Ultrasound found 'functional' ovarian cyst

[ltatnite]

Can anyone tell me what they know about "functional" ovarian cysts? Has U/S today and preliminary reports state they found a functional cyst that is 1.2 cm. The doctor said this in normal and "physiological". I am on my 5th day of my cycle (period just ended today) so would I already have a cyst forming in preparation for ovulation? This is the last time I see this doctor. He has no people skills/bedside manner. After a pelvic exam and before the U/S he said he found nothing and that sometimes "our minds just think that something is there" when its not. Basically saying I'm imagining the cramping and pain I've had for about 5 months. Then after the U/S and all of my questions, he basically said I was fine and it was probably a irritation of a muscle or nerve. AAAGGHHH!! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated!

[ltatnite]

It does sound like we are in the same boat! I think my next step is going to be finding a new doctor. There is a new woman general physician who specializes in OB/GYN in my area and I think I am going to try her. Does your pain get worse when you are active? Mine is worse when walking, biking, etc. or even when reaching my arms over my head or stretching. It is so much fun being a woman...

[Becca1176]

Hey, I think we are riding in the same boat together!  I've been going through this monthly since September 2002 EVERY month.  exactly 2 weeks before my period starts, I'm in a lot of pain, pressure and swelling on my right side ovary area. I've been though quite a few (painful) ultrasounds showing normal functional ovarian cyst.  Now, 6 months ago i found a dr. who performed a laparoscopy to see what else is going on and nothing came back abnormal.  She said it was ovulation pain (Mittelschmerz).  I need to tell my self that there's nothing physically wrong, and the pain will go away (it's all in my head). I've been playing that game too long, so now I'm definately seeking another opinion from a dr. who will listen and work with me.  Have you tried Ibuprofen or Aleve??? This dr. actually is having me taking percocet along with ibuprofen (hmmm..funny, when there is nothing wrong!) It doesn't work for me, but might work for you.  Or birth control pills to stop ovulation???  My pain usually begins about 6 days after my period starts - day 13 of my cycle.  

If you are suffering anything like I am, it doesn't seem normal, right!?!?  

Please keep me posted on what you do and what the outcome is.  Don't give up!

Becca

[Gatsby]

I agree, get a second opinion.  Some drs. can be so cruel.  I hope all goes well and keep us posted.  My thoughts and prayers are with you!
~Tascha

[Whiz]

Hey there -- from everything I've read, "functional" cysts are common things woman go through every month around their cycle time -- My doctor, too, doesn't have much of a bedside manner, however, I do trust him as a doc -- completely... but do get a second opinion if you are not comfy with what he has to say.  We ourselves are our own best "caretakers"  -- go with your gut!!

[MickeyVicki]

As you have already learned, functional cysts are indeed normal.  There just wasn't any need for the doctor to be rude about it!!

You need to also consider that the ovary is more or less continually preparing 'eggs' for release, so at any given time you could have several functional cysts, in different stages of development and resolution, on each ovary.  These cysts, once they reach a certain point of development, can clearly be seen on the ultrasound.   If you have access to the Merck medical manual home edition ("medicine for dummies", I like to call it, and I have a copy myself, a copy that is inevitably in someone else's home at any given time!) then there is a good sketch of this effect in the gyn/women section.  Having seen recently my own ultrasound (a guided tour by my own doctor), I can tell you that the sketch is a good representation.

[AnotherKatie]

I agree with you regarding the cysts Lilybug, based on my thirty years of experience with the darned things.  1.2 would be considered small and one to watch.  The pain and cramping could be so many other things, not necessarily terrifying things either, so try not to worry.  It's not in your head, get a plan together, document your symptoms and make some specific notes to use to help you at your visits and/or get a second opinion like the other gals said.

Lilybug, So sorry to hear about your melanoma, thought you might be interested, my husband had a weird mole on his back, TWO times at various visits I begged our doctor to biopsy it as I had seen small changes in it, he kept saying it "looks" fine, finally he gave in to shut me up (he was a bit arrogant about it) and it was melanoma.  Scary stuff, watching and waiting now.  You must be proactive about your health and keep pushing.  That being said, I believe us patients also have a duty to look after our health by making the right choices (not smoking, etc etc)  

We probably look like a couple of dorks, but now my hubbie and I always go together for doctor's appointments.
I think they take you more seriously when you have a ... OK I won't say "witness", I'll say "pal" with you.
Love and good thoughts from Katie

[LILYBUG]

I've had a few functional cysts monitored since October. It's always been one or two, very small, and normal. This month they're gone. If that's all they say and say to monitor it, I wouldn't worry too much at this point. However, never let a Dr. tell you it is in your mind. I just had one tell me this recently too. Go to another Dr. who will listen to you. My Dr. I've had since I was about 10 (I'm now 35) told me last year that I was too young to have something seriously wrong. He wouldn't listen about pains I was having or a growth on my arm. I ended up in the ER to get my appendix out in July and was then diagnosed with melanoma in September. Your cysts do sound normal but the point I'm making is to be persisten if things still hurt. And if you want a 2nd opinion, move on. Good luck.