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[myra]

Hi, I'm 55 and 2 weeks post op bilateral salpingo oopherectomy.  All of a sudden I'm feeling very tearful.  Cried myself to sleep last night feeling sorry for myself!!  I'm assuming its hormonal?  Or lack of?

[Dancinggirl]

I think it would be very unusual not to feel tearful post operatively. Yes, hormonal issues will be at play but on should never underestimate the effects of anaesthetics and the general trauma of surgery.  HAve they discussed hormone treatment(HRT) for you?
Keep us posted.  DG x

[myra]

Thanking you DG I appreciate your reply.  Yes, I sometimes underestimate the whole procedure and anaesthetic!!   The Gyn doctor said I was probably going through the meno anyway, so didn't think I needed any hrt.  I also spoke to my practice nurse and she said they don't recommend hrt as women get so used to it and they have women still in their 70's taking it.  So I'm not taking any meds at all.

[Sarah2]

Was there no plan discussed re. HRT immediately after your op?
Even though you were presumably post- meno at 55 ( though not necessarily!) ovaries continue to produce a small amount of oestrogen throughout our lives.

You should have been offered HRT unless there was some medical reason why it isn't suitable.

When are you due to see your dr for a follow up ?

Just seen your post. What a STUPID comment from the nurse! 'women get used to it'.

So she is taking it on her self to be a doctor and decide if you should have HRT or not? Sorry but that it appalling treatment and she's out of order, not to say her depth.

yes there are women on HRT at 70- a good friend of a good friend of mine is, and is going to stay on it forever, because after 6 months without it recently she can't function.

When you are feeling stronger, go back and see your dr and if necessary be more insistent over what you'd  like to try. And to be honest, if your surgery refuses HRT you'd be wise to think about changing to another practice.

The Chairman of NICE stated only 2 weeks ago that patients have a right to treatment available - and it's not up to drs to veto drugs unless there are really compelling medical reasons why they are not suitable. There are also new guidelines on HRT which you can find on the Brtish Menopause Society website and they say that there is no longer a 5-year cut off point-  coming off HRT after 5 years or at 60 is a decision to be taken with the agreement of patients once they have been advised of risks and benefits.

[CLKD]

"my practice nurse and she said they don't recommend hrt as women get so used to it" - she needs to put her head down a  toilet whilst I flush the chain    treatment replaces what our bodies make naturally, HRT can protect bones and heart - she has obviously just walked off The Ark!  Change your GP Practice?  Have a private talk with the Pharmacist in your town and ask which surgeries support HRT in a positive manner, he/she should know by the prescriptions they hand out 

I found that I was OK for 4/5 days following GA then for a few more I would be tired++, tearful, irritable ....... so I think what you describe is 'within normal limits' 

[myra]

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for your reply.

I was still taking periods at 55 and they were heavy and probably ready to stop.  I went to my gp to mention how heavy they were and how they made me feel tired.  I didn't feel I had any other symptoms of menopause.  The result was an ultrasound which showed a cyst on my left ovary.  I also had a CA125 test, which luckily was normal.  Anyway, I had another ultrasound and that's when it was decided I was to have surgery and biopsies.
I've been given a 6 week appointment for the clinic again.

[CLKD]

You could ring the secretary of the Dept and ask a few questions.  Even though the CA125 test was normal there is often background worry until the whole treatment/follow ups are completed.

[myra]

Thank you CKLD,

I keep saying to myself that surely if I've had my ovaries removed overnight then there must be some sort of change or shock to my body!!  I think I'm just trying to get on with my life as though nothing's really happened.  I've been given a 6 week line for work but even now I'm feeling guilty about being off!! 

Ithink I'll make an appointment with my gp and speak to them.  If I should be taking some kind of supplement then I'm happy to take it. 

I did mention to my nurse about a calcium supplement, but she also said I'd be better getting a blood test in a few weeks and seeing how things are.   I only asked it because I work in the hospital and the Osteoporosis nurse mentioned it, saying that oestrogen makes such a difference to women's bodies and there's a big difference without it. 

Thank god for sites like this where you can talk to like minded people.

[Sarah2]

I'm sorry and if I sound cross, it's not at you but at the treatment you've been given.

Without knowing all the details of your cyst, I can't comment. maybe your cyst showed some changes or was a type of cyst that can become malignant?

 However, I had an ovarian cyst which was small- 3cms- from age 52- 54. It was picked up during a routine scan and was monitored for 2 years. There was no talk of removal of it or any ovaries because my gynae was 99% sure it was benign so they did 'watchful waiting' which is the RCG recommendations for small cysts under 5cm. I also had the C125 tests.

You have now been plunged into menopause. If you were having periods and bleeding then you were not menopausal fully. Your body is now reacting not only to the GA, and depression is common as it can take weeks to get out your system, but also the immediate and total loss of oestrogen.

You have been treated in my opinion really badly and you should not need to suffer in this way.

Please think about changing drs to someone who is more clued-up and treats you like a 'person'!

[Sarah2]

Calcium / Vit D alone will not be enough to stop osteoporosis in someone who has low bone density.
You need the whole package- correct weight  bearing exercise, diet, supplements and possibly HRT.

Bone density falls off very quickly in the first 2 years after meno- up to 5% of bone density is lost each year for the first few years, so you need some support because you don't want to leave it all too late.

[CLKD]

Well said Sarah! 

Your Company cannot sack you for being off 'ill'.  Is there a Union? or a good HR person to talk with?

You can have a X-ray on the pelvis to evaluate your bone density.  Eating well and when you are able, brisk walking 3 x week can stave off osteoporosis as we are out in the sun? ( ) and the bones need activity to stimulate new growth. 

Your body has had a shock! no one warned it that meno would set in over-night 

[myra]

You are all so kind.  I'm even crying reading all your posts!!

Sarah I don't think you sound cross at all - you sound like someone who knows what they're talking about!!  As do you all xx

[Sarah2]

If you want to know more about how to protect your bones the National Osteoporosis Society has some very helpful free booklets they can send ( via their website) and they also have a helpline where you can speak to nurses ( free.) You might find that useful and they can give you advice and maybe how to approach your dr?

[CLKD]

Oh thanks for that Sarah, when I wanted information 10+ years ago they woudl only give it if I joined  - off to alter my other thread ......

[Sarah2]

I was diagnosed with low bone density at 47- I am now 58. I managed to increase my bone density over 2-3 years just by exercise - the right type- (I got a personal trainer for a few sessions at home) and diet, then I went on HRT but it wasn't for my bones. I have had 4 DXA scans and the last one showed my bones were normal- but it's a constant 'battle' doing enough of the right exercise etc especially in this awful weather!