Hi there, I would really appreciate any advice anyone might have to offer. Here is my story:
I've had frequent urination for the past 18 months at the least. I didn't think much of it because I've always gone more often than most people I know (although there was a definite change), and also because I was incredibly unaware it could be related to serious health issues.
In April, I had a bad UTI/possible kidney infection and ended up in the ER with blood in urine, bad flank pain, etc. Had a kidney ultrasound done and was told I had two small kidney stones, was given antibiotics and referred to a urologist, and then sent home.
I went to the urologist who looked at the ultrasound and told me I didn't have kidney stones and was totally fine. Since then, another urologist (who I trust and respect more) has also looked at the u/s and u/s report and said my kidneys are totally fine. That first Urologist sent me on my way (he was also a jerk but that's another story). However, over the next few months I had two or three additional UTIs. I have never before had a problem with UTIs and nothing changed in my hygiene, sexual behavior, etc. to cause them.
I went back to the Urologist office and thankfully was able to see the jerk's office partner who was much more open and understanding about my worries. I was having some flank pain, continuing frequent urination and continued bacteria in my urine. The doctor decided to give me a bladder ultrasound and cystoscopy (looking into bladder), in addiction to antibiotic prophylaxis to try and get rid of UTI for good.
My bladder looks great, and like I said, so do my kidneys. However, the urologist noticed that what he thought was my uterus was pressing on my bladder. He ordered a pelvic u/s, which I had 3.5 weeks ago. I had never even considered that my urinary symptoms might be related to my reproductive system. However, I began to notice that in addition to my continued frequent urination I also had lower back, right side and hip pain. At one point what I believed to be my right ovary hurt to the touch. I still have varying levels of back/hip/side pain. I have a history of anxiety and a suggestible personality, and with my google searches regarding pelvic masses causing me to worry, it's very hard for me to tell how much of my pain is psychosomatic.
HOWEVER, the results from the pelvic (trans-ab and trans-vag) u/s 3.5 weeks ago stated that I had a 5.9 cm complex right ovarian cyst, as well as a small amount of free fluid in the cul-de-sac. Everything else was normal. The report stated that the cyst "may be hemorrhagic."
I scheduled a gynecologist appt, which I had a week and a half ago. I brought the u/a report and the dr and I agreed to schedule a laparoscopic surgery for 9/30. I was relieved not only that my pain (and the complications that I've had for half a year) have a reason, but also that there hopefully was an end in sight. Even through my fears of cancer, I felt happy to be taking action and that the gyn agreed it should be removed, given the size and the fact that it is complex.
The gyn then scheduled me for one more pelvic u/s to see if there were any changes before the surgery. I had that done last Friday. Today, I heard from the doctor that my cyst has shrunk - from 5.9 to 2.1 cm! I honestly can't believe it. Part of me is thrilled because it seems unlikely for a malignant cyst to shrink by such a large amount, but part of me is just confused. I had an answer, a reason for the pain and frequent urination that I continue I experience. And now I am questioning whether a cyst that shrunk so much could have caused and could still be causing y symptoms. I have had frequent urination for at least a year and a half. I have had recurrent UTIs for six months, and have now had right hip, pelvic and back pain for at least a month. What is going on inside my body?!?!?
The dr is still okay with going ahead with the surgery, although she says she's not concerned and we can also wait three months then do another u/s. I feel a little silly getting a 2 cm cyst removed, but I can't help but wonder whether it has been growing and shrinking this whole time. I've read a few accounts of this happening. At this point I just want to know what's going on, as well as relieving my symptoms, and feel as though removing the cyst and doing a biopsy will give some insight.
Does anyone have an opinion or knowledge they could share to help me in this situation? I have been very clear with the dr that I want to keep all of my reproductive organs and don't feel that's a risk going into the surgery, but of course surgery is never a small deal. I don't want to make this decision lightly but my gut is telling me to go through with it. I guess I feel like the cyst has proven to me over the past six months that it's not something that's just going to go away - so I want to deal with it now. What do you think?