[Kimana]

I rarely post but this is one of my favorite forums. I read it often and it feels like home. So I needed somewhere to "whine" about my new medical issue. In my adult lifetime, I have had 3 c-sections and a partial hysterectomy (ovaries remained intact). All of this was 18 to 25 years ago. Since then, I have remained in very good health (lucky) except for my weight (213 at 5'6"), which like all of us, I am working on, and slight hypothyroid, which is managed with medicine.

But, we recently discovered, quite by accident, that I have a very, very, very large dermoid cyst on one of my ovaries. Not causing any pain or symptoms, but it MUST come out. The doctor says it is the size of a cantaloupe. Very big. He will not be able to save that ovary and tube, but the other one should be fine. Of course, he won't know the extent of things until he gets in there, so it could be more complicated, but we're not expecting any problems or complications. Nevertheless, it will be an open abdominal procedure, laparascopy not an option in this case.

6 weeks recovery, etc. I know it's not that bad, could be worse, but I'm so bummed about needing surgery. No one looks forward to the pain and risks, however slight, and down time. I am no different. The good news is that he said it could wait until early July, because I have a big family vacation planned in late June, so I can wait until after that. The rest of the bad news is that I will have to take a semester off of school to recover, which stinks.

I wanted to share in the hopes that someone else on here may have gone through something similar. Any stories or hugs would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Kimana

[goodforme]

I recently had a hysterectomy and my biggest fear was that it would have to be an abdominal surgery instead of lap.

I'm sorry you're going through this and you're going to have so much down-time, although I haven't been where you are.

I hope you feel much better soon and enjoy your vacation!

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

KIMANA ~ yes, this is the forum where we all come to chat/whine about all our physical challenges or obstacles, and our medical woes too ... It is comforting to talk to others who know what we are going through. I haven't been through that issue, but here are some anyways. I have an Aunt who did (exact same thing and she said her cyst was the size of a melon); and she is doing well now. I did have a cyst burst once though; not fun.

I am sending up some prayers for you that all goes well for your surgery in July. Sorry you have to miss some school for recovery but your health is very important, and you can continue that later on ... and, here's some more

[ronni62]

for you and will keep you in my prayers. It is hard anticipating surgeries, but your health is important. Have a fun vacation and don't worry about missing school-you'll be back to it before you even realize it. again and keep us posted.

[Deelighted4Ever]

I had a dermoid cyst that was about the size of a large grapefruit. My OB actually discovered it while I was pregnant. Initially my doctor wanted to do the surgery while I was pregnant but I was able to postpone the surgery until I was 6 months postpartum. The good news is that dermoids are almost never cancerous. I did have a big incision but the recovery was not bad at all. My doctor was also able to save my ovary because of how the cyst was located and because I made a big deal about wanting her to do everything she could to save it. Even though I was told that the recovery time was 6 weeks I was back to my daily routine within a couple of weeks.

I never thought that I had any pain from my dermoid either until after I had it out. I had been living with mild abdominal discomfort and never realized it. My guess is that you will feel just feel healthier in general once it comes out!