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Because of some other issues I was having, my doctor ordered a CT scan. A VERY large cyst was found on my left ovary. I was given an immediate appointment with my gynecologist, who did a vaginal ultrasound, and also ordered some blood tests.

The cyst shows all the characteristics of a benign cyst,and zero characteristics of a malignant tumor. The blood test also showed I do not have the tumor markers for ovarian cancer.

However,because of the size,and location, I was referred to an oncologist gynecologist. She has said we need to remove the cyst, and has scheduled a hysterectomy, for next month. She doesn't believe I have cancer.

All of that said...

She has given me the option of keeping my right ovary. Remove everything else..but we can leave that ovary. There are advantages,and disadvantages, in doing so.

I believe I've been in menopause for the last 2ish years. It is a bit hard to say, because around the same time,I developed thyroid disease, so missing periods,and hot flashes became the norm. If I have been in menopause for a few years, then I'm probably not producing much estrogen anyway,so taking that other ovary may not be so jarring. However, I do have heart issues,and I've read that taking both ovaries can contribute towards heart disease. I am on the fence about losing that other ovary. Has anyone been through this,and decided to keep that ovary? Or had both ovaries removed during the surgery. What was your experience?

Also..what can I realistically expect after surgery? The doctor told me I'd been able to return to mostly normal activity within 3 days. I've watched videos of women who have had a hysterectomy, where they are documenting their recovery. 3 days seems extremely ambitious. What can I expect? Of course I know everyone is different. I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible.

Are there any things you can recommend to help me in my recovery? I've gotten a hysterectomy pillow, heating pads,loose pants,etc. What items helped you?

And..yes..I've spoken with my doctor about the pros and cons of having that other ovary removed. I have also done my own research. I'm not asking for medical advice,exactly. I'm asking for opinions, and thoughts, from those who have BTDT.

The surgery will be a robotic hysterectomy.

I am 51 years old.

[This message edited by HellFire at 11:49 AM, Monday, January 8th]

Haven't BTDT, but I'm sorry to hear about your surgery. Glad they're going to get rid of that cyst though- they can burst and bleed... A LOT. My MIL had a hysterectomy about 2 years ago and it was a slow recovery for her. She was in her late 60's and isn't athletic, so she didn't have any muscle tone or baseline physical strength to draw on to help in her recovery. She's also got a personality that tends toward wallowing than fighting. Don't know if that helps, but yeah, 3 days for abdominal surgery sounds LOONEY TUNES for a recovery. Yeah, you might get off the couch, but I'll be you won't be dragging groceries in from the store!

I had a complete hysterectomy in my mid thirties (I'm in my late fifties now) due to endometriosis with adhesions, large fibroids and cysts. The recommendation for me was to have both ovaries removed.

I think it took a couple days to recover and a couple of weeks before doing any lifting. I had the surgery done through my abdomen. Hystersisters was a great source of information. Check them out if the site is still active.

I would be sure you are comfortable with your decision about have both your ovaries removed and get more than one opinion if necessary. Ask lots of questions.

The surgery and recovery weren't too bad.

Good luck!!

We can't post links here, but I would highly recommend another forum called HysterSisters. It's ALL for women who are experiencing the various decisions about having hysterectomies, and the recovery period. I participated in it for a year or so when I had mine. There are some really wise women there with varying experiences, depending on their reason for needing various forms of a hysterectomy.

I had the DaVinci robotic surgery - complete hysterectomy. Five tiny incisions around my abdomen as opposed to one large one across my abdomen. It was basically outpatient. Biggest piece of advice I can give, make yourself walk, walk, walk. Take a pillow with you for support, but moving as you can is vital!

I had my vague hyst at 31 and that's been 22 years ago. It was a blessing. Of course they left my ovaries despite my asking them to take them due to my age and not wanting to throw me into menopause at 31. Of course I had issues due to cysts later in. My hormones went full menopause at 47.
I was forced to take 6 weeks odd work by my Dr due to him having another nurse blow out her pelvic floor about 2 mos before my surgery so he was unwilling to budge on that 6 wk mark. I was fully recovered and going stir crazy at 2 weeks.
The robotic surgeries are amazing and if you have a desk job you will definitely be ready to return to work in a couple of weeks barring no complications. If you have a more active job it may be a bit longer but honestly the way they can do these surgeries now there is very little trauma and your body heals quickly. I think 3 days is unrealistic but the worst of the pain will be over by then.

I had a robotic, total hysterectomy and both ovaries removed about 2.5 yrs ago (I'm 52 now). I had stage 4 endometriosis, fibroids and my ovaries had been growing by 1cm a month for several months (I was on surveillance). My tumor markers were up. A gyn onc scrubbed in but thankfully wasn't needed. Anyway, I am a fairly active person and ran 10 miles the day before my surgery. I did too much afterwards and popped some of the stitches in my newly built pelvic floor, so I was on modified bed rest for 8 weeks. I couldn't be on my feet longer than 20 mins at a time. I went back to work after 2 weeks, and wasn't even too tired but the inactivity was killing me. Pain was pretty bad for about a week after my surgery, but I had a pretty big surgery with lots of scraping.

So I had to have my ovaries out, and while I thought I was in perimenopause for years, having both out at once was really awful. I'm not sure if I fell asleep after the first day or so completely until my first 2 week appt. I was forgetting what I was saying in the middle of a sentence and absolutely hot, hot, hot.
No hot flash, just hot all.the.time. They put me on low dose estrogen patches and that was a lifesaver. Because they didn't want the endometriosis to grow back, they wouldn't do more than the lowest dose. (I went up to a higher dose after a year and haven't felt better in years). I'd suggest you read the Menopause Manifesto to get a better understanding on what will happen and all the treatment options out there, ranging from diet, exercise, hormones, herbs, and antidepressants.

I had a complete hysterectomy due to fibroids a couple of years back. Best decision of my life as far as medical stuff goes! Mine was da Vinci and pretty much outpatient. My recovery went really smoothly. The one piece of advice I will say is if you are struggling with bladder issues afterwards, go in right away. I felt like I was not recovering and went in two weeks later because it really hurt to go to the bathroom and I had developed a urinary tract infection, which can be common after a hysterectomy. A few hours later on meds, I was a new woman. The rest of me was healing just fine, it was the UTI holding me back.

I would highly recommend another forum called HysterSisters.

THIS is exactly what I was coming to say. IDK if they are still around but the information was plentiful there and you are in the same boat with people having the same surgery at the same time so you can compare day to day notes/questions.

I had the same as you. My left ovary cyst was the size of a cantalope when they removed it. I had everything removed except the right ovary.

Surgery was to be laproscopic but they ran into issues (scar tissue from previous spinal fusion, etc) and I ended up with the full cut and 18 staples.

Are there any things you can recommend to help me in my recovery? I've gotten a hysterectomy pillow, heating pads,loose pants,etc. What items helped you?

I was sore from the surgery but was able to get around (slowly, etc). I put a step ladder beside my bed to help for support on getting out of bed. IT WAS PRICELESS. So if you have anything like that (sturdy chair, walker, etc), I recommend it. I know they make side bars you can temporarily mount to your bed as well if that is an option for you.

My mom came over and helped with the kids for a few days but then we were on our own after that (they were early teens then so self sufficient).

I opted for NO pants. LOL. I lived in my night gowns at first. I did have that full cut but it sat below my panty line so undies were not an issue, etc. I was able to resume my normal attire shortly.

I have zero long term issues and it has been 10 years. It was not cancerous. It did not send me into early menopause. I healed nicely.

So just take it slow. Even if you are bored and feel like you can do more - DON'T. I remember thinking I was well enough to wipe my kitchen cabinet doors down (mistake ) Listen to the recommended healing time per your dr.

I now folks who did the lapro and went back to their normal job the next day....DON'T do that either. Be kind to yourself. Rest and hydrate.

(ON A POSITIVE....I left the hospital 11 pounds lighter due to that monster being removed)

Thank you everyone!

The surgery is Friday. I am extremely nervous.

I've been trying to prepare as much as possible.

I have a hysterectomy pillow, and a belly binder. Several new pairs of comfy pants,and nightgowns.

My husband will be taking the week off,to care for me,and take care of the animals,and the house. My youngest daughter still lives at home,while attending college, so she will be here to help as well.

I'm trying to stay positive. But,honestly, I'm scared. And I don't say that..ever.

Also...I've been watching tik tons by women who have been through this. But..I feel more comforted,and informed, hearing from all of you. Women I've come to "know" and respect. Women I can trust. This site is an invaluable resource when it comes to the obvious...but I have never felt more grateful for this place,and all of you.

I don’t have any experience with that particular surgery, but I sure do wish you well and sending prayers for a speedy recovery. ❣️

Also, no experience on this to offer you, but just wanted to send you well wishes for your surgery on Friday. You know you’ll have the SI mojo behind you.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you for a successful surgery and your speedy recovery!

Good luck. You will do great.

My OB/GYN put me on a combination of estrogen and testosterone because years before I had had my uterus removed vaginally. I’ve been on it ever since and it makes all the difference. You need to talk to your doctor about that because it does have a very beneficial effect if you’re not a candidate for any kind of cancer.

This was because he was removing both ovaries. My mother had died of O cancer. She had no female siblings and neither do I. Insurance companies have gotten so tight that I don’t know if they would approve it now, but it was done and I was fine. I’m not suggesting you do the other ovary. Between. you and your doctor.

[This message edited by Cooley2here at 7:58 PM, Wednesday, January 31st]

Good luck with you surgery, wishing you a quick recovery. I had DaVinci robotic removal of uterus, cervix and ovaries at 52. I had cysts, fibroids and abnormal uterine growth post menopause. I had been through multiple endometrial biopsies, all negative, prior to my hysterectomy. My Dr. let me decide on the ovaries, and I wanted them gone as I had ovarian cysts and pain all my life. The pathology report showed some precancerous cells on one of the ovaries, so I'm glad I chose to have them removed.

The hot flashes went from bad to worse, post surgery, and due to family breast cancer risk, it took me a while to convince my Dr. to prescribe hormones. Estradiol made my hot flashes manageable, and have made all the difference in my libido and physical pain from sex. I have no regrets, only that I didn't get it done sooner.

My recovery was pretty quick, just follow the instructions for taking it easy the first few weeks. Also, Hystersisters is a great resource. Take care.

Good luck tomorrow Hellfire.

Thinking of you tomorrow 💕

Good luck to you !

I have had hysterectomy in my early forties and the doctor also decided to keep my ovaries although after hysterectomy , the ovaries are going to be atrophied sooner or later anyway. Several years after hysterectomy, I had breast cancer , so HRT was also out of the question .

After surgery , I used a bit of Lidocaine ointment on the sutures before shower to reduce the sting and it really helped !

I am now taking omega 7 ( sea buckthorn) capsules daily to keep the vagina from dryness after hysterectomy or menopause .

I am also using vaginal dilators ( that looks like different size of dildos) once a week to keep it from atrophied as well and it really helps ! With the help of a little lubricant , I have no painful Intercourse .

I hope this will give you some ideas to ease the discomfort .

Good luck HF.