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Symptoms, need advice.

Hi everyone, I'm new.  I'm only 19 and there is no history of ovarian cancer in my family.  I do know, however, that it can come at any age despite any of the risk factors.  Here is my brief story:

A few days after my period last month, I started having some EXTREME bloating, accompanied by cramps.  The previous month I had been to the doctors several times because of another medical problem.. but I still felt like something just "wasn't right".  I know it's not menstrual cramps.. these are different.. and the timing is off.  I have had them for 2 1/2 weeks now, and as the time goes by the symptoms become more frequent and a bit more severe.  The pain/cramping is mostly on my lower right abdomen.  Other than the cramping and bloating symptoms.. these are my other ones: headache, lots of gas, lower back pain, constipation.. and lately i've been getting very tired.  Yesterday I woke up at 10am (after 8 hours of sleep) then at 12 slept for another 4 hours.. and was in bed at 10pm.. I was only awake for 8 hours yesterday.. VERY unusual for me because I am someone who just can't sleep more than 7/8 hours.

My doctor is on vacation until the 18th of march, but I just don't think I can wait that long to see him.  What should I do? Hospital?  Another doctor?  I'm not fond of doctors because it seems all too frequently they take the "easy way out" with an easy diagnosis without doing proper testing-- i've had it happen.  Advice PLEASE!!!

Katie
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Avatar universal
I would wonder if Endo is playing its games in yer tummy..
There are several things this could be, but you need to be checked up and down either way as this doesnt sound normal.
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Avatar universal
Thank you soooo much, Helmar.  I will try to get into the doctors as soon as possible and then I will let you know what the verdict is.  Hopefully something less serious!

God bless you,

Katie
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Avatar universal
Hello--Your symptoms could be caused by an ovarian cyst, and/or endometriosis as well.  I have endo and had a cyst (and a lot of endometriosis) removed in November, the endometriosis was diagnosed as Stage IV, and it was my first diagnosis.  Anyway, I have had severe pain episodes like you describe which have caused 15lb weight losses, so definitely endo can have dramatic symptoms, as can cyst rupture or torsion.  Make sure you get a diagnosis, whatever it is.  I always dismissed pain during periods as being normal, and now at age 38, realize I will probably never have children because of it.  If you get any vomiting, weight loss, or symptoms of intestinal obstruction (or just pain that you can't tolerate), I would go to the emergency room.  Otherwise I would agree with you, they are not very good at making diagnoses there.  Maybe you could call your doctor's office, and ask if they are recommending another doctor to see during his absence?  Good luck, I hope you feel better soon.
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Avatar universal
Hi Katie...I feel for you, as going through the wondering is awful, when you know there is something not right. It took my Doctors over 8 months of me complaining about similar symptoms to you, before they would do anything, so the quicker you get tests done, the better. Hopefully it could be something different and less worrying for you.
A Ct scan is done in the hospital or at a clinic that specialises in these tests. I live in Australia, so it could be different in the States or Canada. The scan won't hurt... they just lay you on a little hard sort of bed, and roll you through this sort of enclosed capsule while they take the scan. If you are nervous about the thought of being sort of enclosed, just close your eyes and think about something nice until it's over. Over here, they play music while they do the scan, so I just lay and listen to the music...eyes closed. The nurse asked me if I was o.k. and I told her I didn't like their music.*laugh*..... It only takes about 20-30 minutes, but well worth it to know what you are facing.
Sometimes they may inject a contrast into your vein, and that is so they can see if there are any tumours.
Please stay in touch Katie, and let's know how your doing. Sending you good vibes and hugs...Helmar...
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Avatar universal
Thanks, Helmar, for all of your help!  It's kind of scary for me because it's hard to tell anyone.  People I have told just tell me it's menstrual related but they're not me, I know my body and I know something isn't right.  It's been 2 1/2 weeks now, and becoming more frequent.  My food isn't even digesting properly?  And no matter how much I eat (today i tried to almost-fast) and my stomach is just sooo huge it won't go down.  I will state my symptoms and ask about the CT scan.  Thanks again for all of your advice :)

ps: is the CT scan done at the hospital? what's it like?

Katie
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Avatar universal
Hello again.... I'm a 3 years survivor and I've never had ultrasound. My Oncol. goes for Ct or Pet scans to see how I'm placed. I had Ct scan first up when they didn't know what my problem was... and that showed advanced Ovca.
A CA.125 blood test could be handy too, although sometimes that doesn't tell the actual story, but would most likely give some indication to work on.
I'm hoping that your symptoms could be for something less worrying, so please let us know how you are doing after your tests.
Thinking of you... and all here....Helmar...
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Avatar universal
Thanks, Helmar!

Is a CT scan better than an ultrasound?
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Avatar universal
Hello... and it could very well be nothing much for you to worry about, but as you have a few different symptoms which could apply to ovca, I wouldn't mess around waiting until your Doctor is back.... I would find another, and get him/her to run tests...like Ct scan and a CA.125 blood test for starters. Any cancer doesn't choose who to attack... and age doesn't preclude you from this cancer, as a well known football player here lost his 19y.o. daughter to ovca. I don't want to scare you, but for your own peace of mind, please do get onto this a.s.a.p.. It could very well be nothing serious, but it's better for you to know than to be worrying.
Please let us know how you go....and I wish you all the best..... *hugs*...Helmar...
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Avatar universal
oh, and... Whenever I tell people what I am feeling they just seem to brush it off with comments like "oh, it's just your hormones" or "your sleep cycle was off, you're not used to it" .. etc etc.
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