Not Sure - Confused

[JARW]

Hello, I am submitting a question on this forum and hope I am not wasting anyone's time and that someone can help me with my symptoms.

Specifics - I am 33 with 2 healthy children - vaginal births

In Feb 2007 I started spotting and went in to see my doctor.  She did blood work (though I don't know what tests in particular), a pap smear and scheduled me for an ultrasound.  Everything came back normal.  

In June 2007 I went back because the spotting was still occuring (it has happened every month since Feb) and was getting heavier and longer and my periods were getting heavier also.  

My doc scheduled me for another ultrasound and booked me an appt with an OB/GYN.  I also noticed some other symptoms that were not severe at all but still kept me wondering.  I have periods of nauseau, swollen & somewhat tender breasts and pains in my stomach.  At least 4 of the 7 months I have had spotting I would swear I was pregnant - literally bet money on it.  I have two small children - the youngest being 18 months.

My appt with the OB/GYN was uneventful.  He did a cervical biopsy and said 'everything looked healthy' - sure enough the results were normal.

Two weeks ago I noticed that I was burping more than normal.  I didn't think anything of it until I realized earlier this week that I was still doing it.  Some days I burp every 15 minutes and other days it is once an hour but it has not gone away.

I am due for my period this weekend so am going to book another appt with my doctor for the week after next.

I guess the biggest symptom of all is that I just don't feel 'right'.  I have a feeling that something is wrong and that they are just missing it.

With regards to next steps, should I ask for an MRI or a CAT scan?  Should I ask for more extensive blood work to be done?  Should I ask for another opinion from another GP?  Mentally, I feel like I am not doing well.  I am obviously getting through the day and my friends and family have not noticed anything wrong but I feel like thoughts of cancer and dieing consume me.  The 'unknown' is what works me up the most.  I just wish they would figure out why I have symptoms.

Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JARW]

Thanks so much for your comments.  This month, period was 4 days late and then it was dark brown with little blood (though stilll long).  I have another doctor's appt on Tuesday and I wrote down all of my symptoms as suggested.  I also wrote down some tests/procedures which I thought might help in my quest to find out what is wrong and I am going to ask about next steps because I now know that there are many.  The bloating, burping is really getting to me now - I am so glad I have the appointment.

Could you or anyone else who reads this tell me your early symptoms of ovarian cysts, polyps or cancer?  I also notice that I have a bit of bowel incontinence.  I have had this since I gave birth to my daughter and have always assumed it was related to that.  Now this is one more thing I am freaking out about.  I know I shouldn't do this but I think, my gosh, I do have cancer and it has spread to my stomach and bowels.  

I will email after Tuesday.  It is Thanksgiving weekend and I am relishing the time with my family.

Take care and thanks again!

[zoodle]

Don't feel like you are wasting anyone's time.  Women have so much that goes on with their bodies that we are constantly feeling not right.  You have the right to ask questions of your doctors and the right to get answers. The people on this sight are wonderful with their advice.  I was able to gain insight from reading their posts.  Best wishes and thoughts to you.

[dian07]

Alright...you need to listen to your body.....it is telling you something is going on and you need to figure out what.  Feelings of "impending doom" is a terrible place to be.  The "unknown" is always the worst.  You absolutely must find a doctor who will listen to you....write down a list of your symptoms 1. burping
                 2. feeling pregnant
                 3. unusual bleeding
                 4. just don't feel right and feel that something is wrong
                 5. nausea
                 6. swollen and tender breasts
                 7. stomach pains
                 8. etc
If surgery or even an exploratory procedure is done make certain you have a gyn/oncologist doing the procedure.....your best prognosis depends on that .
Don't stop pushing.....be your own advocate.....if you don't keep pushing nobody will get to the bottom of this.  Listen to your body.  If I hadn't pushed I would have been in a lot more trouble.  As things turned out my ovarian cancer was found early at stage IC.  I am not saying you have cancer.....odds are definately that you don't ......just don't let the medical field pat you on the head, tell you to go home as nothing is wrong......knock them of of their pedistal  and demand answers. If they haven't found out what is wrong....what are they intending to do next?  Waiting is NOT acceptable.  Go get 'em tiger!
Stay in touch.....we will help as much as possible.
Peace.
dian