Told need TAH

[Hellothere600]

I am 40.  I had 2 large fibroids removed 1.5 years ago (laparotomy).   At that time, my GYN discovered I had severe endometriosis.  Now, I have a 15 cm cyst on one ovary , a 7 cm on the other with several smaller cysts, a small fibroid, plus the endo, small amount of free fluid in pelvis. My GYN believes I need a TAH with removal of all female organs. She is sending me to a GYN oncologist who is also a pelvic reconstructive surgeon, although she doesn't think I have cancer.  She feels I have a lot of adhesions and the specialist would need to do the surgery.  I am not really experiencing symptoms.  Some bloating, my periods are about every 25 days with mild cramps the first few hours on day one.  I was tested for PCOS in Dec '08, but that was negative.  She tried me on prgestin a year ago but I couldn't tolerate it; severe insomnia.  I am not on any medications now and have no history of GYN cancer. I am nervous about such a drastic diagnosis.  Thanks.

[Hellothere600]

Thanks.  I saw the speicalist today.  He said he could try to keep the ovaries or partial, etc but chances are he wouldn't be able to.  I don't want to go into the surgery thinking I might come out with an ovary and then be disappointed if it wasn't possible.  I have had time now to let it all sink in and will go through with having everything removed.  I'm probably half way through perimenopause anyway.  I already grieved not being able to have children last year after the myomectomy.  She told me there was a 0% chance with the condition my organs were in.  The specialist thought HRT should be started about 1.5 years after surgery.  I thought that was interesting. Thanks for the reply.

[TrudieC]

If I were in your position I would want it all out.  Too much going and too much risk for things to go awry.  And, you are likely having symptoms that you aren't even associating with this beyond the bloating (i.e., urinary issues, gas, bowel issues, headaches, anemia) and may be surprised at how well you will feel.  Gyn/onc's have more training and are used to more detailed surgery so this is a good move.  I wish you all the best.