Recovery after ovary removal surgery?

[mcaudrey]

I am 41 with a strong family history of cancer. My mother had breast AND kidney cancer, and I recently lost my father to metastatic colorectal cancer. That being said, after having pain in the area of my left ovary, an ultasound found that I have "something" growing on my left ovary. A repeat ultrasound showed that it is growing, and I was giving the choice to leave it and "watch it" or have it removed. I did have a CA-125 blood test, which was "normal". However, given my experience with cancer, I feel it best to have my ovary removed and pathology done on the cyst/dermoid/mass growing on my ovary. To those of you who have had this surgery performed, I really would love to hear from the patients experience on what to expect during the recovery period. Thanks!

[Daniella30SD]

Hi ladies iam 30 years old and I recently had  my right ovary removed because I had a 10cm cyst I went into emergency surgery because I could stand the pain my doctor was great she explained everything and I only had three small incisions on my stomach one o my belly and one incision on each side. It was my first time experiencing local anesthesia I honestly can say that I don't remember anything your sound a sleep and when I woke up I had a little bit of anxiety  I woke up fast but I calm down and relax everything worked out great I'm home recovering its my third day best of luck to anyone experiencing this just stay possetive and everything will be find

[old_before_my_time]

I am sorry to hear you lost an ovary but glad your recovery is going well. Hopefully, your remaining ovary will pick up the slack for the one that was removed.

[Elmo1979]

I'm 37 n been in recovery from a 30cm cyst n ovary removal for 7 weeks now, was constipated for months didn't think too much until tummy swelled to the point of lookin very pregnant, I was at work wen the awful pain started nxt thing I was in ambulance then it all went from there.many tests later prodding n pricking they found the problem (3 days in hosp), it all happened quite quick had to wait 4 weeks for surgery was in so much pain felt like I was gonna burst very scary,I was very positive wen going under had to have epidural as well as general anaesthetic, woke up gud felt like id been asleep for seconds, quite a blur that day but felt very comfortable. Day two still enjoying the morphine but took me off it on the eve which I was nervous about, noticed terrible pain in shoulders took my breathe away asked nurse she replied oh it's the gas They put in u, I was like wat no one explained that to me I felt frightened only wen I moved it appeared, day three had to get out of bed omg not realising I had 50 staples felt like I was gonna split quite scary but I persevered and had a shower wiv the help of my sister, I looked at myself weird to c no swollen tummy I felt so weak n so little but lovely to have a shower even wiv catheter in lol.discharged day 4,now I look back in think how did I get thru that but positivity is the key, I feel a little lost but getting there, gud luck to u all xx

[Natduck22]

Hi, I know hi, I know this was last year. However I am looking for some advice on recovery... I had surgery 14 days ago at 7 weeks pregnant, due to the size and unknown nature of my cyst I had to have laporatony procedure. to ensure no leakage. It turns out my cyst was fluid filled so nothing sinister. It was drained and removed. I was in excruciating pain with my cyst every few hours for almost two weeks before the decision was made that it had to be removed. Mine was 15cm and sitting right on top of my bladder making me need a wee very frequent. I can't explain that pain that would come on and this would last between 10-20 minutes. I felt so ill with it. I had an ultrasound 5 days after surgery and to our huge relief heard our little baby's heartbeat. I am recovering now but finding it really slow. I ache and have twinge pains and mild period like pains especially when I need to have bowel movements. I know my body is changing with it being my first pregnancy so I know some twinges and pains may be down to that. I was just hoping some others could elaborate on the recovery afterwards while pregnant. just to be reassured that all of this is normal and it's a slow process. Even just walking around the house a few times a day is zapping my energy. There's not much on the web about symptoms and actual recovery from a laporatony whilst pregnant so I was hoping for some more info.

[old_before_my_time]

Wow, you didn't get a break from work...I'm surprised you were released to go back. If your surgery was laparoscopic, it can take some time for the gas to dissipate. Being you posted 4 days ago, I suspect most of it is gone by now. Sluggish bowels can also be a contributing factor to abdominal distension. But that should also be resolving itself by now.

As far as your hormones - Only time will tell if the removal of your ovary and tubes will disrupt your body's natural hormone production. Sometimes it does. But you may have already experienced that to some degree after your tubal.

Hoping you feel much better soon!

[Whit4653]

I am 5 days post lap from having my left ovary and tubes removed. I have had a cyst on my left ovary since I was a teen but the Dr. just kept an eye on it. I'm now 30 and had to have the whole left side removed due to a dermoid cyst that was 7cm and my ovary was twisted. I already had my tubes tied after my third child so having more kids wasn't an issue for me. I had the surgery on a Friday and came back to work on Monday. I wish I would have taken a little more time off but I sit most of the day. I have had really bad gas pain, along with bloating really bad. I have some tenderness and sorness at my larger incision where my C Section scare is. I'm still not able to walk straight up yet, I still walk slow and hutched over. Overall I feel ok and I try to walk a little every so many hours. I didn't have any side affects from the anesthesia, except the gas. I'm a little worried of whats to come next as far of my periods and hormones. I'm also wondering how long It will take for my belly to go back down. I'm blown up like I'm 4 months pregnant and I cant wear regular pants yet. I hope it all gets better and I don't have lose the other one.

[Anahadi]

This comment is a little late but magnesium citrate helps with gas and constipation.  Doctor should've mentioned that.  Also, you need a lot more healing time than two to three days.  Follow your body'a advice, not the doctor.

[cashbill]

really we thesame problem i also out two of my ovary,, but my problem more now is my vagina is dry? it maybe because of taking out of my  two ovaries? someone know what we need to do?

[Anahadi]

Yes.  Your body is not producing hormones so that is natural.  You should be taking hormone replacement therapy.

[Naysmummy]

I had a 9cm dermoid cyst on my right ovary and had open surgery two weeks ago. Going into surgery I was under the impression I would be having keyhole surgery but when I got to meet my surgeon he bluntly told me how he thought it would be to hard to take out that way  and didn't know if he would be able to save my ovaries so he opted for open surgery, at this point I was terrified, I have a daughter already but I am only 24 and would really like more children. Anyway I went for it not knowing what the outcome would be. Waking up the only thing in my mind was what have they done and that's all I kept asking the nurses until they finally told me, my right ovary had been badly damaged by the cyst so it had to be removed, but my left was healthy and normal and they advised me that due to me losing my right the left should hopefully pick up its pace to make up for the lost one. Two weeks on I am still recovering and taking things day by day but feel much better in myself and glad to not have the awful pain I had before surgery.

[Jessica_Ann90]

I had my right ovary taken out on November 27 after I had my c-section its been 6 weeks now and me and my husband try to have sex and it hurt so bad and I'm bleeding a little did anyone else have that cuz my dr said everything looked good and I could go back to my normal stuff

[Anahadi]

Don't listen to the doctor.  Healing takes time.  If doctor says two days, you rest for two weeks.

[Peachy262626]

Rachel,

I recently had my second ovarian torsion and laparoscopy to remove the cyst and am having a very hard time healing - it was six weeks ago and I'm still having a lot of pain on the side and a ton of flu-like symptoms during ovulation. No know can tell me why...What did you find out with your situation? Thank you! Sarah

[meucci15]

I just had a 4.5 cm cyst. Rt ovary and tube removed. Today it is one week out of lap surgery. I am a nurse but wasnt sure how recovery would be since everyone heals differently.  I am 45 and in good physical condition.  I would say my worst pain was day 2 and 3 post surgery. I was shopping on day 4. Hurting and tender but not enough to keep me in bed. Gas pain was bad day 2 and 3. Get up and walk around between rest and pain meds. I only took one pain pill during the day with a nap and one to sleep at night. Now just taking tylenol. I am taking a seond week off of work just to be sure everything is healed well.  Just happy not to have the torsion pain anymore. Rest and fluids. Walk for gas pain. Good luck.. STACY

[Medhavi]

Hello people i am 17 yrs old i don't know that what is ovarian cyst or cancer as well but one day that is on 23 april 2015 i suffered a normal pain in my stomach i thought that it was normal or acidity pain but who knows that it was ovarian cyst with 18cm after consulting the doctor she said go ahead with an mri whether it is cancerous or not....than on july 20 i was gone through surgery blood tests c125 for detection of cancer.. And yes it was cancer the malignant dysgerminoma although it was normal cancer but it was cancer uff.... So many pain so many stress that i had in my life than i gone through chemotherapy 3 sessions now i have severe pain in my stomach doctors advice is also taken.. But i don't get the relief

[old_before_my_time]

Medhavi, I am sorry you had cancer and at such a young age at that! I hope you are getting good medical care to determine the cause of this severe stomach pain. I hope it is not cancer.

[GGuzman8]

Im 42 yrs old. On April 2012 I had my Uterus and fallopian tubes removed It took me 2 wks for recovery. I was so happy because for almost 4 yrs I had been struggling with endomeotroci pains and excesive bleeding non-stop. On 11-21-15 I was rushed to ER with the worst abdominal pain I had ever had. After a few test it ended up to be a left ovarian cyst torsion.  They operated me the following day after being hospitalised. They did 3 new small incitions Im saying new because I already had 3 incitions from previous partial hysterectomy. Im still in recovery and Im praying to God that this is the last organ they remove from me. It's not only physiologically painful but mentally hard too.

[old_before_my_time]

I am sorry you had a hysterectomy and then had to have an ovary removed too. I hope your recovery is going well and I hope your other ovary continues to produce hormones for you.

[Sanjila]

I  am  Sanjila  Pokharel  last  week  I  had immediately taken lapro  operation  due  ovary  cyst and bleeding from ovary .2  liter blood had taken out    and  moreover cyst  had  taken  out .Bout  ovary  is  normal .was there anybody history plz   share           ***@****

[old_before_my_time]

I am sorry you had to have surgery. I hope your recovery is going well.

[Cll3877]

I just had emergency surgery to remove my right ovary due to a cyst that twisted around my ovary. I had no clue it was even possible for that to happen. I was in so much pain all of the sudden. In just a matter of a couple hours I couldn't move due to the pain. I guess you can say I got lucky. My doctor actually thought it was cancer. I'm 38 and cancer runs on both parents side's. My doctor told me going in it would be treated as if I had cancer. Talk about terrified. I was told best case would be only removal of right ovary but until I was opened up they wouldn't know if I needed a complete hysterectomy or if cancer was involved. Lucky for me all that was removed was a football sized ovary that was cancer free. Now 3 days latter I have no clue what to expect. Will anything change? Should I be worried about more cysts? What now? This happened Sunday it's Tuesday now. Any one with similar experience?

[old_before_my_time]

Glad to hear the cyst was benign / non-cancerous. I hope you're recovered from your surgery. Hopefully, your remaining ovary will pick up the slack for the one that was removed. Watch for signs of reduced ovarian function if your menstrual cycle does not return to normal.  

[old_before_my_time]

A recovery of 3-4 days is unrealistic. I do not know the normal recovery time for that as I had open/abdominal surgery.

However, in my opinion, the bigger concern is that he is going to remove your ovary and tubes. There is no guarantee that your other ovary will take over for either its reproductive / fertility role OR its lifelong endocrine role that is SO  important to keeping you healthy and aging at a normal (versus accelerated) rate.

Removal of any part of the "reproductive" system (it is for much more than reproduction) increases risk of ovarian failure and overall endocrine dysfunction. The removal of your ovary alone could cause permanent dysfunction but removing the tubes further increases this risk.

Do yourself and your lifelong health a big favor and seek out a surgeon with good cystectomy skills who can remove just the cyst leaving the ovary or enough of it to continue producing its vital hormones. You are worth it!

[Rockstargrl]

I am scheduled to have a 10cm simple cyst, right ovary, and tube removed laproscopically in one week. I trust my doctor, although, he told me to expect a recovery time of about 3 -4 days. He also informed me that I should not go into early menopause because my left ovary would eventually compensate for the missing right ovary.  After reading these posts, I am very frustrated.  It seems that everyone has had a negative experience. Is there anyone out there that actually recovered within a week? After all, how did they come up with that length of time if no one has ever recovered that quickly? Is the pain from the carbon dioxide gas really that overwhelmingly bad? Really????

regretting reader

[old_before_my_time]

Welcome to the community! I am sorry you are dealing with this! I have been in your shoes and hopefully my experience can give you some insight on how to proceed.

I also had a 9cm ovarian cyst but mine was described as "complex." Since I do not have a family history of ovarian cancer, this cyst had a VERY LOW risk of being cancerous (a woman without risk factors has a less than 2% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer). I had been a patient of my gynecologist for 20 years and had a lot of respect for him so I trusted that he would do what was best for my short and long-term health. I ended up being over-treated. My gynecologist did a frozen section of the cyst/ovary while I was in the operating room. He waited for the results to come back and even though they came back benign (non-cancerous), he proceeded to remove the rest of my "reproductive" organs - the other ovary, my uterus, and tubes. I was 49 but since the "reproductive" organs have LIFELONG functions, I have been suffering the effects ever since (9 years now). My gyn/surgeon should have removed just the cyst and nothing else.

MOST ovarian cysts are benign and, from what I have read, dermoid cysts are always benign. You should not have to lose any organs. A surgeon who has good cystectomy (cyst removal) skills should be able to remove just the cyst and preserve your ovary or enough of it for hormone production. Unfortunately, too many women lose their female part(s) unnecessarily. So it may take a bit of work to find a surgeon with the proper skills and ethics to keep all your parts and their vital, LIFELONG non-reproductive functions. Intact women's ovaries produce hormones up to at least age 80. Removal of any part of the "reproductive" system can wreak permanent havoc on health and quality of life. There are some women who have posted here who had ovarian cysts removed without losing their ovary(ies). This site is helpful in understanding ovarian cysts and their treatment - http://ovaryresearch.com/ovarian_cysts.htm.

Best of luck to you in getting restorative treatment. Feel free to post back with any questions or concerns. And let us know how this progresses.

[guzlop]

Hello. I am 34 years old. about 3 weeks ago I went to ER because I had pain on both sides of ribs. After various tests doctors said everything came back normal, however CT scan revealed a mass in my pelvis, 9cm. I was referred to a OB/gyn. GYN told me it's a dermoid cyst on my right ovary, . I am scheduled for surgery in two weeks. I may loose my right or both ovaries. I have a child but I had plans for another child. I feel very scared cyst might be cancerous. I've lost sleep thinking about it.  Reading many of your posts has brought a little comfort, but I feel very scared.

[old_before_my_time]

So they are sure it is a dermoid and it won't go away on its own? Is your surgeon going to remove just the cyst (cystectomy)? Some surgeons do not have good cystectomy skills. Removal of even one ovary can negatively impact fertility and long-term health.

[EshaSyquis]

I am 18 and i just found out that I have a dermoid cyst. My gyn will be scheduling my surgery soon. I am very scared. since I was born without a navel. I will have to have a Csection and a few insicions. im scared about this surgery. what should I expect during during  now and after the surgery ?

[old_before_my_time]

How awful that you have lost both ovaries! Not sure why the gas pain is so much worse this time. Did your doctor talk to you about taking hormones since you are in surgical menopause?

[aworley]

On December 13th 2014 I had an unbearable pain hit me on my left side.  It came on very suddenly.  I ended up in the ER thinking it was a kidney stone.  After an ultrasound, it was determined I did not have a kidney stone but there was a cyst on my left ovary.  They gave me pain meds to make it through the weekend and I saw my Gynecologist on Monday morning.  I stayed NPO after Sunday night in case they needed to remove the cyst or ovary.  He did take my left ovary out as it was twisted (can't remember the term). He said my right ovary looked good.  My recovery was great, no problems and I was back to work by Thursday.  Fast forward to Thursday January 22nd I woke up with a pain on my right side where my ovary is located. Because the pain I had previously before my surgery I was scared this may be the same thing and I did not want to get to that pain level again.  I called my Gynecologoist and told the nurse my symptoms so she told me to run by on my way to work and they would check me out.  They did a vaginal ultrasound and found a small cyst on my right ovary.  He said we would watch it for 24 hours.  Due to the pain I was experiencing already, he said it would either get better or much worse over the next 24 hours.  They gave me a shot of Toradol and I did pretty well through the day.  That night while attending a Chamber Banquet, I started to have excruciating pain and had to leave.  I contacted my doctor who said to meet him at the surgery center the next morning.  I met him there and he removed my right ovary.  It had starting to coil like the left ovary had done previously.  I am three days post surgery.  The pain from the gas it terrible (which I never experienced the first time).  I can't sleep on either side. I've spent two nights in a chair.  I can't take a deep breath.  I feel like my ribs are breaking and crunching.  I'm assuming this is all gas.  But it is miserable.  I just don't understand why this time, just a few weeks later is so different.

[old_before_my_time]

I had a hysterectomy with ovary removal which was totally unwarranted :(
The surgical recovery was 6 weeks but that was a breeze compared to the permanent debilitating effects of this surgery.

[CWendyD]

Hi Hdhart. I too am scheduled for laparoscopic surgery to remove my ovaries. My doctor says I will need about 7 days for recovery. I think that is rubbish. And will ask for 2 weeks. How are you post recovery? Are you on HRT etc?

[Koren1]

You know what I think I have chronic fatigue after my major surgery in April. I've felt a little guilty, because this is the most inactive I've ever been in my life and hadn't related my surgery to my fatigue. So, thanks for sharing. I think it really helps to talk about the post symptoms as well. Because, technically the doctor says your recovered in 8 weeks after surgery. But, I really wasn't my emotional ups and downs have gotten less, however, I'm still struggling. Of, course not in pain like after surgery. But, still having some issues down there. The healing is not over for sure.