Ruptured cyst, continued intervals of pain

[blindbat101]

Went to the ER 16 days ago for acute abdominal pain from my pelvic floor to my neck and the CT scan said ruptured ovarian cyst with extensive blood in the abdominal cavity.  Sent me home telling me they couldn't tell me how long it would take for the blood to reabsorb and that blood is an irritant so expect discomfort.  I had an ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound 9 days post ER visit and the results were exactly the same as on the CT scan -- same swollen left ovary and more visible cysts, many pockets of blood and fluid.  It has been 16 days and while I feel a lot better it still has me crying out and close to tears when I have anything in the bowel -- even gas -- and no, I'm not constipated.  Even having anything in my bladder has me in severe discomfort.  Doctor says that is just the remaining pockets of blood and fluid which will take time to dissipate.  I have no history of cysts, but have had bulging disks in my low back for years, which respond to my monthly cycles with increased or decreased pain.  There has never been any mention of endometriosis.  

Anyone have any advice on how long it takes for the blood and fluid to absorb?  Anyone have any pain management suggestions?  Excedrin migraine sometimes helps, but haven't found anything else.

Thanks!

[blindbat101]

Just posting a follow-up for anyone who is looking for information on the after math of a ruptured hemorrhagic ovarian cyst without complications (infection or surgery).  The doctors tell you that everyone is different and they can't tell you how long it will take for the blood and fluid to reabsorb and therefore can't tell you how long you'll be in pain.  It's been 3 weeks since my rupture and I am just now beginning to be able to pass gas, pee and poop, without it feeling like I'm giving birth and my insides are being ripped apart.  This is serious improvement, as I've been near crying with anything in my intestines or bladder.  Still feels like "there's something up there" but it's not as intense or as painful as it was previously.

I will update again when anything changes.  There doesn't seem to be many follow-up posts for ruptures as to how long it takes for the pain to go away, so I'll try to document it here.  Mostly I've been pretty tired, having an achy heavy-feeling pelvic area, feeling like "there's something up my butt," and having labor-like pain when passing anything through the bowel or bladder.  Again, 3 weeks post rupture it is beginnng to be less intense.  I have not found anything that helps with the pain (but heat seems to make it worse - don't know if that's universal or just me), but have found that drinking kefir has helped keep the bowels moving and is easier to eat than bulky food.

I have another ultrasound scheduled in 2 weeks and will let you know if they still see blood and fluid or if it's gone by then.  

[Jinies]

I did not even know I had an ovarian cyst. We were on our way to my boyfriends daughter's birthday dinner when I have this intense pain in my pelvic area and extreme heat and pain radiating from my back to  The front of my abdomen. It was so anti-19 I can't believe I made it through the dinner. I felt nauseous I felt hot I felt like I couldn't breathe and extreme extreme menstrual pain and back pain! I went to the emergency room the  following morning. They told me I had ruptured a hemorrhagic cyst. I was in shock I didn't even know I had a hemorrhagic cyst to begin with! On the ultrasound there was a large mass about 2 inches wide and 3 inches long and he told me that was the blood and fluid from  The cyst. I was still in bad pain and they told me that my body would naturally absorb the fluid and blood itself.  And that's basically what they told me, now not knowing anything about ovarian cyst I listen to them. That was nine months ago I went in for an OB/GYN check up and they had noticed three almond size cysts on the same ovary . And I'm starting to feel that same feeling I had felt when that hemorrhagic cyst had ruptured. I'm only 31 years old and I do not want to be inferred all nor do I want to have cancer or any more complications. But yes the doctors were  correct, my body absorb the fluid and I had felt better within eight days.  The one thing that does make me upset is how the doctors act like a ruptured ovary is not that big of a deal they call it "uncomfortable" that's a major understatement! The rupture of my ovarian cyst was horrifying and hurt almost as much is labor giving birth.

[asharris]

Have you tried a heating pad or hot compress?  I hope you feel better soon!

[blindbat101]

Updating for anyone looking for rupture follow-up information.  It has been 5 weeks since my rupture and I've been feeling much better for about 1.5 weeks.  For me, it was 3 weeks of intense episodic pain, and then it tapered off very quickly and I've been back to "normal" for about 1.5 weeks.  I'm active and exercising and all feels pretty normal.

I had an ultrasound on Monday and the free-fluid in my abdomen is cleared up and they did not see any remaining issues from the rupture.  

However, the ultrasound indicated that I have another hemorrhagic cyst growing, which was 6 cm on Monday, up from 3 cm 3 weeks ago.  Had another ultrasound on Tuesday, and it has increased in size to 7.9 cm (yes, almost 2 cm growth within 24 hrs).  I am not interested in rushing into surgery at this point and have requested that we do another ultrasound in 2 weeks in hopes that it will stabilize and/or reabsorb on it's own.  Knowing the risk of rupture and what it's like to go through, I am comfortable with a wait and see plan.  Personally, I would rather risk rupture than have a surgery that might not be necessary.  My doctors are confident that I know the risk and are agreeing to my desired approach.  In the meantime I have very minimal "twinges" of discomfort, absolutely nothing like the rupture, and am feeling fine.  I'm continuing to eat probiotic foods, have eliminated all grains (they cause inflammation in me), and am focusing on having fun and enjoying the summer (although I'm not having intercourse as that's what I believe caused the first rupture).

I'll update again if anything changes or when I have any different information.

[TeriLynnG]

Be careful, I have had one rupture and tore my whole ovary in half, had internal bleeding for 3 days days before I went to the E.R.  Had my whole Ovary removed, was in hospital for 2 days before they realized I needed a transfusion.  Just keep an eye out....it was an awful experience! and good luck

[blindbat101]

Thanks Teri!  Ouch!  Your experience sounds way up there on the pain scale!  I'll be sure to keep that in mind if mine ruptures again.  Good to be mindful!  Are you okay now?  Any recurrances or other complications?  

[blindbat101]

Had another ultrasound today and the results appear to be about the same as they were at my last scan 2 weeks ago.  Hemorrhagic septated cyst measuring about 8 cm.  A tiny little bit of free-fluid in the cul-de-sac, which might mean it's leaking a bit.  Blood flow to the ovary continues to be good, no signs of torsion.  Still feeling good with the occasional twinge and ache but overall completely livable.  Have not heard from my physicians yet as to their opinions, but I'm still hoping that it will absorb on its own.  In the meantime I'm going to enjoy a beach vacation with my family next week!  

[dylansmama]

Even though your post is 3 years old I just wanted to say thank you for sharing, you are the only person I found online experiencing the same description of pain as myself.

I had a cyst erupt almost two weeks ago (the day before I was suppose to go to a family get together) I had a couple different doctors tell me I was going to have to have surgery but the obgyn doctor came in and said that she just wanted to keep an eye on it...I was so happy when they let me go home the next day, but I still had horrible pain. About 4 or 5 days after every time I would go to the bathroom it literally felt like I was giving birth, after a couple days it still hurt but not like I was in labor. I am glad that the pain for you went away and it for me gets a little better each day. I would not wish this pain on my worst enemy.

Again I just wanted to say thank you for posting and updating your progress...I hope you never experience that kind of pain again and I am anxiously waiting for the day it doesn't hurt anymore!

[JKL1023]

I, too, would like to express gratitude for your follow-up!  I had a cyst rupture 2 weeks ago and found on ultrasound yesterday that I have much free fluid still present.  I can feel the pressure and the heaviness/bloat.  The extreme pain has certainly subsided, but the aching and distention in my lower left side is very noticeable to me.  The ultrasound tech was really dismissive and shrugged it off, telling me "it will just take time to reabsorb."  I have had 4 children, including natural twins with no drugs...this pain is pretty severe and I'm tolerant!!  Anyways, thank you.  I suppose I will keep popping Motrin and hoping my abdomen flattens back down!

[jeffsgal]

This is exactly what's happening to me. I know my body, but the obgyn tried to tell me my pain is disproportionate to a ruptured cyst with an extreme amount of free blood as diagnosed by the ct and ultra sound in the ER. I have birthed 4 children without pain relief so I believe I am very tolertant to pain. This is very similar to being pregnant and in labor. The pressure and pain is non stop horrible.  I am so grateful someone posted with full follow ups!  We're not crazy!  This can clearly go on for weeks and leave us in extreme non stop pain.  One Tylenol#3 every 6 hrs does nothing.  I feel much stronger now to advocate for myself knowing I'm not alone!  Thank you!!

[andies2]

I have just had a cyst rupture as well. I was in the most extreme pain I have ever experienced beyond childbirth, actually equal to. The most frustrating was the way I was treated by men doctors at the hospital here. For some reason a woman's pain is not treated seriously.  My CT scan did not show my left ovary so it was assumed it shriveled up due to my hysterectomy where the ovaries were preserved. I went to my post general practitioner who allowed me to cry on the table without any empathy whatsoever, who told me he'd just send me home with some pain medicine. I wanted to find out what was causing it. The ER doc was worse allowing me to stay in the gurney without any assistance for over an hour and a half. Finally my OBGYN figured out the problem, hidden on the CT scan, by listening to my symptomatology not relying on inconclusive evidence. The left ovary was there, it just was not visible.

Let us face it women know pain and we know it well but that does not mean we should have to bear it on our own if there is a way to treat it. Pelvic pain, should be taken seriously rather than brushed off to a woman's aliments. . Fortunately there are those who do care, have empathy are more compelled to diagnose. A ruptured ovarian cyst is frightening because of the intense high level of pain, I would like to see those doc's feeling that pain so they would better understand it. We are not a bunch of hormonal cry babies.

[Dxander]

andies2, I'm glad you posted - when my cyst ruptured, it was the most unbearable pain I've ever had. Childbirth was easier. Fortunately I had pain meds at home and took one before having to go to the ER. I waited 5 hours in the ER, (running to the bathroom crouched over in pain for the first 30 min) before a doc would see me, take a CT scan and diagnose.  The pain meds worked within 1 hour. You'd think with all the posts and how common this seems to be, they'd have a better answer than to wait it out and see...

[BlueV]

Hi everyone, thank you for this string of replies. There is really nothing out there and docs are by no means helpful in giving a definitive answer regarding when the pain will go away or how it should feel and for how long.

I've had mine rupture about 2 weeks ago and the pain feels like someone has punched me in the stomach repeatedly. I had to spent 6 days in the hospital wired to all sorts of intravenous medicines but I was lucky to avoid surgery.

The pain I have is odd and it seems to go away one day but come back the next. Its more like cramps and contusion in one and if someone is squeezing my ovaries. Not to mention i feel heavy and with awful bloating ...I am starving if I dont eat and in great pain when I do as it feels like my body doesnt workout food very well these days. I feel like my tummy is going to burst. Yogurt does help and all sorts of probiotics, I guarantee that, but once I have some food the bloating comes back worse than before !!!

Now I've had my period and really messed me up so I dont know where the pain comes from. I feel quite tired to go from one place to the next and it worries me whether I could go back to work next week as the doctor seems to think it should be ok as long as I take it easy and not run around like a maniac or lift weights.

Do you know if moving makes it worse? I've heard stories about having to stay in bed for 1 month because otherwise it wont heal and the fluid/blood not absorb...And of course I am nowhere near wanting sex but do you know when its safe to start again? My doctor laughs at this question and says "just stay positive".....

[hscorp64]

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 :(

[old_before_my_time]

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?

[amgc]

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!

[quana0310]

know this is an old post but im going through the same. have a 3cm cyst on right ovary, one on kidney and one that ruptured 2 weeks ago. and i feel exactly like you.

[quana0310]

know this is an old post but im going through the same. have a 3cm cyst on right ovary, one on kidney and one that ruptured 2 weeks ago. and i feel exactly like you.

[sear1]

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!

[JKL1023]

Same - small simple cyst present, but the fluid is what I believe is causing the bloating and the persistent pain.  Ugh!

[old_before_my_time]

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!

[userzyx321]

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.

[LindaColorado]

I LOVE my ob/gyn! No referrals needed, had a cyst rupture (I didn't know as it was my first), and he saw me on Christmas Eve! Immediately brought in the trans vaginal ultra sound, showed the deflated cyst and fluid, and equated it to being "racked" for a guy. No waiting for test results, immediate appointment, clear diagnosis. I've had two rupture after that (within a year). I now know what it is, and the warning signs before they happen. I had a hysterectomy two years ago, but kept the ovaries.

[mbc095]

This thread was so helpful to me, thank you to everyone for sharing your stories. I went through almost exactly what @mijacafe experienced through the beginning of her story.

I was suffering from lower back pain and general pelvic discomfort for a few days before I finally decided to go see a doctor for what I assumed was a UTI or kidney infection. After a urinalysis, blood work, and x-rays, the doctor diagnosed it as kidney stones (that were in the process of traveling to / through my bladder). I was prescribed an antibiotic (800mg /160mg Bactrum) and pain medication and was referred to a urologist for the next day. ps- Obligatory pregnancy test was negative even though I knew I wasn’t preggo.

I was vomiting after two doses of the Bactrum and the pain meds weren't helping. I saw the urologist the next day and had the same tests run (urinalyis, blood work, x-rays). The urologist was 90% sure the "stones" were actually just calcifications and totally normal but would have to run a CT scan to be certain.

CT scan came back negative for stones, the urologist discontinued the Bactrum, but the radiologist located a 4.5 cm cyst on my right ovary. I should note I had also started spotted a few days before that but just thought my period was being weird. The urologist told me to see my GYN as soon as I could, so the appt. was for the following Monday.

The pain meds (5 mg Hydrocodone / 325mg Acetaminophen) were barely helping the pain in my back, especially the right side, and it was shooting throughout my whole body. Over that weekend I started cramping really badly and was clotting and had a really heavy flow. The cramps were so intense at times I was almost in tears. My husband came to check on me at one point because I was vocally in pain.

The GYN did an ultrasound and confirmed the cyst was there and that it was a hemorrhagic cyst; the fluid or blood within the cyst had started to come out and into my blood stream. She described it was “hell” but was hopeful that a few days would be the solution, gave me stronger pain meds (10mg Toradol), and said to come back if I wasn’t better in a week. 

Those pain meds definitely helped, and time was the cure. I had what I would describe as a really heavy period for about three days, then light bleeding for about three days after that, total.

I started to feel like myself again about four days after seeing the gyno and the bleeding or period or ruptured cyst fluid was gone. The pain was manageable, but this was 12 or 13 days from when I initially started feeling what I thought was a UTI.

It was frustrating to be in pain and have to go from doctor, to specialist, to gyno to figure this out, but I hope that sharing my experience can help women who might be in a similar situation. Don’t be afraid to be empowered and tell the doctor you’d like these tests if you don’t think you’re receiving thorough treatment. Thank you again to everyone who share their stories, you really helped me know I wasn’t alone.

[old_before_my_time]

Welcome to the community. Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry you went through this but glad the cyst resolved and you did not need surgery. Of course, most cysts do resolve on their own but unfortunately, too many women who undergo surgery lose their ovary(ies) versus just the cyst(s).

[Musiclady10]

I have been have problems for 5 years. Would get this unbelievable  pain and then have extreme bloating, pressure and frequent urination. During one episode I couldn't go 15 mins without having to urinate. Everyone said it was a UTI. I have Er trips, PCP visits, Urologist and two Gynecologist. When it all started happening I said it feels like something burst. Last week the same thing happened but the pain last for 14 hours before I talked myself into going to the ER. Where after getting the "Well no one else can figure it out why do you think we will now speech" the doctor ordered an ultra sound. They discovered a ruptured cyst on my left ovary and gave me pain meds and told me to follow up with my GYNO. Got into see her two days later. Do to a blood clotting problem I am on blood thinners, she is very concerned about this and suggesting I meet with a specialist and look like a complete hysterectomy is in my near future. I am a week past rupture and still in pain and very bloated, had all the same post symptoms mentioned extreme pain when having to use the rest room, pass gas etc.
Listen to your body don't give up only took me over 5 and well over 6 ruptures before it was diagnosed.

[old_before_my_time]

Welcome to the community. I am sorry you have dealt with recurring cysts and poor medical treatment. Have you tried various birth control pills to see if that keeps the cysts from forming? That works for some women.

Of course removing your female sex organs will ensure you have no more ovarian cysts but that is like "throwing out the baby with the bath water." It will cause a whole new set of health and quality of life issues. Numerous studies show that ovary removal or (hysterectomy induced ovarian failure) is associated with many increased health risks - heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, hip fracture, dementia, Parkinson's, cognitive and memory impairment, poor sleep quality, vision changes, skin changes, sexual dysfunction (loss of desire, arousal, response)...I think I captured them all!

Hysterectomy destroys anatomical and pelvic integrity due to the removal of the "hub" of the pelvis (uterus) and severing of ligaments / support structures hence a repositioning of bladder, bowel, and vagina as well as spine, hips, and rib cage. It is associated with increased risk of prolapse and "celes" - enterocele, rectocele, cystocele, urethrocele - as well as vaginal vault prolapse (a falling of the vagina without the uterus and uterine ligaments to keep the vagina upright.  

I had a hysterectomy 9 years ago and wish I had known just a small percentage of these facts. I NEVER would have allowed removal of any organs.

[Lel1]

Thanks all, for your stories. Since the medicos don't know, we obviously must discuss it amongst ourselves to try to understand what's happening to us.
So, my story: friday night 8 weeks ago, in bed, midnight, no sleep because of feelings like an adrenaline hit and a strange, busy, crawling sensation  in my abdomen. This was weird, and went on until 5am. I felt shocky, fast heartbeat, and when I finally slept it was as if I was passing out after a trauma.
I woke 3 hours later with a painful, rigid abdomen. I could hardly pee, and couldn't move my bowels. It was as if my insides were paralyzed. This went on for 3 days, no bowel movements, no appetite. If I did eat, a very small amount made me feel ill. Ditto drinking, even water.
On the fourth day I went to the dr. She said "acute abdomen!" and sent me for a ct scan, thinking diverticulosis. She thouht my problem was constipation, but that's because she didn't listen. The scan showed a 5cm ruptured cyst, right side, and free fluid in the adnexa. I'm 54, so had to have it checked for malignancy. All good, and the dr happily told me my bowels didn't work because the cyst had been pressing on them! I pointed out that they DID work on friday, I felt the cyst rupture friday night, and they didn't work saturday. She looked pensive and muttered as if to herself "oh, it would cause irritation!"
So, I googled frozen bowel, which is what if felt like, and there it was - ileus. Paralyzed, or partially paralyzed intestines or bowel. And indeed, everything has only started to work properly again in the last week - 7 weeks after the rupture. My regular doctor confirmed that ileus after a cyst rupture was possible. I wonder if that is what's happening to some of the previous writers...

More was to come. I very slowly got a little better, then began to get sicker. More abdominal pain, and increasing malaise. After 2 weeks I became aware of a pain in my right hip. My bowels not working, I thought that was the problem, with referred pain. Feeling generally miserable, but without anything specific to tell the dr, I didn't bother looking for help. Waiting.
2 weeks more, feeling worse and worse, and I started to run a fever intermittently. Off to the ER, thinking the cyst remains had become infected - this was 5 weeks after the rupture. Another ct scan. 2 days later I got a call from a dr at ER to call me in, as a review of the ct scan showed a large area of peritoneal inflammation, and a 7cm DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in my pelvis, in the hypogastric vein. Triggered by the inflammation caused by the cyst rupture. So, ruptured cyst, ileus, pelvic DVT.
I've been back to ER with chest pain and breathlessness, but it doesn't seem to be anything to do with the DVT, or the enormous dose of anticoagulants I'm on now - the chest pain under my bottom right rib and around to my back, and breathlessness to the point of faintness, is suspected to be caused by fluid from the cyst that's worked it's way up to irritate my diaphragm. So 8 weeks after the rupture of a 5cm (2") ovarian cyst,  I'm still in pain from fluid in the abdominal cavity. The cyst is resolving - it's 3cm, 7 weeks after rupture.
The thing that bothers me: the doctors brush off a cyst, but it seems, anecdotally at least, that the irritation caused by the cyst contents in the abdominal cavity can cause real problems like paralysis or partial paralysis of the intestines or bowel, and, as in my case, enough inflammation to trigger a DVT.

[old_before_my_time]

Wow, you have really had a time of it...sounds like everything that could possibly have happened did happen! The DVT could also be the cause (or part of the cause) of the chest pain and breathlessness and that can last for some time after the clot resolves. I hope you are soon feeling much better!

[dnbaaa]

After suffering for 2 weeks from a ruptured cyst, I was convinced there was something wrong with me.  My obgyn and family practitioner have both cleared me to go back to work now.  But there's no way!  (I'm a school teacher and on my feet all day.)  There is way too much pain and discomfort.  I was in the hospital for 2 days on IV antibiotics.  Docs said ct scan showed a ruptured cyst.  I was then diagnosed at my follow up visit with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.  So, here we are, 2 weeks later, still in pain (abdominal "heaviness" and pain all throughout my gut area) and still running a constant low grade fever.  I've had 2 follow up visits where I have had blood drawn and just a pelvic exam - no ultrasounds or anything.  Both docs have said "your white count looks much better; your body seems to be responding well to the antibiotics".  (I'm still on a round of 2 different ones they sent me home with from the hospital.)  BUT -- no one has been able to explain why I am in so much pain still and my fever won't go away.  The more I try to get up and "do", the worse I feel.  Even the constant vibrations from riding in a car set me off into major discomfort and achey pains.  (even feel it in my rectum)  It's hard to even stand or walk at times.  Sitting isn't very comfortable.  Lying down is the ONLY way I seem to find relief.  Reading these posts at least help give me some comfort that I'm not completely whacked out.  I just hate when I get looked at like --- "your lab results say you should be fine"…well, I'M NOT FINE.  And I really need to get back to work. I'm hoping that can happen in the near future???  I'm 45 years old, have had 2 cesarians, 1 etoptic pregnancy that ruptured, and I've had cysts burst before.  But this time the pain is almost identical to what I recall it being like trying to recover from a c-section and I didn't even have surgery.  Since I never feel any better the next day, I never know what to tell my colleagues at work -- how long will I be needing a sub?  I have no clue.  :(  But at least I now know that I'm not the only one on this planet who has experienced this.  
Thankful to have been able to read others experiences, but very sorry that others have had to experience this!

[belldobson]

My 15 year old daughter is going through the same thing that you did, minus the fever. She has been out of school for a month. The doctors cannot tell us how long this will last. Did you ever find any answers?

[old_before_my_time]

I am sorry you are going through this! It is surprising how long the pain can last. Hoping yours abates soon and you can return to work and normal activities.