Worried about problems

Question

I have had this swelling below my belly button and over to the right side. You can tell that it is puffy and protrudes more on the right side than the left side.  It is almost the size of a baseball. It has been there for about a year.  I went to the ob/gyn because the first time that I noticed it, it was during my menstrual cycle and I was having very bad pain there.  My ob/gyn did a routine exam (not even a pap smear) and said that everything seemed ok and I should go and see my primary doctor.  I am not having any noticeable pain there. Every now and then I get spasms there and it feels like they are hitting a nerve in my leg. I am concerned because of the area that it is located. Can anyone give me some insight about what this could be?

kseidel · Answer

I would encourage you to keep seeking medical attention until such time you are satisfied that you have an answer as to what is wrong and until you feel better...

RAS49 · Answer

I don't mean to scare you but you need to be motivated to act quickly to determine what this is.  I had the same type of swelling, went to my gyno who said my pelvic exam was "normal" and I then went to 3 other doctors- GI, oncologist and GP- before I finally insisted on a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA- 125 test.  Only six weeks after the swelling began and 7 days after the "normal" pelvic exam, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, stage 3.  Again, there are other possible causes here and this very well may not be malignant, but PLEASE don't take any chances.  Be very aggressive and demanding with your doctors until you are satisfied you have an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  I am praying for you.

Gatsby · Answer

Please get a 2nd opinion with a gyn/onc.  They are specialists in the female reproductive area and have seen it all.  Even though 99% of ovarian cysts are benign, you would be wise to get the second opinion.  Please keep us posted.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

turtledovemom · Answer

Ditto.  I don't know where you live, but I'd recommend that you make contact with a teaching hospital at your earliest opportunity.  More and more of them are not requiring that you have a referral from your regular doc.  If you haven't gotten any satisfaction from your regular ob/gyn (and it sounds as if you haven't), you have nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain.  If you need help getting started with that, please let us know.  
peace,
Anne

kat1972 · Answer

thank you all so much for your support and advice.  I will be scheduling another appointment with an ob/gyn.  Will keep you updated. Again, thanks!!!

Worried about problems

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