Flying with a BIG cyst & Has anyone had fertility problems after a cyst?

[marj99]

I'm so grateful to have found this website.  It's such a relief to find some support and get some advice from women who are going through the same thing.  It's an incredibly scary and painful time - but I'm finding some really helpful posts on here.  I actually found this site because I was looking for information on whether it was safe to fly with an Ovarian Cyst.  Like another member I've found on here - I'm English and have no family or friends over here in the states apart from my husband.  We are both a bit overwhelmed and in shock at the moment and it doesn't help that we dont really understand the ins and outs of how the health insurance works etc.
After months of right sided abdominal pain (which went away after a couple of tylenol), on sunday i was forced to go to the Dr's when I had the worst pain of my life.  I am a 32 year old woman - who's had no previous medical issues and has been trying for a baby.  The Dr told my I probably had a small ovarian cyst and told me to keep an eye on the pain and to go back if it got worse.  I didn't really understand how it could get worse because it was excruciating and had me in tears.  Anyway, the next day i did feel worse.  I could barely eat, my stomach was so tender and sore I could barely move without wanting to cry.  My lower back ached and I still had this horrible right sided pain.  So i went back to the Dr the next day - she performed a pelvic exam and didn't find anything unusual, but when she pressed firmly on my right side - i screamed in pain.  So was sent for a CT scan as they thought it might be my appendix.  Long story short - it turns out I have a 10cm ovarian cyst and fibroids.  I have an appoinment to see a ob/gyn on Monday, but cant help thinking that my dreams of having a baby are over.  I'm also so scared because I've never had any medical problems and the thought of surgery brings on a panic attack.  I miss the support of my family and friends back in England so much that i can't stop thinking about the possibility of flying back for the surgery.  I'll have to see what the Dr says i guess.  Does anyone have any experience of flying with a cyst this big?
Was also wondering if anyone could shed some light on whether cysts and fibroid's will lead to problems having children?

[justscore]

Flying should not be a problem.  After years of Endo, cysts and several surgeries to correct the condition, I was able to have twins w/no problems.  Hope all goes well w/you!!!

Heidi

[TrudieC]

I agree with what Babypooh says.  There is no increase in risk with flying.  Your fertility will likely improve after your surgery and even if they have to remove one ovary (and they will try not to remove unless necessary - ensure you talk about this) the other one picks up the slack within a few months and continues to ovulate on a monthly basis.  Hopefully (your cyst is on the cusp of being too large) your doctor can remove via laparscope which only requires a 2 week recovery.  Do ensure you find out more about what type of cyst it is.  And fibroids are a very common benign issue for many women.  Good luck and keep us posted!

[babypooh]

I know how hard it can be to deal with the news of having a big cyst, honey. Try to calm down and find comfort in knowing that most are benign. You can certainly go on to have children and will have more chances of conceiving after the fibroids are removed, as they can decrease your chances of conceiving by up to 70%. Cysts can do that too, depending on what type they are. Did they tell you if your cyst is simple or complex? Either way, dear, remember that truly, most are benign. They can just be a hassle to deal with. Perhaps the excruciating pain you felt was due to another cyst rupturing. That can certainly cause that much pain, but if that was the case, it should subside within a few days. You still need the others monitored though.
Cysts can also cause pain by twisting. Ask the doctor lots of questions so you know what's going on. Try to relax and take things one day at a time without torturing yourself with thoughts of "what if". It's hard not to, honey, but really try not to :)
As far as flying goes, I don't think that would be a problem. I have never come across any information warning against it, but you can certainly ask your doctor about it if it would make you more comfortable.
Keep us posted and good luck! Try not to worry!