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possible ovarian cysts?

Hi,

I am new to this forum and have been worrying myself sick about the possibility of having ovarian cancer.  

A quick overview of my symptoms:

For the past 2 years I have had digestive problems- the usual heartburn, diarrhea, abdominal pains, bloating, gas.  I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux Disease after visiting my gastroenterologist and having an endoscopy done.  Two years later, the problems have persisted and gotten worse, this time with pain in my upper right side and upper back area(gallbladder area).  I was diagnosed with having gallstones and had my gallbladder removed a week ago.  

While all of this has been occuring, over the past 4 months I have had very abnormal vaginal bleeding.  My periods have always been regular up until 4 months ago.  I haven't had a "normal" period in about that time.  I have been skipping periods (and no, I am not pregnant- took a million tests).  When I have gotten it, it's for about a day.  The past two weeks I have had a strange brownish/red discharge (like the blood that comes out at the very end of your period) and some blood clots each time I go to the bathroom.

I have been reading up on the symptoms of ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts, and although many of my symptoms were related to gallbladder issues, I also have read that ovarian cancer is sometimes mistaken for other digestive problems.  I am mostly concerned about the abnormal bleeding, especially since I have always had very regualar periods (my periods normally last around 5 days).

Does anyone have any advice for me or feedback on what could be going on here?  I have an appointment with my OBGYN on Wednesday, but still would like to hear from others about what could be going on.  I am only 29 and just married...too young for all of these problems.  Please help.

Thanks,
Jen
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Avatar universal
wow..
i just want to say this.
I'm 15 years old from Malaysia. I had a cyst operation last year when i was 14. I got on the net today to look for forums and communities where all the people have had a cyst operation so that I can talk to them and compare the experiences, talk about side effects of the operation, and other stuff that has to do with cyst.But just to know everyone on this forum is 20 above, don't make me feel any better. I know having a cyst operation at my age is very rare, but i didn't think I'd be the only one. I hope not :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
God Romnie...6 months to wait for something that could be so serious?!?  Where are you from that you have to deal with this garbage??  I am so sorry.  Hang in there.  This forum has been so wonderful in just the 2 days that I have joined it.  So many caring individuals and I am grateful.  

Hang in there Romnie.  
Helpful - 0
603452 tn?1253038747
I am truly thankful to have found this community.  The support is amazing.  You women are all so incredibly strong, even though some days I'm sure it doesn't feel like it.  Its as if we are all there, holding eachothers hands during a very stressful time.  Thank you all so much.

Jen - I will actually be waiting 2 months to get in for the US, there's only 15 days left now.  That was putting a rush on it.  Most ppl wait 6 months where I live.  

Stay positive.  Stay strong.  

Romnie
Helpful - 0
604168 tn?1222537786
Hi Jen,  i know what you are going through as i have been worrying too much too until i found this forum. how wonderful it is to get info that is positive. I am a 43 year old who suddenly has had the pain on the left side. I went to the ER 5 weeks ago and they did a CT scan and ruled out most things except for they saw a mass on the side of uterus and my uterus is enlarged. I finally got the pelvic ultrasound done 2 weeks ago and the test confirmed that I have fibroid tumors. I have a cyst on my left ovary as well and she thinks this could be the problem. I was alarmed when my doctor told me that my CA125 Test was elevated. She told me I would have to get a hysterectomy done and more tests to see if it is cancer. I am getting a second opinion and will have to change doctors since my current hospital will not treat cancer patients just incase it is any cancer. So far everyone in this forum has told me not to worry about the CA125 test, that most of the time it is not accurate. I hope everything goes well for you. Do not worry, it will be ok. Let me know how things are going for you.
Helpful - 0
356929 tn?1246389756
I'm sorry you're having so many problems and I know you are frightenend.. But, first of all I'd like you to go to the top of this page and look for "Health Pages".. there is a lot of information about cysts and ovarian Cancer.

Vaginal Bleeding is not listed as one of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer.. or even ovarian cysts although I suppose it is possible. You may also want to google "Ovarian Cancer symptoms"..

Make a list of all of these symptoms for your gyn. appointment.. And Jaxsie.. don't pay that much attention to an elevated Ca-125.. There are lots of reasons for an elevated CA-125 in premenopausal women..Just as there are many reasons for the vaginal bleeding. Please don't worry.. and don't borrow trouble.. Let us know what the Dr. says..

Sandy  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ladies, I feel your pain, it is really horrible and scary going through all of this, just try to stay as positive as possible and hope for the best. There are a numebr of factors which can cause all of this, and we (cos I am doing t too) may be just looking to the worst case scenario.

I have similar symptoms in regards to pain, todays special seems to be throbbing veins in my legs. My pains are all new though. I have a 5cm irregular solid and liquid cyst with elevated CA 125, so I am not a happy bunny. But - we must try to remain optimistic otherwise we will lose all our mental strength.

I am sending out best wishes to both of you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Karen,

Thank you for your posting.  Do you think that it may just be nothing?  And if it is something, just cysts then?  I just hate not being able to get into the doctor asap...waiting is the worst.  I hope I'm just being a hypochondriac!

Anyhow, I just read your profile and wanted to say how sorry I am that you are going through all of these health issues.  It must be hard, especially being a teacher- having to be on your toes every second of the day.  I can relate...I teach Kindergarten.  When you're not feeling well, it kind of stinks having to be a teacher.  

You are in my thoughts as you deal with all of these awful problems.  Best of luck with your first week back to school!

I will keep you posted as to what my doctor says because I may need some more advice from you guys!  Thanks so much.

-Jen
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Romnie,

I'm so sorry you have been in so much pain.  I can't believe they can't get the ultrasound done for you sooner than 16 days.  That's how things are today...no matter how worried you might be or how ill you may be feeling, things never get done fast enough- they just tell you to go to the ER if you are suffering that much.  It's ridiculous.

You are in my prayers and I hope that your mind can be at ease as soon as possible.  Let's both try to stay positive.
Helpful - 0
603452 tn?1253038747
Hey Jen.  I am not having any abnormal bleeding outside of my regular cycle, but it is heavier, lasting longer and large clots.
What symptoms do I NOT have?  The list would be shorter lol
I am exhausted, have abdominal PAIN (anywhere from throbbing cramps to labor pain every day), back pain, sharp pains in  my thigh, bloated belly, change in bathroom habits, no appetite, nausea, painful sex..... and so on.  
I saw my physician, and he has ordered a "speedy" ultrasound (only 16 days away!).  We will go from there.  

The waiting and not knowing is most painful.  I remember my dad being diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma twice and the waiting was always the worst.

Hoping you have speedy answers and they are positive so your mind can be at ease.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Romnie,

Thanks for your reply.  Have you been having the same issues as I with the abnormal bleeding?  The other things, such as the digestive issues that I am having could be just related to the gallbladder issues that I spoke about in my first posting.  I am most concerned about the bleeding.  Have you been to your OBGYN yet?  
And what symptoms are you experiencing?

-Jen
Helpful - 0
551683 tn?1220656108
From what I understand, ovarian cysts can cause those symptoms. Please don't jump to any conclusions about cancer. Most likely it could just be a cyst. I know the waiting is the worst. I just went through it myself. Mine was not cancer but cysts on both ovaries, fibroids, and endometriosis. I had a D&C and a thermal ablation. There is some great advice here on this forum. I hope you have read some of the previous posts. You may find some answers in them. Most cysts are not cancer. I would keep up with the doctor, though. Good luck and keep posting.
Karen
Helpful - 0
603452 tn?1253038747
I totally understand where you are coming from.  Although my symptoms haven't been lingering for as long.  It's only been about 2 months for me.  

I don't have any good advice, as I am waiting and wondering and worrying as well.  I just hope you find as much comfort in this community as I have.  Just know you are not alone.

((HUGS))
Romnie
Helpful - 0
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