Ovarian cyst or more?

[GailC]

Hi, My name is Gail and I'm a 47 yr old mother of 4.  A little family history first.  My mother, in her early 50s, had a post menopausal full hysterectomy after her dr. found an ovarian tumor. They removed a mucinous ovarian tumor the size of a basketball that had cancer cells in the center.  It had not spread anywhere and she did not have to have chemo or rediation.  She had follow-up appointments for 5 yrs and given a clean bill of health.  She is now in her early 70s and still cancer free.

Three years ago, ovarian cyst discovered on my right ovary that was 3 cm.  It was measured the night after excruciating pain in which I believe it burst. I had no other problems after that until the last 1 to 1-1/2 years.  I have had increasing pain on my right side and now have pain going down my right leg at times.  My right hip has pain also.  I have had some pain during intercourse and my periods have been very irregular over the past two years being anywhere from 11 days to 39 days.  I figured I was perimenopausal which I probably am.  I have a full/bloated feeling many times and depending on how I sit, at times my pelvic area hurts with pressure like the last couple months of pregnancy.  For example, if I lean forward while sitting, the area just above my public bone feels very full and hurts but relieves some when I sit back. Pants fitting a little snug but I have not gained weight. My energy level has decreased over the past few months but I wouldn't consider it terrible.  I have had some issues with constipation also.  Many of these things are intermitten and not constant so I have not been too worried.  They are becoming more frequent,  I am still assuming that this is just an ovarian cyst but just don't know how urgent it is for me to get it checked out.  Currently, I have no health insurance which makes the matter a little more difficult. I am looking into some of the clinics that take patients with no insurance in my area.  What kind of urgency would you put on getting this checked out especially with my mom's history?  Sometimes I think it's all in my head though.
Thanks,
GailC

[GailC]

Hi, yes I had my appointment a couple of weeks ago and I am still waiting on the results.  They are waiting for my past scans to be sent to the doctor.  I am kind of figuring that no news is good news.  I am now assuming that is was a cyst or two.  They day the doctor did the exam, that night when I went to bed, I had such terrible pain for about 20 minutes and then three days later, it happened again.  Since then, many of my symptoms have lessoned.  I had the ultrasound two days after the second pain episode.  That's what happeded to me the first time, about three years ago too (then they had found a 3cm cyst).  I had the ultrasound after the extreme pain.  The doctor told me that if I didn't hear anything by two weeks to call her back.  Tomorrow makes two weeks.  I was going to call today but it is a holiday. I will post when I find out what they say.  
Gail

[tmizell]

Hi Gail.  I was wondering if you'd had your appointment yet and what they told you.  I read your posts a few weeks ago and kept thinking about you, wondering how everything worked out.

[GailC]

I did find a low cost clinic and due to my history, they are getting me in for an appointment in three weeks instead of six weeks.

[GailC]

Thank you.  I am trying to find a low cost clinic for those without insurance.  I have made a call but they have not returned it.  I'll try again on Monday.

I know that my symptoms increase when I am having a period or ovulating but they do not go away inbetween.  Some days are better than others.  Some days I can't sit or stand without a lot of pain.  This is way more than with my other cyst I had.  If I find anything out, I will let you know.

Thanks again.

[looloo141]

Hi Gail, first of all I think us girls know our bodies so well, so please don't think its all in your head because all of your symptoms sound just like someone who gets ovarian cysts.

I guess you really have a few decisions to make here and get some more information when you find the free clinic.

You have 4 children and are 47 so I'm assuming you won't be wanting more? So at least if the worst came to the worst you have your kids. I'm saying this as a lot of women with your family history decide to have both ovaries removed to prevent any possible tumours.

Also it would be interesting to find out the type of cyst it was.. you might just be one of those women that has symptoms of cysts ( not all women do, but I do) and now that its been seen on ultrasound you will know they are there.. I've been told to go back on the pill to stop ovulation so that I don't get any cysts..this might be an option for you..

All women get cysts around ovulation but they are usually small and not bothersome..but for others they get the symptoms you describe..some have to be removed, some don't etc..depends on the type or size etc..

So really you have 2 issues, the issue about your cysts, what you want to do about them etc and your family history...You may feel that because of the history in your family and the painful annoying cysts that you may want to get your ovaries removed..

Sorry if I have confused you LOL, you really need to talk it through with a professional as soon as you find a new clinic.

Hugs