Ovarian cyst causing a flare? Doc rec's removal of ovary-scared!

[Mountaingem]

So when I went to the ER the doc did a CAT scan, and found a 5 cm ovarian cyst. He thinks this is contributing to the constipation, diarrhea, acne, weight gain, and other symptoms I've been having, in addition to aggrevating the Crohn's.

I've already had my ueterus removed at 32 because of a cantaloup-sized fibroid. I really don't like the idea of removing the ovary, because I understand it will just cause the cysts to move to the other one, which will end up needing to come out as well.

I am 38 years old, so I feel like I don't want to just have a total hysterectomy either, removing healthy organs just to avoid surgery later.

I would really appreciate everyone's thoughts/experiences on this-I know many of the ladies here have had hysterectomies.

 

[Lydia]

They dont have to remove the ovary, I think they can just remove the cyst. Removing your ovaries will cause you to go through menopause. That is something to consider.

 

[Astra]

At 37 it changed my life forever Jeannette!
I had a massive cyst on my ovary and it was agony every month, and as you know, I was full of endometriosis too.
I asked for everything to be removed even tho my uterus and cervix were healthy because my idea of thinking was - why leave something in that'll only shrivel up and probably become diseased in later life? More ovary troubles, cervical cancer, etc. This might shock you, but it was the best decision I've ever made!
Within 2 days of my operation I had a surgical menopause, years of misery, all in one night! I'm now on HRT, 10 years now. My HRT is oestrogen only, made from mare's urine, I don't need progesterone, I have no uterus! The risk of breast cancer is slight. It's progesterone in HRT that's the baddie!
The hysterectomy defo slowed down the Crohn's, symptoms nowhere near as bad.
It's a massive decision to make, I didn't hesitate, I said to the surgeon 'Take it all out, or it'll be like having a bike with no wheels' lol
xxx

 

[katiesue1506]

At this point (I'm only 22) I would welcome a hysterectomy. I deal with pain all the time and other issues like precancerous lesions. I'm just tired of all my woman parts, and my symptoms always flare more around that time of the month. I don't want kids though. It just depends on your personal feelings.

 

[Mountaingem]

Yeah, I've been thinking long and hard about it, and Astra and katiesue you've helped me make up my mind-it's all coming out! It's not like I'm having kids, and in a few years none of it's gonna work anymore anyway.

My girl parts have done nothing but made me miserable, time to turn over a new leaf, hopefully the Crohn's will stay in remission.

 

[Guest]

i think you've come to the same decision i would have, in your situation..

i had an ovary removed due to a large cyst enveloping it (they can't always just disperse the cyst, often the ovary has to come out too) - and i so wish they'd done a full hysterectomy at the time.

since then i've lived in fear of another cyst growing silently on the remaining ovary (the one that was removed was the size of a grapefruit, yet no symptoms..) and i've had bad hormonal problems since that surgery.

so yes - i would say go the whole way, if you're sure you don't want future pregnancies.

 

[Grumbletum]

I think it will depend on the type of cyst and how badly the ovary has been damaged by it. I had a dermoid cyst in my ovary, diagnosed after suffering sudden bouts of severe pain and recurrent bladder infections. They had to remove the ovary and fallopian tube - that was 25 years ago. They said the remaining ovary was fine and I went on to have my son several years later.
It's true, I think you do worry about another one developing. Ironically, it was while having a scan to check if possibly I had another one ( been having pain and bladder infections again ) that they discovered it's not a cyst it's a bowel problem.
At the time of the cyst removal, I was asked to sign a paper in hospital saying that they were allowed to do whatever was necessary during surgery, including hysterectomy, when they had assessed the situation. I signed as I thought I'd rather do that than have to go under the knife more than once.
Hope all goes well with your decision and your treatment. :hug:

 

[partlycloudy]

Hi Mountaingem. At 34 I had my uterus removed (happy, happy, happy!!!) but kept my ovaries due to HRT concerns. During that surgery they discovered the endo was constricting my colon, had grown around it, and I had an emergency ileostomy/colon resection. Makes me wonder about my current situation.

Anyway, landed in the ER twice more and had surgeries for ovarian cysts. The last time my doc said I was once again eaten up with endo. He went into battle mode and cleared the area. I avoided HRT for about 6 months but finally caved due to symptoms. My GYN discussed my familial health risks (osteoporosis and heart disease) and said at my age I needed to be on HRT as by not being on it I was increasing my risks of both diseases that I already was at risk for.

Looking back I wish I'd had it all removed at once. I was needlessly frightened about HRT, which has been overblown by the media (not that it's risk-free).

I always laugh sarcastically when I read articles stating hysterectomies are performed too often. Ha! Written by someone who's never had girl problems no doubt.

 

[Astra]

Hiya Jeannette

My girly parts made me sooooooooo miserable too! Nothing but agony and trouble!
And PMT - stands for Permanently Making Trouble!
I think it's a good decision, and it will change your life forever! Honest!
Good Luck hun
xxx