New here: Ovarian cyst worries
Posted , 11 users are following.
Hi everyone, I'm new here and joined to hopefully find support with what I believe is an ovarian cyst.
Tomorrow I will have my first gynecologist appointment where I am anticipating an ultrasound. I am 19 years old and have always had painful periods and ovulation, predominately involving my right ovary. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm diagnosed with PCOS, especially since it runs in my family. Severe right ovary pain has lead me to "self-diagnose" myself with an ovarian cyst, although I hate to jump to conclusions. The pain comes and goes throughout the month but gets considerably worse when I'm ovulating. I have a pinching/dull ache on my right side which radiates to my back and legs. Sometimes I experience numbness in my legs and feet as well. A twisting or pulling sensation sometimes occurs where I feel as if I need to twist my back and stretch. I also feel pressure on my bladder and bowels which have resulted in more frequent trips to the restroom.
I have been extensively researching ovarian cysts and surgical procedures for days, which has really stressed me out. However, I do mean well by trying to prepare myself for the worst. I am finally coming to terms with the possibility of having a laparoscopic cystectomy, however I am terrified of a laparotomy. Since I've had this pain for years, I'm afraid it may be too large to remove laparoscopically. I have never had surgery before and I also deal with extreme anxiety. This medical condition has consumed my life lately, filling my head with "what-ifs?". I know I'm obviously putting the cart before the horse here, but I would really like to find some peace with the possibility of my gyno telling me I will need surgery. If anyone has any experiences with laparotomy, I would appreciate you sharing your fears and recovery with me. Thank you all in advance
1 like, 22 replies
Guest
Posted
You will probably find that the scan puts your mind at rest and that there is an explanation that can be easily dealt with. Sometimes stress can make the pain worse anyway. I did have a laparotomy because of an ovarian cyst. By the time it came for my surgery, the cyst had gone! The operation did reveal some other things though so it was useful and they are nothing too worrying. If you do have to have a laparotomy then it really isn't a big deal and recovery is very quick.
Good luck
Sue
laura33411
Posted
cmarie
Posted
Thank you for the reply. I'm glad your cyst had gone away on its own...that gives me some hope! I'm not even sure what I'm afraid of seeing that this operation has been done on many women, and has had successful outcomes. Hearing you say that a laparotomy isn't "a big deal" helps to calm my nerves a bit. Sometimes we just need reassurance from someone who has more knowledge and experience than we do.
Thanks again
cmarie
cmarie
Posted
I initially called the gyno regarding pain and the receptionist said the doctor with probably do an ultrasound to see what's going on. I should also note that I've never had a pelvic exam before.
I am thin, but I have noticed a lot of abdominal bloating. I wouldn't say any swelling, though. I've been gassy the past few days which is only putting more pressure on my ovary! I feel as though I won't be hearing good news tomorrow considering that I can pinpoint the pain and it has been going on for a while. As for the numbness in my legs, it sometimes feels like an electric current from my ovary down to my legs....like a "shock" that travels and then goes numb.
Have you found anything out from your doctor?
cmarie
Posted
laura33411
Posted
janine1234 laura33411
Posted
lisa15739
Posted
cmarie
Posted
Lisa, some of my symptoms recently have included fatigue, loss of appetite, a loud gurgling stomach, gas, and severe pelvic pain. That pulling sensation is quite a unique feeling (It feels kinda like I have to stretch my ovary, as dumb as that sounds). I read somewhere online that the aches and numbness in our legs could be due to the cyst's expansion hitting nerves.
What scares me is that women sometimes don't even have symptoms of a large cyst, but still end up having to have surgery. Here I am with all these symptoms and pain, so the outcome isn't looking too good and I figure I'll need surgery....
lisa15739
Posted
cmarie
Posted
emma34067
Posted
i was the same as you, very stressed and fearful about the op, I had the same symptoms as you for about
12 months, decided enough was enough and spoke to my doctor. I was seen by Gyne and within 4 weeks was in having my op. Recovery was okay, i stayed in over night, the wounds healed well, the only problem i
had was extremely painful shoulders that apparently is gas pain from the key-hole surgery, pain killers took
care of that, and plenty of walking around. No heavy lifting or hoovering for a while, i was back to normal
after about 3 weeks. I am now waiting to go back in to have my ovary removed, it has doubled in size in 10
weeks so needs to be removed urgently. I will be well prepared this time and know what to expect.
Hope this helps, please feel free to ask any questions, i will try to help, good luck for tomorrow.......
cmarie
Posted
How big were your cysts? Do you know if they usually drain cysts so that laparoscopic surgery can be done rather than the large incision alternative? I am mostly afraid of a laparotomy because of the incision and having to cut through my muscle and all that invasive stuff.
I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems and are facing another surgery. You will be in my prayers as you go through this
Beccy53756
Posted
Beccy53756
Posted
It is large though at 12cm by 9cm but it grew very quickly and even when it was vastly smaller it poked out when I lay down, a hard lump to the right hand side of my belly. I hope that you get the answers that you are hoping for. I think if it was a very big cyst and you are quite thin you would notice it.....its unlikely you would need a laparotomy if you only have small cysts.
Good luck.