Below is from a previous reply to another post of my experience.  It was big surgery only 3 days in hospital . No bending lifting  or exercise and no housework or driving . A few months recovery but nothing compared to the excruciating pain that took me into hospital in the first place . 

Hi Jazzle,

Thanks for your reply. It seems you had a very traumatic experience and that surgery was the only option. It is the idea of submitting myself to the operation and the subsequent pain and being incapacitated whilst in recovery that scares me. Apart from pressure on bladder and frequent weeing I have no other symptoms, and certainly no pain,so could probably carry on as I am. But Gynaecologist talked to me like surgery was a given. Of course the possibility of ovarian cancer is also a big worry, and I think that is why surgery is offered - at my age it cannot be ruled out and cannot be determined until the cyst is removed and tested. .

Hi Sweetpea

I'm 73 and last year I had a 13cm Brenner tumor removed from around one of my ovaries. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, womb, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries all removed. Large incision from above my tummy button right to my pubis. I had had a post menopausal bleed and had a thickened endometrium when biopsied. 

I had a week in hospital. I was frightened before hand. I was treated so well and was kept almost pain free. The worst bit was the constipation afterwards.

It turned out that I had had endometrial cancer, but it was early stage and I need no further treatment.

In retrospect although I didn't think I'd had any other symptoms but I was susceptible to leaking if I sneezed suddenly. I also had tingling in my leg due to pressure on a nerve. That's now all resolved.

The gynaecologist I saw strongly advised surgery because he wanted the cyst out whole just in case. I am very pleased I went ahead and had the surgery. It could have been ovarian cancer. If I'd left it the endometrial cancer would have spread and I would have needed chemo or radiotherapy.

Take care and all good wishes

Hi jayjayjam,

thanks for taking the time to reply and I'm pleased surgery was strightforward and had a good outcome for you. Since I first wrote my post I have come to terms with the fact that surgery is the only option despite my feeling well. The cyst (if that is what it is - my USS was inconclusive as to the origin, but the Gynae declared it was a cyst) continues to grow and to me feels huge, reaching way above my belly button now, and my clothes are tight in the waist area due to distention. My USS was back in January when the largest dimension of the mass was 13cm. My bowels are fine, it is the bladder pressure that is the most noticeable symptom to me. However, from researching any info I can find, I am aware of the constipation issues post op, and would take steps to mitigate this. I am fortunate that my CA125 sample was normal.

One question you may be able to help with - research has me conflicted over removing both ovaries, as people say they still produce hormones post menopause. I am inclined to have both out, but am concerned re feeling different with the hormones missing. I have never taken HRT. Did you have any feelings of being different emotionally, mentally or otherwise due to ;missing' hormones?  

Also, currently I have an optional hysterectomy depending on what the surgeon finds on going in. Again I am inclined to go ahead with this to preclude any future issues - I really don't want to go through this 'in limbo' feeling again! But, my worry here is what it feels like inside - people speak of issues with the 'cuff' - closure of the cervix removal, possible prolapse of other organs due to missing uterus, issues with insides all rearranging themselves in the new space etc. Did you experience any issues in this area?

Finally, a third question concerns bloating and swelling in the stomach area. People speak of this as a post operative symptom - did you endure this and does it eventually go? If so how long did this take? 

I am extremely grateful to you for taking the time to reply, and would be very pleased if you were able to answer my questions from your personal experience. Equally, I understand if you are unable to do so for whatever reason and I thank you again for your original reply.  

Hi sweet pea

Re the removal of both ovaries the gynaecologist said I could have one left but might well need a further operation to remove it. As  I had a raised CA125 level and there were concerns about ovarian cancer I decided to have both removed. I did experience menopausal like symptoms from about 4 days after the operation for about 3 weeks. I had hot flushes and extreme night sweats. These could also have been a reaction to anaesthesia and the opioid drugs. I do feel a bit different now, a bit less get up and go, but that may be age related of course. I did get some Estradiol cream as I was a bit uncomfortable at times around the entrance to my vagina and that has done the trick.

I have had no problems so far with the vaginal cuff or with prolapse. I didn't have any bleeding or dragging feelings. I was reasonably fit before the surgery, upped my pelvic floor and abdominal exercise prior to surgery and am back to the same level of walking, swimming, and dancing that I did before. I looked at various you tube videos of an Australian physio to learn exercises for the first few days after surgery to protect everything as much as possible. One of my physio friends was very clear that post surgery it is vitally important to be patient and not to lift, bend or stretch more than is advised as it can cause long term problems with healing. I gradually built up walking and was back to my usual level of walking within about 6 weeks. 

I did have the experience of feeling that everything wasn't quite in the right place... quite strange. It does seem to take sometime for everything to find its new place. I still need to be careful not to become constipated because I don't want to strain the pelvic area..... too much information maybe!

I didn't have any bloating as it had been open abdominal surgery and no air had been used to separate out the organs. I was swollen for several weeks and wore big knickers and high waisted leggings for about 4 months.  

I hope this is useful to you in your decision making. We are all different and all have somewhat different experiences.

Best wishes

Hi again, and thanks for taking the time to answer my queries.

My Gynae said the same re taking out both ovaries, which is why I'm inclined to do so - I really don't wish to go through this again further down the line. I'm quite surprised that you experienced meno symptoms - as I'd assumed people who had mentioned these issues were probably pre-meno - people don't always make it clear which side of the fence they're on or if indeed they are on the fence! But, your experience suggests a mini-meno can take place possibly as a result of the loss of remaining ovarian hormones. Good to know and I can be prepared for the possibility of this happening - thank-you. 

I'm sure your level of fitness beforehand no doubt helped your recovery - you sound like a very active lady! I am reasonably active (gardening is my thing, including all heavy aspects), but overweight (though I have lost a good deal recently) - in fact it is the curtailment of most activities post-op that is one of the things that will frustrate me most.

I think I may have come across the Australian physio - I must seek out these vids and start practising! I am very clear re the avoidance of lifting, bending and stretching post-op and again I'm thinking ahead about this. Desire to have a smooth and full recovery will be strong motivation in this respect.  

The feeling of the insides being in disarray must be weird and something that is hard to explain/describe to someone who has not experienced it - it is just as hard to imagine it also. Good point abou the avoidance of constipation - I'm usually okay in that respect, but I will definitely take extra steps around the op and be extra vigilant post-op to avoid this.  

I am aware that internal gas is for the keyhole surgery only, but women who have had open surgery also speak of swollen stomachs. As I already carry weight there, and my abdomen is also becoming increasingly distended because of the cyst, I am hoping for a noticeable (to me) reduction in that area soon after the op! Wishful thinking maybe.....

I'm well aware we are all different and what happens for one person is not a given for another - but all info re the experience of others helps enormously in preparation, both mentally and practically. 

So, once again many thanks for all your advice and input - I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I hope I am able to do the same for others once I am at the stage you're at. 

Regards, Sweetpea  

Hi sweet pea,

 I found not being able to garden pretty frustrating too. And followed the young gardener we employed round like an anxious parent! Now fortunately back to taming my garden jungle myself.

im now wondering if the bloating women experience is the same feeling I have that makes me keen to keep my bowels working regularly.

I definitely am a different shape, but as my bikini years are well behind me that’s ok. I initially lost weight but have regained it and a bit more. I think the weight gain may be due to the loss of hormones as I’m not eating more and doing just as much exercise.

On a practical note for hospital, take an extra long phone charger, earplugs and an eye mask. I bought some Sketchers slip in shoes, no bending or stretching to put them on. 

Again, I hope all goes well for you 

jayjayjam