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Ovary Cyst & belly fat
Back in Feb of this year I was told I had a 5cm cyst on my ovary (left) went back in a month to see if it was gone or still there. Was told the left cyct was gone but had one same size on the right. Again, back in a month to see if that one was gone. Well, the pain has always been on my right. I'm thinking the first Ultra Sound stated left incorrectly. So does the doctor. After a pelvic exam in Feb. my doctor even made a comment that if didn't "know" from the ultra sound that I had a cyst on my left, she would say it was more like on the back of my Uterus or more centered. I told her my pains were mostly on the right and that my periods were becoming irregular and VERY painful. Hormones okay and not in preimenopause.
Well, here I am in May and I still have this cyst on my right ovary. So now we are planning the surgery to have it removed. I have also had problems with frequent urine and pressure on my bladder. No bladder infections. Lower back pain as well. My stomach looks like I am about 6 months pregnant. Have had some stomach issues also. (not been my year so far) I just had a Colonoscopy and everything looked fine with that. I am 48 years old.
My question is, can the cyst on my ovary be the cause for my frequent urine, back pain, and the swelling of my belly? I've read a lot on this site that cyst have contributed to belly fat/ swelling. I went from 140 pounds to 170 pounds in the last year and changed nothing at all in my life style as far as exercises or eating habits.
Has anyone else ever had belly fat or weight gain from a cyst and does it go away after the cyst is removed?
Well, here I am in May and I still have this cyst on my right ovary. So now we are planning the surgery to have it removed. I have also had problems with frequent urine and pressure on my bladder. No bladder infections. Lower back pain as well. My stomach looks like I am about 6 months pregnant. Have had some stomach issues also. (not been my year so far) I just had a Colonoscopy and everything looked fine with that. I am 48 years old.
My question is, can the cyst on my ovary be the cause for my frequent urine, back pain, and the swelling of my belly? I've read a lot on this site that cyst have contributed to belly fat/ swelling. I went from 140 pounds to 170 pounds in the last year and changed nothing at all in my life style as far as exercises or eating habits.
Has anyone else ever had belly fat or weight gain from a cyst and does it go away after the cyst is removed?
Yes, the cyst can cause ALL those symptoms. I went through all of this myself.
And yes, if the cyst is centered (mine was lodged behind the uterus), they can easily confuse which ovary it is really on.....they told me mine was on the right but it was really on the left.
Yes, you will lose weight once the cyst is removed. The surgery will at first cause MORE BLOAT and widening of the waist while healing, but it will go away with time. I'm still enjoying the weight loss 4 months later. My metabolism appears to have improved.
Best wishes to you. You can read through my posts to get all the back story on my own surgery and recovery. Hopefully it will help you through this.
And yes, if the cyst is centered (mine was lodged behind the uterus), they can easily confuse which ovary it is really on.....they told me mine was on the right but it was really on the left.
Yes, you will lose weight once the cyst is removed. The surgery will at first cause MORE BLOAT and widening of the waist while healing, but it will go away with time. I'm still enjoying the weight loss 4 months later. My metabolism appears to have improved.
Best wishes to you. You can read through my posts to get all the back story on my own surgery and recovery. Hopefully it will help you through this.
2 Comments
I too am recovering from complex cyst removed on my right ovary 10 days later I did manage to get into my jeans but I feel like piece of sausage in them definitely not comfortable yet. I've been doing apple cider vinegar and ginger tea throughout the day I think that's helping along the way .How long did it take you to get rid of the inflammation my doctor said a month but one of my incisions is having a little Scar Tissue going on ..I keep massaging it do you have any advice or any information or experiences like this if so please tell me some of your remedies thank you:)
I too am recovering from complex cyst removed on my right ovary 10 days later I did manage to get into my jeans but I feel like piece of sausage in them definitely not comfortable yet. I've been doing apple cider vinegar and ginger tea throughout the day I think that's helping along the way .How long did it take you to get rid of the inflammation my doctor said a month but one of my incisions is having a little Scar Tissue going on ..I keep massaging it do you have any advice or any information or experiences like this if so please tell me some of your remedies thank you:)
Your symptoms sound almost exactly like mine, except I now have a solid mass and am goin for a laporascopy next friday and more than likely a removal of lft. ovary and tube. My doctor said the weight gain and bloatin are not from the cyst but I don't gain weight easily and never have with exception to my pregnancies. So I am hoping the mass is nothing and that the weight and bloating will go away.
Well, I called my doctor today and ask for the surgery to be bumped up a week. I am sick of walking around with my hand tucked in the top of my jeans holding my right side. The pain is not unbareable, but its constant. Sometimes a sharp pain can buckel me over. Yesterday I held my left side all day! I'm working on a list of things I want to discuss with my doctor at the pre op appointment.
Ive read a few postings and am hearing that some woman were having hair loss! I have been noticing that the last 3 or 4 months my hair is coming out more than it has ever in my life! I just thought it was because I wear it longer than I ever have! ???? It sure would be nice if all my problems went away after the cyts comes out! I'm so sick of looking like I'm pregnant! I'm sick of wearing XLarge shirts to hide behind! I am not big any where except my gut! So on May 28th. I guess I will find out what its like to be without pain in my ovaries! Well, maybe a week or two later ;-) once I recover from the surgery! I can't wait to get it over with!
Ive read a few postings and am hearing that some woman were having hair loss! I have been noticing that the last 3 or 4 months my hair is coming out more than it has ever in my life! I just thought it was because I wear it longer than I ever have! ???? It sure would be nice if all my problems went away after the cyts comes out! I'm so sick of looking like I'm pregnant! I'm sick of wearing XLarge shirts to hide behind! I am not big any where except my gut! So on May 28th. I guess I will find out what its like to be without pain in my ovaries! Well, maybe a week or two later ;-) once I recover from the surgery! I can't wait to get it over with!
1 Comments
Did you notice the weight go away after your surgery? I too have had a 30 lb weight increase since discovering my symptoms 7 months ago - my surgery is tomorrow. How are you doing since? I realize you last posted in 2009...
Well I just had surgery on Friday left hospital on Saturday. The doc did remove my Lft ovary and tube and the mass was endometriosis. I also had it on my Rt Ovary which they removed the endometriosis but left the ovary on Rt side. My stomach is so swollen right now and the pain is still bad. I was told the bloating will last for a week or so.I am looking forward to that going away.
1 Comments
I had a c scan found a 5 cm between my uterus and bowel cul de sac. I went from 140 to 172 in a year. last summer I went to er the pain on my right side back was to painful I was dehydrated and sure enough I get my HEAVY monthly cycle as Im in the Er. I had Have problems with bladder pressure fullness. and not emptying fully. I have cyst on kidney and fatty liver liver spots. Im 42. And I dont know who to trust . Can this be cancer?
Hi,
I just had an ovary and tube removed along with cyst on the right side. My stomach is now bloating. Did it go away for you? If so how long did it take. The bloating wasn't too bad at first but now it's been one week and it's really bloating. How long is total recovery?
I just had an ovary and tube removed along with cyst on the right side. My stomach is now bloating. Did it go away for you? If so how long did it take. The bloating wasn't too bad at first but now it's been one week and it's really bloating. How long is total recovery?
I gained 10 pounds in two weeks. I have always been around 125 pounds and now Im almost 140! All the weight is in my tummy, mostly lower abdomen. Anyway, I just found out that I had 5 cysts on my ovaries and had them removed. While getting my surgery the doctor discovered I have developed endometriosis. That along wih the cysts contributed to my sudden belly weight gain. I noticed immediately after the surgery, even with swelling that my stomach was already smaller. I can't wait for the swelling to be totally gone and have my flat belly back!!!
Talk to your doctor about vitex. It helps regulate hormones and when I take it all the symptoms from cysts goes away. You have to make sure you can take it if you're on birth control. I will say it's worth it to not have awful cramps, back pain, swelling, acne, and bloating! Also ditch products containing soy! Soy increases estrogen. High levels of estrogen cause all kinds of problem. Hope this helps.
I had surgery they removed my left ovary, said it was very bloody. and uterus due to fibroids tumors. I have pain almost every other month on my right side. I have been to the ER 3 times for the pain. Stayed in bed with pain because my doctor told me he wouldn't remove my last ovary at my age which is 47 unless absolutely necessary. The first hospital visit ovary cyst was 6 cm. still in pain went to my doctor it was 5 cm. Last couple of times at the ER were a joke. one even read it as uterine fibroids at the fundus when I don't even have a uterus. Still bloating I am regularly 111 now within 2 weeks fluctuate between 115 to 119.. keeps going up.. look like I am pregnant. I even now have a hernia, they put mesh in over a year ago still hurting there also. said it is on the rectus sheath and instead of going over top the hernia did all the way across my stomach. Never been right since first surgery.
reading your comment has made me feel "normal". thank you!!! I am also losing my hair, walk around with my hand clutching my right side and have bursts of pain that almost bring me to my knees!! I am also considering surgery (guess I better before I go bald) and was reading this site because I CAN NOT lose weight. I diet, exercise, watch what I eat and have even dropped my hemoglobin A1C result from 6.2 to 5.3 but have not lost ONE POUND OR INCH. I mean how is that possible????
So glad I found these posts. I've been feeling like a bit of a freak with all these symptoms. I was scheduled for surgery today but it got postponed. I've been going through all of the hoops for insurance and my Dr. for 8 mos. I just turned 43 and they're going to remove everything. I'm exhausted and just want to get it done. Thank you ladies for your posts here. I feel so much better knowing that some of these things are more common than I was led to believe.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Welcome to the community. I am sorry to hear you are planning to have your female organs removed. I am curious what problems you have been having to prompt this life-altering surgery. Have you tried other treatments?
I had the same surgery 9 years ago at age 49 and I cannot begin to describe the horror and debilitating fall-out. Surgical "menopause" is a huge understatement. None of my naturally menopausal family members or friends have experienced the horrific symptoms I have. Plus numerous studies show that ovary removal (or post-hysterectomy ovarian failure) is associated with increased mortality and many health conditions. Naturally menopausal ovaries produce hormones up to at least age 80 especially testosterone, some of which the body converts to estrogen as needed. I now need to pay for something that my body provided for free plus I have never felt normal since.
And the loss of my uterus has been just as devastating for all its fall-out.
I had the same surgery 9 years ago at age 49 and I cannot begin to describe the horror and debilitating fall-out. Surgical "menopause" is a huge understatement. None of my naturally menopausal family members or friends have experienced the horrific symptoms I have. Plus numerous studies show that ovary removal (or post-hysterectomy ovarian failure) is associated with increased mortality and many health conditions. Naturally menopausal ovaries produce hormones up to at least age 80 especially testosterone, some of which the body converts to estrogen as needed. I now need to pay for something that my body provided for free plus I have never felt normal since.
And the loss of my uterus has been just as devastating for all its fall-out.
I had all these symptoms from my 6cm benign cyst on my left ovary: weight gain, migraines, frequent urination, abdominal pain/bloating, lower back pain, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, fatigue, acne, and night sweats, etc. Of course, before it was removed my doc claimed none of it should be related to the cyst. It took about 6 months after the surgery fort me to feel completely bnack to myself, and I lost the 15 extrta lbs that I had gained. Immediately after the surgery, I felt extreme relief from the painful internal pressure being gone. It has been a year and my body/periods have returned to normal!
1 Comments
Hello!I was wondering if you only got the cyst removed or did you get your ovary removed too because my doctor said thats the only way hes was going to removed mines if I get both smh and he claims that my cyst wasnt making me putting on weight
I had both my ovaries removed along with the tubes and cysts. Going into menopause with hormone replacement therapy. I had so many issues including the hair loss, fatigue, back pain, pelvic pain, bloating during periods, insomnia, inability to focus. I'm pretty site since a lot of women have mentioned the same issues that it is related. Maybe there needs to be more studies done on this topic.
COMMUNITY LEADER
How did your surgery go? Did you have a cystectomy (cyst removal)?
On May 20th 2016, I too will have my surgery. I have gained an unexplained 40lbs in the last 3 years. I have a cyst on my left side and so far, that is where the surgery will remove.
Hello,
I just had my endometrioma removed today via laparoscopy and it was in a serious situation when they went in.
For the past 6-7 months I was having off and on symptoms that I attributed to either IBS or some other gastrointestinal problem. Painful sex, lower back pain and chronic mild radiating pain on my my lower right side. As the months progressed I had difficulty losing weight, hair loss worse bowl symptoms of pain, diarrhea with alternating constipation. My lower pelvic region was a mess. So, finally a month ago I scheduled an appointment to see my OBYN, she was booked up but I saw the Nurse Practitioner instead, she checked my IUD and it was in place but ordered a scan. The tech found an 8cm cyst on my right ovary in the report. The NP was very nonshalant about it and wanted to do a wait and see approach. I was concerned so I made another appointment to see my actual OBGYN two weeks later. In the mean time my pain was getting worse but I was managing with Advil. Then I started my period the week I had my appointment. The pain was the worst pain ever, plus bloating. I lived with a heating pad on me for three days. I was in severe pain when i saw my doc. She took out my IUD and discussed treatment options for my cyst. Right off the bat she recommended removal due to risks of torsion and bursting.
Thankfully this week there was a cancellation in the OR schedule so they got me in literally a week after my doctor's visit.
This is what they found, via photos that was taken, the cyst had indeed twisted on itself, grew to 12 cm and cut off the blood supply to my right ovary. The ovary/cyst mass was black.It was endometriosis, the doctor had to remove my right ovary and tube.
I'm pretty hopeful my life will get back to normal with no chronic pain. I have surgery pain but that is normal. I'm kind of sad I only have one ovary and tube because I would like to have a second child. I'm pretty afraid I will get endometriosis on my left ovary and really don't want to be on birth control to stop ovulating, which is supposed to elevate, minimize endometriosis from getting worse. Good luck to you ladies who are dealing with this. Ovarian cysts are really serious.
I just had my endometrioma removed today via laparoscopy and it was in a serious situation when they went in.
For the past 6-7 months I was having off and on symptoms that I attributed to either IBS or some other gastrointestinal problem. Painful sex, lower back pain and chronic mild radiating pain on my my lower right side. As the months progressed I had difficulty losing weight, hair loss worse bowl symptoms of pain, diarrhea with alternating constipation. My lower pelvic region was a mess. So, finally a month ago I scheduled an appointment to see my OBYN, she was booked up but I saw the Nurse Practitioner instead, she checked my IUD and it was in place but ordered a scan. The tech found an 8cm cyst on my right ovary in the report. The NP was very nonshalant about it and wanted to do a wait and see approach. I was concerned so I made another appointment to see my actual OBGYN two weeks later. In the mean time my pain was getting worse but I was managing with Advil. Then I started my period the week I had my appointment. The pain was the worst pain ever, plus bloating. I lived with a heating pad on me for three days. I was in severe pain when i saw my doc. She took out my IUD and discussed treatment options for my cyst. Right off the bat she recommended removal due to risks of torsion and bursting.
Thankfully this week there was a cancellation in the OR schedule so they got me in literally a week after my doctor's visit.
This is what they found, via photos that was taken, the cyst had indeed twisted on itself, grew to 12 cm and cut off the blood supply to my right ovary. The ovary/cyst mass was black.It was endometriosis, the doctor had to remove my right ovary and tube.
I'm pretty hopeful my life will get back to normal with no chronic pain. I have surgery pain but that is normal. I'm kind of sad I only have one ovary and tube because I would like to have a second child. I'm pretty afraid I will get endometriosis on my left ovary and really don't want to be on birth control to stop ovulating, which is supposed to elevate, minimize endometriosis from getting worse. Good luck to you ladies who are dealing with this. Ovarian cysts are really serious.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I had a 9.5cm cyst and I did gain a little weight but only about 5 lbs. My pants were on the tight side but I did not look pregnant. If you are in perimenopause, the hormonal changes may be the reason for the weight gain. Has the cyst grown? How big is it? Cysts as well as uterine fibroids can put pressure on the bladder and bowel and also cause some back discomfort.
Hopefully, your doctor is planning to remove just the cyst (cystectomy) since removal of an ovary has the potential to permanently disrupt ovarian hormone production. And contrary to what we are told or led to believe, our ovaries produce hormones our whole lives and are essential to every aspect of health and well-being.
Hopefully, your doctor is planning to remove just the cyst (cystectomy) since removal of an ovary has the potential to permanently disrupt ovarian hormone production. And contrary to what we are told or led to believe, our ovaries produce hormones our whole lives and are essential to every aspect of health and well-being.
I am 53 and have 6 grown children. I told my OB/GYN I would prefer a hysterectomy when she removes the cysts because my mother had uterine cancer, a cousin did too, and an aunt had breast cancer. I've had so many surgeries, I don't want to end up going back to get more cysts removed later. I'll have to ask friends who had hysterectomies what their experience was, and why they had them.
As is, they found out I have two hernias. My colon is pushing through one, my liver through the other. Apparently, people often get hernias after having surgery, which is how my doctor believes I ended up with mine.
I am concerned that my cysts will grow before surgery, especially since I've started having more pain in my legs or feet.
My CT scan was April 29. I don't know what size the cysts were then. When I went to see an OB/GYN on May 3 they did an ultrasound (and an internal one) and found:
Large Simple Cyst = 11 x 10 x 8CM
Complex Cystic Area = 9.9 x 5x2 x 4.8CM
Complex Cystic Area = 6.3 x 6.2 x 5.3CM
No Blood Flow
No Free Fluid
My regular doctor did a CA125 test and it was 23.6. I have had 2 people tell me they have family members whose are either the same, or lower than mine and have to have chemo...even though I've heard below 35 is considered the 'safe' range.
My first surgery to do the hysterectomy and remove the three cysts is June 15, and they'll repair one of the hernias and put in mesh. I have to heal totally before they do the other hernia operation. The doctor said he didn't want me to have to have to long incisions and that 7 hours was too long for me to be operated on.
I will try to come back to post size after surgery, since I found it beneficial to read others experience.
As is, they found out I have two hernias. My colon is pushing through one, my liver through the other. Apparently, people often get hernias after having surgery, which is how my doctor believes I ended up with mine.
I am concerned that my cysts will grow before surgery, especially since I've started having more pain in my legs or feet.
My CT scan was April 29. I don't know what size the cysts were then. When I went to see an OB/GYN on May 3 they did an ultrasound (and an internal one) and found:
Large Simple Cyst = 11 x 10 x 8CM
Complex Cystic Area = 9.9 x 5x2 x 4.8CM
Complex Cystic Area = 6.3 x 6.2 x 5.3CM
No Blood Flow
No Free Fluid
My regular doctor did a CA125 test and it was 23.6. I have had 2 people tell me they have family members whose are either the same, or lower than mine and have to have chemo...even though I've heard below 35 is considered the 'safe' range.
My first surgery to do the hysterectomy and remove the three cysts is June 15, and they'll repair one of the hernias and put in mesh. I have to heal totally before they do the other hernia operation. The doctor said he didn't want me to have to have to long incisions and that 7 hours was too long for me to be operated on.
I will try to come back to post size after surgery, since I found it beneficial to read others experience.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Sorry to hear about your cysts! I personally wish I still had my parts. I did not realize how much they were doing until after they were gone. Everything changed pretty quickly and drastically.
Best of luck to you.
Best of luck to you.
I am hoping since I am presumably perimenopausal that I won't have a lot of problems. I had the hot flash type stuff in my late 30's. I have had 2 cycles this year, and it seems since my cycle in April, and finding out what all is going on, I seem to have hormone fun as I have cried like 3 times of stupid things, and 1 time because of pain. I don't usually cry, so I know the silly things I've gotten upset over isn't me.
I have read of so many people getting cysts again, and after having a couple people in our family get cancer in uterus, I don't want to invite trouble and have to have another surgery later.
How old were you when you had your hysterectomy?
I have read of so many people getting cysts again, and after having a couple people in our family get cancer in uterus, I don't want to invite trouble and have to have another surgery later.
How old were you when you had your hysterectomy?
COMMUNITY LEADER
I was 49. That was 10 years ago and it still haunts me because of all the changes / rapid aging that ensued. And it was all so unnecessary...should have only lost the cyst itself.
The thing most people don't understand is that surgical menopause is nothing like natural menopause. The ovaries produce hormones our whole lives. They simply shift their role from "reproductive" to "endocrine." Their removal is associated with a whole laundry list of increased health risks including heart disease, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, dementia, mood disorders (depression, anxiety, irritability), memory and cognitive impairment, lung cancer, hair and skin aging, muscle wasting, sexual dysfunction, more severe hot flashes.
I know some women who had their surgeries after menopause and suffered severe symptoms. One was 72 years old!
The uterus and its ligaments are essential to anatomical and skeletal integrity. That is why bladder and bowel problems are common complaints after hysterectomy. And the severing of ligaments that are the pelvis' support structures explain why women's figures change after their uterus is removed. This effect is just as devastating to me as the loss of my bodies' own hormones and the rapid aging it has caused.
I talked to other women. Frankly, they were not forthcoming about the negatives until after I'd had my surgery.
Best of luck to you.
The thing most people don't understand is that surgical menopause is nothing like natural menopause. The ovaries produce hormones our whole lives. They simply shift their role from "reproductive" to "endocrine." Their removal is associated with a whole laundry list of increased health risks including heart disease, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, dementia, mood disorders (depression, anxiety, irritability), memory and cognitive impairment, lung cancer, hair and skin aging, muscle wasting, sexual dysfunction, more severe hot flashes.
I know some women who had their surgeries after menopause and suffered severe symptoms. One was 72 years old!
The uterus and its ligaments are essential to anatomical and skeletal integrity. That is why bladder and bowel problems are common complaints after hysterectomy. And the severing of ligaments that are the pelvis' support structures explain why women's figures change after their uterus is removed. This effect is just as devastating to me as the loss of my bodies' own hormones and the rapid aging it has caused.
I talked to other women. Frankly, they were not forthcoming about the negatives until after I'd had my surgery.
Best of luck to you.
2 Comments
Thank you for sharing your experience and your warnings. I was scheduled for a hysterectomy in 2 weeks to perform a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and clean up endometriosis. I've had several prior surgeries for Endo, and was offered a hysterectomy since I've been so symptomatic. I just couldn't make peace with a hysterectomy just yet. I'm 46 and I know that we continue to get benefits from the ovaries even after menopause.
After reading your post, I really dug into research articles comparing natural menopause to surgical menopause, and after hours and hours of enlightening research, I decided to only proceed with removing one ovary and keeping the other and keeping the uterus. I immediately felt at peace with the decision.
I do think that the thought of not having to worry about future female issues and periods and pain can be so enticing that we can underestimate the impact of the negative effects. I have friends who said they have no regrets after having a hysterectomy, but I can't take that risk. Anyway, thanks for still coming here and contributing. Your input helped me think twice and dig deeper.
After reading your post, I really dug into research articles comparing natural menopause to surgical menopause, and after hours and hours of enlightening research, I decided to only proceed with removing one ovary and keeping the other and keeping the uterus. I immediately felt at peace with the decision.
I do think that the thought of not having to worry about future female issues and periods and pain can be so enticing that we can underestimate the impact of the negative effects. I have friends who said they have no regrets after having a hysterectomy, but I can't take that risk. Anyway, thanks for still coming here and contributing. Your input helped me think twice and dig deeper.
I am so glad my post was helpful. Thanks for the feedback. I'm sorry you have endo. Maybe menopause will come along soon which should improve your symptoms.
Do you have a large cyst on the one ovary that won't resolve? Is so, all you should need is a cystectomy ( cyst removal). Not all gynecologists have good cystectomy skills or want to take the extra time and diligence to save the ovary. But studies show that removal of one ovary increases risk for some health problems including dementia and parkinsonism.
Regardless of how you proceed you you will want to protect yourself via the surgical consent form. Be sure you are explicit about what can and cannot be removed based on circumstances. Make sure the surgeon signs off on all revisions.
I wish you the best! Please post back and let us know how surgery went.
Do you have a large cyst on the one ovary that won't resolve? Is so, all you should need is a cystectomy ( cyst removal). Not all gynecologists have good cystectomy skills or want to take the extra time and diligence to save the ovary. But studies show that removal of one ovary increases risk for some health problems including dementia and parkinsonism.
Regardless of how you proceed you you will want to protect yourself via the surgical consent form. Be sure you are explicit about what can and cannot be removed based on circumstances. Make sure the surgeon signs off on all revisions.
I wish you the best! Please post back and let us know how surgery went.
After reading your post before, I did ask a lot of women, and woman after woman said it was the best thing they ever did.
I don't want to face having another surgery if more cysts grow. As is, I'm already facing another hernia surgery after my surgery Wed. (they'll do hysterectomy, remove the three cysts and fix one of the hernias). I will try to talk to my surgeon prior to surgery, but as is, I will probably end up having the full hysterectomy. I don't know if there's anything they can do that just removes ovaries, but I don't want to risk uterine cancer either. I know a couple people who are dealing with that now. Which is why I think the full hysterectomy may be the best choice. My mother had uterine cancer too, then a year after being treated for that, they found cancer in her lungs.
I'm not a smoker. I know cancer tends to attack the weakest organs it seems. I'm just anxious to get past all of this and feel better. Thankfully my pain hasn't been enough to ever send me to the emergency room. I am nervous about the cleanse tomorrow though because sometimes going 'big potty' nearly doubles me over in pain. My back hurts and I can barely straighten. Less than 36 hours until surgery!
I don't want to face having another surgery if more cysts grow. As is, I'm already facing another hernia surgery after my surgery Wed. (they'll do hysterectomy, remove the three cysts and fix one of the hernias). I will try to talk to my surgeon prior to surgery, but as is, I will probably end up having the full hysterectomy. I don't know if there's anything they can do that just removes ovaries, but I don't want to risk uterine cancer either. I know a couple people who are dealing with that now. Which is why I think the full hysterectomy may be the best choice. My mother had uterine cancer too, then a year after being treated for that, they found cancer in her lungs.
I'm not a smoker. I know cancer tends to attack the weakest organs it seems. I'm just anxious to get past all of this and feel better. Thankfully my pain hasn't been enough to ever send me to the emergency room. I am nervous about the cleanse tomorrow though because sometimes going 'big potty' nearly doubles me over in pain. My back hurts and I can barely straighten. Less than 36 hours until surgery!
My surgery was June 15, today is June 23. I had surgery on a Wed. and came home on Monday night.
The cysts went from 15cm the beginning of May to 20cm when they removed the mass June 23, so it increased 33% in six weeks! They removed it whole and did a wash to make sure there was nothing left behind in case it was cancerous. Pathology report came back benign. :)
My surgery was more extensive than just having a (full) hysterectomy and cysts removal because they also did a hernia repair. My incision if roughly a foot long. Hubby said he wants to count the staples before they take them out. He's guessing there is around 40!
As painful as it may be to get out of bed and walk, that is what it will take to keep your body from getting as stiff!
One week post-op I talked hubby into taking me out to eat locally. I am using a walker for safety and to steady me when I have to stand still (like to wait to be seated or get back in the car etc.) and I use it to go from living room to the bathroom. Someone having just a hysterectomy probably wouldn't need the walker, but given my circumstances, the surgery was more invasive.
I am doing well, back to my same old sense of humor, just having to take breaks between things I do. My family is quite impressed with progress.
I will say there are a lot of things you can do to make sure your post-op recover and hospital stay are easier.
1. I took my own ice packs and a cold therapy machine. The hospitals ice packs were not cold enough to do anything with wearing a binder after surgery. You can buy clay ice packs from Dollar General for only $4. I recommend having at least 4 to 6 so you can have two on at a time while the others are freezing and just keep rotating them out. You can find a cold therapy machine online if you want to buy one. Some hospitals have them, but good luck getting one.
2. I took my own small pillow. Any time you have torso surgery, it is a good idea to keep a small pillow by you in case you have to sneeze or cough! It will help it to be less painful. Also, keep the small pillow with you in the vehicle for car rides to shield your abdomen from the seatbelt.
3. Your family can be a great help at the hospital to take care of your needs. My husband and two of my daughters made sure one of them were around most of the days and sometimes people spent the night, at least the first 3 nights I was in the hospital.
There are numerous things you can buy for use at home, but I'm not going to go into them here. I decided I am eventually going to do a blog post on things to help with various surgeries/recoveries to help other people out.
I hope my experience helps you in some way. Good luck if you are dealing with cysts/hysterectomy/hernia, etc.
The cysts went from 15cm the beginning of May to 20cm when they removed the mass June 23, so it increased 33% in six weeks! They removed it whole and did a wash to make sure there was nothing left behind in case it was cancerous. Pathology report came back benign. :)
My surgery was more extensive than just having a (full) hysterectomy and cysts removal because they also did a hernia repair. My incision if roughly a foot long. Hubby said he wants to count the staples before they take them out. He's guessing there is around 40!
As painful as it may be to get out of bed and walk, that is what it will take to keep your body from getting as stiff!
One week post-op I talked hubby into taking me out to eat locally. I am using a walker for safety and to steady me when I have to stand still (like to wait to be seated or get back in the car etc.) and I use it to go from living room to the bathroom. Someone having just a hysterectomy probably wouldn't need the walker, but given my circumstances, the surgery was more invasive.
I am doing well, back to my same old sense of humor, just having to take breaks between things I do. My family is quite impressed with progress.
I will say there are a lot of things you can do to make sure your post-op recover and hospital stay are easier.
1. I took my own ice packs and a cold therapy machine. The hospitals ice packs were not cold enough to do anything with wearing a binder after surgery. You can buy clay ice packs from Dollar General for only $4. I recommend having at least 4 to 6 so you can have two on at a time while the others are freezing and just keep rotating them out. You can find a cold therapy machine online if you want to buy one. Some hospitals have them, but good luck getting one.
2. I took my own small pillow. Any time you have torso surgery, it is a good idea to keep a small pillow by you in case you have to sneeze or cough! It will help it to be less painful. Also, keep the small pillow with you in the vehicle for car rides to shield your abdomen from the seatbelt.
3. Your family can be a great help at the hospital to take care of your needs. My husband and two of my daughters made sure one of them were around most of the days and sometimes people spent the night, at least the first 3 nights I was in the hospital.
There are numerous things you can buy for use at home, but I'm not going to go into them here. I decided I am eventually going to do a blog post on things to help with various surgeries/recoveries to help other people out.
I hope my experience helps you in some way. Good luck if you are dealing with cysts/hysterectomy/hernia, etc.
11 Comments
Thank you so much for what you shared... I have a 6cm cyst on my uterus and I am considering the full hysterectomy I'm nervous... Clueless to a certain extent... Wondering if the bowel and urinating issues I am having or related to the cyst. I'm bloated all the time and nauseated alot... Vomit on occasion...
Thank you so much for what you shared... I have a 6cm cyst on my uterus and I am considering the full hysterectomy Im nervous... Clueless to a certain extent... Wondering if the bowel and urinating issues I am having or related to the cyst. Im bloated all the time and nauseated alot... Vomit on occasion...
A 6cm cyst on your uterus or ovary? Make sure you understand the repercussions of having your uterus removed. Ditto for your ovaries. You end up trading a whole new set of permanent problems for a temporary problem. Skilled gynecologists who are ethical can usually remove just the growths (ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, polyps, etc) allowing you to keep your sex organs and their LIFE LONG functions.
what was your ca125 before surgery?
nssbjj - CA125 is not accurate for diagnosing ovarian cancer. There are too many false positives / elevated results when there is no cancer. There are also some false negatives.
Thank you. Mine is 1000 & I go next week to see a specialist. I am concerned.
nssbjj - A friend and I had the exact same type of benign ovarian cyst / tumor (per biopsy / pathology) and her CA125 was over 1000 while mine was in the normal range (around 30 if I recall). Both were tumors were benign and our gynecologists should have removed just the tumors and left all our organs intact. Both of us were overtreated which has caused a whole new set of permanent and progressive health problems.
nssbjj, I took Estroven for a few months after my hysterectomy and it leveled out my moods. I don't need it any more and haven't taken it a long time. It helped level out my emotions when I was feeling emotional before. I don't have any regrets of them taking everything when they did mine. I read too many stories of people who developed new cysts as early as a couple months later and I didn't want to have to go back for another surgery.
I will warn you that doctors don't normally tell you that you can get an incisional hernial from having surgery. So, if you gain a lot of wait or strain yourself, where your incision is can tear and herniate. I have another incisional hernia on my side from having a cyst removed from my kidney back in Dec. 2000. It goes from my hip to my rib cage and I have multiple organs sticking through it. I wish doctors had told me it was a possibility when I had previous surgeries.
Always be sure to ask questions and do research online so you'll have an idea of the type of questions to ask. I was so focused on my cyst/hysterectomy, that I didn't research the hernia and find out prior to my surgery the types of mesh and problems associated with mesh. Also, I'd never heard of wounds getting infected and opening up.
old_before_my_time is right that the CA125 is not an accurate test, but it does at least help give doctors some indication. A friend of mine got cancer and always recommended the test. I think the fourth time hers came back was when she lost the battle with it. I have always heard that cancer can't survive in high alkalid diets. I need to increase mine more since I think I am prone to cysts.
I will warn you that doctors don't normally tell you that you can get an incisional hernial from having surgery. So, if you gain a lot of wait or strain yourself, where your incision is can tear and herniate. I have another incisional hernia on my side from having a cyst removed from my kidney back in Dec. 2000. It goes from my hip to my rib cage and I have multiple organs sticking through it. I wish doctors had told me it was a possibility when I had previous surgeries.
Always be sure to ask questions and do research online so you'll have an idea of the type of questions to ask. I was so focused on my cyst/hysterectomy, that I didn't research the hernia and find out prior to my surgery the types of mesh and problems associated with mesh. Also, I'd never heard of wounds getting infected and opening up.
old_before_my_time is right that the CA125 is not an accurate test, but it does at least help give doctors some indication. A friend of mine got cancer and always recommended the test. I think the fourth time hers came back was when she lost the battle with it. I have always heard that cancer can't survive in high alkalid diets. I need to increase mine more since I think I am prone to cysts.
Susette37 - I was taking Estroven when my symptons started really bothering me about 2 months ago. It helped me. I felt so much better. Then the regular gynecologist advised me to stop until I have been fully diagnosed (I have to meet with a Gyno/oncologist next week) since she didn't know what was in it & didn't want it to have any estrogen my cause my cyst to increase. But it did take my symptoms away & gave me energy.
The CA125 test is useful for monitoring the efficacy of treatment in women who've already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Shaydiann- did you have endometriosis??
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