel they are endometriomas, but again he just feels I should have them both taken away. They keep telling me that until they operate they cannot tell what is going on in there.

Also does anyone have pain in their leg with numbness caused by cysts?

I am fearing the worst and with 2 little ones I can't concentrate on anything.

Pinb- I would seriously consider cancelling your op and finding another dr.

I am sorry, but I would have no faith in a dr who just wanted to whip it all out. i think you have to ask- him or another dr- how sure they are from the scan that the cysts are not malignant- obviousl they can't be 100% but they can tell alot- or should be able to.

I have a small cyst which has been monitored every 4-6 months for 18 months. They are keeping an eye on it and doing the Ca125 blood tests ( for cancer.)

Have you had the blood tests?

I have been told they are sure as far as poss it is benign but I will keep being scanned for any changes.

it is amjor op to lose both ovaries- have you asked what he intends to offer you after th op in terms of hormone treatment?
Sorry but it does sound as if this is all for his convenince- whipping out your ovareis rather than fiddling to remove a cysyt.

You don't have to go along with it you know.

My CA125 blood test showed a level of 124. I've read that endometriosis can cause this to rise as well as cancer. He has offered me 3 years of HRT.

When I went for pre-ops testing yesterday they also tested for CA19.9 but I don't know why.

Bodengroupie - I was just wondering how you are today after the recent op?

Pinkbun - There are a few things that can cause a high CA125 count including endometriosis, pregnancy or any irritation in the uterus. I have looked up CA19.9 but it doesn't seem to make any sense. It would appear that it is a tumour marker, but totally unrelated to anything to do with the ovaries! Are they planning a laparotomy or a laparoscopy? If the dr is planning to remove both ovaries then I would have thought they would be doing a laparotomy. Key hole surgery is done as a day case and I felt well enough to go back to work after a week following my op. A laparotomy requires a 5 day stay in hospital and take 8 weeks to recover from.

Marthasmama - They have told me that they will start with a laparoscopy and if they cannot do what they need, they will then do a laparotomy. He mentioned that my ovary might have stuck to my bowel in which case he would have to cut me open. I really am finding the uncertainty hard to cope with and know I have to keep positive for my children. I just feel so alone.

Do you not have a DH/DP or close family to discuss this with? You need someone to support you with this as it is scary and it is completely normal to worry. I'm trying to rack my brains to think what you can do. It might be worth contacting PALS at the hospital you are due to go into. You need to act quickly but it is so important that you are happy & comfortable with the procedure you are going to have. Your state of mind will play such a big role in your physical recovery. If you feel confident that your concerns have been taken into account and that the dr is truly acting in your best interests then you will be so much more relaxed about the whole thing, which in turn will help your recovery. Have you got provision in place to help you with your children in the event that you do need a laparotomy? You'll need some help for at least a week even if you have a laparoscopy.

Hi Pinkbun, feeling much better thanks. The navel wound and the one by the ovary are looking almost healed with a bit of bruising but the lower one is very swollen (sorry if tmi). I suspect I could cope back at work next week - the only problem would be not having any clothes that will do up over my swollen bit! Unfortunately this means that I will be spending next week in a bikini at my beach hut

I was told the same as you about laparoscopy first then laparotomy if necessary. Please do phone your consultant - I think they get a bit blase dealing with this sort of thing on a daily basis and don't realise the worries that come to you while you're waiting for the op. They were extremely helpful at my pre-op assessment and even on the morning of my op - they were absolutely determined to allay any fears.

I also had the CA125 test - it is apparently only effective in detecting advanced ovarian cancer which is why it's not used for screening all women.