Severe back pain with ovarian cysts, thickened endometrium

[steph21]

I am 31-year-old with ovarian cysts, severe back pain for 6 months, pelvic discomfort intermittently, 8 day periods, heavy bleeding, having 2 periods in a month who is fed up.  I was diagnosed six years ago with endometriosis, fibroid tumors and cysts with another physician who does not practice locally any longer.  I went to another physician locally and schedule an US.  The nurse practioner told me my uterus was enlarged to twice its size and thought it was due to a fibroid on exam.  When I went for US the technitian said my right ovary was resting on my uterus.  Then the doctor formally calls me (upon several calls to practice 2 1/2 weeks later) and says it is a little cyst with a thickened endometrium.  He placed me on the patch for 2 months.  I have no relief as of yet other than my periods being lighter, although one month I bled blood clots as large as silver dollars.  I go back for another US next week after being on this patch for 2 months.  I would like to know why doctors are not utilizing CA 125, as they do with PSA for prostate cancer screening.  I know it is not 100% accurate, however something is better than nothing.  I am very frustrated, as the practice did not call to get my previous medical records, nothing.  Why are so many doctors just complacement with women's pain?  I have had it with the back pain and told to just take 2 Aleve a day for pain.  That does nothing for my pain.  I am frustrated because we as women have been shunned up until just recently with hormone problems being in our head.  Let me know what you think I should?

[clane1230]

I have had chronic back pain for the past 6 months and now today it is excruciating in my lower back. I have had ovarian cysts before and feel I may have endometriosis. I can barely sit or stand at this point and don't know if I should go to ER or just wait to see my OB/Gyn MD?? Help

[foreverfriends1]

Dear Step21

As you sound to be, in a lot of turmoil, I just felt the need, to message you, & to say "You are NOT alone". A thickened endometreum, is not right and you possibly, have endometriosis which could be pressing, on your back. Please, try to see a Gyn. or chat to a nurse or a close friend - BUT, get these problems sorted. It does not matter, what treatment the rest of the world are receiving? If the doctor thought you needed a CA125 he/she would give you, this test. If they knew, you felt so badly, or read your post here, I also feel, they would try to help you - for they are human beings - just like you, and me.As you have had Ovarian Cysts and other health problems you are now possibly weak and tired, of "Trying to be heard"....The best way of getting help, is to speak to your doctor, and let him/her know, what you, need him/her to do for you. They are not Psychic, and yes, they too have their faults and failings. The reason you might of been given the patch was to possibly regulate your periods or to stop the cysts? Tell your doctor this is not working and ask for help. I have been told I am to have a Hysterectomy and am "quaking in my shoes". I am more scared of the heavy bleeding and clots you mention in your message "than of any hysterectomy" for I too, have suffered with similar problems to yours. Please take care of yourself and once again go to see a Gyn. Explain that the patch did not work and that you are unable to cope with the pain or ovarian cysts. Foreverfriends1

[MickeyVicki]

In your case, the CA-125 would not be reliable - endometriosis and fibroids can both cause highly elevated levels.