My story- tricky situation- please help

[krazyas]

Hi!

I'm new to this community but not to ovarian cysts.

In 2004, at the age of 24, I had an ovarian cyst rupture. This was my first cyst ever. The pain went away after a day, and I never thought anything about it.

In 2005, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism- followed by a dx of hashimotos disease (TPO >3000). Apparently, I had been misdiagnosed for over 5 years with these conditions because the doctors kept telling me that I was not sick, I did not look sick, and I was worried over nothing.

Since this time, i have been extremely ill and unable to work. I have developed severe allergies to so many foods and medications, and I have had a ton of crazy symptoms which have destroyed my health and my life. For example- I developed a mysterious symptom where I cannot walk around or be in the cold because my body temperature instantly drops to hypothermic levels. I've been to a ton of doctors, and have had a ton of tests done over the last 3 years, but the doctors once again ignore me for the simple fact that I do not look ill.

Since 2005, I've been on synthroid, and increased it very slowly until the summer of 2007 when I began developing terrible chest pains with every increase. This is when my first ovarian cyst developed while I was hypo. Since then, I have been in horrific pain everyday to the cysts. I have had 2 ovarian cysts rupture, and 3 more that continue to grow. The latest transvaginal ultrasound  results on 12/11/08 explained that my left ovary has a 3.1 x 1.8 cm functional cyst and my right ovary has a 4.4 x 3.9 cm and a 1.8 x 1.8 cm functional cyst. My gyno said that I need to come back on January 22 to have another ultrasound and to discuss surgery to remove them.

Here's my situation- I went from being the healthiest person alive to being bed ridden at the age of 25. At 28, I am still so weak and sick.  I have done my own research since being sick and i know that my thyroid is undermedicated with my TSh around a 3, my estrogen is high, my progesterone is EXTREMELY low, my LH and FSH is low, TPO is still 1250, and my multiple allergies may create a problem with anesthesia. Plus, my body could never handle a cold operating room. Therefore, can I even get Lap surgery to remove these cysts? I told my gyno, my endo, and my PCP, and they all said "I am fine." However, I know I am not.

Therefore, do you think if i try to increase my synthroid- this will help balance out my female hormones- and possibly reduce my cysts to avoid surgery? When i found this community, I found it very interesting that there is a strong correlation between hypothyroidism and ovarian cysts. My theory is that my undermedicated thyroid is causing my ovaries not to ovulate (I track my BBT and I have not ovulated in 8 years...which is ironically since I've had hypo.) So do you think this may work...or should I just prepare myself for surgery?

Thank you for your time!

[krazyas]

Thanks for the additional information!

[TrudieC]

I had to have a laparotomy so was put to sleep and I do believe they put you to sleep if you have a laparoscopic surgery.  You are usually off for about 2 weeks with that.  With my cysts my female hormones were crazy and have calmed down considerably after the surgery (I have one ovary left).  I just assumed you can ask for the heated blankets (I know they have them on you in recovery) so you will need to look into that one.

[krazyas]

Hi!

Thank you so much for the response!

I am happy to hear that you had positive results since having your surgery! That makes me feel alot better :)

Ironically- ever since I have had these cysts, my thyroid levels have stabilized! And, I actually have felt better! Some how throughout this whole hypo nightmare I have managed to stay a size 0-2, and the swelling and pain in my muscles and joints have subsided. I still have brain fog and fatigue...but they are no where as bad as they were in 2005 when my TSH was an 8. Unfortunatey, my female hormones are all out of wack and I am starting to wonder if teh cysts are contributing to this.

I did not know that they could put heated blankets on you during a surgery! Thanks for that info! When i am home under a nice warm blanket, my body temp stays normal.

Can I ask- were you put to sleep for your surgery? And how long was the recovery period? I am attending graduate school online, and I have a Phd class starting in January. And I am just trying to figure out if I can get the surgery done and still be able to keep up with the heavy workload.

Thanks so much for your time and Happy New Year!

[TrudieC]

Hi there!  You are having quite a tough time.  I am also hypothyroid.  I was having big problems losing weight and had awful hypothyroid symptoms with my levels going all over the place.  I was diagnosed with cysts this past April and had surgery to remove a grapefruit cluster of cysts that had bled together plus my right ovary and tube.  I cannot believe how good I feel.  I think those cysts had been bothering me for a long time without my knowledge.  My thyroid levels have totally leveled out and no more hypothyroid symptoms, all the bloating in my body plus the swelling and pain in my feet, ankles, hands, arms, etc. is gone, I can think clearly, and am finally able to lose weight.  

I would really recommend having the surgery as you may have success like me in solving your hypothyroid issues (I do stay on synthroid).  Work with your doctor to see if they can put heated blankets on you in the surgery.  Make sure your anesthetist knows your background before surgery.  You can feel better.  Good luck!