I don't know what to do

[cruor_fortuna]

Since my freshmen year of high school, which was six years ago, I've had all the symptoms of ovarian cysts, they use to come about every other period, but now they're every time and some times days before. I just thought they were normal period cramps so I didn't think anything of it. But eariler this year, my doctor found out that I did have ovarian cysts. She told me they weren't cancerous, but they aren't going to go away on their own. She said the best thing for me to do was to have the surgery to remove them. I told her I wasn't going to have surgery, the pain was bareable. She was going to put me on birthcontrol, but I said 'no' to that too. Too mainy side affects for my taste. Then she told me it was possible for them to burst and that it was going to be painful. Yet again, I figured I could deal with the pain. That was the end of that convertation. Now, several months later, the pain is only getting worse to the point where I have a hard time doing anything. Today, the pain was so bad, I stayed in the shower for almost 45 minutes. It's the only place the pain doesn't feel as bad and because of that, I missed my first class. Obviusly, I'm starting to rethink my options. The problem is, I know that I want to get rid of my ovarian cysts, but I can't. You see, in my family, we don't talk about private things like periods, breasts, and the like. I don't know how to tell my mom that this is what I want, plus, and I feel silly about this, but talking about such things still embaraces me. It took me a whole week to get the courage to tell her I wanted a bra. Also, since my parents are divorced and I'm still on my dad's health insurance, my mom has to tell him about everything medical I do. I don't know if I'm being childish or not, but for some reason, I don't want my mom telling him something like that.
I have no one to talk to this about, so I'm going to try here since we're all in the same boat. Please, I'll take any advice I can get.

[marie1087]

I would reccomend seeing your doctor again soon, not to worry you but you might be making yourself very sick by trying to ignore it.

I'm not sure what the difference between an ovarian cyst and a teratoma is? After an ultrasound, my doctor told me it was either a large ovarian mass, or possible teratoma; it was not confirmed until after I had an M.R.I. Regardless, after finding out they were 2 large teratomas, my doctor warned me against any strenuous activity, that they could break. I asked how I would know if they break, and he said I would def. know, that I would be sick, in a lot of pain, probably calling the ambulance and at this point my surgery would be even more urgent than it is now.

So...from what you've shared, I would def. be dealing with this as soon as you can. When you get embarassed, remind yourself that you are a priority.

As far as telling your mom, I had the hardest time as well. Not because I was embarassed, but I could barely grasp the situation myself and I found it to be very personal as well. It might help you to do a bit of research on it yourself, then maybe share it with your mom that way. I couldn't even tell my mom so I printed out some information, sat alone with her, and told her to read it.

[TrudieC]

This is your health and your mother would not want to see you ignore it.  By leaving this be you will be in increasing pain and could end up losing your ovary.  If you had something wrong with your stomach it would be the same.  It is not like it is a result of sexual activity or anything.  Talk to your Mom - she would want to ensure you are healthy.

[CherBH]

Oh honey,
the best advice I can give you is to talk to your mom. I can imagine that if you were raised in such a manner that you don't discuss personal things, it might be difficult. But maybe you can ask her if she would be willing to go with you to your Dr. That might kind of "break the ice" for you. Then, you could tell her you are having some personal issues with your health and maybe see how she responds. She might be more open than you think. Just try to remember that there really is nothing to be embarassed about. The first time you discuss it may seem awkward, but after that, each time this type of subject is brought up, it will get easier for you. I promise.  (((hugs)))  ...and God bless you.
Cheryl