Bowel where ovary should be I'm very scared

[murphy784]

I went in for an ultrasound thinking I had a right sided ovarian cyst. I'm 47 had a hysterectomy in 2004. My rt ovary is all I have left. I have been having pain on and off for 2 months( low back pain and low pelvic pain) I have lost about 35 pounds but I've been having a lot of stress, do to my 13 year being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and seizure disorder. But I have been eating a lot better and staying away from junk food so I was thinking the weight loss was do to that .The ultrasound report says they were unable to see rt ovary due to bowel in right adnexa. My gyo is sending me for a colonoscopy. I go next Friday for pre-op appt. I'm pretty scared I really don't understand what's going on with the bowel bring where my ovary should be. Has anyone ever heard of this? Is it possible I have a tumor that making the bowel drop down? 3 months ago I also had ankle and leg swelling that they couldn't find a cause for I'm not sure if its related.


Thanks any responses are appreciated.

[Frank Farrell, MD]

Hi there.  I'm a gastroenterologist answering questions in this forum this month.  Congratulations on your normal colonoscopy.  Your doctor suspects that your pain is due to the irritable bowel syndrome which is essentially a condition where there is spasm of the intestinal muscles that leads to pain, bloating, and often a change in bowel habits.  Your doctor likely prescribed an anti-spasm medicine.  I usually advise patients to eat on a regular schedule (i.e. breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and to avoid skipping a meal as this helps to control intestinal spasm.  Also, rich or fatty foods can contribute to spasm so you are best to moderate these items.  Lastly, stress and anxiety can influence symptoms.  You might want to try and de-stress by listening to music, exercising, etc.  Following up with your doctor is very important.  All the best.

Frank Farrell, MD

[murphy784]

I had my colonoscopy and everything was clear. No cancer. He told my husband he thought I had IBS and internal hemmoroids. The dr put me on med I go back in 8 weeks. I'm still having pain left sided. I also have really bad low back pain. Did you have back pain also? If  still having this pain in 8 weeks I'm asking for a ct or MRI of my pelvic area.

Thanks for your response.

[Blondieeee]

I had this same prob. My left ovary wasn't visible due to my sigmoid colon shadowing it on the ultra sound and CT scan. I was having troubles with constipation as well as pain and pressure in my lower left quadrant. After a month or two, I was taken into ER with severe pain and fever, also vomiting, from pain in this same area. Turns out there was a cyst on this over that was quite large....it was the kind of cyst that doesn't go away, and continues to fill with fluid and grows. I had surgery to remove the cyst and upon their findings, the left and right ovaries were removed as well. The cysts were chronic and hampering the function of both ovaries. I feel so much better now. No bladder or colon probs , what a relief ! So thankful.  I hope you are feeling better soon

[murphy784]

I go today for my pre- op appt for colonoscopy. They had a cancelation so I got in sooner. My dr said after colonoscopy if I'm still having issues she would schedule a CT and possible exploratory surgery. I'll re- post once I find put what's going on.

Thanks for your response.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The ovary could not have been visible because of the intestines overshadowing the ovary thus not allowing the ultrasound beam to visualize the ovary. Get a repeat ultrasound or CT abdomen done. Colonoscopy should be done after that as suggested by your doctor.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.