ovary removal at 24 years old...

[daisygirl24]

Hi I am new to this site, but I had a dermoid cyst last year about this time.  I went in for my yearly about a month ago, I was very sensative ot the touch and they found another one alredy grown in about the same size.  Since they had to cut out part of my ovary last time, this surgery will be to remove the ovary.  I am 24 years old and I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about the after effects of having one removed at an early age.  I have read lots of different opionion online about most scare me to death and all are different.  Any experience you have would be great. Thanks

~Jessy~

[Tybear]

Hi there... I'm not sure about having just one removed, but I had a full hysterectomy last year at 26 for Ovarian Cancer. I noticed about 3 days after surgery that I was having hot flashes and was put on Estrogen replacement immidiately. Best thing you could do is go to an endocrinologist (or ask you family Dr) about having your hormone levels tested before your surgery - that way, if you notice any side effects after your surgery, the Dr's will have something to compare your hormone levels to. Honestly, I'm not even sure if you will notice anything - I think your other ovary might just take over. I hope someone who knows for sure will come along shortly to answer your question better.
Take care!
Beckky

[daisygirl24]

Thanks, yea my dr talked about being on hormone replacement for a few years.... to make sure my levels stay up. He has never talked about a levels test before surgery though.  I will ask about the levels my next appointment is monday.  Thanks :)

[turtledovemom]

daisygirl24...
So sorry to hear about what you're going through, but wanted to share some info with you.  I had my left ovary removed at the age of 22 due to a malignancy...early stage, not requiring a hysterectomy.  My doctors assured me that I wouldn't have any hormonal or fertility problems and they were right.  One of the beautiful things about the physicalities of being a woman is that our remaining ovaries take over the workload.  I'm not too sure why your doc is talking about you having to be on hormone replacements.  Please keep us posted.
peace,
Anne

[wubbie3]

I almost wish they'd taken my right one... It's been nothing but problems. But, since it was a good possibility before I went into surgery that they were going to remove it, they gave me all the details. They said that unless I had some sort of problem that prevented the other ovary from taking over (like thyroid or pitituary issues), then the other ovary would completely take over the hormone control and would produce an egg every month instead of every other month. They seal the tube so nothing can get through it, and just remove the ovary in a little bag so nothing spills or gets left behind. Supposedly you won't even miss it.
Hang in there, and keep us posted!
~Marianne

[Kelly22]

Hello, I underwent a laparotmy op 2 months ago to remove a large cyst. I had my left ovary removed along with it. I am 22 so was also concerned.  It is fine tho, the other ovary will carry on working and you should be able to go on to live a perfectly normal life and still have children with the one ovary.  Please do not worry too much, I know I did at the time but this site really helped.
Best wishes and any questions please ask.
Kelly x

[daisygirl24]

Can I ask how long it took you to really be able to get up and move after the ovary was removed... I know with just the cyst it was about 2 weeks before I was working full days... wasn't sure what the ovary removal part would do for recovery.

Thanks for the advice.. really helps.. I am absolutly freaking out.  I have another doc appointment today though so I am hoping to beable to schedule the surgery today and jsut get it over with!

[Kelly22]

Well I had a catheter fitted so didn't get out of bed the first day and the 2nd day I could only manage getting up to brush my teeth and wash.  Its not too bad or anything and you will be back on your feet quicker than you think.  I was in hospital 5 days and once my catheter were removed I had to get in and out of bed to go to the toilet. You get quicker and quicker each time you get up I think, By the 5th day, when i left the hospital I was walking at a reasonable speed. I just found bending down or any sudden movements a bit awkward.
I think my recovery was quite quick but then some people get over it quicker than others. I were back to work after 2 wks.  It will all go very quick tho and once your home out of hospital your well on your way to recovery!

[Magsters]

I'm glad I bumped into this site... As surgery date to remove a cyst comes near, I can't shake the thought of the possibility to remove the ovary.  I'm in my early thirties, no children (but would like too) and I've been having a really hard time coming to terms with that.  It sounds like many women are more courageous than me...

[Dooble]

I was searching the net for information on the after effects of having an ovary removed and found you guys!  I had my left ovary removed 6 weeks ago after a cyst burst and bled over the ovary. I took some time to recover after surgery due to an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.  However, internally I seemed to heal quickly.  My first period after surgery was heavy and painful (unusual for me), but today I am ovulating, and am again in quite a bit of pain and discomfort in the abdominal area.  Is this normal?  I am also very irritable and emotional - this has occured over the last few weeks.  I would be very interested to hear your comments on how you feel now.

[Gillies]

Hi everyone,

I am 29 (with no children) and recently had my right ovary removed due to a tumor and 1/2 of my left ovary removed due to a cyst.  Both were found to be 'borderline'.  This was a real blow to me as we were trying for a much wanted child and the only symptom I had was painful periods.  Apparently I will still release an egg each month from the remaining ovary, however the surgeon is referring me to a fertility specialist and mentioned IVF as he said we can't afford to hang about as there is aprox. a 25% chance a cyst will come back and if so they would have to remove the remaining ovary.  It's 4 weeks since my operation and I'm almost recovered and i've been left with a relatively neat scar.  I know how you all must be feeling as I've been through all the emotions under the sun from the day I was told thay I had a tumor.  I am up and down every day which is unlike me but they won't be able to put me on any hormones if I am trying for a baby, so I think my poor husband will just have to put up with me for now!  A few days after the operation I had a mega bad hot flush where I woke up wet through but haven't experienced anything like that since.  And I started my period today so things seem to be getting back to normal. This website had made me feel a bit better as there are loads of people my age posting messages!  If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to help.

Try to stay positive... at least we have each other to talk
to!

Sarah

[Magsters]

In my quest to get additional information, I spoke to a pathologist (let's put it this way, I'll try to talk to anybody in the medical field).  I was told any cyst bigger the 5cm has to be removed (mine is 8x8cm by now), tomorrow is my last appointment/sonogram before surgery (scheduled a week from Friday). I'm trying to get as much information to make educated questions/comments to my OBGYN.  I was told that if the cyst is non-neoplasmatic in other words, non-tumor, the chances of preserving the ovary were greater, when the cyst is considered follicular, full of fluid, chances are better to remove only the cyst.  Does anybody know what the incidence of pregnancy is after an oophorectomy (ovary removal)?  Were there any questions you wished you had asked your doctor or something you found out too late and wished you had knowledge of prior to surgery? Too add a bit of worry... hormones/the pill clots my blood, so that treatment to reduce the cyst or to regulate anything post-surgery is not an option for me.

[susbre]

I had a 6cm dermoid tumor removed last Friday, Sept. 1st.  along with my left ovary.  From what I understand the remaining ovary can compansate for the missing one.  In acuality only one operates at any one time anyway.  My surgery went well however I did not know my ovary had been removed until my 1st post-op appt. on Tuesday.  I knew it was a possibility but did not know they had actually removed the ovary.  In any event, does anyone know how the recovery should be?  I've been having cramps off and on the past few days, some severe.  I was told losing one ovary can confuse your uterus and you shed the uterin lining, like having a period, regardless if it's the right time of the month or not.  Could this be the cause of the cramps? Thanks!

[Dooble]

Hi!  I also experienced cramps from time to time after surgery and still do at odds times.  My first period after surgery was painful, as I was ovulating 14 days later. I also "bled" for two weeks after surgery.  It was almost as if my body was getting rid of all the rubbish.  At first I thought I would never get back to normal, but now (8 weeks down the line), I am feeling so much better.  I am a cycling enthusiast, and am scheduled to start riding tomorrow.  I am hoping to complete a 100km race in November.  Keep your chin up, it gets better!  Every now and then I feeling a pulling sensation inside near the groin and upwards, but my gyn reckons it's the body healing itself.  It just takes time.

[Magsters]

I finally had my surgery on September 15, I'm happy to report I had the best outcome possible.  Only the 8cm cyst was removed and they only needed to make 3 incisions as opposed to 4 as previously planned (one for the camera through the belly button and two in the lower pelvic area).  My OBGYN and her partner performed the surgery.  They were able to remove the cyst and do a test with blue dye to determine no obstructions existed in the tubes, etc.   Discomfort was high during the first week, needing to take vicodyn.  There was some bleeding the first couple of days and I just got my period yesterday... well, sort of, it's different: just how I'd get it on the last few days of my regular period.  I was fortunate to find a dedicated doctor whose conservative approach (to always try to preserve the integrity of your ovaries/tubes/uterus) gave me a good outcome.  She did tell me beforehand that there was a chance of removal if the cyst was tumorous, if there was excesive bleeding or if the cyst was cancerous, but thank God the lab results showed it was benign.

[abercrombie29]

i have a large cystic adnexal mass on my right ovary. i'm so worried. measurements are 17cc x9 x 14cm. does anybody have any information on this?i am having my cyst and right ovary removed in 3 weeks. my mri report and my gyn say i dont have cancer but im scared.

[sweets72816]

Hello everyone i wish the best to all of you i am 33 and i was only born with 1 ovary 1 tube a kidney and a uterus half its normal size.When i was 24 i was told this (except the kidney i already knew)and the fact that i may not be able to have children the one thing i wanted most in life.I am now 33 and have a beautiful 2and a half year old girl.I thank god every day for her.I know i am blessed.However now they think i am starting to go through menopause.I will check back again to see how everyone is doing.Please take care.

[Jazzeroo]

I am 32 years old, had my right ovary and fallopian tube removed via a laparotomy.  My surgery was September 1.  
     This last Wednesday, September 27 I started ovulating.  I was not sure since I just had my right ovary removed how long it would be before the left ovary would kick in.  My breasts felt sore, as usual before I ovulated, and I was craving chocolate.  It was nice to feel like a woman, and know that my body is doing what it is supposed to do.  I felt the usual emotions, like being sensitive and very tired the first day I started my period.  My ovulation has been COMPLETELY NORMAL!  Not too heavy.  By Tuesday it will be over.
      I have recovered pretty well having had my right ovary and fallopian tube removed.  I do not experience any pain, but I do still feel somewhat sore, and I listen to my body and know when I have to take it easy and just simply rest after a long day.  
    

[youngmom22]

Hi,
I am 22 years old and I have one kid i get really bad cycist on both ovaries and they almost removed both of them when i was 18 for this reason. I told them God wanted me to have a kid and I did gt the surgery and I had my miracle baby boy. Now I am have alot of the same problems again and I am going in for surgery on 10-13-06 for them to look around and i don't know if they willl take my left side or what they will do. It started out as a cycist blowing up in my tube and i have not bleeding and cramping and actually passing tissue. I am so scared that it might actually be happening now for real. This site has helped me to see that i am not alone. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[kelseyleslie]

Hi guys im 16 years old and in july i had my left ovary removed because of a Dermoid cyst the size of an ovary.. ever since i still get cysts on my left ovary but thank god they are only functional and not dermoids... I still have lots and LOTS of pain on my left side and all pain medications I have been on are doing ABS. nothing.. I had a laparoscopy after to see what the pain was still coming from and it was only scar tissue and another functional cyst which needed to be removed.. i am scared that i will need my other ovary out and that means I will nto be able to have children.. I want everyone to know.. even though im 16 YEARS olddd that there is hope and everything is going to be ok! We are all in this together and as as woman have to fight through it... if anyone wants to know more email me ***@****
thanks guys. it will be okay xoxox

[kelseyleslie]

sorrry it was the size of a cantaloupe ^ ^ not an ovary!

[connie18603]

       I 'm 23 years-old (will be 24 in March).  I've been having lower right abdominal pain ever since I had my son 4-years ago.  I can't even count how many times the doctors thought it was my appendix.  So, obviously I had to go through drinking barium and CT scans alot.  I also have Celiacs and Crohn's Disease.  Every time I would get the pain my surgeon would say it was the Crohn's that was causing the pain.  I've been on Pentasa for a couple days (for Crohn's) and I get so sick to my stomach from it and eventially vomit after each pill.  
       The surgeon had given up and sent me to me OB/GYN to see if he knows what is going on.  I went to see him and he said to me "Do you remember me telling you about the ovarian cysts you had that I put you on the birth control pills for?"  I do remember!  I was on 2-3 birth control pills every 4-6 hours to try to calm the cysts down.  It never worked.  Now, he wants to remove my right ovary (due to the lower right abdomial pain).  I'm so scared.  I have three children and my fiance and I are happy with the three of them.  Our 19 month old son has been having complications since birth, so we're definately done having babies, so that's not a worry for me.  I'm scared about getting cut open. I never went through a "surgery" only one for cystic breast disease (the doc took a lump "cyst" out of each breast.  I'm also scared about recovery, but not as much now that I've read all of your stories on here.  
       I'm so glad I've found all of you!  Good luck to everyone!

[connie18603]

       I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their stories, because now I'm a little more relaxed from reading all of what everyone else had went through; even a 16-year-old.  You are really brave and so nice to share your story and give so many other people hope.  THANK YOU!
       Just one more thing..... Do you get to choose laparoscopic or open surgery, or does the doctor just tell you which he/she is doing?  I definately want laparoscopic.  My son had a laparoscopic surgery at 12 months and his recovery was lightening fast compared to what they told me.  

[melenzbee83]

unfortunately i had my right ovary removed at 22 due to oavrian cancer and have just been rediagnosed at 24. Doctors do say the other ovary will take over but in ,my case it hasn't. i experience all syptoms of menopause even though im not going through it from hot flushes to vaginal dryness etc. Each case is individual and i have always had hormonal problems! best of luck

[jenna4401]

hi everyone!! i have had cysts since i was 17, i am 27 now. at my last appt the doctor found a cyst on left ovary and this one feels different. it hurts more and i am starting to swell. my mom had an emergency hysterectomy at 26 due to a cyst that ruptured. i want to remove the left ovary but am scared i might need a full hysterectomy. i have never had surgery before and it worries me. i have bad pain during sex and it hurts when i go #2 it seems like like everything swells and is very painful but only lasts for a few days each month. i only want to have one surgery and just want the pain to go away so what should i do my doc appt is on monday and i need to tell him what i want. we are checking to see if the cyst is getting any bigger.