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I had severe Polycystic ovary syndrome, and had a partial hysto 4 years ago. The doctor left my right ovary because he didn't want me to "slam into menopause". I wasn't happy about that, but agreed so that he would do the surgery. Last year I had to have the other ovary removed in an emergency surgery. I developed a 2 pound tumor and my ovary ruptured, I was bleeding internally, had to be opened up just like the first surgery. Spent 6 days in the hospital, and went through a full recovery again. When I agreed to leave the ovary I was told that if it needed to come out it would be a 15 minute operation, and I would have a few steri-strips, not even stitches.
I was able to have penetration sex 8 weeks after the proceedure, and was comfortable with everything except me on top. That took about 4 months.
My surgery was adominal, (open) and my incision was just over 8 inches long.
I now take Estrace daily. I have tried the patches, the gels, and the intravaginal creams, none work as well as the daily pill.
My sex drive didn't change other than I can have sex anytime now. With PCOS the days before during and after your period are very painful for sex, so I would say my sex drive is the same but my ability to satsify my desires is way better. Plus there is no worry about pregnancy, which helps too. I joke that the doctor took out my crib, and now all I have is a playpen.
I used Hysterectomy Support Discussions, Before Hysterectomy, After Hysterectomy, Recovery - HysterSisters They are way more conservative than I am but there was a wealth of support, information kindness there. I also use their email reminders to set up my mammogram, and to go for my annual exam. I always used the need for birth control refills to remind me to make the appts before, but they send out 10 or so emails a year, and one of them is a reminder to set up your appts.
I have PCOS and it's causing me so much pain, no ovulation (thus no periods) and I know those cysts are just getting bigger and bigger. I don't want my ovaries left behind for this reason. After reading your story, I am all the more convinced as to why I don't want to leave even one ovary behind to cause problems for me later.
I'd rather have the cervix, uterus, tubes and ovaries removed so they can cause me no more problems.
Thanks a billion times for giving me such a detailed answer that helps me with my specific issues. I truly appreciate it.