Seeking an opinion, at least.

[fergilious]

I was not sure where else to post this. I am looking to see if anybody else has had the same problem or even an opinion.

This started about 3 months ago. I had extreme pain in my pelvic area. Sharp pain that was somewhat off and on, but even when it wasn't acting up, there was a dull pain. It continued to get worse, acting up the worst after intercourse.
I finally went to see a doctor. After seeing three different doctors and having a series of ultrasound tests done, I was finally told that I had one ovarian cyst, measuring about 3 centimeters (which in my studies is normal). I was told to go home, take some pain killers and hope it goes away.
So, that is what I did. I did end up going away but has come back off and on since. I am now developing new symptoms and am scared to go see the doctor again because I can't afford another $7000 bill to hear 'just hope it goes away.'
The new symptoms are tender nipples, pain in the lower back, occasional nausea and overall 'sick' feeling, very very low energy and headaches.
I am 22 years old. Have had one child (currently 4 years old) and am not pregnant.
This pain is causing a lot of difficulties in my life and the doctors aren't helping. Anyone care to give me an opinion?
Oh, the pain is located exactly where the doctor says my left ovary is.

 

[Raymond]

Hi Tigger,

Did they mention what type of ovarian cyst you have ? Do you have the radiologist's report ? You may want to get a copy of this, especially if you paid for it (!).

If the radiologist states that what you have is most likely a functional cyst, meaning a normal ovarian follicle that comes and goes with your menstrual cycle, then it is highly unlikely to be the cause of the problem. Functional cysts are normally fluid filled, with no septations (division within the cyst), thin walled and less than 5 cms. This type of cyst will go away within 1-3 menstrual cycles so if you are uneasy about it, schedule another ultrasound in about 10-12 weeks to make sure that the cyst is gone. Try to go around the time of your period as this is when you are the least likely to see ovarian follicles (it is the start of your cycle).

As for the pain, here are some things for you to consider:

1. When do these symptoms occur ? If it around day 12-14 after the start of your period then this is most likely ovulation and what you are experiencing is mettleschmerz or "middle pains" related to your ovulation. I have very painful ovulation and this normally lasts anywhere from 1-3 days, off and on. I usually use a heating pad and ibuprofen at this time until it passes.

2. Are you on any hormonal birth control ? Birth control pills, the patch, Mirena IUD or anything like that ? The symptoms you describe sound an awful lot like they are hormone related and certain hormonal birth control methods can cause this in some women.

3. On the ultrasound, did they look at the other organs such as the appendix, kidneys, uterus ? in order to see if they were of a normal size ? did they see any fibroids in your uterus perhaps ? These normally grow with estrogen.

4. Have you been checked for any sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or syphilis ? I am not saying that this is what it is but cross these causes off the list and be done with it.

Start by getting a copy of the radiology reports and read them to see what the specialist thinks it may be. You may find that the report does not concur with what your doctor told you as often doctors will "interpret" the report and then tell you what they think.

I hope you get well soon.

 

[cascade_boss_dogg]

I do not understand women's plumbing,and it seems that the opinion came from a professional.However you could throw yourself on the mercy of a non-profit that could help you.Your United Way,(First call for help"Dept") could assist you.My area has an "SOS" shelter which normally helps battered wives,but they are very empathetic.Our Catholic Charities has received accolades(and deservedly so)for the work they did after a deadly massacre hit our town.You are in a serious situation
and deserve special assistance. Grandfatherly love, Bill

 

[Cry to God]

Hi Bill,

I am a professional but not in the medical field. I am definitely not a doctor. Just someone who has had to go through the same situation of having an ovarian cyst and suffering from pelvic pain and (in my case) irregular bleeding. Let me tell you that you should be grateful not to have to deal with women's plumbing because it causes a lot of problems in many of us. In my case, I had to have my cyst removed through surgery so I have done A LOT of reading about this issue. I was also on the pill for over twenty years, something I now regret, and will have to go through menopause in about 8 years or so. I have therefore done a lot of research on hormone therapy as well (the pill, HRT etc..). I am determined to inform myself as much as possible so that any medical decision I make in the future will be solely my own.

I think that your suggestion is excellent and perhaps there is a women's centre somewhere nearby that, Tigger, you can access. These places may not have doctors necessarily on hand but at the very least they will have resources at their disposal and they can give you advice and connections which will not bankrupt you but will help you get to the root of your problem. They are also experienced with providing assistance and support so if you have any place like this in your area, it would definitely be a good idea to avail yourself of their services.

All the best.

 

[mindcandy4U]

I was absolutely thrilled(really)that I was recognized on here.I think that Tigger has been through the gauntlet,and has to have some extra help.
You have beaucoup brains,and I hope that Tigger and you have a decent 2010.Bill