Salpingo-oophorectomy experiences and tips?
Hello,
I decided to get this procedure done so I don't need to be dependent on the monthly shots. I understand that the surgery itself is pretty quick and straightforward, but I was surprised about the recovery instructions and a whole month without lifting more than 10 pounds. Also the doctor recommended two weeks off work, which was more than I took for either lumpectomy.
The procedure is scheduled for mid January and I'd love to hear from folks about your experiences and tips for recovery.
Thank you!!
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I had a prophylactic robotic assisted BSO in March 2024 due to a RAD51D mutation. I thought the surgery was pretty easy. It was outpatient surgery and I was out of the hospital in six hours. You do need someone to drive you to/from the surgery. I think I was allowed to drive again in 5-7 days. I was 66 yo at the time and was outside walking two days later and back hiking within a week. I do recall being told not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for at least two weeks. Your doctor knows you best so I would follow their instructions. Since I am retired, time off of work was not an issue.
Good luck!
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Hi @salamandra -
It has been over 20 years since my BOS, so my experience may not be too relevant. However, I would think it would have been even easier by now. Everyone is different, but for me it was one of the easiest surgeries. I believe I had it done on a Friday and was back to work on Monday. That being said, I had a desk job. If your job requires lifting or anything, that would be a different story.
Since this is in your abdominal area, you do have to watch the lifting for awhile. Is it being done laparoscopically? If not, that would be a reason for the longer time off work….or if your job is quite physical.
I found the immediate menopause more challenging than the surgery and even that was doable. The bonus is that you won't have to worry about ovarian cancer. I was very happy to have had my BOS.
Good luck to you.
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Thank you, that is encouraging!
It is laparoscopic, and I'm already (theoretically) in chemical menopause from the monthly shots, so hopefully there shouldn't be too much hormonal adjustment.
My work is teaching, but high school, not little ones, so I think a lot less likelihood of getting accidentally rammed or head-butted. I normally do shlep more than 10 pounds from classroom to classroom, but I can adjust or get help for short term. I don't need to drive (live in the city and usually walk or bike to work). I guess I may also need help getting groceries in for a while. Hmm.
The surgeon seemed to think that the off-gassing could be quite painful. I've also never had general anesthesia before (my lumpectomies were under sedation), so I don't know, maybe an unknown reaction to that?
Anyway it's great to hear that it went well for you and that you're happy looking back on it!!
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@salamandra , It was a pretty easy surgery for me but I was post menopausal. I worked at an elementary school with special Ed students. Things could get crazy there so my gynecologist recommended two weeks off. I felt fully recovered when I got back. I did need the pain medication though.
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Hi Salamandra,
It was a very easy surgery for me. Ambulatory surgery, and I was out and about all over the place the next day, I remember I had visitors in town and I didn't hold back.
The not lifting is expected, but after inspection from doctor, if the recovery goes well they may remove that restriction a bit earlier. Not hard to do, though. I am a swimmer and the not swimming (because of the need to not submerge the incission) annoyed me a lot more.
The two weeks off work sounds like an overkill. With office work, if you have surgery at the middle (or end) of the week, a couple of days off (day of the surgery plus next day), plus a weekend is all you need. And your weekend will mostly be normal life -minus heavy workouts. Since you are a teacher, maybe get surgery at the beginning of the week and come back the next Monday? Or, if you can avoid the shlepping, with a couple days plus a weekend you should be fine.
Best of luck,
LaughingGull
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Salamandra, I had this surgery back in February 2019, just two weeks before everything shut down because of COVID. You’ve likely read this before, but the main reason I chose this surgery was to avoid the monthly Lupron shots, which were incredibly painful for me. I don’t have much fat, so even at a fancy and well-known hospital, the nurses struggled to find a spot that didn’t hurt. On top of that, Lupron wreaked havoc on both my body and mind!
This decision was also recommended by two doctors—a MO who was a friend of a friend and a gynecologist. Removing my ovaries was a straightforward and simple procedure, and my recovery was quick. While doctors tend to follow the standard guidelines, ultimately, you’ll carry the weight of the decision based on how you feel.
One thing I can say is that I felt such a sense of relief afterward—not only from the freedom of not having the shots but also from not worrying about ovarian cancer, which some types of breast cancer love to metastasize to.
Wishing you the best of luck with your decision!
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