Cysts have turned into large mass - anyone with similar experiences?

I don't think there's much you can do but meet with your doctor and get prepared for a lengthy process. The hysterectomy is not that big a deal once it's over, but huge when still ahead of you. Likely you will need an abdominal open surgery. Takes some time to recover but you will and you will eventually feel better. Good luck. Get information but don't scare yourself silly.

Oh no, you went in prepared and due to changed intraoperative circumstances hardly anything was performed. That must be very frustrating. I hardly can imagine not only the disappointment but also worry being left in uncertainty for now.

I guess, she did not go on operating, because being probably overwhelmed and suprised herself with the task, not prepared for it, (no specialist called in) as they did not anticipate anything else than planned, causing a longer operation (that was not planned/scheduled either, longer surgeries need to be scheduled).

Also they cannot just go on and take uterus out if your life is not in immediate danger without talking to you in the first place.

Hence had to close the surgery unsuccessfully without reading to much into it.

Did they say large mass or large mess.?

Endometriosis can infiltrate, adhere organs and produce a mess,

that is really a challange without having a seperate 'mass' growing, or did every organ in pelvis adhere into one big 'mass' without growth.

If it was a large mass (like new growth without saying what it is made of), wouldn't that have been picked up on the imaging prior operation??? (adhesions do not show up easily unless e.g. ovaries are pulled together and 'kiss' each other, indirect evidence of adhesion)

Please make really sure and ask questions as to what she referrs to 'mass/mess'.

Pictures during surgery (it was laparoscopic, right?) are often taken,

if you are used to operation pics, go for it. But make sure you have exposed yourself to 'laparsocopic pics of female pelvic' first since the normal look is already too much for some. Cysts can look very scary, even normal cysts, if one is not used to such imaging.

I fear too that they will discuss with you a hysterectomy since organs seem to stick together so badly, that they cannot see borders. But ask for a second opinion if you can.

One and the same issue is often approached differently by different surgeons, at least from the technique that can make a big difference for your healing, not so much for the removal of tissue/organs itself probably, 'work' that needed to be done.

All the best!

Write down your questions to surely please not forget anything, let them explain everything and make sure you feel comfortable with this approach. Let them explain if they saw a mess or mass and what it was made of macroscopically, since this is a difference of origin of problem and you need to know for your own sanity.

Passing urine difficulties btw directly after anaesthesia is very normal.

Often one cannot go at all for hours after operation and has a bursting full bladder. (our experience after laparoscopies, appendectomy, adhesion division. So bad that a catheter was inserted just for a one-off relief and this even nothing was done around urethra for sure), a day later it does work better, but not as before.  My daughter post op was also in tears unable to go to the loo, sitting there in pain post-op unable to go and feeling to be bursting full (and she was, hours later and after 5 unsuccessful trials, finally some relief). (a catheter was not offered)

It takes days to recover to prior function (which in our case was never great anyway). If not, please mention to your doc since in your case your urethra is in the pelivis where surgery was done or 'mass/mess' seen. But don't worry about the first few days, since nearly everybody has urination problems after laparoscopy/anaesthesia on the first day(s).

You must be a great pain after operation, ablation and also the worry of knowing, there is still painmaking condition left inside, too.

Really wish the best for you! Hope you see doc soon, you cannot just be left like this now also from an emotional point of view.

Apple,

I can only imagine your shock and disappointment. But if it was me I would've been more shocked to have been opened while under anesthesia and woken up with full abdominal surgery. Best you be prepared and informed before walking into it.

I would like to suggest you get a second opinion. I had 3 misdiagnosis before I met with a Surgeon who is a gynecological specialist, not just a general surgeon. Just from my x-rays at my first visit he explained everything and then ordered an ultrasound which verified everything he had explained. Then a CT the day before surgery so he had a detailed view before he opened me up.

First 2 Drs. told me I was constipated. 3rd Dr. told me I had ovarian cancer and wouldn't live out the year. He had just done my yearly vaginal exam with no other tests! TG he was wrong! Only after meeting the surgeon (3 weeks] later did I get the whole and learn I didn't have cancer.

Not only did I have 2 large cysts, the size of kiddie soccer balls, plus several other small ones. He explained I had severe endometriosis which caused the cysts because my ovaries where engulfed as was my colon AND an artery to one of my kidneys. I was weeks away from my kidney dying! My only symptoms were constipation and bloating. No pain.

Anyway, never did he say I "was a mess in there". He had a detailed explanation when he first looked at the x-rays I brought with me. (Taken by the "you're constipated" Drs.which they never even looked at!) They had been taken 6 months before.

I met with 2 different surgeons, one general & the specialist. I chose him because of his immediate ability to see from simple x-rays what others had missed. Plus he is the hospital department head for gynecological cancer and obstetrical surgery. I figured if by some slim chance cancer was found he was qualified to handle it. I learned after my surgery that he was the surgeon the general surgeons who 'discovered' cancer during 'routine' surgeries referred their patients to. He fixes their patients. I spoke to many of his patients in follow up visits who where alive 10+ years after stage 4 cancer surgeries.

I ended up with a total hysterectomy, disection of the endometrial tissues, restoration of full circulation to my kidney. Lost 10 lbs.!

I was sad I lost everything but it was necessary and went through a normal mourning period. Recovery was very smooth. Week one hospital IV fluids only and walking the halls 2nd day. Week 2 home eating and voiding normally. Yay! First time in 6 months. Walking slowly around neighborhood. Week 3 feeling human again and started driving, getting back to normal routine.

My incision healed so well it's just a perfect little ghost line on my lower abdomen. The nurse told me he usually did a full abdominal incision but he only went up to my belly button, because the CT scan showed in detail what he had to deal with.

I have met many women who have had similar surgeries and wish they had gotten a second opinion. I was blessed to find a surgeon who respects woman and explained everything in detail. The nurses at the hospital didn't like him because he demands constant updates (vitals to monitor condtion) he even called at 3:00 am when he saw my temp had risen slightly. He ordered a flush IV to increase fluids. (Scary cause nurse didn't explain just woke me up and put it in) learned he told the entire staff all of his patients are to be briefed before additional procedures, no matter how minor. He is an advocate for his patient, LIVE IT!

I know it's scary but make the list, be sure all your questions are answered. It's routine for the Drs but it's not for you. You deserve respect and the best care possible. If you aren't comfortable get a second opinion.

Keep us posted, best of luck to you!