Feeling Very Ill

[lilly64]

I have an appointment with the gyno/onco on Jan. 22 - they couldn't get me in any sooner. My regular gyno on Feb. 5.  I really am scared and don't know what is going on.  3 weeks ago I went to the urologist with severe side/back/groin/leg pain on the right side.  They thought it was a kidney stone.  It isn't - it's an ovarian cyst and some fibroids (had CT and vaginal US). I am so exhausted, and am now having severe cramping with no bleeding and the severe back/groin/leg pain continue.  It's still mostly on the right side, but is also on the left.  I cannot function.  Today has been the worst day b/c of the excessive cramping.  The last thing I really want to do is go to the ER and wait hours on end only to send me home with "Motrin".  I have been taking Vicoprofen and it doesn't help much.  I am also very swollen and bloated and my bowels are all messed up - constipation mostly with nausea.  Any comments out there on what I should do at this point would be greatly appreciated.  I have never felt this horrible before and it's even zapping my energy to write this.  What would the symptoms be of a ruptured cyst?  And why don't the Dr.s listen?  After seeing my ob/gyn for several years, him removing 2 cysts in May of '04, and him delivering my last baby 1.5 years ago, he tells me to go to the ER instead of evaluating me himmself - real nice, huh? Please help.  Thanks.

[nytasha]

I thought women doctors are more open minded but there all the same! Never direct and just sugar coat things to have you even more concerned about your health. I really hope that you feel better and soon. I went to my ob/gyn to determine why I have I continue to have cyst on my ovaries. I still don't know why and I'm starting to think she doesn't know either. Good luck at the doctor!

[Ms_Makita]

your right about dr's,they dont seem to take woman serious and pass us off as whiners with low tolerance for pain..let them experience this and see how long they would deal with it! I started having chronic abdominal pain in April 06 dr's pass off as IBS which I do have history but it never effected me or hit me this hard so this time around I'm not buying the "IBS" ****.In summer ,june and july I had no pain,then hit me in Aug,had laparscopy to check for endometriosis,none found.I kept on telling dr's it was appendix area,but said appendix looked fine.I didnt have "classic symptoms",no vomiting or fever,but  just severe belly pain and lower right side pain  with nausea ,constipation,bloating,heartburn, to the point I quit eating,I constantly was going to er and they wouldnt do nothing,finally oct 27th the pain was unbearable for 3 days I begged someone to take me to er (had to move back home with parents)couldnt sleep,eat or walk,finally my dad took me to a clinic where dr told me to go to er ASAP it was appendix! I kept on telling my old dr ,family,and friends it was  my appendix.During surgery found it was dead,gangrene,ready to rupture,and found a fecal stone lodged behind causing partial obstruction,so it just took time,and had infection,3 day hospital stay.Dr's finally admitted I had chronic inflammation appendix,funny eh? It almost killed me.Week later back in er for severe pelvic pain,ultrasound showed 5cm cyst on right ovary,fun! I'm just wondering if it isnt a ovarian cyst but abcess from lingering infection as I have fevers on and off and chills and just ALWAYS feel sick.Figured once appendix out I'd be back to myself..but this is auctually worse than appendix or kidney stone.Dr's are taking to long to get to bottom of this and its very frustrating when your in pain so you have all my sympathy! its awful! I hope you start to feel better soon,keep me posted as I will do the same,take care,~hugs~   Steph

[Best59]

I have a lower back pain, around my tail bone. Per US my ovaries are fine, can not find anything. I'm going and will do the Ct, because of the intense of the pain... I have to find out why??? Also my CA125 is 25. I think is pretty high. One more thing... I have to change on my doctor visit's habit, and I highly recommend you to DO THE SAME. I was always belivE my doctor, and I just find out accidentally, they are not 100% tell you everything... I was ask for my before and after surg. US, and for bloodwork, and I got a big supprise. Much much more details, informations I find, what my doctor told me. Sue

[mermaid26]

That's great advice from nyc lady, etc...  We are lucky we live not too far from major cities.  I live in a rural area about 50 miles from Atlanta, but I have chosen to drive further for these better hospitals/doctors/imaging centers.  They simply see "more" diverse cases I think.  I feel for the women who don't have such easy access.  Good Luck.

[lilly64]

Thanks for the info.  I was thinking of going to the Rush Medical Center ER as that is where the gyno/onco is affiliated.  It's just so far from my home.  I will also try and call the Dr. directly or even my internist - I'm sure they know each other.  I have to do something - can't wait until the 22nd.  Thanks again.

[thecips]

i have found when this Ill I go to my doctor's office and refuse to leave until they ask him to make time to see me. It always works.In person is much more effectice than ocer the phone.They just can't dismiss you as easily and they know you must really be ill to do this
Good luck
Linda

[nyc lady]

Have you spoke directly with either one of your doctors?  I have found that I get different answers from the doctor directly then I do from the office staff.  The office staff is trained to give "canned" answers and give you the next available appointment....both my GYN/ONC and regular GYN always tell me if there is a problem or if you have a question call "me".

Is it possible for you to leave a message to have the GYN/ONC call you????

Good luck and let us know how it goes.....and I have found that if I go to the ER that my GYN/ONC is affiliated with, I get fast and great care if I use his name.

[stephers]

Hi, they also suspected a kidney stone as I was having severe back pain. I had a routine pet scan and it showed that I had a "tumor" pressing on my ureter (tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder) causing the ureter to kink and the kideny to back up and it hurt!!!!!
My doctor had to cut me open to see what was going on and found the "tumor" to be fibrous tissue (not cancer) I have also had a stent placed in my right urerter. I still have pain but not nearly what it was. Maybe something to check out. When I went to our local ER here they first thought kidnet stones and then after they did an x-ray they said I was just really constipated. I was but that was not causing the pain.

[Ms_Makita]

Hi! I can totally relate to your pain,I been having same issues (5cm ovarian cyst right ovary) going on for 4 months.Had infected appendix out in oct,found cyst a week later (thought it was kidney stone since I have hisory of them) seems never ending!rapid weight loss, constant  sharp cramping pain,thigh,rectal pain,just started the leg pain ,ugh! I also been constipated/gassy,been having to take non stimulate laxative 2-3 times a week or its unbearable the pressure and more pain it causes.I'm 28 and havent been able to function or go anywhere in months I had to leave my cosmetolgy job last thing I want to do is stand on my feet to cut hair for 6-8 hrs! I'm 28 yrs old but feel 80! made few trips to er but it was for nothing!
        Dr's are also playing wait and see approach,aside from throwing pain pills at me (which I hate to take) they arnt doing much for me either, best thing to do is keep up your strength,I have no appetite, but been having 2-3 ensure's a day when I cant tolerate food,and drinking chamomile tea really calms nerves and has relaxing effect.Also rest and heating pad helps too.Jan 22nd is to long of wait,especially when your in pain,I'd get to any dr asap.Best Wishes!,your in my prayers~
                                   Steph

[lilly64]

Sounds like you and me should head off to a very warm climate and sip pina coladas - that may ease the pain (or at least we'd be in pain somewhere without interruption - LOL).  I have read a few posts of woman who had their appendix out and I'm beginning to wonder if this is a "cop-out" for the Dr.s  Did you have classic/typical appendicitis symptoms?  My husband had his out in August and his symptoms were unmistakeable and usually acute and emergent - fever, right side pain to the slightest touch, and swollen belly.  My right side hurts but not to the touch and I've had no fever.  I also have been taking a laxative 2-3 times per week to relieve the pressure, as you said.  And the gas, well, let's just say my family is astounded at the sounds coming from such a petite person (little lol).  I really don't have the appetite I should either although I do eat some.  I could stand to lose about 10 lbs. anyway so I wish that would kick in.  It stinks you had to leave your job.  I am a typist at home and sitting for long periods is just as bad.  We need to get to the issues here and who is going to listen to us?!  I say we go on the Oprah (or Dr. Phil) show and maybe have Dr. Oz on.  As I said on another post, I believe female Drs. have been "programmed" just as male Drs. to assume woman patients are alarmists.  Sorry, no man would stand for this pain for this long.  There is a special place for woman in the next life (LOL). I just took a little nap and I always feel better after that, but then begin to go down hill in the next few hours. Best of luck to you and keep me posted on your progress, and I will do the same.  Lilly

[lilly64]

Thanks for your comments; i don't feel so alone when I post/read on this forum.  I am still a bit squemish (sp?) when it comes to telling a Dr. what's really going on, although yesterday when I called my regular gyno I was nearly crying.  This is, by the way, the same Dr. that put in the Mirena IUD after my last baby was born.  I nearly went crazy for 2 weeks b/c of the hormones in it.  He insisted it was not the Mirena and I was just under too much stress.  2 days after he removed it, I was back to normal (whatever that may be - lol).  And, like you say, he could have learned from my experience with that IUD for future patients.  Instead, he blew it off as "stress."  I am, however, my own advocate as well.  I found the gyno/onco myself and made the appt. myself.  I thought that my regular gyno would be offended as well so I didn't bother him for that info.  The new dr. just so happens to be in the same building/hospital as my internist here in Chicago, so I said he referred me. I guess given their schedules Jan. 22 is pretty quick to get me in, but I may go to the ER later today if I don't get some relief.  But there's really nothing stronger than what I'm taking (vicoprofen) for the pain.  Thanks again and, as always, Godspead to you!  Lilly

[mermaid26]

Sorry, I had a typo and meant to say "I'm trying not to be angry with the doctors."  I've had some pretty insensitive comments made to me, but ultimately I consider myself a "tough customer" and when all is said and done I will "politely" educate them a little should the need arise, if only to help any future similar female patients they may encounter.
Vitamin E is also supposed to help with cramping, especially leg cramping, so you may want to research this.  Keep us posted.

[mermaid26]

I'm glad to hear you have an appointment scheduled with the gyn/onc.  Sorry you have wait so long.  I consider myself an expert in the tortureous waits for doctors appointments.  Do you know where you're at in your cycle?  My symptoms are always magnified around ovulation and through my period.  I put my self on a liquid diet for two days this past weekend as the pain from digesting food has gotten so bad.  Pretty much a clear liquid hospital diet... broth, jello, clear juices.  Are you a tea drinker?  Raspberry herbal is good for women's troubles and chamomile can help you relax.  I'm sure to get an adequate calorie intake to keep my strength up.  I sarted losing wight too easily in October, where I couldn't lose wight at all for a long long time.  You can also try a low residue diet, foods easy to digest like mashed potatoes, etc...  I follow the DASH diet also for my kidney problems as recommended by my Urologist.
I wish I could tell you more.  Are doctors today that busy to care about an individual?  I'm at a loss and trying to harbor anger at them.  That just feeds the "beast."  I called my gyn's office 2 weeks ago to get a referral for a gyn/onc to be prepared if I get info from the trans/vag US  had yesterday.  They seemed offended that I was asking.  We simply have to be proactive and chart our own course in this ugly territory.  Good Luck and my prayers you can get some relief.