Devastated.... Horrible Gyn. Visit! Can someone please help???!

[ascarlett]

I am hoping that someone can help me...I'll start in the middle because the begining would take forever. Last Thursday I went to have a pelvic ultrasound, because of varying symptoms that I will list below:
1) hair falling out by the handfuls, not just on my head... my eyebrow are thinning, my eyelashes are falling out pretty much all hair has been fair game
2) severe pain in the low that will sometimes radiate into my buttocks. thisw occurs with standing for more than 5 minutes or doing any kind of work.
3) heavy periods with large clots. cycles normal at 30-32 days
4) pressure in my vagina during my period that feels kind of like my uterus is trying to get out
5) pain in my pelvis during my periods pretty much take me out of commision from a day before to 2 days after
6) fullness in my pelvis
7) SEVERE fatigue
8) NO sex drive
9)lethargy and my muscles fatigue easily
10) nausea
11) heartburn
12) short term and long term memory loss.
13)discharge from my right breast.

So my PCP got the results and refered me to an Gyn that I went to see yesterday. I had to list all my medication. Well I am on methadone because I am a recovering addict (2 years clean). When he came into the room the first words out of his mouth were "Why are you on methadone?" Not "hello my name is..." or you know...Well, I knew it was going to be downhill from there.I was treated like a second class citizen. He did a pap, pelvic exam, and a consultation in a matter of 15 minutes and that's getting dressed and undressed. Aside from the way he treated me he is doing nothing but rechecking in 2 months. Now I'll give you alittle history and the results because I don't quite understand them....
I am a 35 y/o I have two children 14 and 16. Newly married.. I have only one good ovary and that is the one with the cyst. We haven't totally ruled out having another baby.
The ultrasound results: Right ovarymeasures 4.8cmX5.6cmX4.0cm and emonstrates a large complex cystic lesion within it. The lesion measures4.0cmX4.9cmX3.5cm. It demonstrates a reticulated hypoechoic apearance in its superior portion and anechoic crescentic area along with its inferior portion with probable layering debris. The lesion is hypovascular. Hemorrhagic cyst.
The Gyn says he wants to just wait and let it rupture. First off thats my only good ovary second its vascular and third OUCH! I don't know what to do?????? Should I get a second opinion??? CAn someone explain the ultrasound results??? What is reticulated, hypoechoic, crescentic mean??? Someone please help me... I would greatly appreciate it....
Thanks

[sobermommy]

Hi...Let me start off by saying...congratulations on your sobriety. I am nearing 5 years clean from my demons myself. Please be proud and while there are those out there who look at us as if we are still high...you don't have to put up with it. For your sake I hope you keep looking until you find someone who treats you decent...you deserve it.

I just found this site while researching my own situation. I don't really know much but can sure relate. I have struggled with pelvic pain for over 2 years now. They have done a biopsy of my uterus as well as 3 seperate US. All showed nothing until the last one that was about 5 weeks ago now. It showed that I have a hemmohagic ovarian cyst on my left side. It is leaking. They said my uterus is also enlarged (slightly). It seems from the many exams that it is my uterus that is causing the pain...not really sure. I was told I had to wait for 6 weeks and have another US to see if the cyst has reabsorbed into itself? Gotta tell ya...I feel pretty much left in the dark. I was called by the nurse...given the results over the phone and told they would retest in 6 months...have a nice day...wow....thanks.

I went on my own and scheduled an appt with an OB/GYN. The soonest I could get in as a new patient ends up being next week...the same day as my US. Hopefully she will have access to the results so maybe I can get some answers. Nobody seems to take the pain serious...it is so frustrating. I am glad that I found this site...where others understand. I am sorry I am babbling and don't even have any great words of wisdom for you. You have gotten great advice about the mammogram tho...it was made to sound awful before I had my first one last year but they ended up being very kind and gentle. Hope things go well for you and you get the support and answers that you need to bring the pain to an end. God bless....Lynn

[ascarlett]

Thanks for the explanations on the mammo.....I spent the weekend and yesterday in bed due to the excrutiating pelvic, abd, and back pain. I started the birth control pill on wednesday I think, On friday the pain started getting started getting worse and I started spotting. Which kept right on through monday. I talked to the nurse prac and she said it was normal. She also said I might need to go to the ER to get a shot of dilaudid. Not another U/S nothing. This morning I woke up to my spotting now turned into bleeding with clots and the pain is still HORRIBLE! I don't know if I should get a third opinion or what. I thought that while your taking the pill at least the active ones that you shouldn't be bleeding right? Am I just being paranoid??? Or should I talk to another OB/GYN???

Thanks

[SooooooStressed]

Hi friend!  
I am sorry for all you have had to go thru.  Finding the right doctor and taking charge of our own health care is more important than ever these days!
I did not have my first mammo until I was 35 and I was freaked out too from how most women say they dread it. It is worth it to get the baseline mammo.
As far as the feeling on the breast, over the years I have had all different women in the breast center perform the exam and they were all very professional, especially if you TALK to them and tell them your fears or anxieties.
They DO NOT make you strip naked and stand there and then grab your breasts and flop them down on the machine.  They are usually very sensitive to your comfort, physically AND mentally.  
This has been my experience and I would think others would have very similar experiences....
You usually are asked to remove all your top clothing.
You put on a gown and then you go into a private room and you open your gown and they look at your breasts for odd shapes. (the way they hang etc)
They will ask your questions about any issues you have regarding your breasts.
Then you stand in front of the machine and they position you, very gently.
They guide your hands in the positions to make you most comfortable.
They then SLOWLY compress the breast.  NO not like a pancake.  It is not the most pleasant thing, but it is not like a vice where you would be wrenching in pain!
Not only that, it only lasts for a few seconds and they release it right away.
If you need a few seconds, they give you the time you need.
It goes rather quickly.  
Holding your breath when they tell you (so you dont move) is very helpful in them getting a good reading on the film.
You then wait a few moments and they tell you if they need more films taken.  Do not let this alarm you, usually it just means they want to get a better picture of the area.  
So, with all that being said, you can do this and don't be nervous!  Those of us who have had this done have survived the big bad mammo machine!  LoL!!  :-)
Relax friend, you are doing a good thing in having this important test!

~V
ps:  it probibly took me longer to type this message to you then the actual exam will take...and I a a quick typer too!  ha!  

[ireneo]

If your breasts are sensitive (not just PMS time) I recommend taking Ibuprofen an hour before going in. I've had several mammograms and my breasts are smaller and denser so they often have to do more than the usual 4 views. I wouldn't say it's painful but it's a big squeeze. I always have little pink lines across the tops of my breasts after the test but they fade quickly. At my clinic the nurse asks me how I'm doing, does it hurt, etc. She doesn't just smash and expect me to deal with it. Mostly I'd say it's embarrassing having a woman pull your breasts this way and that. I don't look because I don't want to see mine looking like pancakes. LOL

[islandgurl]

hi, sorry for all your problems.  It's very frustrating all the waiting.  I too had a lot of your symptoms.  Had a ct scan that showed a 6cm complex cyst.  they thought it was hemmorhagic(sp).  It actually resolved on it's own over a period of 3 months.  It didn't "rupture", it just got smaller until it was gone.  But I also had a large fibroid tumor and just had a partial abdominal hysterectomy on monday. I went from my nurse pract, who told me my symptoms were just part of getting older (will be 45 in a week) to another nurse pract, finally to a og/gyn who did an ednometrial biopsy and the hyst.  I also have fibrocystic breast disease, and have had mam. since I was 27 because of family history of breast cancer , I have never had a mammogram hurt, slightly uncomfortable, but never painful.  I would have them test your throid again. I also have hypothyroid, so I take synthroid. my hair was so dry and falling out, my skin was dry, i was exhausted all the time and my hips hurt alot.   also, if all your hormones are okay it's probably unlikely that you would have a pituitary tumor.  but I'm not a doctor ! my husband had an mri back in feb for same thing, and it was clear.  I would not go back to that first doctor.  there is no excuse for someone to treat you that way.  you have to be your own health advocate.  good luck and keep us posted.

[ascarlett]

Actually I have never had a mammogram before... I just started seeing this new PCP and he is the first one to suggest it, and said that I should have been having them done regularly because of the Fibrocystic disease, but no other doctor suggested it before.. So this will be my first.... Can you explain the procedure? Someone told me its like putting your boobs in a vice!!! My breast are sensitive... Will it be painful?
Take care and Thanks again!

[ireneo]

I'm glad you got another opinion and this doctor is moving forward, finding answers for you. But sorry to hear it's not going to be simple. Have you had a mammogram before? They're a bit embarrassing and it may be uncomfortable for you since you're young (have denser breast tissue) and have had problems with fibrocystic breast disease. Hmm, come to think of it, you probably have had a mammo. Anyway, glad we could be a little help and let us know how things turn out. Take care.

[ascarlett]

Let me start out by thanking all of you for your information and support. I did go for my second opinion yesterday. She put me on Loestrin 24 Fe and pain medication. She also wanted me to get another ultrasound in one month. I finally received the results from my Prolactin and Testosterone which were both normal. So that still leaves me in the dark as to why my right breast is producing a cloudy substance and why my hair is still falling out all over my body. Which is called Alopecia totalis. I have a mamogram scheduled for October 10th which I am freaking out about. I thought if my Prolactin levels were elevated then that might explain the drainage. Now I know its not that I am a little no ALOT worried about breast CA. I do have fibrocystic breast disease. Anyway that is for another message board......
God Bless and Take Care
AScarlett

[stylez37]

You have most definitely come to the right place.  The support from everyone around here is incredible.

I can't answer your questions for you since I am still waiting on my own results and haven't experienced much as of yet.  But I have most of the same symptoms as you have and can relate as to how you are feeling in so many ways.  It is so discouraging when they doctors look at you sideways and don't seem to care.  I am glad you are getting more opinions.  This is your body.  Your body is your temple.  You should treat it with the utmost respect, as should they, and get the proper care no matter what.

Oh and irenio is correct that your sudden hair loss is likely alopecia.  I would assume it has something to do with your immune system.  There isn't anything one can do about it or to stop it.  Sometimes it comes back.

Good luck.  Keep us informed.  

(((HUGS)))
Romnie

[Sandymac]

All health issues aside, please get another opinion if for no other reason than you need to find a Dr. who will treat you with respect. His treatment is unacceptable period !! Good luck and let us know when you find another . and what his opinion is. . Unfortunately, sometimes the cysts are monitored for a few months but I've never heard of allowing one to just rupture, which from what I understand can be quite painful..

Good luck and keep us posted,
Sandy

[ascarlett]

Thanks for the info. I had my thyroid checked and it was okay. I am going for an MRI of the brain to rule out a tumor on my pituitary. Which I don't think it is coming from that because again my hormones are okay. Well except for the testerone and prolactin still waiting for. The discharge from my breast is milky so I would have to say that my prolactin is elevated. Any way thanks again and I will be sure to look up alopecia areata. Again I have to say I am very glad I found this website. Everyone is so kind and helpful.

[ireneo]

I too am sorry the doctor prejudged you. It's a human failing but you kind of hope a doctor would be able to control it better.

The hair loss may be something like alopecia areata (you can google that for more information). It seems to be an immune disorder where the body attacks the hair follicles and the hair falls out. Sometimes it may be related to a thyroid problem, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or even hereditary.

The hemorrhagic cyst is still below the 5 cm mark where doctors consider surgery to remove it. My daughter had one recently, they monitored it for a month (she was also put on some hormones for 5 days). It apparently burst on its own and the next month the US was clear.

I'm thinking you should definitely get another opinion. Those other symptoms could also be thyroid related. You may even end up seeing a rheumatologist at some point. I do hope you get some answers soon.

[ascarlett]

Thanks to both of your for your help... I have had all my hormone levels checked. All were normal, but I'm still waiting for the Testerone and the Prolactin. I called another GYN and have an appointment tomorrow. Also does anyone know what the words hypoechoic, anechoic, reticulated and crescentic? Also the cyst is inside the ovary. Is there a difference?? Again thanks so much for your help. I am just so frustrated at this point. Also I should tell you that my Grandmother on my Dad's side was a 20 year breast CA survivor only to pass on from ovarian CA. I know you have more of chance to get breast CA if it comes from the maternal side. Does that hold true for Ovarian CA? I am so glad I found this site. Just getting it out makes me feel better!

[cirella]

Hi, first of all, congratulations on your recovery.  I'm sorry that someone who should know about methadone treated you so badly that you felt like a second class person.  For that reason alone I would go elsewhere.

While reading your symptoms I immediately thought that your hormones may be out of whack.  You have one ovary that has a cyst on it and all that may be compromising your hormone balance.  So, your symptoms may be related in that respect.  Cysts cause all sorts of problems but some of they symptoms mimic other problems, as well.  

Waiting for a cyst that large to rupture will be painful.  Waiting, however, is normal and you do have another appointment for 2 months which seems like a long time.  If I were you, I'd keep that appointment but try to get into another GYN for a 2nd opinion sooner than the 2 months.  

Since this is an member to member forum and we aren't doctors I think you should post your ultrasound results on the Dr forum.  If you didn't already, call your GYN and your PCP and request all your visit and test results.  You will have them in hand which will save time if you can get into another GYN.

Good luck and take care.

[msmarlowe]

Yes please get another opinion. I had to do this before I found two doctors who both wanted to do the surgery. so please get another opinion. when it ruptures it will be very painful, so you don't wanna do that. Good luck