Help with a women’s health decision

[Em8725]

Hi all, a bit wobbly as I’m not sure what to do.

I’m 28 years old. 2 beautiful children. I was admitted to hospital Friday as ovarian cysts had burst. They’re treating me with antibiotics, but will put me forward for surgery if it doesn’t improve.

I’ve been told as there are more cysts they will look to remove the cysts in surgery, but I can have my ovaries removed instead.

What would you do?

I’m so unsure. I’ve been advised either way to not have more children, but I’m just numb at the moment. It’s a huge shock. I don’t want more children but I don’t want the choice taken away. What sort of questions do I need to be asking?

Thankyou in advance

I’m so sorry OP that is such a shock. I’d ask:

• what are chances of the cysts returning?
• what sort of monitoring for cysts would they do if you decide to keep your ovaries?
• if you decide to have your ovaries removed, can they harvest and freeze some of your eggs before removing the ovaries?

-would you be able to carry another child to term in future if your ovaries are removed but those eggs where then used in IVF? -if your ovaries are removed, what are your HRT options post surgery as you will be entering a medical menopause?

• can your DC if a DD inherit this? And if so, at what age should she be tested for ovarian cysts?

Thankyou so so much @EmpressCixi this is so so helpful. I think it is a genetic issue as my mum and Nan both had to have hysterectomies at 40. I sort of knew it would happen to me but certainly didn’t expect it to be this early.

I feel so incredibly let down, as my GP sent me for an unrelated scan in September which picked up the cysts. I’m still waiting for my referral appointment.

Thankyou again - it’s such a mad thing to have to get my head around.

"I’ve been told as there are more cysts they will look to remove the cysts in surgery, but I can have my ovaries removed instead".

Who told you this?.

I would feel annoyed as well as let down actually. GPs generally are not up to speed on such issues either.

I would want the above clarified a lot more as removal of the ovaries will put you into instant menopause. Endometriomas (aka chocolate cysts) can burst but removing the ovaries does seem a bit extreme and even women with chocolate cysts can keep part of their ovary.

At the very least you need to know exactly what you are dealing with here as there are several different types of ovarian cyst.

I am wondering if they are referring to endometriomas due to the fact that both your female relatives had hysterectomies at the age of 40. Nowadays however, gynaes will try and preserve fertility rather than remove everything unless medically necessary.

Thankyou, I was never actually technically admitted, I was kept on a temporary trolley with other people with suspect abdomen pain.

The consultant who came to see me was from Gynae. I also had some people come and do swabs to see what was happening.

I’ve got an emergency number to call if the pain gets worse but other than that I’m in the dark. I think I’m armed with questions to take into my appointment when they call me in. I’ve been left with more questions than answers at this point.

I’m just a bit gutted that I’ve been waiting nearly 6 months for a referral that might have prevented this. It seems a bit extreme that it’s gone this far.

I think I’m done with children, but my mum had her last baby at 38, so again, it feels a bit premature to have to decide now. I definitely think I’ll clarify where I stand before I make any decisions.

Thankyou

You were not admitted to a gynae ward?.

I would also wonder why swabs were done at all if they thought ovarian cysts had ruptured.

Write down any and all questions you want to ask them and if at all possible ask your DH/DP to go with you (he can also provide moral support). No question is daft and you do not want to leave there thinking, "oh I should have asked about xyz".

@AttilaTheMeerkat I went in through a and e with stomach pains, and then was sent to a non emergency care centre which was a bit awful given I had suspected appendicitis at the time. Then I spent 6 hours there waiting to be seen, without being offered any pain relief.

Eventually I was given a temp trolley on a surgical ward, where all the swabs/scans etc were done. About 2 hours after that I was given pain relief, anti sickness drugs and some heavy duty antibiotics, thanks to the Gynae man. Without him I don’t even think I’d have got that far.

It wasn’t until after the CT that they made a decision on what had happened. I wasn’t told anything at all until I started asking questions.

DP Will absolutely come with me if he’s allowed. He wasn’t allowed with me at all this weekend due to covid rules.

I was so desperate to get home to my bath and bed that I didn’t think of asking anything more. I know it was silly, but I stunk of vomit and wasn’t offered anything to eat, I just wanted to get home to my little ones.

Thankyou everyone. This is so so helpful

They didn’t know I had cysts until I told them. I don’t think it’s been recorded anywhere as I haven’t had my referral appointment yet.

You do not need to rush this decision.

You need a 1:1 appt with a good gynae to talk it all through.

At 28 if you have your ovaries removed you will go straight into surgical menopause and need HRT to age 50 at least. That's not a bad thing but don't let anyone play down the effects of no ovaries at your age.

It is a MAJOR decision and your future bone, heart and brain health is dependent on hormones, as well as your libido.

I'd suggest you opt for removal of the cysts and take it from there.

Removing ovaries is the same as castrating a man. Not something to be done lightly.

@JinglingHellsBells this is really interesting. I didn’t have a clue it would mean HRT for that long, definitely not a small decision!

I’ll do some research and have a long list ready. I might pay for a private appointment to at least have the discussion.