Ovarian Cyst

I am 63. When I was 16 I had similar. No such thing as ultrasound so they removed my appendix which was healthy. Ruptured cyst had caused pain. I now have another cyst and am awaiting a hysterectomy. However in the years in between I have had three children and eight grandchildren. My motto these days is TTSP - this too shall pass. I look forward to being a new person. Good luck.

Hello! Sorry to hear. I was just diagnosed with a 12cm one on my right ovary. It's scary as the Dr's really don't tell you much. I know mine will have to be surgically removed due to size and I have to see the gynocologist specialist next week. My advice would be to go see a gynocologist soon so that you can get this cleared up. Mine didn't cause symptoms at first but now it's becoming painful so unfortunately not something you should ignore. Especially as it's a larger one like mine. I'm scared too but from all the research these are pretty common. I just wish Dr's realized how scary it was and would give us more information.... I had to resort to google and this website to figure out what was happening. Take care!

Hi there,

?I felt exactly the same as you 12 weeks ago.

?I'm 23, healthy and never had any sort of surgery or medical problem so it was a huge shock for me!

?I went to the Dr with what they initially just passed off as bad period pain (although my period as not due at that time) and my Dr thought it could also be a phantom pregnancy! What! She didn't want to send me for an untrasound but I insisted, and they found ovarian cysts that there about 10cm on each ovary. THis really scared me! I had also never been to a gynaecologist before which was ok, the Dr was very nice and made me feel comfortable and assured me that we could get them out safely with surgery. A laparoscopy wasnt an option for me as they were both large and complex and the safe option was to remove them by open surgery, like a c section. The surgery went fine, both ovaries were saved, but I had complications due to a blood vessel not being lcosed properly during the initial surgery and I developed a huge blood clot in my pelvic cavity and went into life threatening septic shock. I needed a second srugery and was in hospital for nearly 2 weeks on high doses of anitbiotics trying to recover. I'm not telling you this to scare you, I am telling you my experience and why it is important to discuss possible complications with your Gyno. I didn't and had no idea that this could even happen! That was all nearly 12 weeks ago, and I am pretty much fully recovered now. Still get sweling and soreness if I overdo it, but my periods have regulated and become lighter with less pain- so thats a plus! Good luck with yours. Go to your Gyno armed with all the questions you can think of- google lots of qu's but the main ones I would suggest would be:

?- Is a laparoscopy able to be done or will you need a laparotomy?

?- What sort of cysts are they? (This will also affect the removal method)

?- How long do they want you to take off work (if you are working)? (I was 6 weeks off)

- What complications may happen?

xx

Talk to some trusted female relatives or friends about finding a gynecologist or talk to your primary doctor to get a recommendation.  A female nurse or relative can be in the room with you for your examination if that makes you more comfortable if you have a male doctor.  Take a notebook and make notes during your consultation time and / or record it on your phone.  Get names and phone numbers of people you can talk to directly after your appointment so you can ask questions.  Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.  So sorry to hear about your Mom.  You've had a hard year.