Ovaries coming out tomorrow- nervous now!

[MissyB1]

Has anyone else had their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed? Mine are coming out tomorrow by keyhole surgery. Also having a hysteroscopy at the same time. I’m 52 so as the Gynae consultant helpfully pointed out “you don’t need your ovaries anymore”

Reason for the surgery is post menopausal bleeding, an ultrasound that showed thickened uterus. And the fact that having had breast cancer in the past I’m at slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Wondering how I will feel afterwards and what the recovery will be like.

I had one out in November and was fine. Had worse period pain tbh.... However, did get trapped gas pain afterwards which was eye-watering - they fill you full of co2 gas and some if it can get trapped under the diaphragm. Not everyone gets this though. Take charcoal tablets to absorb it if you do.

Otherwise recovery was uneventful. Good luck!

Thanks. Yes the trapped gas is something I’m not looking forward to 😟 I get bad wind pain from IBS so I know what that’s like sadly!

I had one ovary and tube removed nearly 5 years ago due to a cyst being wrapped around ovary. Due to age it was easier to just snip tube away rather than entangle from ovary. Stayed in one night and operation took just over an hr. I second the pain in the back, not awful but uncomfortable. Only thing was anaesthetic took ages to wear off and it made me feel tired for days.

Yes my previous experience of having anaesthetics is that I’m wiped out for days. Dh will be off work for a few days so I won’t have to do much around the house.

@MissyB1

I feel really concerned for you as there are so many questions I'd be asking and you don't have much time now.

I hope they have prepared you for what will be a surgical menopause. I'm a bit confused- they are removing your ovaries but not your womb?

Have they not done a biopsy already on the lining? An ultrasound alone is not usually enough to make a decision over whether to remove your ovaries. If you have hyperplasia (thick lining) there are several types from simply thickened, to cancerous, and various levels in between. The usual treatment for a thick, non-cancerous lining is a Mirena coil. This is in the RCOG guidance on post menopausal bleeding.

The next line of treatment would be a hysterectomy if it was cancerous.

How long are you post menopause? Has it been explained that you may get all the symptoms of menopause like sweats and flushes and that the ovaries also produce testosterone which gives women muscle strength and energy?

Have they talked about hormone replacement with you?

It is used for women who have had BC in some cases, post menopause if they find the symptoms unbearable.

I do hope you have had good advice on all of this and if not, there is still time to ask.

Had both out and cervix with a hysterectomy. Honestly it was the best thing. No HRT. Yes to hot flushes which did come thick and fast to begin with put took sage and soy isoflavones for 6 months. Never looked back. You will be fine. I was 50 at the time if that helps

Everyone is different @CaroleFuckingBaskin. There are some very different experiences on Menopause Matters forum where women are really upset that their gynaes did this ( same as a man being castrated) and with little or no advice on what may happen. Soy and sage don't work for everyone and there are some women 20 + years on from menopause still suffering.

I do hope the OP is fine and like you but I also hope she's had this kind of chat with her drs. It's really very 'old school' to say 'Oh we'll whip out XYZ and you won't notice.'

@JinglingHellsBells thanks you do make a good point. But I’ve been menopausal for 5 years because of taking Tamoxifen for breast cancer which wiped out my oestrogen.
I’ve had polyps removed from my uterus last summer by hysteroscopy. They are intending to leave my uterus in but the Gynae wants a good look at it under anaesthetic. Having had breast cancer I’m aware I’m at a slightly raised risk of ovarian cancer and there’s no way to screen for it. So all in all I’m in agreement with removing them.

I felt I'd worried you by my post- sorry if that was the case.
It is possible to be screened for OC- annual ultrasound screenings - although maybe it's not something the NHS offers. I am sure I listened to an interview with the menopause gynae Nick Panay where he said women on Tamoxifen could use HRT as the Tamoxifen 'zapped' the estrogenic effects on breasts while they used it. If you have problems after your op, give me a 'nod' by PM and I will see if I can find the interview for you- it's a Youtube interview from last tear as far as I recall.
Good luck with the operation. I am sure you will get over it fine, as it's keyhole. People say mint tea is good for helping to relieve the CO2 gas used to extend the tummy when they operate.

Thanks @JinglingHellsBells I’m certainly thinking about topical oestrogen creams or pessaries. Going to chat to the Gynae about that tomorrow.

Good luck. There are no reasons why you can't use those- all the menopause experts say it's okay.

@JinglingHellsBells

Of course everyone is different. I was just giving the OP my personal experience and a positive outcome.

Again HRT was not something I would have chosen, but friends have said its been a life saver.

OP it's not all doom and I hope you get the advice and are able to make an informed decision for the best way forward for you

@MissyB1

Just wondering how it went...hope you are ok.

@Cailleach oh thank you for thinking of me. It went well and they removed a polyp from my womb. I had a lot of pain and nausea yesterday but slowly getting over that.
My care was excellent- good old NHS 😊

@MissyB1 yes they were amazing with me too despite being very short of staff. I sent the ward a thank you card as soon as I got home.

You'll soon be back on your feet again :)