Oopherectomy advice?

Helenhsm

Oopherectomy advice?

Helenhsm

Hi all, I am having an Oopherectomy on Feb 22nd. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice for me.

Also, is anyone else having surgery any time soon, so we can compare notes?

karen1956

Helen - I had my ooph in 10/06.  It was day surgery and laprascopic. Sore for a couple days, but fatigue was the biggest issue.  I was off work the week I had surgery (planned it for a vacation).  I'm so glad that I had it.  all the best to you.  Karen

sharebear

I had my ooph in 2000 when I was 38. I also had a bladder suspension at the same time. I was in the hosp. for 5 days but I'm sure it was because of the double procedure. I did have alot of gas. My stomach looked like I was about 5 months pregnant but it did go away. The flashes started about 2-3 weeks after.

Sharon

HeatherBLocklear

Dear Helen,

I had mine 1 1/2 years ago. My BEST advice to you is to request a spinal block with sedation rather than general anesthesia, if your doctor thinks it's possible. There are many advantages:

-- You can have something to drink the moment you're "aware" instead of waiting for hours.

-- You won't have the heaves.

-- Fewer bowel problems afterwards.

-- Quicker recovery time (after a general, you can't even drive for several days!).

-- The morphine that's injected into your spine will keep you pain free for at least 48 hours after the surgery. Personally, I only needed Darvocet for two days after that.

Otherwise, yes you will have all the symptoms of sudden-onset menopause within a few weeks. Talk to your doctor about this -- he/she may have some advice for dealing with the symptoms. Then again, he/she may not. I simply want to add that I actually had a laparotomy so it was major surgery, and yet the spinal with sedation was simply perfect.

If I can help you with anything else, please just write.

Best of luck,

Annie

--

BarbaraS

I had a bilateral Oopherectomy on 2/6 (last week) done laparoscopy.  Mine was due to a mass they found during the cat scan.  I'm home for the rest of the two weeks the surgeon recommended, but I'd rather not be here at this point.

The first two days I was sore and slept a lot, but since then, no issues.  I've had some hot flashes off and on this week, not terrible, but not so pleasant either.  My onc said if they got bad, he'd recomment effexor (there's also another antidepressent) for the symptoms.

If it's being done day surgery - remember to bring a pillow so the seat belt doesn't rub on you.  That was a bit uncomfortable on the ride home.

SunshineSmiles

I just had my post-op visit after my ooph and I'm doing fine.  I did it laparoscopically three weeks ago and I found it to be a very easy recovery.  The hardest thing is just to remember not to lift anything heavy, over 15 lbs.  You'll feel like you can, but don't take the risk.  After the first two days home, I was up and about, with just a minimum of discomfort.  It was a few more days until my energy came back.

One thing, I did experience some mild depression after surgery.  It lasted for about 10 days.  I think it's related to the sudden loss of hormones, and also the stress of recovery.  

Best wishes to you for an uncomplicated procedure and rapid recovery-

Susan 

Helenhsm

Thank you all so much for giving me your advice. It helps to hear from people who have 'gone before.'

Anne, I'll ask my Gyn about the anesthesia you mentioned. I had general with my bc surgery, and barfed right when I was getting out of the car from the hospital.

M., I had BRCA genetic testing done and tested positive for the gene. They recommend having the ovaries removed due to the increased chance for ovarian cancer. So it looks like we'll both be 'under the knife' on the same day. I'll try to remember to pray for you on that day. I am on Tamox as well, and did Rads for 6 weeks. 

Barbara, I'm glad your surgery was uneventful for the most part. I tried Effexor for a week but it cause me other issues, so I went back to Wellbuetrin. I already have hot hot flashes, and now I have them a little worse due to Tamox. Thanks for the pillow idea. I will have to make a list of things to bring.

Sue, wow it looks like you've had serious health trials. Where are you at with Tx right now? Thank you for taking the time to help me. Thanks for the advice not to lift anything. I rem after bc surgery I had to be careful about lifting as well. Ya, I may have to up my anti dep, depending on how I do. 

I am also having it done laproscopically. My Gyn said it'll be 4 incisions.  

What did any of you do for the menopause SE's? I am trying to be prepared. 

((Hugs)) 

Anonymous

Helen--my situation is a little different--total abdominal hysterectomy, but I did have a spinal/epidural and conscious sedation and had no nausea or vomiting afterwards, and was up walking that evening. (I'd highly recommend it over a general). I had been on tamoxifen for about a year with very mild hot flashes and some trouble sleeping. All my SEs did increase after surgery, but my oncologist feels whatever SEs I have now are more related to the loss of the ovaries thant the tamox.  I take ibuprophen as needed for the achiness, melatonin to help sleep; I don't take anything for the hot flashes--I didn't want to deal with any more SEs--I just dress in layers (no more flannel pjs , sweaters or long sleeved shirts for me), use fans and ac, and try to avoid triggers (like alcohol or being in a hot environment).  Good Luck to you --feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Anne 

JulieK_11_30_07

Hi Helenhsm -

My sister and I both had oopherectomies two years ago b/c of strong family history of ovarian cancer. We had laparoscopically assisted surgery and it was fairly easy recovery for both of us. I had more problems with the night sweats and hot flashes than my sister did, so apparently that varies from person to person.

Good luck to you with your surgery! If you have any other questions, just ask!

Julie

Anonymous

Had mine about a year ago?? 

Take off the time from work .. rest afterwards .. DO NOT LIFT SMALL CHILDREN.

Switch to an AI ... the hot flashes stopped.

You will gain weight, get used to it or work out ALOT 

HeatherBLocklear

Oh yes, one last but very important piece of advice -- get yourself a firm little pillow (if it's electric, that's even better). You'll need something to press against your stomach when you cough or turn over the very first days.

I'll check in on this thread when I'm back in the States to see how you're doing.

Good luck!

Annie

angelaw

Hi: My ooph is scheduled for 2/28.  My reconstruction after bilateral was done this last November.  the best thing I learned on the last surgery was to have an anti-nausua patch put behind my ear by the anestiologist.  First surgery I have had where I wasn't throwing up afterwards.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Angelaw

Helenhsm

Julie, thanks for your input - do you still have menopausal symptoms? Did you take anything for the hot flashes?

Thanks for you input Rocktober, Annie and Angelaw. I have my preop appointment Tuesday and I'll let you know what my dr. says. Angelaw, let us know how your surgery goes as well.  

Helenhsm

Well, I had my surgery yesterday and everything went really well. I did go under general and did fine on it. With my bc surgery I had a different anesthesia which konked me out for 2 hours afterward and caused me to throw up. This time I did fine, woke up an hour after surgery and I wasn't too groggy. I am relived that it is over, we'll see how my body adjusts to the changes. I was up walking around today, but mostly resting. I'm taking Motrin every 6 hours and that seems to be doing it for me. 

Angelaw, I hope your surgery goes as well as mine did. Let us know how you're doing. 

Anonymous

Helen--so glad to hear that your surgery went well and that you're up and walking. don't overdo when you get home--let others help you at least for the first week or two

Helenhsm

Thank you Anne. I am trying to take it easy, I have meals coming all week. I really think I'll be fine in a week, but we'll see.

Joshua1-9

Helen, I'm glad to hear your surgery went well.  I had a vagianally assisted laproscopic oophorectomy and total hysterectomy a year ago next month.  My surgery was more extensive than yours, so recovery was longer.  The good news is the only negative result is hot flashes, which pass quickly.  I have put away all my turtlenecks and now wear short sleeved shirts all winter!  Otherwise I feel great!  I'll pray for your speedy recovery.     Cindy