Should I see a different doctor?

[barb5]

I went to my OB/GYN last week due to out of cycle bleeding for two months now, severe abdominal swelling (I look pregnant) and persistent lower back pain. She didn't do a physical or any tests. She said it was hormonal and prescribed a different birtcontrol pill, yasmine, which has more estrogen. (I had been on YAZ for about a year).

I told her that the back pain is pretty severe. I had a miscarriage in January, and the day it happened, I didn't recognize the labor-symptoms for what they were. I had a strong lower backache that felt like I needed a BM.

I explained to the Dr. that my back pain now- is like that.. Feels like a bruise across the lower part.  She said the hormone imbalance can cause this. She also told me to take 800mg Ibuprophen. I am. I have been twice daily. It doesn't seem to help.  The pain is worse in the morning and late at night.  I have occassional "stretching" feeling across my HUGE abdomin. I am exhausted and I pee all the time.

When I had the miscarriage, the doctor did a D &C in her office. (I had the miscarriage in her office)- there was a lot of blood and it was AWFUL.  I've read on this site, sometimes a treatment for my symptoms is a D & C. But since I just had one, I can't imagine I'd need another one.

I've researched all my symptoms and keep coming back to an Ovarian problem. (Even when I try not to).

History:
I'm 33. 1 kid at 20. Miscarriage at 33. On birthcontrol most of my adult life.
I had out of cycle bleeding (with no pain) in 2006. Corrected w/ meds. (no tests)
Something else that scares me is that my paternal grandmother died at 39 from "differentiated carcinoma". My dad said she fell and went to the hospital complaining of back pain. They thought she was crazy, but after almost a year- they diagnosed her w/ cancer. He said it was in her stomach. However- he was 14 at the time, then 16 when she died. She 2 sons, no daughters. I can't say it was Ovarian, or what it was or where it started. But knowing this adds to my concern.

(I know this is LONG)..

I need to know..
1.  Should I see a different OB/GYN?
2.  What symptoms/issues are important to explain?
3.  What types of tests should be run?

You all seem to have varying and vast knowledge, so I appreciate the feedback.

[PinkTissue]

It never hurts to ask for second opinion especially since there is a possibility of cancer. Remember to bring all your scans and reports so there is no need to re-do them again. When my mum was first diagnozed - we asked 4 different doctors for their opinions.

[barb5]

Thanks for the advice and reassurances. I have an appointment w/ a new doctor 11/13, soonest they could get me in. I'll keep you all posted.

[crecco]

Everything that has been said is excellent advice. I too agree that you should see another Dr. It is unfortunate that so many times we run in to Drs who will not listen to us. I guess they figure since they are the Drs, they know what they are doing. But that is not always the case. It is your body and nobody knows it better than you. If you know that something is not right, then the Dr should listen and go from there. If he blows you off then you need to find another one. Make sure that when you do, you explain everything that you are going through and express your fears. Then do as Ronni said and tell him to prove to you that it is not ovarian cancer. All symptoms and issues are important so make sure you tell him evrything that is and has been going on.
Good Luck,
  Chris

[vegas2cr]

Tell the doctor.. "PROVE TO ME I DON'T HAVE OVARIAN CANCER..  THATS ALLYOU HAVE TO SAY...

You need to remember that you are the boss and you are hiring this doctor.. of course be respectful but disagree, ask for a transvaginal, a regualr ulttrsound and possilby a CA125 blood test... talk to him.  Most patients are afraid... what is the worst scenario.. he will say No... go for it honey...

[barb5]

Thank you all for the reassuring advice. I am looking online for another doc tonight.(And yes, I have a PPO- so I can see anyone in the Network)..

I am afraid though that once I go in and they tell me that it's hormonal, or something without tests that I won't have the guts to "demand" tests... Is it my right to demand tests? Or is it totally up to the doctor? And for anyone who's had to do that before, how did you go about it? I even mean specifically, what did you say to the doctor? I get nervous even thinking about it. I'm sure that I'll be okay no matter what, but I know -- I just know, it's more than my birthcontrol pills or my hormones. So I'll drive myself crazy until I get tested.

[vegas2cr]

See another Doctor... start with a transvaginal ultrasound... my tumors did not show well on a CT scan... a tvu is very inexpensive test to start with...Listen to your own body... I was lucky from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was only 3 weeks, but I had a doctor who never gave up on me...

[manneca]

Go see another doctor. My doc thought at first my symptoms were in my head and put me on an antidepressent. Then she thought it was my thyroid. The surgeon said in so many words that I must be lying about how much I was eating (I was gaining weight and looked 7 months pregnant.) I had a 7.5 lb ovarian tumor. I was stage 1 grade 2. Thank God I kept after everyone and knew something was wrong. I had a transvaginal ultrasound and the tumor did not show up.

No matter how much it costs, your life is more important. It may not be cancer (there are only about 22,000 of us lucky ones each year), but you need to have all the tests to make sure it's not. My tumor showed up on a CT scan.

[marie3B]

I agree with the above advice.  I wish you well.  Marie

[alanpvegas]

1) Yes (but does your insurance allow it?  it may come out of your pocket...check...but your health is more important)

2) Write them all down...it's up to the doctor to determine what is minor and what is not...that's their job...no matter how minor show them the list.  Medicine is almost like a detective story, they need all the facts to help make a big picture.

3) I suppose you can start with an Ultrasound.  Other options would be a CT-Scan and possibly ca-125 blood test if you suspect ovarian (you can discuss with them).  Here are symptoms:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer/DS00293/DSECTION=symptoms

[karol0405]

I am new here...but will say in response to #1 question...if you even have to ask that question...the answer is probably yes.  If you left that office and didn't feel like your issues were taken seriously or addressed or at least put a plan in place and you didn't feel comfortable...then you need to find someone that listens to you.  I can't imagine the dr. not doing a physical exam.  Now, I will say that if you generally like this dr. and trust her, then maybe she was having a bad day.  Maybe call her back monday and tell her your concerns.  the reason I say this is I took my kids to the ped. once, and (we had been going to same guy 11 years..I liked him!), and one day, I felt like we wer really blown off...and I was very irritated.  But then thought...he's NEVER been that way before, maybe something bad had happened earlier that day, etc, etc.  And I gave him a 2nd chance, and everything was back to normal.  They are human.

In response to #2...I am a firm believer in EVERYTHING is important to explain!  One thing I have learned is that symptoms that don't seem to be related, can actually be related.  Tell everything!

I can't say about #3...other than I would think a physical exam would be #1.  But I don't know.

I'm sorry about your miscarriage.