ovary removed...what to expect now?

[roadster]

Three weeks post-surgery for dermoid removal (laparotomy).  Surgeon removed right ovary and tube and now I was wondering what to expect.  I've read that the remaining ovary picks up the slack but what have others experienced?  Does this happen right away?  First period was on schedule but that was only days after the surgery. I felt like I was bouncing back great after two weeks but in the last couple days - not so great.  My energy level was great and now dropped.  My mood swings are all over the place and of course everyone knows the swelly belly.  I don't know if it's surgery or PMS or what the deal is.  Have others noticed hormone changes after having only one ovary removed?  Doc has me following-up at 4 weeks so I haven't talked to her since I left the hospital.  Thanks - jen

[CaydensMommy]

I had my left ovary and tube removed in 2005 and I don't think I ever went back to the way I was before the surgery. I do get my period every month, though. I would tell your dr. that you haven't gotten a period yet if you have another surgery follow-up appointment. I was concerned about mine and actually concerned that I was pregnant because my PMS symptoms were so bad before the first period I got after surgery--it was not on schedule, and I went about 6 or 8 weeks without a period, I think. (Some of the experience is a little fuzzy to me now.) Fortunately, I got it the morning I was scheduled for a CT Scan so I knew that I wasn't pregnant. As soon as I got my period, I went on bc pills to help prevent any future cysts. (Not that it necessarily worked.....) My periods were pretty much normal from then on.  I think it took quite awhile for my moods to level out--like 3 months or something, I think, but I was also dealing with a cancer diagnosis so I think that affected me emotionally as well.  Now I'm mostly leveled out, but I think that I'm definitely more emotional than I was prior to surgery and that I'm more moody when on PMS. I will say that I feel just about as normal as can be now. It may not be the old "normal," but it's not a bad new "normal." I hope that you will level out soon. I know that it's hard, but try to relax and let your body heal. You may feel like you are physically healed because your scar may be healing really nicely, but you have to remember that you had so much done in your surgery that it may take longer for your hormones to get used to their new regimen. Take care and rest as much as you can. I hope you feel more normal soon. :)
Best of luck to you!
Glenda

[courtneysings]

Im 20 yrs old, about one month ago I had a laparotomy to get my left ovary and tube removed due to a goose-egg sized tumor that had attached to both..luckily the tumor turned out to be benign. However, I have not gotten back to my normal, upbeat self. I am usually very energized, but have been very tired SINCE the surgery. Also, I have been more emotional and have severe mood swings that scare me. And also have not had a period since april. Any help?

[social2005]

I had my right ovary removed Dec 19th 07.  I am bouncing back o.k.  I still experience some discomfort in my stomach and pressure.  I am beginning to feel tired more and edgy.  Is that normal.  My month check up is next Monday the 14th of Jan.  Any feedback

[claire99991]

hiya i had my right ovary removed with the tube due to a large dermoid cyst and the left ovary now works twice as hard so i still get a period every week i had a period about 6 weeks post op so it did take a while to get back to normal but now its every 28 days as normal. Hope this helps xx

[jenni9876]

One ovary removed this week.  Hot flashes have started within five days post-op. 50 years old. Was on patch already, but this is still not preventing the flashes.  Anyone else need to adjust hormone replacement after the removal of one ovary?

[Barb 3]

It has been over 6 months now since my hysterectomy and removal of right ovary. One month ago, I started having problems with my contact lenses (after 24 years, problem free)! My eyes are now 'burning' all the time and I can only wear my contacts for a few hours every third day or so. My eyes don't feel scratchy or like there is something in them......just burning so badly that I want to keep them shut! My optometrist says that it may be hormonal due to the loss of one ovary? Has anyone else had severe dry eyes after ovary(s) removed? I am waiting for results of blood test to check ovarian function. I'm hoping this is some sort of allergic reaction...........