Thank you for sharing your story. As others have mentioned it's so hard to get information on ruptured cyst. I’m about three weeks into an episode: six appointments, four doctors, countless tests and frustrations.
I went in to the doctor after having serve pain in my mid back/abdomen for about two weeks. It started small but had progressed to where it was hard to bend over to pick anything up off the ground, sharp pain when I would tilt my chin to my chest, difficulty sitting up in bed, throbbing/cramping pain on my side, pelvic area and mid-back. Sometimes a twisting or pushing feelings.
They did a dipstick pee test which revealed traces of blood. So, they diagnosed me with a kidney stone, gave me Flomax, ibuprofen and nausea medicine and sent me home. Said that I might have already passed a stone or could be passing one soon. I got home and started researching kidney stones.
First, the the doctor was very nonchalant in my diagnosis, stating that it was super common to have kidney stones and to just come back in 7 days if I didn’t feel better. Second, they didn’t give me strainer for my urine. Turns out it’s just a little plastic strainer with a filter inside it and I was able to buy one at a local medical supply store for $7.00. But, if I was in fact in the process of passing a stone it’s important to catch it so they can run tests on it. Lesson learned on that.
I spent the weekend in bed, with a heating pad. Super painful cramping in my mid back area, threw up a few times and just felt exhausted. They pain was also moving to my side, and then my pelvic area. Then would almost explode in my mid back on the right side.
After four days of taking medicine for a kidney stone I made another appointment with my primary care physician. Now my lab results had came back from the first urine test, which revealed no traces of blood. The doctor ordered another urinalysis just to confirm, but was sure that I didn’t have a kidney stone. We also completed my annual PAP to have additional information.
I really had to push that I knew my body and that I was worried, didn’t feel like myself and in extreme pain. The doctor then ordered a CT scan. Just saying that so anyone here doesn’t feel like you’re crazy or too demanding to want to know what’s going on with your body.
The next day I had a CT scan, and the following day my results came back.
Pelvic structures remarkable for 2.7 cm cystic change of the right ovary with free fluid tracking from the right adnexa with posterior cul-de-sac. Finding likely represent rupture of a physiologic right ovarian cyst with fluid tracking into the posterior cul-de-sac. Further evaluation could be accomplished with dedicated pelvic ultrasound. But, again they told me that this was something “common” and not to worry, that I basically just needed to ride it out, but they could give me pain meds.
At this point, I was relieved to have more questions answered and to hopefully be on the track to recovery. But, I still wanted more answers, was in constant pain and worried that I wasn’t feeling “better”.
There’s a history of endometriosis in my family. Generations have had problems with infertility, cysts and have required a laparoscopy to remove the endometriosis. I realize I’m not a doctor, but I felt this possible ruptured cyst need to be addressed so that I could be sure there was nothing more serious going on.
Next step: made an appointment to see a urologist to review my CT scan and to completely rule out a kidney stone. His findings matched: no kidney stone, but suggested that since I was still feeling so much pain to see my OBGYN and to also have a pelvic and abdominal ultrasound. He said it could be something related to my gull bladder or appendix.
Now I had two referrals to have a pelvic ultrasound. At this point I started taking pain meds. But was feeling like the pain was actually getting worse. I could still feel the cramping, twisting and sometimes sharp pain through the meds! I was so close to going to the ER, but I had an appt scheduled with my OBGYN the next morning.
OBGYN doctored listened to my symptoms, did some push tests on my abdomen & pelvic area, reviewed the CT scan results and tested by urine again to rule of an ectopic pregnancy.
She then gave me a referral to have an abdominal, pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound. The first two were typical ultrasounds where they put the goo on your belly and rub the little scanner across your body. But, the last was not fun. They stick a huge rod up your vagina, but it allows them to see what’s exactly going on.
My results should come in on Monday. But, the ultrasound did confirm that I do have cyst on my right ovary, it could be remnants of a ruptured cyst or still live (if that’s the correct term).
Throughout the past couple weeks I now have had a total of 6 appointments. I have been the one to push and for the tests and answers.
DON’T be afraid ask questions and to almost “demand” testing. If you feel like something is wrong with YOUR body, it’s in your hands to guide this process. It is super frustrating and very stressful. I’ve cried so many times over the past couple weeks. But, I’m so glad to have some answers and to have confidence in my treatment plan.
Welcome to the community. I am sorry you are still suffering. Ruptured cysts can sometimes cause infection so if the pain continues, you may need an antibiotic. But give it some time since the pain can linger awhile (months versus weeks). Hoping it is all soon behind you!
I find this thread so comforting. I have had pain just like this and after a battery of different tests am convinced there was a cyst which ruptured. They found one (simple) on my left ovary but did not see anything on the right where I am having the pain (over 2 weeks now). There is free-fluid and I think that is what is still causing the pain. It's not nearly as bad as it was originally.
Thank you all for sharing. It's unfortunate to me that women's health issues still have such a long way to go.
Best wishes!
great stuff- i haven't been able to find any info anywhere else about post ovarian cyst rupture. i am on week 3 post (had a 8cm rupture). I still feel awful. The doctor said I could do all of my regular activities, but it's hard. If I run in the morning I have bad shooting pain the rest of the day. I am still crazy swollen still too. I look 3 months pregnant. I am happy this is all normal though. I've been told it could take 2-3 months for your body to absorb a large ruptured cyst. I just want to feel better soon. The shots of pain that shoot through my butthole, in my crotch when I sit, etc. are getting old. When I run I sometimes get nauseous and it feels like my uterus is going to fall out - sorry if I'm ranting,.. just happy to find somewhere where I can do it. How long did it finally take everyone for full recovery? Thanks again!
Yes, Lupron can have some nasty side effects and can cause permanent damage. Ditto for hysterectomy even when the ovaries are not removed.
So I guess the Lupron injection at least saved you from having a hysterectomy?
I have been searching on line for someone that has experienced what I have. Your situation, although some years back sounds identical to mine that took place in Dec. 2014. The sharp labor like pains, the feeling of heaviness and as if I was about to drop a baby out of my bottom. I was told I had fibroids and a cyst but that it was the fibroids that were the problem, and that surgery would be the best approach ! A hysterectomy to be exact, and it would take me two or more months to get in so in the meantime to ease my pain I was told that an injection of Lupron would help. Well, I took the 3 month time released injection only to later be told by a surgeon that she thinks the culprit was that ruptured ovarian cyst. Now I am entering month 2 of hormones flooding through my system I've endured 3 weeks of migraines and headaches, hot flashes and foggy brain !! Anyone out there being recommended a Lupron injection please read up on the side-effects, I trusted my doctor and was only told of 4 minor ones and just wanted relief from pain so took it. The surgeon said the timing of the pain ending most likely landed around the time the injection was given. So, it would have stopped on it's own by being finally reabsorbed into my body :(