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Hysterectomy due to ovarian cyst

Posted , 4 users are following.

Yorksgirl
Yorksgirl

I just wondered if anyone knows the rationale for having a hysterectomy alongside cyst removal? My cyst was found by ultrasound on 18 January. At that point it was 28x24x20cms so already huge. They did bloods and an MRI and I had an urgent 'two week wait' referral to a gynaecologist. All came back ok although between the ultrasound and MRI it had grown some more in just 28 days. My op is scheduled for next week but having just attended my pre surgical assessment the nurse said my file had me down for a total hysterectomy and both ovaries removed. This is the first time this has been mentioned so I have requested and been offered an extra appointment with the Consultant later this week. I am a bit confused why they have decided on this course, and also why they didn't tell me. It was only the nurse mentioning it in passing which highlighted it.

has anyone had a similar experience? If it is purely precautionary should I argue against it? I am pre menopausal and do not want a surgical menopause as I understand the side effects can be quite severe and long lasting. Any advice much appreciated before I go to hospital on Thursday.

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • caroline_19506
    caroline_19506 Yorksgirl

    Posted

    You should definitely see the consultant first I would of thought they could just remove the cyst don't agree until you have discussed it with the consultant
  • jasdip68
    jasdip68 Yorksgirl

    Posted

    Hi Yorksgirl, I am also Yorksgirl (Leeds) and was diagnosed with 22cm ovarian cyst last September. Was immediately recommended tah bso. I was 47. My Dad is retired gp so got some info from him on NICE guidelines for this condition. I had a couple of 7cm fibroids and no intention of kids so decided to go along with recommendation, asking the operating consultant to leave my other ovary if possible to try and reduce chances of surgical menopause, Signed a consent for removal of both ovaries if necessary. When I woke from op (Nov 2015), was told both ovaries removed as other ovary had endometriotic cyst. Hot flushes and sleeplessness ensued during recovery, now taking minimal HRT and finding things pretty settled. I guess we all go through menopause one way or another. I was told that various gynaecological issues were affecting my bowel and had the adhesions been more serious may have required a colostomy.Removal of ovaries prevents production of further oestrogen, which fuels endometriosis, possibly causing bowel issues. Overall recovery has been good. Do ask your consultant his/her opinion, my feeling was that they sometimes think "at 47, why would she need all that stuff? It's only a potential problem in future" no risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer. I'm going to ask at next consultation "what would have happened if all had been left in?" as it all happened fast for me, I think it's seen as pretty serious when ovarian cyst gets that big. Overall I feel healthier and definitely thinner following op so if you have similar, be encouraged.I am convinced in retrospect that the right recommendation was made, though it was a bit of a shock initially. I'd be interested to know what your consultant has to say. Are you being treated at Jimmy's?
    • Yorksgirl
      Yorksgirl jasdip68

      Posted

      Thanks, that's really helpful. I will let you know what they say. Up there tomorrow. No, not at Jimmys....I'm in North Yorks on the coast, so it's just a smaller local hospital. To be honest they could suggest anything now and I'd agree just to get it over with, I am so uncomfortable. I wouldn't say pain, it's just a dull ache in my sides, my back, my ribs etc. Cannot wait to feel normal again. I will update after tomorrow's appt.
    • jasdip68
      jasdip68 Yorksgirl

      Posted

      Hope you get some answers tomorrow, I feel for you. My issues were a bit scary but I love the NHS. Was treated well and feel better. 
    • Yorksgirl
      Yorksgirl jasdip68

      Posted

      Yorksgirl • less than a minute agoHaving seen the consultant, she explained that I also have uterine fibroids as well as the giant cyst. There is no option but to remove both ovaries and tubes, and whilst she was not forcing a hysterectomy, she believed it was the right thing. Having talked it over I have consented to a subtotal hysterectomy. Although it means I will need ongoing smears the benefit is less blood loss and lower risk of bladder damage. I am satisfied with her advice. This time next week the surgery will be behind me thank goodness. 0 votes  Report  Share Reply

       

  • jasdip68
    jasdip68 Yorksgirl

    Posted

    Hi, I also had subtotal hysterectomy having been told it would be total. Same reasons- close to bladder and bowel so they left cervix to reduce risk of complications. For what it's worth, it's good to hear similar opinions from the consultants, reassuring that they know what they're talking about, it's easy to be a bit sceptical when you're nervous! I feel for you in the run up to the op, want to reassure you that it'll be worth it. We are similar age and diagnosis so if I can answer any questions as you recover (menopause, scar, HRT, bowels after op etc) would be happy to tell you how it was for me. Overall not bad at all, though and glad I had the op .Good luck,
    • Yorksgirl
      Yorksgirl jasdip68

      Posted

      Well. Home from hospital after two nights. Op went well, although had a bad reaction to antibiotics they gave me. Staff were great. Trapped wind was unpleasant but I have really pushed myself and am walking gingerly about. Woken up today with a brand new enormous blue purple bruise on the overhang of flesh above my incision. Not sure how I have got this. 

      A couple of questions..... How do I cough because it is agony when 

      I do? How long was it before you could lie on your side?  What pain relief did you use?I am having ibuprofen and paracetamol in very small dose. 

      Tired as anything, and a bit emotional but ok. Any tips to get back to normal as quickly as possible?

    • caroline_19506
      caroline_19506 Yorksgirl

      Posted

      A few weeks as it will be painful I had to sleep sitting up with pillows my husband b me a support pillow also I couldn't stand in the shower so my husband got a shower stool so I could sit down while he showered me you have to take one day at a time as the weeks go by you get a little better
    • jasdip68
      jasdip68 Yorksgirl

      Posted

      Hi, glad to hear your op went ok. Staff at hospital advised me to hold a pillow over operation scar and put a little pressure on it when I coughed, just for some support. It took a couple of weeks to be able to sleep on my side. They gave me codeine tabs at hospital which I used for first 5 days but then stopped as was worried about constipation side effect. After that, Ibuprofen and paracetamol regularly for 2 weeks, worked better if I took them every 6 hours rather than waiting for pain to come back. I walked 1/2 mile to corner shop and back after 1 week, then a little further every day as I wasn't driving. I think bruising often becomes apparent a couple of days after the trauma- part of the healing process. All the best with your recovery.x
    • Yorksgirl
      Yorksgirl jasdip68

      Posted

      The half mile walk is out for me.......having a problem with wound healing. It has two gaps and am now having to have it dressed by the G p practice including weekend district nurse visits. Really sore and weeping quite a lot. One of the holes is quite deep. Might take a few weeks but hopefully not a sign of infection. Have an evening at the theatre planned for ten days time so hoping it has at least sealed, if not healed by then. 

      Getting a lot of tingling in my legs, and pains in my right inner thigh. Not sure what that is about. Probably because I am so immobile. I am impatient to get back to a degree of normality but looks like I might need to lower my expectations. 

    • jasdip68
      jasdip68 Yorksgirl

      Posted

      Still early days for you. I had a bit of weeping from my scar and got pretty worried about possible infection. Also had dressings at GP. I'd say it was a full 6 weeks before all dried up, and it's fine now. Take heart and be patient.xx
  • nlsupertaki
    nlsupertaki Yorksgirl

    Posted

    I also had a large cyst on one ovary, had some fibroids and polyps, i had a full hysto.  I had not had a period in a full year and began bleeding.  My doctor advice since my age (54) might as well get rid of it all and not risk having anything later, it's all out.  It was difficult at first and very scary but was the best thing. No worries now about any growths there.  Ask lots of question until you feel comfortable as possible.  Taking everything was precausion for me also.  I first questioned had i made the right decision but in the end, a year later, I now know i did.  

    Good luck and take care, you'll get through this.  

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