what is the next step for ruptured ovarian cysts?

[nic112]

I am 33 years old and I have had several ovarian cysts rupture over the past year which always occur on the left side.  I have posted before but am struggling again to find answers.  I always have the same pain that is concentrated in my lower abdomen but typically radiates from my left rib down to my pelvic bone.  It usually gets worse with any increased activity (excercise, sexual activity, lifting my daughter too much). It also is worse at  night.  I can feel my ovary when I use the bathroom most of the month and I often feel bloated.  Every other month, I have a horrible pain that almost brings me to my knees.  It is so painful.  I have had fluid confirmed on three of the ultrasounds and two did not show fluid (one I am sure I waited too long to go in almost a week).  MY GNO has put me on two different kinds of BC to try to reduce the cysts but this has not worked so far.  Even with BC, I often spot in between periods (without missing any pills and taking pills at the same time each day).  I also had a CT scan which did not show anything problematic.  My GNO also sent me to a GI just to make sure it wasn't something else related to intenstinal problems.  I have a family history of polyps.  The GI said I probably have a touch of IBS in addition to ovary issues.  I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy next week to ensure that I do not have polyps and also that I do not have endometrosis growing on my bowels or intenstines.  I do not expect anything to come of this.  

I am sure many of you have hit this point but what next?  I have gone through phases where I start to think I am making this up in my head and then I have pain and remember that this a real problem.  I am certain that I have ovarian problems that are not going away on their own.  I feel like my doctors are just trying to pacify me.  I am tired of being in pain all of the time.  Does anyone have any advice or guidance on my situation?

[KeyD]

Google search Pelvic congestion syndrome. I have PCS and often have pelvic pain because of it. I get ovarian cysts too but gnerally the doctor believes my pain is caused by the PCS (it is varicose veins in your pelvic) OR it could be endometriosis.

[debkay101]

I'm searching for answers to your question also, and wow, I understand your comment about wondering if it's in your head, I have been to the clinic/ER etc 2 -3 times a week since summer. The latest,I had a small cyst on my left ovary burst last week. The intense pain is gone, but can feel the ovary.Still hurts when I use bladderpressure to go to the bathroom, I sit at work and that hurts on it, hurts more at night, using vicoden. I had a large cyst drained on my right ovary in August. I do have PCOS, not sure if that's really a factor anymore, I'm just wondering when the pain will be gone for good? I do see my gyno in 1 1/2 weeks so will know more then. I've had a couple ultrasounds recently. Planning on having Novasure ablation in December,   hoping this doesn't change that. so, anyone know how long it takes to quit hurting??

[MarieMichele]

I don't think you are making it up.  The medical world has a lot to learn about how women suffer with these things.  It is clear that the left ovary just wants to be cystic and will likely continue to behave this way.  All those extra tests, if they turn up nothing wrong, will validate the fact that all the symptoms are related to the ovary and the cysts on that ovary.  If BC is not working, then only surgery (removal of the left ovary and cysts) may work.  But I do not recommend that for anyone so far from menopause age.  There is a chance that once the left ovary is gone, the right ovary would become cystic.  Or not.  You can live normally with just one ovary (get enough hormones and have children) if you think removing the one might work for you.  Ask the doctors what other solutions they suggest if BC treatment fails and other tests show nothing left to blame but the left ovary.