Hot flashes? Question for the ladies

[ElizK]

A bit of background: I had a partial hysterectomy almost 3 weeks ago, leaving one ovary. I am also taking medication for hypothyroid. Other than that, I am very healthy.

Several days after my surgery I started waking up in the middle of the night really hot. I'd throw off the covers and break into a sweat. I haven't slept through the night even once since my surgery without taking Ambien (prescribed by the surgeon after my surgery).

Could this be hot flashes? I didn't think that was likely because of the remaining ovary. But I can't think of anything else it might be!

ETA: I'm 41 yrs old.

 

[KimR]

I've wondered this as well because I had an ovary removed when I was 19 and for as long as I can remember I've had night sweats. I can't say for sure that they started immediately after my surgery but I do know that they have been occurring since my early twenties at least. It totally sucks.

 

[ElizK]

Totally sucks, indeed! I'll ask my dr about it when I go back for my 6 week check up. I don't want to call the office if I don't have to. I'm fairly unimpressed with the whole staff for anything outside of a normal visit. I called about a rash after my surgery. They were useless.

 

[Minniemama350]

Night sweats. Same idea, just at night.

 

[Minniemama350]

I have decided to not deal with mine, because they are not awful yet. I had a radical hyst 4 years ago. I wear a patch and this is my only side effect from the experience. I lay off caffeine after 4pm and I do OK. I still sweat and have to use less coversno matter what the temp in the room, but I do great all day and never flash at all and never have mood swings that are hormonally based. All in all, I think I could do way worse and don't feel like messing around with my dosage. If yours keep you from sleeping and you're not taking HRT or you are but it really bothers you, I would mention it to the Dr.

 

[ElizK]

Well, I considered night sweats, but these aren't the so-drenched-in-sweat-that-the-sheets-must-be-changed kind of sweating. I've had those here and there over the years. Not saying it couldn't be, just wasn't the same as I've had in the past.

 

[ElizK]

I have decided to not deal with mine, because they are not awful yet. I had a radical hyst 4 years ago. I wear a patch and this is my only side effect from the experience. I lay off caffeine after 4pm and I do OK. I still sweat and have to use less coversno matter what the temp in the room, but I do great all day and never flash at all and never have mood swings that are hormonally based. All in all, I think I could do way worse and don't feel like messing around with my dosage. If yours keep you from sleeping and you're not taking HRT or you are but it really bothers you, I would mention it to the Dr.

I specifically did not have both ovaries removed because I didn't want to have to start hormones. Was I misguided in my thinking?

 

[a1tinkfans]

Hi everyone

 

[Minniemama350]

Hi everyone, just came across this and I go in tomorrow for a pre op testing visit for a full hysterectomy (and an oopherectomy; removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries), surgery next week.

I AM A WRECK!
I am usually so "together" but this is really taking a toll.
Could I just ask some questions and if any one is inclined to answer, much appreciated....

what was recovery period like? able to walk up stairs, when??
Hospital stay how long?
If ovaries are taken OUT, doesn't that mean no/limited flashes??????
Does removal reduce or eliminate cancer risks for cervical, uterine, etc???
What Q's should I be asking tomorrow during pre op...I feel like my head is swimming and I think it may be because I am also exhausted, no sleep last few nights...thinking and worrying, etc...
well again, I am usually so "up" and positive, but right now, its all teary....I can;t even think straight to ask intelligent q's.

First take a deep breath. It will work out. I had my ovaries out and I still have night sweats adn I am using HRT. If someone is still having sweats or flashes, it could be the ovary is not functioning properly. I also have discovered that after 40 my sleep patterns have changed. Which is what I am not totally sure about.

As for walking, they usually get you up that day. The more you can walk the better, of course you can't overdo it, but your body will tell you. I felt pretty good at 4 weeks post op. I also had a vertical incision, which made things harder for recovery. I have had friends that were shopping at Target a week later, because they did not have a vertical incision. I will not get uterine cancer because I don't have a uterus. Cervical cancer depends on whther or not the cervix is removed. Basically, what is taken out can't get cancer. What is left is just like any other body part. I stayed in the hospital for about 6 days. It was supposed to be 5, but Dr. felt I needed to rest. He was right. It will be OK. It is a big deal, but be patient with yourself. You will be better than you are now when it is all over.

 

[Minniemama350]

I specifically did not have both ovaries removed because I didn't want to have to start hormones. Was I misguided in my thinking?

It seems that your logic was correct to me. My thought though is whether or not your ovary is functioning properly. Maybe it is and your premenopausal? I don't know.

 

[curious3069]

It took about a month for my lone ovary to kick back into gear after my hysterectomy. Until then, hot flashes and night sweats. They didn't disappear right away, but eventually, they went away for good. The night sweats were the worst!!

 

[ElizK]

It took about a month for my lone ovary to kick back into gear after my hysterectomy. Until then, hot flashes and night sweats. They didn't disappear right away, but eventually, they went away for good. The night sweats were the worst!!

Thank you for the info! Glad to know this shouldn't be a new way of life for me.

 

[SueInBoston]

It took about a month for my lone ovary to kick back into gear after my hysterectomy. Until then, hot flashes and night sweats. They didn't disappear right away, but eventually, they went away for good. The night sweats were the worst!!

My experience as well. So don't worry..

 

[kellyg403]

I will ditto what the others said. I had an ovary and tube removed in 2002. The first 6 weeks after I would wake up sweating then cold etc. I also was told that with one ovary I should not need any hormone treatment. It did take a little longer for me since my other ovary was clearly not working properly. I had scarring from previous a previous c section and my age.

So, hang in there. I think if you are still having issues, definitely speak to your dr on your next appointment.

Kelly

 

[ashleyrm]

I will ditto what the others said. I had an ovary and tube removed in 2002. The first 6 weeks after I would wake up sweating then cold etc. I also was told that with one ovary I should not need any hormone treatment. It did take a little longer for me since my other ovary was clearly not working properly. I had scarring from previous a previous c section and my age.

So, hang in there. I think if you are still having issues, definitely speak to your dr on your next appointment.

Kelly

Same here. I had everything but one ovary removed when I was 42. It took about 6 weeks for the remaining ovary to kick back in and it remained functional for about the next 5-6 years and then slowly petered out whereupon I hit full menopause. Dealt with hot flashes for a few months - tried lots of over-the-counter, herbal stuff, etc and finally gave in and went on HRT. Took prempro (estrogen/progesterone) for first 2 years and now am taking EEMT (estrogen/testosterone).

Hope everything goes well for you!

 

[minkydog]

You didn't make a mistake. Anytime someone messes with your reproductive organs your ovaries can get confused. I had a similar reaction after I had emergency abdominal surgery when i was 43. They found an enormous, benign tumor on one ovary and multiple small tumerous projections on the other. I ended up losing the one giant ovary and about half of the other one. I had night sweats for a few months until things got back to normal.

I'm 53 now and still having periods. They're light, but seriously! when will this end? I'm over it!