Ovarian cyst cause rib pain?

[Rookie1110]

I have been diagnosed with an endometrial cyst on my right ovary. I also have had endometriosis for 20 years. Can the ovarian cyst be causing rib pain? My ribs, back and abdomen hurt on my right side. The pain is almost unbearable. I feel it constantly. I also have bouts of constipation and diarrhea. I've also gained weight. I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy in a month but I'm not sure I can wait that long. Is all this normal? I feel like I'm going crazy.

[old_before_my_time]

You are in a tough spot with endometriosis. There is no cure so you are stuck managing the symptoms. I have connected with quite a few women who still have endo pain post-hysterectomy.

My hysterectomy was 8 years ago. The surgical "recovery" was a breeze but the anatomical, skeletal, and hormonal effects have been nothing short of hellish. The problems never end. I aged 15-20 years within months post-op because I lost most of my hair, skin collagen, subcutaneous fat, muscle mass, sharp vision, youthful looking hair (volume, texture, color), etc etc. My hair still sheds and looks like a "rat's nest." My bowels do not work properly, I abhor the post-hysterectomy figure (short, thick midsection, big belly, flat butt) along with the back pain caused by these skeletal changes. And I have no sexual desire...feel completely asexual. Alcohol doesn't even have the "horny" effect!

As far as the paps and biopsies - Abnormal paps are not unusual and oftentimes are not an indication of pre-cancerous cells. But even having had biopsies showing mild dysplasia, that usually resolves on its own without treatment. And if necessary, the abnormal tissue can be removed.  

What "blood work that shows cancer risk" is she ordering? Maybe the CA125 test? That is not accurate in diagnosing or predicting risk of ovarian cancer. Hysterectomy and oophorectomy are the most overused surgeries (along with c-section). Only 2% are done for confirmed cancer. 76% do not meet ACOG criteria. So it can be hard to find a gynecologist who is not quick to remove organs.

Please make sure you understand the life-long functions of the female organs before going into an operating room. Maybe removal of just the cyst will give you a lot of relief from this pain. Make sure the surgical consent form clearly states what can and cannot be removed and under what circumstances (e.g., cancer versus no cancer). This will likely require that you write in changes and have your surgeon sign off on them. Make a copy for yourself. And be wary of any gynecologist or other surgeon who tells you hysterectomy will resolve your endo pain.

[Rookie1110]

:( no I was hoping the hysterectomy would solve my endometriosis pain. I thought they could scrape out the scar tissue during the hysterectomy? Why do you wish you hadn't had the hysterectomy? I'm in so much pain today. Usually it's bearable. Dr just prescribed bed rest and Vicodin and if not better by Thursday she will do another ultrasound. This is so discouraging. She also ordered blood work that would show cancer risk. Now something else to worry about. I've had two years of paps and biopsies coming back mild displasia.

[old_before_my_time]

Ovarian cysts can cause the entire torso to hurt. They can also cause bowel issues and weight gain. I had all of that when I developed a 9.5cm cyst. My doctor also said I needed a hysterectomy. I regret that I listened to him. I wish I had only allowed him to remove the cyst (cystectomy) or, worst case, the one ovary.

You mentioned that you've had endo for 20 years. Did you know that hysterectomy and ovary removal are not a cure for endo? Many women continue to suffer post organ removal since endo implants / lesions are typically found throughout the pelvis.