Complex septated ovarian cyst

[Mycatsmom]

I am 58, post menopause. Have a 3.5 X 3.2 X 3.3 cm complex septated ovarian cyst on left ovary. It was first detected about 5 years ago and has grown just a little bit since then. My doctor wants to remove the ovary - and would like to remove the right ovary as well. I would like to avoid surgery if at all possible due to the fact that my job is not the kind of job I can be away from for two weeks recovery time. Furthermore, the surgery, et al, will cost a bundle as my health insurance is really crummy (but still costs me $500/mo). I literally don't have the money to pay for the surgery. Mostly I just don't want surgery! I would love to get input from members of this community. I am thinking about downloading the e-book, "Ovarian Cysts No More" - has anyone here tried this, I assume, holistic approach to getting rid of ovarian cysts? Also, is it prudent to just wait two or three months and have another ultra-sound to see if cyst has grown? Or is that being chicken? I have been on Prempro but have quit taking because of this development. Do you think stopping the HRT will shrink my cyst?

[Sandymac]

Oh... That is a challenging job to be having after surgery.. I so wish I had some suggestions for you... Well, as you said,you could always just continue to monitor this cyst. Did you mention this to your Dr.? If so, was he totally against it? I know what you mean about the $$$. My Dr. doesn't take Medicare .. She will file for me.. but she sent the bill and when Medicare sent me the $$ , I just signed it over to her. It's awful but in SW Florida where I had the procedure, her bill was under $1000.00. The hospital charges were criminal.. I won't even tell you what they were !! But we have so many uninsured, the hospitals have to make it up somewhere I guess.  

Please don't give up and feel free to  come on here anytime .. and do ask your Dr. how he feels about the monitoring this for awhile ,

Take care,
Sandy

[Mycatsmom]

Thank you for your input. Grateful that I found this forum. I am in the Los Angeles area where medical costs are sky high. My doctor doesn't even take insurance. My guess is that total cost of everything involved with getting this surgery plus the surgery will set me back about $6,000, maybe more. Gee, am I just focused on the money part and not my health?  Unfortunately, my job entails some lifting, climbing stairs several times a day, driving, computer, etc. and no one else is trained to do my job and yada yada. Anyway, just trying to think of ways to get out of having surgery.

[Sandymac]

Hi
    First of all...I love your screen name !!! Now for the real reason you're here ...

I too am postmenopausal and I had a cyst removed last January.. If yours hasn't grown except for a little bit, that is a really good sign. Now for the surgery.. If he's suggesting a laparoscopy, it is usually done on an outpatient basis . Only takes about 5 hours walk -in to leaving. They usually tell you not to drive or lift anything heavy for about 2 weeks. But, I felt pretty good even the next day.They sent me home with pain pills which gave me a raging headache !! So I only used x strength Tylenol. I had 3 small incisions in a little line down the center. What kind of work do you do? Of course, everyone is different, and Dr's are different, but I'm thinking if it's just a "sit down" job and you can catch a ride, you may be able to work after a week ??? But, I sure wouldn't encourage doing more than you should because the internal "parts" heal slower. I only had one ovary taken out .

I'm not familiar with the book you're speaking of but it sounds right interesting. Usually they do like to monitor these cysts for awhile, but since you're postmenopausal, I doubt waiting , it would change too much if it hasn't already.. Someone else may come along regarding the HRT.. I've been off hormones for a few years now..

Please keep us posted and try not to worry. I'm sorry about the financial aspect also. Is your Dr. willing to work something out with you?

Take care,
Sandy