I have had symptoms for some time now

[baffled2]

I am 32 years old and I have spent the last two years trying to explain to my doctor that there is something not right with me.  I had some bloodwork, x-rays, and an upper GI series done to see why I was having trouble with digestion.  I also had terrible leg pain in the left leg as well as in the shoulder blade on the left side.  An EKG ruled out heart disease.  All of the tests showed nothing and I still have these symptoms, only there are more; which include feeling so full at night that it is hard to catch my breath sometimes. I have chills and nausea usually every day and I discovered just the other day that I was bleeding after intercourse, I have pain in my lower back and my period for the second time in a row is early and it was very heavy.  I have terrible cramps and a feeling of pressure on my abdomin during my period.  I haven't lost any weight but I have gained weight even though I have not changed my eating habits and my excercise routine.  I just feel helpless because my doctor just does not understand that I am serious about this and I know deep down that there is something wrong.  I don't want to leave this any longer because there is a strong history of cancer in my family.  My mother died of ovarian cancer when she was 34 years old.  Why does my doctor not take me seriously?  I am getting quite depressed about all of this and I really do not want to see my doctor again.  I have no choice but to see her, I want to know if there is anything that I can take with me as far as information that may relate to this type of cancer that I can share with her.
Thanks

[Carrie Anne]

I am going through something similar except my doctor believes, but I will tell you that a great deal of your symptoms may have to do with your thyroid, take some time to do some investigating and you might be surprised at what you read the thyroid affects. Whatever is wrong don't give up the fight with your doc or get a new one, NO ONE knows your body better than you. GOOD LUCK

[1Woman]

Oh I also went to a gastrontologist and they said that I spams in my stomach and gave me meds for that.  Now anytime I go to the OBGYN they think it just related to my stomach problems and not female stuff.  I know my body, and i know something is wrong with my female stuff.

[1Woman]

I know how you must be feeling.  I have had some of the same frustrations.  I had a laporotomy back in Jan 2003, it was to remove some cysts on my ovaries, they ended up having to remove one of my fallopain tubes.  When I went back to the doctor for my follow up, she couldn't remember which tube she removed. She had written down opposite of what the hospital had written down.  Anyway, that was a few years back, but since then I have been having more problems.  Pain in my pelvic area, a knott in my pelvic/groin area, hip pain, irregular periods, very tired and weight gain.  My OBGYN doens't seem to be much help these days, she seems to think I am fine, but I know I feel something is wrong.  I just don't feel good.  I had an appointment with her office about 2 months ago, and I saw another doctor and they said things looked good, but she didn't even know I had surgery on my ovaries and didn't really take the time to ask me any questions.  My primary just wants to give me depression meds, they think I am a hypochondriac, but I know what I feel.  I am getting really upset. I don't have the time or money to keep changing doctors.  You have to pay a co-pay for each visit and a portion of each test they run.  I feel like I am my own doctor these days.

[Lizza]

My symptoms seemed to come and go, especially the urinary frequency.  It would hang around for a week or so and then go.  The gastro, bloating, constipation etc also came and went.  My Doc said that probably happened when the endometrioma moved in my pelvis.  One thing I have to say, its not in your mind.  I kept thinking the same thing too.  My mass was 13 CM when they found it and 18 cm two weeks later when they removed it.  Good luck at the doctor and remember, this is YOUR body and you deserve to feel good.

[baffled2]

I had another point to make.  It's strange and I just thought of this.  Two years ago, when I had my tubes tied, I had to have an ultrasound before I had it done.  I remember the technician asking me if I had any recent surgery on my ovaries???? I told her that "no" I didn't and there was nothing more said.
I thought that it was strange that she would ask me that.  Was there something there that she had seen? Should she have brought that up with the doctor?

[baffled2]

You are so right.  I do need a second opinion and that is what I will ask for tomorrow when I see her.  Who knows, she might even take me seriosly this time.
I find it interesting that they only treated you from the gastro related side too.  Very interesting.
It's so strange, I feel fine today.  These are the days when I keep saying to myself that maybe it's all in my head.  Tomorrow however, is another day and I'm sure that just like every other time, these symptoms will come back.
I have a question for evryone.  "How far advanced were the growths before you noticed frequent urination? Has anyone had alot of hip pain on the same side as the back pain and abdominal pain?  Lately, I have had terrible pain when I lay down at night on that hip.

[Lizza]

It sounds like your ovaries AND doctor need to go.  I had many of the very same symptoms you are having.  My primary care doc never even bothered to check the reproductive angle...only gastro.  My OBGYN found a very large complex mass on my ovary and had it out the very next week.  I too had gained weight not lost it and had not changed my eating habits.   IF you feel that you are not being taken care of than you are not.  Go for a second opinion and perhaps, you should even visit with a reproductive oncologist.  Good luck and keep us posted

[baffled2]

I have not been to a gyn because I have to be referred to one through my own family doctor.  I have an appointment with her in a couple of days and I plan on being very demanding this time.  I have been giving her the "benefit of the doubt" for too long.  I'm tired of leaving her office and practically in tears because she makes me feel like I'm crazy or something.
The last time I went to see her, she told me that I am having panic attacks and that is why I feel this way.  She prescribed prozac for me and told me to come back in one month.  I threw those away and I swore to myself that I would never go back.  I have no choice but to go back because of my most recent symptoms.
Maybe I will get some answers soon

[Lh]

Have you been to a gyn/onc?  These are the experts when it comes to ovarian cancer.  I'm surprised, what with your mother having ovarian cancer, that your doctor isn't be more proactive.  You should ask for a transvaginal ultrasound, a bimanual pelvic exam and a CA-125.  Be very aggressive with your health.

[baffled2]

Thanks for you comment.
I only know of one other person that had the ovarian cancer on my mother's side of the family and that was her aunt.  I believe that she had died at an early age as well.
I may ask the doctor about taking my ovaries, but I had a really hard time even getting her to tie my tubes after 3 miscarriages!
This is another factor that I believe is affecting my persistence with this matter. I don't feel that she is looking at the big picture here and I don't know how to explain it to her.
baffled2

[lcac]

Hi! I too am at an increased risk for ovarian cancer. I am probably going to ask to have my ovaries removed. Maybe you can ask your doctor to do the same for your own piece of mind. Is your mom the only one in your family that had this cancer? Is there anyone else in you family with other types?