7.5cm ovarian cyst and more..

I was so pleased with the responses that others got that I decided to ask for help also. I am a 34 year old female who had severe lower abdominal pain about 7 years ago. An ultrasound report showed several sub-cm fibroids and an enlarged left ovary.(I cannot remember the size).The doctor gave me some antibiotics and told me that I had nothing to worry about.

I had been fine until a month ago ,when the sharp pains returned. After another ultrasound, it was discovered that I had a complex 7.5cm cyst mass with internal septations on my left ovary and more than 5 intramural fibroids,the largest of which is 4cm.My uterus is enlarged and measures 11x8cm.

(I have always had heavy and painful periods since I can remember.)
I have heaviness and discomfort in my lower abdomen and slight pains in my lower back.I have great urges to urinate at least every hour and a half during which little urine is released. Urinating also causes a lot of discomfort in my abdomen( feels like when you hold urine too long).Sometimes I feel well ,sometimes I don't. The gyn sent me for a CA-125 blood test and two urine test ,one of which is a culture test.He also talked about surgery,which will be discussed in greater detail after the test results.

I am scared.I have no history of cancer (that I know of )in my family and I am also afraid of surgery.I also have no children yet and would not like to lose the ability to do so.Can anyone advise me on the best thing to do?I get my results back on Monday.
Thank you.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Kimdy,
I completely agree with TOTj's comments. when you are in a position of pain and problems, fixing them by removing the problems will make you feel better. you need to have a clear discussion with the gyn surgeon you see about what kind of surgery you need. At your age, the goal of surgery is to remove cysts but preserve fertility.
best wishes to you

[TOTJ]

Hey Kimdy ... your fear about the surgery is normal. I think until about 5 months ago, not ever having had surgery or even anything to do with a hospital, my biggest fear in life was having surgery (I am 33 and no kids). By the time my complex hemorragic cyst got up to about 9cm, and I'd had several mini bleedouts, it was perfectly clear to me that my biggest fear was the best and only solution to the ongoing discomfort and unpredictability of the cyst that was keeping me from playing hockey, the gym and doing yoga! I asked lots of questions, have a gyn/ob that I trust, even watched part of a cyst removal online. The closer I got to the surgery date, the less fearful I was as I knew there was an end in sight.

I think it helps to have the surgery as early n the morning as possible (mine was at 7.30am). I was so relieved, I think I was the only person smiling and laughing in the preop waiting area :) The pre-surgery was neat (I happen to be a curious person) and found the constant verification of my identity and wristband reassuiring. I got to walk into the operating room, and that was pretty cool. The operating team were very kind and in good spirits, and they described everything they did to me before they did it. I work in an excellent team professionally, and recognized immediately that that was a well-functioning group and that made me feel good. Absolutely a great pre-op experience.

Afterwards in recovery, I had a very low-probability complication of larynx spasms which affected my breathing, and that was frightening. But even at that time, I knew the nurses and doctors were looking after me, and that my job was to relax and focus on breathing. Statistically, that probably won't happen to you. It would be silly to fear it since even if it happens you are surrounded by nurses trained to identify and manage any post-op complications. Otherwise, there is nothing to be afraid of since when the surgery is over, they give you pain meds right after and lots to take home, and your only job over the next few hours, days and weeks is to look after yourself and recover safely! It is a great time to relax, sleep, catch up on videos, reading and watching birds or rabbits or whatever!

[jeffersondavis]

A related discussion, Ovarian Cysts (Complex) was started.