Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Still no closer to an answer - how can you tell GI stomach problems from OC stomach problems?

Hello, I am in  need of some advice relating to a problem that started in October 2010 (so started fifteen months ago), remitted for about five months, and now has come back.  I am trying to figure out if my problem is truly a gastro problem or if it could be ovarian cancer with GI symptoms.

I have been worked up by the OB/GYN with a CT scan, transvaginal ultrasound, and pelvic exam which were ALL normal.  HOWEVER, my CA-125 has been moderately elevated, which makes me not want to abandon the possibility of ovarian cancer.  I have actually had these tests repeated TWICE, all normal except the slightly elevated CA-125 (which was 32, and then 46). I am a pre-menopausal female, so this figure did not alarm her, even though it was higher than the upper limit of 35.  I don't seem to have any of the other symptoms of OC, though for a while I was having pelvic pain that has since resolved, but does come back from time to time (appears to be a pain in groin that can come and go for a few weeks, then disappears for months).


I had an endoscopy last January that showed 'inflamed gastic cardiac mucosa consistent with reflux esophagitis". They found two benign fundic polyps without a whole lot to say about those.   I have had HORRIBLE burning stomach pains across the bottom of my rib cage for months.   It started last Jan./February and went away after a few months on Omnaeprazole.    I had FIVE OR SIX months of relief after stopping the medication, then it started up again in December.    I started the meds again and am NOT getting any relief.  


1.  Does the endoscopy results from above saying "inflamed gastric cardiac mucosa consistent with reflux esophagitis" mean that my problem IS gastroenterological and NOT OB/GYN?  I don't understand whether or not I can rule out my stomach problems being connected to an ob/gyn issue (specifically ovarian cancer).

2.  If this is ovarian cancer, wouldn't something have shown up on a CT or ultrasound after fifteen months?

HOW DO I PURSUE this feeling of constant pain and being sick??? With a GI or GYN??  I am so tired of living this way :(( My mental and emotional well-being have long been gone.   Not sure how much more I can take  

I am also trying to get some advice from the gastro forums as well.   I am just not sure where to turn :(((
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
have you found answers?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Seeker, I am SO sorry to hear about your daughter.    I can't imagine the pain of losing a child to anything, but to something so awful as OC can be.    I do have an appointment with another doctor, but I cannot get a Gyn/Onc. to see me, as every one I call says they will only see patients with an established diagnosis of cancer.  The one I will soon be seeing is a different type of GYN, and I am going to see if they can refer me to a GYN/ONC so I can put this to rest for once and for all.   For sure I want to stay on top of it.  I am hoping maybe it is a good sign that it is still going on for this long that it MIGHT be something else - which if it is, of course my next step is to see how I can get relief and start feeling physically better. Thank you for your comments and for sharing a little of your story.  I applaud you for reaching out to others in spite of all of the emotional sadness you must be going through.  BLESS YOU FOR THAT!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello:  I'm a guy who lost his daughter to ovarian cancer.  I have learned the hard way that this type of cancer is not to be messed with.  I think the the fact that you have been dealing with this for 15 months and are still with us might be a good sign that it may be something other that ovarian cancer.  I would recommend seeing a Gynecologic Oncologist to eliminate the ovarian cancer possibility from consideration.  Discovering ovarian cancer early is a huge factor in being able to survive...so yopu need to find out right away.  I have talked with several OB/GYN's the past couple of years and I am often surprised how little they seem to know about ovarian cancer, especially the more rare forms of that desease.  Best of luck to you..I will keep you in my thoughts.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Jennifer, my only symptoms are groin/pelvic pain which is now radiating into the buttocks, and severe gastro pain which comes and goes (pain is under my rib cage, severe burning, like stomach acid). Sometimes the symptoms happen together, sometimes separate.  Usually I feel like I have the flu while all of this is going on, and I feel really hot, but with no fever if I take my temp.    The longer this goes on, the more I am inclined to think it is NOT ovarian related, especially since it has been going on for 15 months now.  That stupid CA125 is the thing that is holding me back.  It has been as high as 46, which I know isn't extremely high for a pre-menopausal woman, but EVERYBODY I read about has numbers in the single digits.  Something obviously is making mine go crazy!  I am going to get a 2nd opinion with a GYN and after that, I think I am really going to have to explore some other options.   I just want to be well :((((
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I dont not believe its ovarian related, BUT as an ovaarian cancer advocate I recommend a 2nd opinion with a gyno. Please tell me your symtoms in detail
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, NYC lady, NO the only cysts that have ever shown are the ones that disappear a few months later.   It has to start somewhere, though, and I KNOW that I read somewhere that the cells can 'migrate' into other parts of the body and cause symptoms.  Could be the tumor is THERE and just too small to see, but the cells are migrating into other parts of my body.  THAT is my rationale.  Is that wrong???   The GI part of it is HORRIBLE and I am in such pain I am just grasping at straws trying to figure out what is going on :((( Forgive me for repeating myself about the masses and cysts, I just am trying to think of all of the possibilities here so I can find out how to relieve this pain and suffering :(((
Helpful - 0
155056 tn?1333638688
Again....if there are no masses or cysts on  your ovaries or the pelvic region....it is not ovarian cancer.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.