Family History of OVC, Doctor is just brushing my symptoms off.

[jules6162002]

Hi, I am 33 and my mom, and grandmas have had either OVcysts or CANCER.  I have had discomfort in my Uterouse for bout 6 months.  It hurts when u apply pressure there as well.  I also have had menstrual type cramps before, during and after my period it has been almost 2 weeks after and I am still having constant cramping, it also goes into my back.  They did blood work, they found that my liver was abnormal.  Well they did a UT on me and they told me that the tech didn't state anything wrong except that I have tiny pieces of gallstones.  They also did a UT on my ovaries, and they only got a reading on my left ovarie.  But they have informed me there is no reason why they should do another UT..I am so frustrated.  Is this normal to have cramping for that long after and before my period.  O and also my stomache is very swollen no matter if I eat or not.
Should I ask to see my OB, or a different doctor.  How right is a UT?
Thanks for listening,
Jules

[lisad424]

You know your body. I'm still trying to get a diagnosis myself and have just started to stand up and say enough is enough! You have the right to know what is going on and regardless of what the diagnosis turns out to be, no one should be living in constant pain! As one of the ladies on this forum told me, "Demand that your doctor run tests on you!" If you feel you are still get brushed off, find another doctor. You owe it to yourself! Take care, be strong, and keep us posted!

[SimplyStar]

On this forum we are trying to get women to get a correct diagnosis as fast as possible. Insist that a qualified radiologist read your results, not a tech. Way too many mistaken readings and lab results are happening now days.  My daughter got put off for over 4 months by doctors and she now is fighting OVCA.  No family history for her, but you do, so  make them listen,  hopefully it is a benign situation, but if not,  the sooner you find out the easier it will be for treatment.  Keep us posted to your progress and please ask any more questions you have.

[Paula J9]

I have a very strong opinion about this and I think you should pursue this further.  The ideal situation would be to catch something before it progresses too far.  I'm not saying that you have ovc but just with the family history alone, I think one ultrasound is not enough.  I think you should ask for a transvaginal ultrasound if you didn't already have one, or ask for another one.  You could also ask for a barium swallow test to rule out any upper GI problems.  I'm sure that you've researched your symptoms but have you also considered a fibroid could be causing some of these symptoms.  Don't let the DR or anyone discourage you from continuing on.  We know our bodies and we know when something isn't right.  I have just been told that I have 2 fibroids in my uterus and 2 cysts on my right ovary.  I had a regular ultrasound, a transvaginal ultrasound (this is where they found my problem) and I've just had a CT scan on Tuesday.  I hope to know more on Monday.  In the beginning the Dr did try and help by ordering lots of diagnotic test and such but when I told him that I was in pain everyday and bloated everyday and that ovca ran in my family, he sat up and took notice.  Good luck to you and I hope you let us know when you find out what the problem is.

[RavenLady]

Hey Jules,
     I agree with Mermaid, get into see you GYN.  By UT I think you mean US, ultrasound, and if so I would be wondering about why the Tech could not visuize that ovary?  So many women here also have liver issues, what did they say was going on with yours?  I think  ruling out a major issue with your liver and ovaries takes priority over the gallbladder issue.  Hang in there Jules!  MV

[nyc lady]

You stated that your mother and grandmother have had cancer....what type?  Was it OvCa?  

Depending on the types of cancer they have had, you could be in a higher risk pool(10 percent higher when first line relative - mother or sister were diagnosised with OvCa, Breast or Colon Cancer).  I would suggest seeing a GYN and discussing your family history as well as getting another to find out why only one ovary was seen.  A good GYN is going to take proper tests and send you to a specialist if necessary.

Now, all that said, they signs and symptoms of OvCa can be vague and they same symptoms for common conditions such as IBS, gall bladder issues, etc. When looking at statistics, even with a family history, your chances of being diagnosised with OvCa is low.  It is important that you are tested completely to see what is causing your discomfort.  The one thing that most of us have learned is that we must be our own advocates, you know your body and you know you don't feel well.  You deserve to know why.

Let us know how things go when you go back to the doctor.

[mermaid26]

Unfortunately, pelvic and abdominal symptoms "crossover" and it can be hard to distinguish what is really causing the problem.  This causes much worry, frustration, and an expensive and lengthy journey to a diagnosis.  Continue to listen to your body, write down your symptoms daily, and pay attention to your diet.  I had my gallbladder out last year, I didn't have stones present, but it was low functioning according to a HIDASCAN test.  It took almost 5 months to get that test.  I had incredible bloating, pain under ribs, (felt like when I was pregnant and the baby is kicking you under the ribs.)  Fatty foods will trigger the pain.  Because I had a history of an ovarian cyst, I started out with my GYN.  Keep moving forward, I personally know the frustration of being told it's just probably IBS.  Good luck and my prayers for a quick resolution.