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

[chicken3]

Hi

I had my Left ovary removed due to cyst and incident finding of borderline ovarian cancer.

I am 43 years old and had no signs of premenopausal symptoms and now since the surgery about 3 weeks after I am now in premenopausal. slight waves of warmth, hair thinned a bit and slight harder to concentrate.  I will be having a hysterectomy in a couple of weeks and removal of my remaining right ovary.
I definately will go on HRT (I have twin 15 month and 4 year old---need my brains and wits back!!! ha!).

Everyone is different!!!
Good luck

[Connie71]

Hi Hudson,

I am only 35 so I am not peri-menopausal.  I think my doctor will also tell me to give it a few more cycles before he is concerned. Before my surgery (before my cyst) my periods were like clockwork. I can't wait until I am completely back to normal (hopefully soon)!

I hope you begin to feel normal again soon as well.

- Connie

[roadster]

I'm 35 as well and was very regular and never very heavy or anything.  I had no symptoms prior to surgery - they found the dermoid as a preventive U/S based on family history.  So everything has been thrown into whack after no problems at all.  As far as recovery - I had a horizantal incision for a 5+ inch mass with removal of ovary.  I was off pain meds 3 days after surgery and one week after surgery I felt I was back up to about 75% speed.  I thought I was making a great recovery and was getting ready to head back to work.  Now I don't know if it's PMS or hormones or something that I just need to deal with or if I jumped the gun on getting back to normal.  Thanks everyone for the input.  jen

[Hudson]

Hi Connie, I had an ovary removed too and also had the very light spotting before a few days of "normal" menstrual bleeding. This light stuff is very odd for me, as I am used to heavy periods with clots. I posted about this earlier today, asking for input. Can I ask you if you are peri-menopausal?

I did get thru to my doctor by phone, since posting and he said wait and see what happens the next 2 cycles. If I want he will run a FSH blood test to see if the remaining ovary is still producing hormones. He seems to think I do not have enough hormone to produce much of a endometrial lining and also low progesterone, so the shedding is sporadic?? To be honest, the whole thing annoys me. lol.

Hudson

[Connie71]

Hi,

I had my left ovary removed in June due to 2nd dermoid cyst as well.  My surgery was done laporscopically (sp?) so my recovery was relatively quick. I went back to work after 2 1/2 weeks (still having off an on pain for 4 weeks). The pain was a little more intense then my first surgery that just removed the cyst and it took me a little longer to recover (4 weeks vs 1 week). My firt two periods were like clockwork, but I just had my third and I had ugly spotting for one week prior and then my period was quite heavy for two days.  I am sure it is probably just my body still trying to adjust to the changes (however I do have an appointment to see the doctor next week).  I have not had any hormonal changes that I am aware of. I think my hormones were much worse prior to the surgery (hot flashes, etc).  As all these wonderful ladies told me prior to surgery your remaining ovary seems to take over.

Good luck with your surgery!

[Hudson]

Hi there, I had an ovary removed in March. I am 51 years old and experiencing all kinds of peri-menopause stuff, so it's hard for me to say if you will notice a difference or not. How old are you and were your periods regular before the surgery?

Hudson