Please Anyone Respond

[Bella95]

I have a 10 cm Ovarian complex mixed cyst on the left ovary and mass that is vascular and has septa.  I have pain, problems sitting, hip pain, and all of that other stuff.  I am 46, and have never had children.  The pain sometmes goes up my left side, and it makes it hard to breathe.  I also feel sometimes like a balloon.  I have a second opinion scheduled for the end of March.  The first gyn suggested a laparoscopy to remove the ovary.  This whole thing got scheduled because I told my primary care Dr. tht I was tired of heavy periods.  She scheduled me for an ultrasound, and the first one revealed the mass.  The second transvaginal ultrasound showed the same mass, but it has grown.  My Ca125 was normal.  I have to admit that I am concerned.  I have no family history, as I am adopted.  Does anyone have suggestions regarding laparoscopy vs. laparotomy, and can anyone tell me what all of this means?  My body is very uncomfortable, and I travel for my job.  This week has been hell. Please anyone give me some guidance.

[Nursemommy34]

I just had a complex cyst removed 2 weeks ago.  My gyn told me that she could do it laparoscopic, but that she would rather do a laparotomy so she could take a good look around.
With the laparoscopy it just little puncture holes to put a camera, some manipulating tools (like extentions of hands), and suctioning tubes, and one to blow your belly up with some gas.  Recovery is faster with this surgery because the openings are smaller, but you do get an annoying pain in your shoulder from the gas. For some reason when the phrenic nerve is irritated, you feel it in your left shoulder.  I have read that the gas does it, and I have also read that the fluid in your belly at the time of surgery does it. Meds are pretty good, but my pain didn't go completely away for about 3 days, regardless of how strong meds they gave me.  Usually you go home after 2or 3 days and have to take it easy for 4 weeks.
The laparotomy, which is what I had, is just one opening,but  is usually at leas 4 inches.  It's really not as scarey as it sounds.  In all reality sake, any woman who has had a c section had a laparotomy.  If you had no prior abdominal surgeries, you pain will be very well controlled post op, and you can feel very content that all of your insides where thoroughly checked for any, even the slightest start of any scarey stuff.  Mine was all benign.  I went home after 4 days, but only because I am a veteran abdominal surgery freak.  Most people stay at least 5, sometimes 7 days.
It's really important to keep things in perspective.  Right now you have to take care of yourself.  Don't worry about missing work. That's what vested time and doctors notes are for.
If I were you, and I can say I have done so...I'd get it taken out and diagnosed asap.  Then you can stop suffering, stop worrying, and move on with your life...just in time for spring, no less.
Good luck
Nursemommy

[ireneo]

I was in a similar situation. I was feeling bloated and just off. Found out I had a cyst on my left ovary but my CA 125 was fine. My doctor told me it should be removed because if it ruptured, it would cause lots of pain; if it twisted because of its size and weight, it would be an emergency and to really know if it was benign, they'd have to remove it and test it. She was able to remove it (a 10 cm cyst) laparascopically. I have 3 small incisions now but it's gone and I feel so much better. No pressure in my left side plus some other good benefits. I also had heavy periods awhile back during perimenopause. Turns out I have a fibroid tumor that probably caused that.

Go ahead and get the second opinion but at 10cm, the new doc will probably recommend getting it removed as well.

[survivor_susie]

A laparoscopy is a procedure in which the surgeon is examining the organs.  A laparotomy  would remove small pieces of tissue for examination.   None of us here wants anything inside of us that causes pain, especially when it's as bad as you're describing. I'd have anything removed that I could!
Best of luck to you.