‘Phantom ovary pain’ when you’ve had them both removed?

[Djdije]

Hi all,

13 weeks post-total hysterectomy and bi-lateral oophorectomy here and generally, all is well thank goodness.

However, I’ve started to get what I can only describe as ‘ovulation’ pain on and off in the area where my ovaries used to be!

Obviously I can’t be getting ready for a period with none of my ‘equipment’ In there any more and I’m hoping it’s just my body healing or the nerves in there.

Anybody else experienced this after the same operation as me?

[ccsmith]

I’ve done some research about hysterectomies and pain as I had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago. I’m sure I read somewhere that’s it’s not unknown to happen for several years post surgery!

[MelonMelon]

Is there any chance it could be bowel pain? I sometimes can't tell!

[Djdije in reply to MelonMelon]

Hi Melon, thanks for your reply.

It is in the exact same place where my ovaries would be, either side of my groin. It’s very weird when they’re not there any more!

My new consultant things it might be endo so she’s prescribed progesterone alongside my oestrogen gel to try and balance it all out. So we will see. It’s not as painful as my periods used to be so I’ll probably just have to suck it up and live with it.

Have you had a hysterectomy and oophorectomy too?

[MelonMelon in reply to Djdije]

That must be so strange! And frustrating... I'm glad your consultant is on the ball! Hope the treatment gives you relief asap.

I've been referred to a doc/surgeon who wants to give me a hysterectomy and oophorectomy but I am so unsure as to whether I can face it. I feel like I'm starting to get to grips with managing symptoms and am so scared of the hormonal effects of surgical menopause. I have had such trouble with depression and mood swings (not at the moment thank goodness) and whenever I try hormone pills I go downhill, so I'm worried. I'd much rather be in physical pain than mental pain, if that makes sense!

[Djdije in reply to MelonMelon]

Hi Melon,

Seriously having the hysterectomy and oophorectomy was the least scary part of it all.

The surgical menopause symptoms are not as bad as I thought and I’m happy with the HRT I’m on. I too am prone to mood swings and depression but I’m on HRT gel and it’s brilliant - no side effects at all. It’s the tablets that have nasty side effects apparently.

Apart from feeling that I’m too young to be going through all this, it’s do-able!

At the end of the day, if you can’t cope with the symptoms please consider surgery as an alternative - I haven’t looked back and apart from these weird pains (that are getting less frequent) I’m very happy I did.

Good luck on your journey x