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Help, question on bilateral ovarian cysts(?) , but with all other symptoms

I just had a cat scan that was ordered by my gastroenterologist because I have been having increasing bowel issues, bloating, the big D, increasing exaustion, etc, & it showed bilateral ovarian cysts.I really wasn't worried about them but as I was searching the web for more info i found the list of OvCa symptoms, I have all of them. I don't want to be an alarmist but it is very scary that all the symptoms seem to describe what's been going on with me for the last 8 months or so.I'm kinda new to my area and just recently found a new gyno, only she is on maternity leave for another few months. my question is how do I pursue this? What should be my next step? should I contact her office or my regular md?  Does anyone have any advice???
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A related discussion, Bilateral simple ovarian cysts was started.
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Hey, thank you so much everybody for all the support!!! I did get an appt for US first week of april. I definitely will remain proactive, I do have a good support system, but I don't want to let them know how worried I am about this because they will think I'm a hypocondriac. You see, I have been pushing one thing after another trying to discover what is wrong with my GI tract. And since there is only a slim chance that my cysts are anything to worry about I'll TRY not to worry too much. I do have alot going on, I go to school full time and work parttime (going for a second career). for now I'm chalking the exaustion up to that,although in my former job I worked 60 hours a week no problem. This forum is great though, I'll definitely be back either for advise or to just say hello!!!
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Avatar universal
Hi Reegs,
Glad you're joining us! They recently found cysts on both of my ovaries too, so guess we're in this together. I was surprised to learn about all of the symptoms cysts can cause. I had made a mental note about six months ago to go see a doctor about my newly developed constipation, gas (ewwwwww), and bloating. I figured I must have irritable bowel syndrome or something. Being my usual procrastinating self, I never went. Now I know why I have these problems (and at least spared myself some nasty bowel tests - ha!). Ovarian cancer and benign ovarian cysts cause the same symptoms, how lucky for us. They usually do a follow up ultrasound 4-6 weeks after the initial one to see if the cysts have resolved themselves or if they're growing. If they are still hanging around, the only way to know what's going on for sure is to biopsy them. It seems crazy that in this day and age, we have to undergo surgery to find out - but right now, it's the only way. There are indications on cysts to help determine if they are suspicious or not, little clues the cysts give us. These can include solid areas, blood flow, nodules, fluid, etc. Some of the nastiest (but benign) cysts are called dermoids or teratomas. They are filled with fat, skin, hair and sometimes teeth. Sick and wrong, but true.
Hair balls, as some of us say. Welcome to our waiting game. There are so many women on here with excellent advice, I've come to rely on them heavily during this stressful time. Hang in there and we'll hang with you!
Robin
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Avatar universal
Hey, girl.....you are not being paranoid....this is a scary place to be......you are taking control of your medical care....you are being pro-active, not re-active.   That is very good!
Education is power...if you had not checked things out who would have? You are definately on the right track, girl!  Hang in there and don't let fear stop you in your tracks...who is in your support network besides us?  They need to be educated and strong for you; not you for them......remember that!
Remember, there are NO STUPID QUESTIONS.....all questions and answers serve to further educate us.....we are all in this together because we are women....stay in touch.
We will walk this path with you.
Peace.
dian
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Avatar universal
My doc told me that my bowels would probably work a lot better after my surgery because my colon was tacked up against the abdominal wall by adhesions from endo.  So yes, bowel issues can come from a lot of other things that are much less scary.
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Avatar universal
thanks dian. It does make me feel better about the 99% it's just that I've been getting sicker and my regular dr and I were persuing the "intestinal" angle of my symptoms that it was kind of like a lightbulb went off when I read the ca symptoms. I will contact my gyno's office about making an appointment with whatever doctor is covering her practice and try to get things moving. Thanks again, it's nice AND reassuring to be reminded that there's a 99% chance I'm probably just being paranoid!!! ;)
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Avatar universal
Hey there....yes...you need to find a gynocologist.....whether you ask for referrals from friends or your gastroenterologist....go see a gyno......he/she will probably order more tests (ultrasounds and some blood work) and go from there after your history is taken into consideration.
Here and now you must understand that 99% of all ovarian cysts are benign......that is wonderful news .....wrap your mind around that fact.
You are just beginning your journey and we will all be here for you every step of the way.
Please stay in touch...share your fears and anxieties....many of us have been there....we will gladly walk the walk with you!
Peace, kiddo.....talk to me!
dian
Helpful - 0
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