Ovary Removal

[Cowgirldrdr]

No question here...just comments. I had both my ovaries removed - age 49- no cancer.
I have never felt so bad in my life. Lithargic, mentally disabled, bad skin (I had beautiful skin!!).
Hate all the symptoms. I want to curse the doctors who so readily yank ovaries out- even in women who are supposedly to go thru menopause at approx. 51. Shame on them.
They know the symptoms, do not spell it out, do a poor informed consent and then walk away while the patient is left with life long symptoms.....
OB's need to show women videos. Heck, I saw a great video on dental implants.....so why not ovary removal/side effects video.
It is amazing. If I wanted to learn all of the symptoms instead of going to law school I should have gone to medical school. Shame shame on the "professionals."

[Cowgirldrdr]

That makes me feel so much better. What state do you live in? I need hope that there is a doctor out there who does the right thing....KISS HER (or him) for being ethical/professional...Most of the docs in the DC Metro area walk down the hall and you have to talk to the back of their heads....HMO medicine is tearing them down to the point that they book every patient minutes apart. Sad.
Cathy

[Sandymac]

I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience ! But, I must chime in; I guess I was extremely lucky-- my Dr. DID have a video available and all important papers were explained in her office with a very caring, knowledgable staff. I must have been asked 20 times if I had any questions, concerns, etc. I didn't feel rushed at all...So, I guess it just depends on the Dr.
     And, I know you're hearing this from all over the place; but it WILL get better for you...Just imagine what a shock your system is in!. Ask about short term HRT. Everything will soon settle down for you I hope. I'm past menopause but know what it's like to have everything change so suddenly.. That's why they used to call it "the change" I guess. Hang in there, and I know you'll be whoopin it up with "stud muffin" soon!
Take care
    
    

[Cowgirldrdr]

I think all the women need to get really good INFORMED CONSENTS- meaning a very good description of the awful symptoms that most likely will occur. Not just sign a piece of paper while being rolled down the hospital corridor. That is inappropriate.....It makes me angry when hospital staff throw documents into the laps of women as they are prepping for surgery. The real explanation should be in the office under a relaxed atmosphere....
Only women whos ovaries are dead as doornails will not feel any side effects and even then they need discussion about post op pain.
I feel like starting a mini movement forcing these docs to do a better job of disclosures.
Cathy, Attorney at Law

[Cowgirldrdr]

THANKS EVERYONE. In the middle of all this a fella fell in love with me....I was not looking but holy smokes he resembles Kevin Costner or some other stud muffin so I grab him whenever I can. So I am trying to re-group so I can have fun with him. He is 48. I turned 50 but had family history of major hormone levels (grandmother had a child at 54!!!)
I will take any recommendations.....THANKS!!! Am going to get the black cohash root and wheat grass.
As an attorney I am SHOCKED at how little the docs inform via the informed consent. Seems they are so edgy themselves over HMO medicine to sit down and really discuss. I think a video in a doctor's office would be significantly helpful.....the doctor can run around and see patients and the next "OVARY REMOVAL VICTIM" can watch the film and either RUN or ABSORB. When I see Suzanne Somers on CNN I want to scream: CALL ME!!!!!!! WE HAVE TO WARN WOMEN ABOUT THIS!
Just some thoughts.....
Cathy

[Danimatt]

Hello -

I have mine removed at 39 years of age and have found that Black Cohash Root helps with some of the symptoms.  Also, wheat grass will make your skin glow!  Things have gotten better over the last 6 months.  Hang in there :)

[hopeshell]

Mine was in July, 2007 - TAHBSO.  I definitely understand...horrible!  In addition to the cancer I also had severe endo.  I think those of us with endo have really high hormones in the first place and then to yank them away all together causes more severe symptoms.  I sure hope it settles out...maybe because we are still within the year period it will get better with time....hoping :)  Good luck to you too!   Shelly

[gma718]

I had a total hysterectomy in May 07...thought I was tired before...I am always tired, moody and edgy...I know how you feel. I am on the vivelle-dot patch which helps with the hot flashes...I too at times wish I never had my ovaries removed...people dont understand the power of hormones...I am only 41!! THANKFULLY , I didnt have cancer but had extensive endometroisis that just destroyed my female organs.. Maybe you need to go on some type of hormone replacement?? Keep your chin up!! Gia :)

[Cowgirldrdr]

Yes....
I feel awful all the time. Exhausted. I wish the doctors would have prepared me for this.
You too!!!!
When were your ovaries removed?

[hopeshell]

I can sympathize with your frustration. I have never felt worse in my life since my TAH/BSO but since I had cancer I had no choice.  I also didn't get any briefing on what to expect and have felt exhuasted ever since.  I am only 37.  I understand some women don't experience as major of side effects but I definitely have.  I think we will adjust as time goes on (we have to!).  Having ovaries removed to remove cancer or reduce cancer recurrence is still very worth any side effects.  Hang in there!