Should I be worried or rush to the doctor?

shelwriter · New User Joined: 14 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

Hi All -

I was reading some women's magazine last night and it had a small blurb about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and I kind of freaked out just a little bit.

To give some background, I've had some female issues for quite a while.

I have a wall that divides my uterus (discovered when I was 16) but have 2 miracle babies. Normal preganacies although was put on bed rest with daily Brethine in 2nd trimester thru the delivery with both. My 2nd pregnancy, my daughter was breech and had to have a C-Section (3 yrs ago).

Suspected endometriosis, never confirmed because my former OB and I don't want to do the invasive exploratory surgery to dx.

Was dx'd with microscopic hematuria (blood in urine) about 2 yrs ago. I have a standing 6-month appt. with a urologist who has done a bladder scope (normal), pelvic CT (discovered small liver cyst), found a severe yeast infection, performed a FISH test which came back normal and that's it. Have another appt. with him in December 2009.

Within the last few months I've had 2 more yeast infections that I wasn't aware of (no symptoms), had large amounts of discharge with no smell. During my PAP a few weeks ago, my general practicioner said that she saw some small cysts on my cervix. PAP came back with inflammed/irritated cervix so I went back for a wet prep discovered a vaginal bacterial infection for which my general practicioner gave me a 1-day antibiotic treatment for.

I've had pain during intercourse for a little over a year now.

This last year or so I've experienced periodic episodes of left low pelvic pain that almost knocks the breath out of me. Sometimes it lasts for seconds or minutes - then goes away.

Last week, I had an episode like that and the pain has subsided to a constant dull ache with moments of sharp pain. I woke up 3 times that night to go pee!! Have been doing that every night ever since. I NEVER have woken up to go pee in my life until now. I've always been a pee-3-times-a-day kind of girl. Now I have to go constantly.

My stomach has bloated to [b]unreal [/b]proportions. I have a constant pain in my left pelvic area and lower back and today a new symptom: my left hip hurts. What's up with that??

I feel very constipated and think I am. Been taking Miralax for 5 days, no relief. I've been very gassy (embarrassingly so) for about 2 years now.

All of these things (constipated, bloating, pain in pelvic area, lower back and having to pee all the time and getting woken up in the middle of the night 2-3 times for it) all hit at the same time and haven't gone away.

I'm exhausted all the time - but I thought that was normal. I work, am a mom, wife, etc.

Anyway - I just thought all of this was gas - and it may be. But, after reading the symptoms of ovarian cancer and realizing my symptoms fit them, I'm trying to stay focused on the probability I have gas. Smile

From your experience, would you be running to the doctor with this, or wait a while and assume it's gas and will go away soon?

If you read all of this, bless you!

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you dealing with cancer of any type. I appreciate any help and/or advice you can give.
Thank you!

shelwriter · New User Joined: 14 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

Forgot to mention I've been feeling nauseaous at times since this started, too.

Blessings!

shelwriter · New User Joined: 14 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

Just an update:

I scheduled an appt. with my doctor for later today. Something isn't right and I want to get checked out - whether it's gastric related or something worse.

I've been reading posts and my heart goes out to all of you who are dealing with this.

Ahab · New User Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 2

Hi,

My heart went out to you when I read this, I have exactly the same symptoms and a mother who died of ovca last year. Trying really hard not to panic.

What did your doc have to say?

shelwriter · New User Joined: 14 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

Hi Ahab -

I had a massive bladder infection. I've never had one before. And, the previous yeast infection hadn't gone away. Thankfully my vaginal bacterial infection had disappeared.

My doctor wanted to do a sonogram that day, but my insurance requires prior approval. I'm waiting for that to be scheduled now.

My doctor said although it's rare for ovarian cancer to cause bacterial infections, yeast infections, etc - she does think something is going on and wants to check it out.

I'm sorry to hear about your mother. Have you gone to the doctor yet? You definitely should go as soon as possible. Even if all yours turns out to be is an infection, you shouldn't wait.

Keep me posted. You'll be in my prayers.

Ahab · New User Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 2

Hi,

An infection can be very nasty but at least it's relatively easily treated. Very interesting to me, as I was hospitalised with a severe urinary tract infection in November last year, which was the start of all my ongoing pain....

I had an ultrasound today (living in the UK I am fortunate to have a free health system - it's not all bad here!). It showed ovaries completely normal. I am going to try and calm down now!

Best regards and thanks very much for your good wishes which are reciprocated.

shelwriter · New User Joined: 14 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

I'm glad your sono showed normal results. That is good news. Are you still having problems? Pain? Or, are things getting better?

I'm still hurting, still on the antibiotic. I still am bloated beyond belief, I look 6-months pregnant. The pain has migrated over to my right side now, too, and I've noticed some mild swelling in my ankles at times. I called my doctor's office on Friday and they told me to wait until this week to see if I get better. I'm not.

I have the sonogram later today - so hopefully that'll tell me something.

I had a very strange symptom over the weekend - a pain in my right side that was just under my ribcage. The pain was slow in progression but it got pretty severe. Felt like a gas bubble or a stitch. I almost went to the ER, but it finally subsided the next morning. I now have a tender spot there, which is odd if it was just gas.

I've also had some pretty bad headaches the last few weeks.

Maybe I'm just getting old. LOL Smile

I hope you're doing okay and they find out what's going on with you. Keep me posted!

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