Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Winnie on June 14, 2014, 08:57:33 AM
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:'( Can anyone please help or advice really worried about what is going to happen ? I have a
hard mass lump in one of my ovaries and gyny has decided to take both of them out. They don't think
it is any thing sinister but as usual no time to speak to anyone. What is going to happen to mood swings, symptoms etc. Will it happen straight away. I have a coil fitted which they say they will remove so no back up with that hormones. Also I am hrt patches I presume I need to stop putting them on befor the op. Nobody has said anything. Just started a new job so need to tell them how long I need off is it a major op ? How long is recovery. Advice please ladies.
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Hi Winnie. I had to take it easy for about 1 week after, but that was about it really. Mine were removed by laparoscope, which is easier option. However, if they need to do it otherwise, it will be a bigger op so more recovery time. They had a real bother with mine & op was nearly changed half way through. As for HRT, ask consultant or your GP.
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Thanks for your reply yes mine is also keyhole but as you say it can go wrong. Just had a letter this morning for pre-op check just panicking as I feel left high and dry but better now I had this letter. It's their problem now
just need to sort work out but hopefully they will be OK. How have you been getting on without yours any major problems, I'm scarred I am going be like a raging bull with hormone assistants.
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Hi Winnie, I am 44 had mine removed in April, I took longer to recover even though done via laparoscopy. Think 2/3 weeks for the physical recovery but by that time meno symptoms were kicking in and as a result I wasnt sleeping, hot flushes which pulled me down a bit.
Personally I got very tearful around 2 weeks or so post op and by the 3rd week when I was allowed to start hrt I was really needing it. By 5 weeks I was settled on hrt, stopped crying and meno symtoms more manageable. I took 5 weeks off work but if you are already on hrt then you may not need as much time off. I feel a chunk of the time i was off was in part due to the meno symptoms and getting them under control a bit. Also I had a hysterectomy in May 13 so that was two surgeries in less than a year so maybe that was a factor in me having an extended recovery.
In my discharge letter my gynae consultant gave my gp details of what hrt i needed and why this was helpful as there was no delay and I had the meds in house ready to take at 3 weeks post op.
following a post op appoint 5 weeks post op gynae consultant also prescribed SSRI to help with flushes as I cant increase my hrt. I think its prob better when the consultant gives clear guidance to the gp.
The good thing is they dont think its anything sinister, keep in touch and take care.
Linseyx
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Hi Lindsey,
Thank you for your lovely reply, I am really up tight about this, it's the not knowing thing I guess. It's getting people to understand how you feel. I am horrible when hormones play up but you know you can't stop it. It needs to run it's course but these men don't understand. It's times like this when you wished you lived on your own.
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I had mine removed just over 10 years ago. HRT worked fine for me. I'd had hysterectomy 10 years earlier. Now 58 & gradually trying to wean myself off HRT. too scared to come off completely though. Took a break few years back & turned into a hot, sweaty, blubbering wreck. Thank goodness GP restarted me on HRT.
Hope all goes well for you.
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Dont know if its all in the mind but i think i adapted fairly quickly to hrt since i didnt have ability to produce any hormones there was no fluctuations in my own hormone levels to contend with.
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Lindsey, that's reassuring to know, but not usually so lucky. Thanks
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Try not to worry, Winnie. Easy to say, I know.
Plenty of people have laparoscopic ovary removal which is entirely uneventful. Mine certainly was, it was an absolute piece of cake. I was signed off work for a couple of weeks and quite frankly after about 3 days I felt like a complete fraud as I felt so well.
(I can't comment on how quickly any menopausal symptoms might kick in afterwards as my situation was complicated by other medication and medical treatment and the fact that I couldn't have HRT.)
Sorry to hear you haven't had an opportunity to speak to anyone about this. I see you have an appointment for a pre-op assessment. That should be your opportunity to ask as many questions as you need. Personally I always write a list of questions before appointments, make a copy and take someone with me to note down the answers and I don't leave the consulting room until I have all the answers. No medical professional should expect you to consent to a surgical procedure until you have enough information to make you feel comfortable to proceed.
Ask questions - it's your body, your future, you are in charge.
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Glad to hear its nothing nasty but perhaps you could ask why they are going to take both ovaries? Just arm yourself with lots of information. I went in for a prolapse repair and the surgeon said they might do a hysterctomy if required and would take my ovaries out too as then I wouldnt get ovarian cancer. Refused the ovary removal but when I questioned her it seemed that they just whip things out while they are in there. Ask questions on hyster sisters as a lot of those ladies are up to speed on all this.
It is frightening as fear is always of the unknown. I wish Id found out a bit more about these things rather than thinking that they know best. HRT is a godsend and not the evil medication its made out to be.
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HI, linsey could you let me know want anti you are on, as I was put on 25mg of sertraline, which is making my hotness worse >:(
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Hi sue, just going to gp tomoro. Consultant said venlafaxine but will find out what dose he said. Havent decided whether to take them or not. Will speak to gp tomoro and let you know.
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As I said I have to have one ovary removed, but they want to take the other one out as well not sure why nothing wrong with it as far as I know. What would you ladies do have them both taken out or leave the other one. Post op this Tuesday is it to late to change my mind? Not sure what the benefits of having one would be ?
I have read on internet it affects your sex drive, causes depression. Also worried
I have breast cysts that occur now and again I think it helps with that if they are both removed. Feel I was given enough information and was totally shocked when I was told they needed to removed so never asked questions.
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I was only meant to get one out as well Winnie. But day before the op the consultant suggested it might be good idea to remove both, as with my history I'd only end up needing second one out couple of years down the line. Ask why they want to take both, might be similar to me. I agreed to both as didn't want to have to get yet another op later on.
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Thanks cubagirl I recall her saying something like you will probably get another on the other side so best to have them both out. As I say was in a state of shock so didn't really listen. How are you getting on without yours?
may I ask what age bracket you fall ?
Winnie
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58 now, over 10 years ago since they were removed. I'm on HRT these days & doing fine. I was resigned to it happening all those years ago, having had hysterectomy 10 years previously
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is it to late to change my mind?
The point at which it is too late to change your mind is after you've been put under anaesthetic. You have to consent to the exact surgical procedure which will be carried out, you have the right not to consent or to withdraw your consent.
I had both ovaries removed at the age of 48 (it was a prophylactic procedure because of genetic pre-disposition to cancer). Yeah, I've had menopausal symptoms with which to contend but nothing else such as depression. You will read about all sorts of horrendous side-effects on the internet. You may or may not be similarly affected and if you're able to take HRT afterwards then any symptoms may be lessened anyway.
I hope your appointment goes well on Tuesday and you are able to get answers to all your questions and feel confident and empowered to make decisions about the best way forward for you.
Best wishes.
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Hi Cubagirl,
You were asking my age I am 50. I have just had the operation on the 24th July 2014 had both ovaries removed and they took away my tubes as I had an egg stuck in one of them. Now what I want to know is how soon will all these horrible symptoms return. I have been taken off HRT as I was so near the actual menopause and told to take antidepressants not sure how soon I should start taking them after this operation. Very tearful today and yesterday so don't know if this is the start of everything. This whole meno thing is so confusing?
Any help and advice much appreciated.
Winnie
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Hi Winnie,
Hope you recover well from the operation.
What reasons were you give for being taken off HRT? Seems a bit strange. I was told I would automatically have been put onto HRT having had my ovaries removed just before my 49th birthday (but was not prescribed it because of previous medical history).
Are the anti-depressants being prescribed for hot flushes? I thought that these made them worse for you previously? I would have thought if you've been given advice to take this medication you should refer back to whoever suggested this and obtain information about timings.
You ask when "all these horrible symptoms return"... maybe they won't.
Wishing you al the best.
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Hi tiger
Recovery going well didn't know it was going to be quite as painful as it was but over the worst now. Although very tearful yesterday and today see what I mean about symptoms returning. I have been on hrt for 4 years and had moved onto the final stages of menopause if you know what I mean. I was struggling with sudden tiredness
and emotions and it was suggested after the op that antidepressants would be the best thing.
Winnie
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I don't know how I missed this thread. Hopefully you will recover slowly and steadily :foryou: and you have had lots of helpful information. I would have added, but will still say, that why leave an ovary present if there is any risk of cancer? My Surgeon was all for removal of both at hysterectomy even if they were 'healthy' because it saves worry, stress and further need for surgery.
Make the most of the rest you can get in this warm weather ;)
PS - some ADs can help relieve hot flushes. I also found that once I was 'out of the system' of hospital support I became depressed even though I was already on medication.
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Hi Winnie - hope that you are recovering well. What reason were you given for the withdrawal of HRT? I know that you have to stop, if possible, a month before an op (although not all surgeons want you to unless it is for major surgery) but you should have been put straight back on it as, now, you will need it more than ever.
Taz x
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Hi Taz & Everyone,
Recovery not going that well day 6 still taking painkillers as pain is bad at times. Also I find myself in floods of tears yesterday and all day today had to speak with doctor today over the phone. I have not taken hrt for a week now and this must be the withdrawal. Reason for being taken off HRT I found out that my father's sister had breast cancer and had both boobs removed and that's why. Spoke to Gyne and she thought their would be no problem with that as it was not on my side of the family? So all I can take now is antidepressants so they say feel really awful. Any help and advice please.
Winnie
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I thought the risk only applied if it came down the maternal side of the family. Mother, sister,aunt. And the further out it goes the lesser the risk. It also depends on the type of cancer involved.
Honeyb
x
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Hi Winnie, hope you feel better soon. Your body has just had a shock by removing ovaries. I would just like to say that the risk of breast cancer can come from either the maternal or paternal side. I have BRCA2 mutation from fathers side.
On a positive note I think that by removing ovaries greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer, especially if your relative's breast cancer was hormonally driven your consultant would be able to advise you if this applies to you.
Take care
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To endorse Linsey44's comment... inherited breast cancer gene variations can most definitely come from mother or father (and breast cancer can affect either gender, albeit male breast cancer is relatively rare). I too have a BRCA variation inherited from my father.
Your personal risk of genetic pre-disposition to breast cancer depends on how many relatives have been diagnosed and age at diagnosis. One aunt getting breast cancer (in later life?) is hardly likely to prove a genetic disposition, given that 1 in 8 women in UK get breast cancer at some stage in their life. However, if the breast cancer was bilateral it may be relevant...
Link to useful document for anyone who is interested.
http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/breast-cancer-in-families.pdf
Hope your path to recovery improves Winnie and you feel able to challenge the decision not to prescribe HRT.
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Hi Tiger
Thank you very much for posting the document link breastcancercare. It was very interesting reading and has helped put my mind at rest although I need to do a bit more research. It's hard as it's my Dad's sister that had breast cancer she lives in America and has Alzheimer's so its hard to find out information. I have no idea at what age she got breast cancer? she must have been getting on. I have to rely on family for information.
Thanks again
Winnie
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Take time out for you! Your body has had a huge shock, physically and emotionally. Take this time to put feet up, very good book, cuppa to hand ;) …….. make a list of queries to take to your next appt.. Maybe ask for the BRCA test?
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Hi
Can anyone advice please, I had my ovaries and tubes removed 3 weeks ago my stomach was swollen up again is this normal will it keep happening? I have been given antidepressants to help with hot flashes and every time I turn over in bed which is quite a lot off we go hot flush so annoying hardly slept last night. Can anyone suggest something that will help with this been taken off hrt for a month doctors order's doesn't help that I had the coil removed as well at the same time so I am proper cold turkey. I read that vitamin B complex can help with this ? Up the wall but at least I managed to get back at work but only part-time.
Winnie
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You need to ring your Consultant's secretary and ask the question. When are you due for a check up?
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CLKD
Once I left the hospital that was me discharged into to my doctors care so I presume I have no follow up appointment.
Still waiting for the results of the biopsy. This whole thing has not been handled very well at all. I have been at work today all red faced and clammy feeling but hands are frozen and feeling cold at times? Went to the loo because I felt like period cramps and have a small amount of blood. Fed up I will go to bed and not sleep even though I take antidepressants to help me sleep. ? Winnie
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I would still ring the Consultant's secretary to see if this is 'within normal limits' and if she recommends being seen again. It amazes me that there is no Hospital follow up with the Consultant who is dealing with these situations daily >:( ……….
Feet up. If you fall asleep in the chair, let yourself drift. Sleep when you can!
I had cold flushes with Tamoxifen >:( :o felt I was in for the 'flu. Being cold can be a thyroid disfunction too!
Let us know how you are in the morning.
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Hi Winnie - to follow up on what CLKD has said. I am also surprised that you will have no follow-up appointment at outpatients having had a surgical procedure. How will you be receiving the biopsy results?
For what it's worth, having had a laparoscopic BSO a few years ago, I wouldn't have thought that significant abdominal swelling 3 weeks after the surgery is 'normal' so a call to your hospital or GP sounds like a good idea.
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I also think you should get an appointment with your GP. Cold hands and feet while the rest of you is hot and then feeling cold at times could be a sign that you are fighting infection. Hope you feel better soon.
Taz x
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Winnie, having had ovaries removed earlier this yeat, I think swelling should be reducing not increasing at this stage of your recovery.
You def need dr appoint asap in case there is infection, do you have a temperature?
Are your bowels and bladder working okay? After 4 gynae surgeries any post op issues I had were always related to bowels or bladder especially if either of them were full.
Let us know how you get on. X
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No swollen belly today, but very painful abdomen and like a pulling sensation on the left hand side of stomach
not walking straight or upright because of the pulling if that makes sense. At least I had a good nights sleep last night but whenever I turn over still aware of vast sweating. I do not have a temperature. Had a few sweats today while at work. Winnie
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You could try mebeverine used for IBS avail over counter, use it for a few days and see if it makes a difference.
Ive used it after all my ops as my insides are not very good after they have been disturbed by surgery.
Was it laparoscopic surgey? If so is the wound area at the left inflamed/red/tender to touch?
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I would say that the sweating is absolutely normal Winnie for someone who has been plunged into surgical menopause. Overnight your oestrogen supply has been switched off - it hasn't dwindled slowly and so given your body time to adjust - it has just disappeared.
I realise that you may be worried about the risk of breast cancer but if you have only one member of your family who has suffered from it and you are not even certain that it was oestrogen receptive then it could be that the risk is very small. Would your GP consider sending your for genetic testing?
Taz x
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Winnie, i have BRCA2 gene mutation and am on HRT, like you I had concerns, relatives have had both ovarian and breast cancer and my gynae consultant said you will need something. This was backed up by a genetics counseller, a breast surgeon and also NICE guidelines and info produced by the Royal Marsden.
He explained it by saying that pre op my natural hormone level was eg 75%, post op it drops to zero and symptoms will kick in. Taking low dose hrt will bring you back to about 30/35% and will make it more bearable and offers protection re osteo and heart disease.
I have read many articles on line to back this up, here is one that you may like to read http://medicineworld.org/stories/lead/6-2011/women-with-brca-mutations-can-take-hrt.html
I am not suggesting you take hrt but read up and make a more informed choice, in reality most families unfortunately will have someone with breast cancer.
My personal view is in addition there are lifestyle / dietary changes that we can make to reduce our risk of cancers and if we adopt those we are giving our bodies the best chance anyway. For me its a choice of quality of life.
Also I took around 5 weeks to recover from laparoscopic ovary removal so give yourself time, some people just take longer than others to heal.
Keep updating us with your progress. x
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UPDATE;-
Back at the doctor's yesterday got the results of the ovary biopsy it was normal so that was a relief. Have to go back and have smear done again due to lack of cells showing. I decided to try and ride it out with no HRT it's not been easy the night sweats are annoying every time I turn over you feel it. I toss and turn half the night, also rather hot in the day time, having a sweat just now so annoying. I have returned to work and managing OK
been put on antidepressants to help with symptoms, been taking Evening Primrose Oil with Star flower also
vitamins full of vitamin b's etc. So lets see how it goes. Thanks to everyone for their support.
Winnie ;)
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Wonderful news Winnie
:cancan: :cancan: :cancan: