Looking for answers

[lilbubba]

Hello...I posted on another thread and it was suggested I post about myself since I have been reading this forum for a bit in search of some answers.

I am 39 and have been having some symptoms of something for a year and a half. I have had back pain, lower abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating, pee all the time (could be all my caffiene at work though lol) indigestion and irregular periods.

As far as tests go..xray....showed lots of gas in upper abdomen and calcificaton in the groin. I had a colonscopy ....which had polyps (removed) and areas of irritation that I shouldn't worry about. I had a couple of US of the abdomen... which showed a couple cysts that have grown slightly but not large enough to be concerned with (last ones 3.3 right and 2.9 left). I had a gall bladder US which was normal. I also had a test for some kind of bacteria in my stomach which was positive so I was put on prev pac and some IBS medications. My FSH (?) was tested and said I was not in perimenopause yet.

As far as diagnosis go IBS, stress, and possible endometriosis. I was given medication for the IBS which has done wonders to give me more indigestion. I was also put on low dose estrogren to regulate my irregular period and help with the endometriosis and resolve the cysts. Since I have been on it (4months now) I spot daily...the pain in my abdomen has increased as well as all the other symptoms.

I started looking for my own answers as I figured I should, since the doctors don't seem to have answers. I doubt seriously I have cancer  but this site has opened my eyes to all the possibilities of what could be making me feel like **** everyday. I finally realize that maybe it is the cysts or maybe there is something else they need to do if it is endo. I keep reading this site though because it seems to have a lot of info that overlaps into my area of symptoms and has been helpful in me saying I need answers.

I think the strength that you all show is tremendous and also puts my world in perspective that pain and illness is always relative.

So if you all don't mind I will continue to hang out and read and hope that I find what I am looking for.

[rmarie]

Do you have the ultrasound reports? and did they do transvaginal ultrasounds?  I would ask for a copy and read what the physician reading them says.  The symptoms you have could be a number of things, including ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer, as well as endometriosis, I believe.  What does your Gyn say about the spotting?  are you on estrogen or the birth control pill to suppress ovulation?  From what I have learned on this site they put women on birth control to shrink the cysts.  You are right to take control, the cysts are growing you could push for a biopsy,or get a second opinion from a Gyn/Onc.  Start with getting copies of your reports and read them for yourself.  Keep us posted.  Good luck

[freshair]

Welcome to the site. We support each other and also try and prevent others from Stage III on ovarian cancer. With this horrid disease, if someone is diagnosed with cancer we want it to be an early stage where it is curable. Do what rmarie says -- the transvaginal and also try and get a CA125. Some doctors won't and some will prescribe a CA125. I highly recommend it with a TU. Most of the time it is cysts but most women on this forum that have ovarian cancer thought theirs were cysts also. I don't like the calicification in the groin and I feel that warrants further tests. Best wishes.

A very good surgeon says say this to your doctor.  "Prove to me that I don't have ovarian cancer." Say that and be very serious about it.

[SimplyStar]

welcome to the site, they passed my daughter off for 4 1/2 months saying it was IBS, finally got a second opinion and it was OVCA level 3,  take control, don't want to alarm you but thankfully 98% of all cysts, tumors are benign, but as one Lady on here says  "You only have one chance to get it right".  get the TVUS and the CA125, a good pelvic and if not happy with being passed over, get a second opinion from a GYN/Onocologist.  Good Luck and keep us posted.

[Jan214]

I am so glad you decided to post.  I don't have a clue what all of that could mean, but like the ladies said you need to keep pushing until you find out what it is.  
As Helen said, we want people to come here and find answers, before they are found to have advanced OVCA.
A lot of people don't like pushing their Drs, but it is your health not theirs.  I am sure Drs don't treat their own health problems with the same disregard as they do ours.
I can offer this suggestion as I had IBS for 27 yrs (it has stopped with the cancer thing) eat Activia Yogurt.  It will regulate you in 2 weeks.  You'll still have attacks but near as often, not near as bad and the yogurt won't give you indigestion like some of the meds.
Good luck and do lets us know what happens.
Kindest Regards,
Jan

[Brownie3321]

Welcome to the best board around! With love and prayers, Deandra

[lilbubba]

Hi again..I did get a copy of my US report, but it was not a transvaginal. At the time of the US which was in October, it said I have a cyst on each ovary that said I had a 3.3cm cyst on the right and 2.9cm on the left with some spetation on the right. It also said that I had some fluid...which my doctor said was probably due to a rupture but since I had no fever I shouldn't worry. I haven't seen the gynocologist since the symptoms first began and he referred me back to my primary. My primary is the one who put me on the pill. She put me on lo/ogestrel-28. She said she was putting me on it to regulate my period. When I told her that I was spotting she decided to do a pap smear, but everything came out fine on that. I have not had a ca125 because she said I didn't need it since I haven't gone through menopause yet.

As far as the IBS..I am trying to really watch my diet, take the medications and follow all the recommendations, but as of yet it hasn't cleared.

I guess it is time to see the doctor again. Hopefully I don't have to wait a month...she is always so busy it is almost impossible to get in to see my primary.

[yououtthere]

I agree with everyone.  This is your body and health we are talking about.  I have dealt with a cyst that is growing for a year now.  I just seen my gyn on Tuesday and the cysts is still there.  Now I have demanded to see a gyn/onc since nothing has been been done about it my appt is on the 28th.TAKE CONTROL!!!!  we are all individuals and need to let the doctors know that we will be persistant.

[crecco]

We all know our own bodies and if you feel that something is not right, then you must insist that they find out what is going on. If they continue to just blow you off then find another Dr on your own. For 31/2 months I was treated for IBS, depression, chronic constipation, and they were getting ready to start running thyroid tests when my GP decided that there was something seriously wrong. She was right: metastatic stage IV ovarian cancer. As the others before me have said, keep pushing until you get some solid answers.