Ovarian cyst removal

Women's health
1

Last week, an ultrasound scan revealed a 10cm cyst on my left ovary. I've been referred to gynaecology, I'm just waiting for my appointment to come through. I have been told, though, that I will need surgery to remove it. I have a few questions:

Has anyone been through this before who could tell me what happened?

What type of surgery do you think I'll have? Laparoscopy or laparotomy?

How long did people have off work for either of these operations?

How long did you have to wait for a surgery date following your first gynae appt?

Do you think I'll lose my left ovary, too? I'm only 24 so worried about how it'll affect my fertility.

Thank you in advance for any replies!

Rebecca

2

Hi Rebecca

I've just had a 7cm cyst removed although it was reported as being 9cms on the scan so theres hope for you yet! Mine was discovered in October last year and I'm 4 weeks post op. Unfortunately i got passed to gynae/oncology so I think that was why it was so quick. Previous surgery had taken alot longer to get to with lots of repeat scans to track size.

The procedure depends on the type and size of your cyst, mine was reported as being suspicious so had to have a laparotomy so cyst could be taken out whole and everything else could be looked at closely.

First surgery I had 8 weeks off but in hindsight it was too soon. I have been told this time its 3 months recovery although this will be at the doctors discretion. I'm aware there are different opinions on this and pretty sure there are employers who will google and expect the least time to fit their employee!

There's every chance you could keep your ovary, I did first time round but unfortunately ended up with another. (Please dont assume this will happen to you! Most surgeons worth their salt will do their best to preserve your affected ovary.

Hope this answers some of your questions. Stay positive! Easier said than done.....I'm always on here looking for reassurance through the stages of having and losing an ovarian cyst!

Take care 🤗

3

I will tell you... just breathe, have faith in your doctor. I am four weeks and one day out after having a 17X12X5cm ovarian cyst removed... my tube and part of my left ovary (he was going to take the whole think, but it was not needed). I posted my experience on here (read it if you get a second). But, since then... I have had no issues. I was not my normal self for about a week and a half out... don't push yourself. Each person heals different. I am now on full "no limitations". But, I feel WONDERFUL and am back to my normal self... so happy! It's amazing what a huge cyst can take out of you!! Physically and mentally. I wish you the best... just go with what happens and I pray your experience is as mine was!!!   Hope you feel better :D   

4

Thank you so much for your quick response. I was scanned 2 years ago and it was 5/6cm big then. I was referred to gynae but refused an op as I couldnt arford the time off work. It also was causing me minimal pain so I wasnt too bothered. Its now 10cm (grown 4/5cm in 2 years) and I'm in a lot of pain. I really just want it gone now!

I am a teacher so really don't want to have too long off work.

Fingers crossed! How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Glad to hear you are on the mend.

Rebecca

5

Hello,

​Thank you for your reply! My GP has been amazing. I had an appt last Thursday and was sent for my scan ollowing Monday (just days later!) I've had a CA125 and that came back normal thank goodness. Just beginning to worry about how long I will have to wait for an op, now. It is causing some considerable discomfort, so the thought of having it for another 8 months does nothing for me. I am from Newcastle though, so the waiting lists here may be completely different to elsewhere. Did you have a laparoscopy or laparotomy?  Did you have to wait long for you op?

​Thank you for your reply though, I really appreciate it. My poor partner is going mad as it's all I ever talk about- hence resorting to a forum to vent instead!

6

I hope you get some relief...  it sounds like it is moving along quickly for you!  The waiting was the hardest part, I had to wait a month and a half , after having all test done and surgery was scheduled  rolleyes  Nothing but worrying for a month and a half!!   I had mine done with laparoscopy... just three small incisions (Thank God)... I was overly worried, since it was so big.      

I understand... about being all you talk about... it's bothering you and I am sure your partner understands too.  And, after all you talk about is how much better you feel.   

You've got this... best wishes! 

7

Thank you for replying! Did you have to wait a month and a half for surgery or your gynae appt? Do they take into consideration how much pain you're in when they schedule an op or do you just go onto a waiting list?

How big was your cyst if you don't mind me asking? And how was your recovery?

Sorry for all the questions! Xx

8

I do not mind, at all!   I had to wait a month and a half after surgery was scheduled (scheduled on December 12, had my surgery Jan. 27th.   I was not in any pain... (I guess that is why I never knew it was there) just huge, like I was pregnant.   My cyst was 17x12x5.5 cm... VERY large!    I feel AMAZING... so, much better in many ways (as you will too)!!!  

9

Hi Rebecca,

Just stumbled upon this and wondering how are things?

Have you heard or had anything yet?

Hope you are ok smile

 

10

My mom age is 60. According to the Ultrasound result the lobulated pelvic mass is seen 6.9 cm in dimention and her CA-125 value is 47. Now she is admit in the hospital. 

What You suggest if the doctors make the surgery of the pelvic mass so She recover from cancer?

Your kind suggestion and opinion will be appreciated

 

11

I had my left side removed via laparophy due to 10cm dermoid cyst in january. I couldnt do a lot for a week. Its suprising how much you relie on stomach muscles to get you up out of bed. By about week 7 post surgery i started to feel normal and able to go out and about but very tired. Im now 14 wks post surgery and the numbness in the belly area is starting to ease and back walking my dog (boxer) but afterwards i still feel tired. I returned to work after 10 wks off and felt ready to go back. Im 40 so i guess it took a bit longer to recover and still recovring but everyone recovrs differently. So just take it easy for the first week or two and then go from there. Hope all goes well x

12

Hi ladies. I know this post is old but I am going through having large cyst on my ovaries and is looking for a little support. I am 34 years old with two very small children (4 years old and 11 weeks old). 11 weeks ago during my c-section with my daughter, it was found that I have two very large cyst on both my ovaries. I was sent in quickly to have blood work done and was found that my levels are above normal. I was refered to an gynocologic oncologist who said that I have to have my left ovary removed because the cyst is so large. I now have an appointment for removal on the 15th. I had this happen to me before back in 2003 when I was 19 years old. But they was able to save my ovary.  I don't remember how long the surgery took to complete so I was wondering how long did it take to complete the surgery? I have no family here, just my husband and our two children so having a short surgery would be better. Thanks ladies for listening!

13

Hi lee lee. Are you in the UK? I had a cyst and ovary/tubes removed last year. The surgery did not take long, done by a gynae oncologist, about 1-1/2 hours plus recovery time. About 2-3 hours total. Here in UK we are discharged same day if all is well after the op but no housework, lifting children or anything else for 4-6 weeks while wound/stitches heal. You will need some help with the kids and housework/cooking etc during this time. Hope this is available to you but talk to the hospital nurses at the clinic if you can before you are admitted so they can arange all this for you. Best wishes, Pollyanna UK xx rolleyes

14

Hi Sandra, read your post with interest, and wondered if you could tell me if you were cut around the bikini line at all? I had a 12cms cyst removed together with both ovaries and tubes, but have a 4 inch cut around the bikini line. I am also a carer and need to lift a wheelchair in and out of the car, and wondered how long it is beforeally I can do this?

15

Hi, i have just had my first appt with my gyno to get my ok for checking into surgery with my health insurance. Im glad to see so many replies and to see everyone healing! Congrats. But im a little nervous. I was told in jan 2018 that while a kidney ultrasound they had found a very large..... 14x15.something x almost 17! And that i would need surgery. Doctors think i may have had it since i was young. First menstrual only being between 7 and 8 years old. This might be a weird question but when they remove a large cyst do they cut a little of the extra skin off while in whatever type of surgery that they make the larger incision? Someone told me that they had one close to my size of cyst... just a bit smaller and they did a type of a c-section cut. Has anyone that is recovered had the ability to get pregnant? My husband and i would love to be able to finally get pregnant. Thank you in advance!

16

HI Rebecca,

I am just 4 days on from having my right ovary and 12cm cyst removed via labarotomy, I cannot begin to explain the great relief this procedure has given me or how pain free the recovery is starting out. I have two smallish bikini line incisions with a small one also beneath belly button, staples to be removed in 10 days.

I am 55, thankfully healthy in every other way and whilst prescribed pain relief have not required them with paracetamol more than adequate. As I had a previous large cyst drained in December, I have been accommodating two very large cysts for over 9 months now and can say without a shadow of a doubt the surgery and relief is so worth it.

Best of luck with your surgery ahead.

17

I was Diagnosed with a 11cm ovarian cyst about a month ago I had previously been Dignosed with two back in 2008 when I was 31 and reference to a Obgyn only to find out a week before my surgery consoltation I was possibly pregnant they did blood work and had to switch from ovarian surgery prep to pregnancy prep as blood work came back positive. He said I likely pass them during the pregnancy.

Ff 9 years later I now have a 11cm on my left overy he did not say much about the surgery except due to previous surgeries from my childhood that have left my stomach extremely scared he will not preform the surgery someone else will. And he asked if I planned on having anymore children. I love to more than anything else in this world but I will be 41 this Saturday. So think that window is closing for me. I'm nervous due to size he said laparoscopic surgery would be used. I have to walk kids to and from school twice a day how long is recovery usually? I know walking around will be painful for a while I'm praying that They won't have to take the overy I feeling like I been handed a death sentence as children are my life and would like to have a son.

After reading all the comments I feel slightly reassuring although still nervous about the recovery time and surgery good luck with your recovery . I don't feel so alone now.

18

Hi Marianne,

I am now 17 days on from having my right ovary and 11cm cyst removed, and feel so much better for it, as cyst had recurred from previous one I had drained in December.  I had a laparotomy, due to cyst size, an had about 8cm bikini line incision, with belly button keyhole insert also.  Apart from the normal tenderness and a little discomfort, which you would expect, I experienced no pain whatsoever.

i had 14 clips in, all now removed, so no stooping, lifting or driving for last few weeks, will see what next week brings. At 55, this was my first experience of any surgery and so did feel little more fatigued and so just rested let my body heal, with short gentle walks now, get fresh air in my lungs again. 

Future fertility was was not an issue for me, but having only one ovary removed means I am more gently progressing into menopause, with some night flushes. Overall my experience has been a very positive one, resulting in getting my body back to normal after nursing two large cysts over a nine month period, one after the other.

i hope your surgery, whatever is decided goes as well for you. One thing I did find great was a little plastic kiddie step up, which I used for in and out of the car, when I had to for the first week or so. I did have a catheter and surgical drain in for 24 hours ( both pain free) and was discharged on the third day, was sent home with strong pain meda, which I never took as just few paracetamol was more than adequate.

i did have a little vaginal bleeding, nothing excessive and now 17 days on I get an occasional cramp as my body parts shift back in to position, as we do not realise how much our cysts have moved things around in there until they are removed.

Good LucK with all

Mary

19

Hi Krys 

I hope things have improved I thought I would let you know that I had a large cyst removed when I was 20 weeks pregnant and then went on to have another two children.