Appt w/ Gyn re: cyst - what to expect?

[UghWorried]

Hi everyone, what can I expect when meeting with a gyn about an ovarian cyst?

My GP referred me to a gynecologist, but I am wondering why.  It makes sense that a gyn would be more specialized in the treatment of ovarian cysts, but I don't really see what more they can do for me except maybe explain treatment options.

I've had two ultrasounds and a CT (results of CT not back yet, but will be back in time for the appointment), and I do have a cyst that just isn't going away.  It is complex and hemorrhagic and causing an awful lot of pain.

I don't need a physical exam, do I?   What can I expect from this appointment?  Basically, I'm really nervous because I don't want an exam.

Anyone willing to share their experience or opinion/advice?  Thank you.

[MarieMichele]

Sorry to break the news to you, but I cannot see how a gyn would help you without an exam.  Have you never been to a gyn before?

Most likely it will be an internal pelvic exam with feet in stirrups and an external pressing down on the abdomen to feel for cysts.  It is not much different than the traditional annual exam a woman gets when having an annual gyn checkup.

Not sure if another round of ultrasounds will be requested or if the gyn will just rely on the previous results if they were completed very recently.  There is also a chance a blood test such as CA-125 may be done.  Almost all exams begin with a checking of weight, temperature and blood pressure, too.

[UghWorried]

Thanks for your reply.

No, never been to a gyn before.

I'm thinking I might just cancel then.  I don't want to bother if there's no point in me going unless I get an exam.

Can't they just do an external or rely on the 2 ultrasounds? (done June/August)

I don't want to waste everyones time by showing up and not getting an exam.

I feel really uncomfortable about the whole thing and it's really freaking me out.  

What should I do?

[amyd1970]

I hate to put it so bluntly, but if you want to get to the root of your problem, you MUST have an exam - to include a pelvic exam.  Why would you not want to get this done?  Do you mind me asking your age?  Do you have a friend or a relative that can go with you?  

It will likely turn out to be something very simple and benign, or it could be something very serious.   If it turns out to be the latter - you do not want to waste ANY time in getting a diagnosis.  It will "freak you out" more if it turns out to be something serious that could have been diagnosed early on and you didn't get an exam because you were "uncomfortable."

I'm not trying to scare you, just trying to make you understand how important this is.

good luck,
amy

[MarieMichele]

Going to a gyn should be an annual routine for ALL WOMEN and it's important to learn how to put aside your distaste for it now.  The exam is not a big deal once you get used to the routine.  You'll probably have to undress from the waist down and they will give you a sheet (probably made of paper) to cover yourself.  The gyn usually has to have a female medical assistant present during the exam (that is for your security as well as to assist the doctor).

I have to echo what Amy said.  Don't let your fears prevent you from gettng attention.  All things are more treatable when found early.

I am assuming you are very young.  My first gyn experience was when I was 17 and I was mortified about having to go through with such an intimate exam at that age.  I had a cyst that was preventing my period from stopping.  I was given b/c pills for a couple of months, and was completely cured.  Never had another cyst problem until my late 40s.  

But after that, I pretty much went to a gyn every year once I was married (age 21 and beyond).  Once you are in an intimate relationship with someone, you need to get annual pap tests.  Then if you ever got pregnant....forget about modesty and dignity.  You get so used to a doctor poking around "down there" it becomes second nature.

[UghWorried]

Hi Amy,

I guess I am just trying to understand how a doctor poking around blindly can diagnose something better than ultrasounds and CTs can.

I mean, don't they send you for an ultrasound and CT to get a better look at things after they've done an exam?  It seems like the testing I've done has already gone beyond the initial exam.

I know I'll be having a female Gyn from the name I was given an appointment with & I checked her out online.  I definitely don't want a nurse in there, the less people the better.  I'm not bringing in family or friends.  I don't want to tell anyone I'm having it done if I choose to go to the exam.

I'm not uneducated, I know what can go wrong, but I can't stop torturing myself over the exam.  It genuinely scares me, not only the exam, but the feelings I'll have during and after.  I sound like a nutcase, I'm sure, but I can't stop thinking about it.  I'm sick of the nightmares now, can you imagine how bad it will get after, if I go?

[UghWorried]

Hi MarieMichele,

As I said above, I don't think a doctor's exam is as valid as a CT, but I don't have any concrete evidence either way.

The cyst has been around for 4 cycles, and causes so much pain for most days out of the month, that my GP put me on percocet.  I just graduated from school, and I'm delaying my responses to job offers because I am barely functional in terms of walking due to the cyst.  Still awaiting CT results, but there was talk of a potential tumor.  

I am willing to endure the pain if it means not going for the exam.  It's a real psychological barrier for me, and I haven't ever dared talking to someone about it (not even my doctor).  They'll probably tell me I'm being childish, but I'm just that scared.

What can I do?

[outdoorsgirl]

I can understand your feelings toward the exam. My first time for the exam was for birth control and I was so nervous that my blood pressure was sky high. But, I survived, it was over before I knew it, and worth it. I'd say, once you get over the first exam, you are a pro and it won't be a big deal from then on. Do I enjoy going for my yearly exam? It's not number 1 on my list of things to do, but I like my doc and I like the piece of mind I get that I'm taking care of my health. I get scared about a lot of things, but I find the worry is often worse than the actual event. Is avoiding the appt worth all the pain you are going thru? IMHO, I would say not. If it were me, I would want the problem and pain taken care of so I could get on with my life. Think about it - less than 15 minutes of an exam vs the hours of pain and worry you are going thru.
Look at it as a challenge that you will not only get through, but survive and come out better for it.

[karenros]

I have always wondered if we have a cyst can it be felt by pelvic exam..or is an u/s the way to find out??

[outdoorsgirl]

My doctor could feel mine by pelvic and he could even tell it was movable, not fixed (which is a good sign).

[UghWorried]

Not sure whether this is in the same line of questions or if I should start a new thread...

Can the Gyn feel your cyst if you are a heavier girl?

How thick is too thick to feel through?

[toumie]

Hi,  UghWorried.

I have to tell you, I'm currently going through the same thing right now. I'm only at the beginning stages of all of this. I was utterly terrified to go to a gyno/OBGYN, as I had never seen one before. Just the idea of all the exams and whatnot that they were going to do to me, scared the hell out of me. A couple weeks ago, I had a CT scan done and they found a huge cyst on my right ovary. I then was told to make an appointment with an OBGYN, and I had to wait a bit over a week to see her. But I just saw her the other day for the first time...and I can tell you right now, I was totally freaking out. They took my blood pressure (which was seriously high, but only because I was so nervous and in pain) and asked me a bunch of questions. The nurse told me to undress from the waist down after she leaves the room, and gave me a sheet or two or as many as you like to feel comfortable, and I waited for the doctor to come in. When she did we talked a bit, and she could tell I was really nervous...and helped me to feel better. She then gave me the pelvic exam, and it was NOTHING like I thought it would be. She did feel around down there, but she didn't even look under the sheet! I just laid back and let her do her thing (it only lasted a couple minutes) then she removed her gloves, and lifted my shirt up a bit, so she could press on my stomach. Don't worry about being a bigger girl...I'm bigger too, and I was embarrassed...but guess what? Seriously more than half of the nurses and even my doctor were heavier girls, LOL. Also, she told me she could feel the cyst, despite me being heavier. In fact, she didn't make me feel bad/gross about my weight at all...and that really helped with my stress level.

I'm now scheduled for my ultrasounds on Monday, which will probably also be really awkward for me. But I think I'll get through it okay. I'm just worried about my pain...it seems to get a little worse each day. I'm sure I'll end up having to get open surgery. Honestly, I just want this cyst out of me!

If you're embarrassed about your size...or about the doctors thinking something bad about you. Don't be...I know it's easier said that done. But they see so many women each day. Doctors will barely remember your face, let alone your girlybits/body, lol.

[UghWorried]

Your comment helped so much.  You made me feel better, like I'm not the only one who is worried about gynos.  I didn't know they could do the exam without having to look under the sheet!  You really put my fears to rest on this one.

Good luck with your ultrasounds, you're doing so well, you're my hero!  I know what you feel about the pain and just wanting it out.  I feel that way too.

You're doing awesome!  I know it's not easy.  Keep going, things can only get better!

[Totie]

Would you rather the gyno & nurse assistant be in the room to exam you, or if (God forbid) something rupture and your wheeled into the ER where more people, including males be there trying to figure out why you are in so much pain.

You will be fine. The gyno will NOT stare below the sheet. When my gyno and I have had both male & femlae (plus asst. in the room); did my examine they did the exam without looking down. They feel around your stomach as they are examing you with the other so they are sometime in a standing position, unless you have to have a pap smear, then they take about 2 seconds to get what they need and its over with.

Just relax, but KNOW it is very important to get it done. Exams do save people life's.Can you call the office & see if they can give you something to help you relax the morning of the examine?

You will be okay. Just think of funny things...I do, it is what gets me through the embarrassement...But know you are not alone on how you feel about those examines. At least we are not males and have to have their examine....:))