Bilateral and salpingo-oophorectomy booked for Monday

[SandJ]

Hello everyone, I'm new here, and grateful for any support or suggestions. I posted this also on the MyOvacome group but possibly the post is more appropriate here.

I went into A&E about 6 weeks ago with what I understood to be classic kidney stone pain. To cut a long story short they found a suspicious 5 cm cyst on my right ovary (and polyps on gallbladder). The ultrasound report is as follows:

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Small postmenopausal uterus containing 16mm intramural fibroid. The endometrium appears slightly thickened measuring 6mm. The left ovary cannot be identified.

Within the right adnexa, there is a complex cystic structure, which is difficult to measure on TVUSS but is at least 5cm. The cyst contains echogenic material, anechoic fluid and a thick septation. There is also vascularity demonstrated within. Adjacent, there is a tubular cystic structure, which could represent hydrosalpinx.

The gallbladder is post prandial and cannot assess wall thickness accurately - pt not informed about exam prep. Despite this, 5 echogenic structures can be seen which are non vascular and appear adhered to the GB wall; appearances suggest polyps, which measure 2-5mm. Suggest 6 month review of polyps to ensure no interval growth.

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I was fast tracked for a gynaecologist consultation and she suggested removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes. My Serum CA 125 was level 7 ku/L and she said calculated risk of malignancy was low. I agreed to the removal of both ovaries, but failed to ask about hormonal consequences. I am post-menopausal, 57 years old and on BHRT.

I do have a couple of questions:

1. I've been on BHRT now for about 2 years. Is there any possibility the cyst could have been caused by HRT? (I'm on Estrogel and micronised progesterone).

2. As a post-menopausal woman will I experience any hormonal consequences of having this procedure? I will ask the consultant before the operation on Monday morning, I already asked my GP and she said as far as she knew there should be little consequence due to my age and being post-menopausal. I had hoped on reducing/stopping HRT, but I went through total hell with menopause and the thought of further issues here because of the operation worries me.

3. I have never had an operation in my life and it's all a bit stressful. Any tips much appreciated regarding this operation and post-recovery much appreciated. I also have M.E. /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

4. Some have suggested I re-think having the second (probably normal) ovary out.. thoughts?

thank you so much!

[dawntildusk]

Just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow as I know only too well how stressful having an operation can be (ive had 3 in 4 years). Make sure to discuss your concerns with the surgeon beforehand as you dont want to be doubting things after. I dont really know the answers to your questions but they only left one of my ovaries because i was under 40. I think because you are already menopausal they think the risks are outweighed by the benefits for you as your oestrogen levels have already diminished. This doesnt necessarily mean that they dont produce other hormones though that your body may benefit from? i am told that my remaining ovary is likely to fail within five years or i may need further surgery to remove it at a later date if my symptoms progress or it becomes diseased. Although i am pleased not to be going through the menopause i do wish they had taken it. Be assured how u are feeling is completely normal. Just wish there was an easy answer. Make sure you rest up after and get as much help as u can. Keep on top of your pain relief and make sure to ask if you need any more. Will be thinking of u x x

[SandJ in reply to dawntildusk]

Thanks so much, I've just posted an update - very relieved to have it behind me. Now for recovery!

[SandJ]

Just to update:

Extraordinarily, even though I finally decided to say yes to both ovaries taken out the surgeon didn’t take either as both were just fine, no cyst at all! But fallopian tube twisted and filled with fluid so that was taken out and biopsy of uterus lining, but the surgeon said it looked fine. Possibly the tube got infected in my 20s when I had Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Apparently sometimes ultrasound can’t clearly see things, so possibly the swollen fallopian tube looked like a cyst, or maybe (he didn’t say this) all the stuff I’ve been doing cleared it (nettle tea by the gallons, meditation etc) But unfortunately I was still woozy from the anaesthetic when the surgeon told me and showed me the pictures - so I didn’t think to ask him about the detailed ultrasound report that seemed to definitely state a cyst with septation etc, and if this could have been mistaken for the fallopian tube.

It was very quick, driving home by noon. I felt so incredibly grateful when I woke up from the anaesthetic, even before hearing the news. Lovely nurses, everything just amazing. I feel like a sort of miracle has happened.

Now for lots of rest and have these awful anti-thrombosis tights on I can’t take off until tonight. I have three incisions, quite a bit of pain and a bit of a throat infection. but otherwise really good and happy.

[dawntildusk in reply to SandJ]

glad its all done and it wasnt as complicated as first thought. hopefully your recovery goes just as well x x

[SandJ in reply to dawntildusk]

thanks so much!