Swollen abdomen and other symptoms

Hi, I am in UK and 33.  Had a daughter two years ago.  I am approx 35lbs overweight but don't drink or smoke.  Abdomen has never really gone down since being pregnant.  My symptoms are extremely swollen abdomen (I look heavily pregnant), lower back ache, dragging pain in the groin area - feels like someone has attached weights to me and they are pulling down - various abdominal pains that come and go, often gassy, extreme fatigue and muscle pains (especially in the back of legs). If I lie on my back and press on the lower abdomen it hurts.  Also extreme pain in my left groin crease (where the leg joins the groin) so bad sometimes I have trouble walking.  I read an article about symptoms of ovarian cancer yesterday and they sound like my symptoms so now I'm worried.  Any ideas?  I also had reflexology and the areas in my feet that relate to fallopian tubes and ovaries were extremely painful every time I had reflexology.  Thanks in advance.

[TCGal77]

While lying on my back this morning I was pressing on my abdomin (abdomen), from left to right kind of like they do with a gynecological exam.  I noticed everything felt fine on the left but as I got to the right side there was what felt like a soft tissue mass of some sort.  It doesn't hurt, but definately a different feel from the left side.  Should I be concerned.  I hate to go to the doctor too quickly as my insurance deductable is quite high.  Thank you, Tena

[Gatsby]

Welcome.  This is your health we are talking about here.  You felt something that should not be there.  If it were me, I would make an appt. with my gyn. asap.  Please, you must be proactive with your health.  I know things are expensive, but this is your health!!!!  Please see your dr.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[Thuney]

Yes, please go see your Gyn.  Although as you'll read here, 99% are no big deal, it is ALWAYS better safe than sorry.  Keep us posted--good luck!

[Thuney]

Cara--your symptoms sound amazingly like mine--and my reflexology appointment was even the same.  At my 1st appt with Gyn this past Wednesday, they found blood in my urine and started me on antibiotics.  My TV ultrasound, according to the tech, was normal.  I am waiting to talk to doctor tomorrow to set up for colonoscopy and MRI.  Please make an appt for yourself, too.  It never hurts to err on the side of caution.

[Gatsby]

Welcome to the site!  If you can, please see a gyn/onc.  Not because of cancer, but they are specialists in the female reproductive area and have seen it all.  They will know what best to do.  Try to remember that 99% of ovarian cysts are benign, however this does not mean that you should ignore your symptoms.  Please get medical attention.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[Nat2]

I had a swollen stomach and looked like a was pregnant - at first I thought I had picked up weight but after a month of watching what I was eating and dropping weight everywhere apart from my stomach - I went to the the doctor.  I was diagosed with a 25cm ovarian cyst on my left ovary - I had the cyst and the ovary removed last month.  I had no other symptoms - but was eventually diagnosed with Stage 1C ovarian cancer - I'm 28 (in the uk too) at the moment.

The symptoms you describe are symptoms of ovarian cancer, but they are symptoms of many other problems too.  Having a large cyst can cause those problems and the vast majority of cysts are benign - especially in women our age group. Unluckily I was not in the vast majority - but it has been caught at a very early stage so for that I'm very thankful.

Don't waste any time and go see your GP as soon as possible, they will then refer you.  I wouldn't worry too much but I think don't think the watch and wait approach it the best.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[Cara73]

Forgot to say, menstrual cycle regular and normal, no spotting or anything like that.

[frangipani]

I had some similar symptoms and it was a benign ovarian cyst. When my doctor pointed out that you could feel it I could too.
Some cysts grow quite big and keep growing so they press on everything around. I'd see my doc and get an U/S.
Best wishes
Susie

[opeke]

Forums like this er always very helpful and useful,it goes a long way to helping people solve medical issues.
I dont know if there is anyone that can help,im a matured woman of 30 years and have problems with my periods as i dont see my period unless i take drugs precripted by doctors,and as aresult of this im findin it difficult to conceive.
tummy is getting bigger  im a bit worried,just hope ther is nothing wrong.
Iv just relocated bak to africa, used to live in the u.k, wer i had series of treatment

[cokecream]

I am 36 yrs.old  I started having right side pain in my lower abdomen back in Feb. 09.  I was doubled over for a week or two.  Had IUD taken out to see if that was the problem.  Went on birth control pills.  Have had two pelvic ultrasounds...found ovarain cysts...(normal).  Have had colonoscopy (fine)...took Amatriptallin to see if it was nerve stimulus...didn't work.  Have been on antibiotics.  My right side of my abdomen is tender to the touch.  Cramps come and go.  Have lower right sided back pain also on and off, but tenderness to the touch is there about 90% of the time.  Now doctor wants to have be take an IVP test to check for kidney stones before a laproscopy is done.  I am frustrated!  I have pain and yet it can't be found.