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LearningAsIGo · Feb 1, 2016, 01:19 PM

I'm looking for some ideas/feedback. My GYN is retiring, office is moving and I'm not sure how much I need to rush getting in... I'll try to keep this as concise as possible

1998, one ovary removed (both tubes remain)
2012 I had a tubal ligation during my second cesarean.
April 2015, ectopic pregnancy (tubal failed, obviously!!) I had 1 dose methotrexate, no complications afterward.
Oct. 2015, another ectopic (apparently I ovulated on CD9, but I digress--definitely a big mistake). Methotrexate did not work, so I had a D&C with salpingectomy 11/30/15. About 3 days later, I bled for 10 days and followed HCG down to zero, 28 days post surgery. Doc gave me the "all clear"

I've not had a period since, so today is CD60. Not just the absence of menses, but I have had several episodes of egg-white cervical mucus, cramping and extremely tender breasts (painful enough to use ice packs). This past week, that resolved and I had very light brown spotting so I thought my period was coming. Today, extreme breast pain again with creamy discharge. (I've had tender breasts during ovulation and menses, but nothing like this) I've also had 3 yeast infections (April, July, Dec 2015) which has never happened before.

My research says estrogen dominance and I'm questioning peri-menopause since I'm 37 and had only one ovary the past 18 years. Thoughts? Should I rush in or deal with it? I tend to over-analyze and my emotions are all over the map. I need a fresh perspective.

TIA

DoulaLC · Feb 1, 2016, 03:33 PM

I'm guessing the second tube was checked when the removal was done? Given your history, I would rule out the possibility of pregnancy. Slight, but not impossible.
You could also see about having some hormone testing done... which may be done at different times in your cycle.

See what happens... or doesn't happen. It's possible that your cycles are trying to finally regulate. At first, for some women, a return can be unusually symptomatic.....as can perimenopause for many women.
Certainly check with your gynecologist if symptoms persist or worsen.

LearningAsIGo · Feb 2, 2016, 07:23 AM

Thank you, Doula.

My second tube remains but it's entirely closed off. It's hard to explain, but at the time my right ovary was removed (1998) the oncologist left that right tube to preserve as much as possible.

When the salpingectomy was done in November 2015, she showed photos and explained that it's totally closed off and at some time "layed down" and basically became like scar tissue. Removing it was a bleeding risk, but "there is no way anything can get in or out of it." Again, hard to explain, but essentially, it's been out of commission for several years.

Another question, how long would you recommend waiting to self-regulate before calling (as long as symptoms don't worsen)? I was given a Rx for birth control (before the salpingectomy) that I thought I could start to help regulate...

joypulv · Feb 2, 2016, 07:39 AM

With all this history, your young age, and the effect on your emotions, I would research all the GYNs in your area, and talk to your present GYN about your next choice. From what you say here, it sounds like there are no other options? I live in a rural area where many of us have to drive 100 miles for some specialists.

LearningAsIGo · Feb 2, 2016, 09:15 AM

I'm also having intense hot flashes.

Thanks, Joy. I'm actually part of a GYN practice that has 7 other physicians, they're just in flux. Mine is retiring this month, one passed away suddenly and the office moved locations this week. I'm just delaying in part because the office is chaotic and partly because I've been through so much lately and have mounting medical costs, so I'm not eager to go back to a doc if it's avoidable. :/

J_9 · Feb 2, 2016, 09:23 AM

I'm not familiar with the term CD60. I came from a very small rural hospital, 2 practitioners, and am now in a larger facility with over 60 physicians. If you could clear that "CD" up, that would be great!

LearningAsIGo · Feb 2, 2016, 11:55 AM

Sorry! CD = Cycle Day. So, my last period started 12/2/15 ;)

DoulaLC · Feb 2, 2016, 03:20 PM

If symptoms don't worsen, maybe give it a couple of weeks. It's possible what you are experiencing is due to ovulation, which can sometimes present with more severe symptoms than usual... especially after the procedures you had.

If it is, you might have a period show up in the next couple of weeks. Again, it could just be cycles returning. Perimenopause is possible, even at 37.

Was the loss of an ovary due to hormonal concerns? Perhaps previous circumstances bumped up the time frame a bit for you... and changes in hormone function often start in the 30's.

See what you are comfortable with. If you continue to be bothered by symptoms, go in to have things checked sooner.

I'd have to try a pregnancy test too, just for the peace of mind! It wasn't suppose to happen before either.

Hope you have some relief soon!

LearningAsIGo · Feb 3, 2016, 01:26 PM

Thank you kindly, Doula.

The loss of an ovary was due to low-stage ovarian cancer. I was 19 and suffice it to say, another "shouldn't have happened" on my chart! I only had surgery, no chemo, but I often wonder if being down an ovary for so long would bring menopause on younger.

I'm going to take a HPT tonight, I'm just dreading it. I'm so afraid of a + result after all of this, but not knowing is becoming difficult. The only time we had sex was two days before it was confirmed my hcg was zero (I had it tested weekly) but geez... I just don't know what I'll do if it's +.

I hate this, but I have to get rid of the uncertainty. It's scary, but if its negative, at least I can move forward with that much less worry, right? Sigh.

LearningAsIGo · Feb 10, 2016, 08:45 AM

Definitely not pregnant. Even though I don't know if/when I ovulated, it's been so long since... a pregnancy test would definitely be conclusive by now.

I feel like I'm regulating in the sense that I feel like each day is more predictable. (Not the wild hormonal shifts I had been feeling) Unless something else happens, I plan to wait 2 weeks more before contacting my physician.

Thanks all

DoulaLC · Feb 10, 2016, 02:48 PM

Good to hear things are calming a bit. Hopefully it is just your system getting back on track.

LearningAsIGo · Feb 17, 2016, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by DoulaLC

Good to hear things are calming a bit. Hopefully it is just your system getting back on track.

Thanks, Doula. I seem to be "on track" now (as of cycle day 75) but I do believe perimenopause is part of what I'm experiencing. Hindsight is 20/20 and I have all the signs. Since I don't feel pressured any longer, I'll be discussing it when my annual exam is due this spring. Thanks again! Sometimes it just helps to type it all out and get a fresh take :)