ovarian cyst- pain/bloating

[kimberly11]

I went to the ER 2 days ago with severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a ovarian cyst. I was not given much info other than that. Is there anything I can do about the bloating I now have? The pain is not near as severe now, but it is still there and constant. Is there anything other than a surgery that will help (even the vicodin doesn't help that much) Can I have sex? Is there less of a chance that I will be able to have children- I'm about 30. Thanks for your help.

[kimberly11]

To answer your questions the complex cyst measures 5.0x3.6x2.6cm and several follicles were found also. Some complex fluid was found in the  cul-de-sac. My Ca-125 test came back at 414, he said normal range is around 21. He would like to remove the ovary on Monday. What other tests can I request before i allow surgery? I posted another question earlier today about going to a gyn/onc because I dont feel I am getting answers from this doc. I feel like he is just pushing me through the system like cattle. I'm sure he deals with these things all the time but I dont and want to know all my options. And ur right about Helen. She is such a help!

[freshair]

Pam,
You're sweet!  I hope you had a great time in the Poconos. Have fun at the Duck's game promoting ovarian cancer awareness with our NOCC group. It's tonight, right. I didn't sign up because of the heat and this is my down weekend from chemo on Wednesday.

I just wish I was clean inside....
Helen

[nyc lady]

I am so glad that you went to an OB/GYN for a follow up.  Did he say what type of cyst it was?  The size?  When do you go back for a follow up?

By taking a blook test for cancer, I am guessing he did a CA125?  There is no blood test for OvCa, oh how we all wish there were.  A CA125 is even less accurate in pre-menopausal women with numerous reasons why it is false positive.  The CA125 is best used as a tumor marker once someone has been diagnosised and proven to be show that there numbers do react to the cancer.  There are many women whose numbers barely ever leave "normal" levels and are in advanced stages.  So, please, do not be upset if the number comes back high....it means that you need additional tests.

The only way to diagnosis OvCa is thru a biopsy.  

As Freshair has stated, a 2nd opinion from a GYN/ONC is not a bad idea.  They have an additional 3 years of training over an OB/GYN.  They treat many benign conditions, and maybe they will just review your records and feel they do not to see you.  There is a wonderful women that posts here, Dian07 who says you only have one chance to get it right.....if there is the slightest chance that something could be wrong, then let the expert take care of it!!!!

Good luck and keep us posted!!!

I know Helen (Freshair) is amazing....it is truly a pleasure to know her not only on this board but in "real" life.  She is beautiful, inside and out!!!!!  

[freshair]

That's good that he is checking the thyroid. I am hypothyroid. That little glad can wreak havoc. Also causing weight gain and lethargy. They do say the thyroid is directly tied to the ovaries.  My mother and sister are also hypothyroid.

I hope the birth control pill works wonders. Sounds like you are getting good care.

Good luck!!!

[kimberly11]

I have had a cat scan, transvaginal ultrasound, and ultrasound. The specialist I saw today put me on hormone treatment (birth control) to try and shrink the cyst before we decide on surgery.He is doing blood tests to check for cancer and thyroid. Im still in pain and bloated, but feel better that i have researched some. So i'm feeling better now that there is a plan. I have been reading your posts and others and i wanted to wish you the best of luck with your weekly treatments and thank you for your advise. Your the only one who wrote back. Thanks!!!

[freshair]

No, sorry I don't know but when you see the gyn, he'll explain.

Did you have a Cat Scan to show this or an ultrasound?

And I always recommend a Gyn/Onc. Not meaning you have cancer but they are better doctors.
You should be able to have children after this is straightened out.

[kimberly11]

thank you for responding. Yes, I am making an appointment with the obgyn the hospital recommended I see. He also mentioned the blood flow is different on one side. Do you know what exactly that means?

[freshair]

Sorry you have so much pain. It's all hormonal. I have heard that the birth control pill helps. And on the other side too much estrogen and too little progesterone. Someone should post. There are good books that you could buy that may help with diet, etc, such as evening primrose, fish oil, etc. with good diet. Are they going to do another ultrasound and watch it? See if it is growing slow or fast?

Best of luck