Simple ovarian cyst and stomach disturbances

[beth5104]

Hi! I've been diagnosed with a simple ovarian cyst size 5.2 cm. I've had many symptoms and discomfort such as, irregular periods, bloating, gas, lower back pain, change in bowel movements- with regard to an urgency to go, especially in the morning, and most recently diarrhea. I've seen my gyn, and a gyn oncologist. All the blood work came back fine. They both claim that these stomach issues, the diarrhea for example wouldn't be caused by the cyst.

I'm confused because I've read posts from so many women that have these same  symptoms in conjunction with their cysts. Why do the doctors disagree? My gyn wants me to see a gastroenterologist and have a colonoscopy.(I'll be 41 in May)

Is there any research I could consult? At this point, even people's annecdotal experiences would give me some comfort. I am very worried.

Thank you,
Beth

[beth5104]

Thank you all for your replies. Eileen, our symptoms are so similiar. I find it so frustrating that many of us experience these symptoms and yet the doctors deny the reality. My doctors ar NYC doctors held in high regard and yet they don't seem to know either. The cyst is so physically painful fo me. The emotional pain and worry however, is terrrible too. Because the doctors deny that the cyst causes these symptoms, they order more tests looking for something  else. Which of course I imagine is far worse than the cyst itself. Sometimes they misdiagnose like in Eileen's case. I've heard many examples like that. Why is it so much easier for the doctors to believe that it must be something other than the cyst?

I will have another TVU at the end of the month to watch and see. I'm starting to wonder about the merit of wait and see. If surgery could eliminate the cyst, it's risk of becoming complex, and all of the pain it causes then what is the downside? I just want to feel healthy again.

Thank goodness for this site. Not that knowing that other people feel awful too makes me feel better. But I do feel understood, and my worry is lessened because we have these common symptoms in many cases related to the existence of these cysts.

[Totie]

I had a 4.5cm complex cyst removed back in Feb 09., before then I had unbearable pain on the left side, two cycles every month 15 days apart for the last 2 months- that my regular PCP said was due to perimenopaus that the pain would eventually stop and to take alleve. I did have 2cm cysts on each ovary back in Nov.08. I eventually went to a gyno and when they did the vaginal ultrasound it revealed that the cyst on the left ovary had grown to 4.5cm and that it was causing all my pain. Ended getting the ovary and cyst out (benign)..the pain went away immediately. I am glad i did not listen to my PCP on that one...

She did tell me that normally they would watch the cysts, but since I had a ct scan done in Nov 08 (2cm), and now in Feb 09 it showed growth (4.5cm), that it needed to come out.

I can't say that it stopped my irregular cycles, started to get them again twice a month. My gyno tells me I am not yet any where near menopaus, but who knows.

[Eileen611]

I was first diagnosed with diverticulitis because of the stomach and intestinal issues I had.  After a cat scan showed the cyst and no diverticulitis, I was informed that the cyst could be causing my intestinal issues.  Don't mean to be too graphic, but I have soft bm's and I urinate more frequently, neither of which were a problem before the cyst!  I too have lower back pain and various odd stomach pains.  I was told it was all related to the large cyst.  I am having it removed on 4/16 so I hoping these other issues are resolved.  I think having a colonoscopy is a smart move and the doctor is just trying to cover all the bases.  I'm sure you'll be just fine.  Keep posting and let us know how you're doing!

Eileen

[cirella]

Hi, unfortunately, you must jump through the hoops before you get some answers.  If the symptoms are GI related or not, at least you have that little part of your journey checked off.  The symptoms do mimic each other and this is why they send you down the GI road.

Since your tests are normal, that's a good sign.  I hope your GYN is going to monitor your cyst.  You can ask him/her for a follow-up vaginal ultrasound in 3 months or so to see what it's doing.  If the cyst stays the same or grows I would talk about getting it out.  Maybe start a journal from this point out and keep track of the symptoms.  If they worsen please call either the GI or the GYN back to let them know.

It stinks that you'll have to endure the pain and other stuff while you wait.  Good luck with your colonoscopy and I hope nothing shows there.  I just had one and it wasn't that bad.  The prep was worse.

Take care.

[beth5104]

I forgot to mention that I never had stomach problems before this cyst