discussion title: Seeking Ovary Information
I have not been diagnosed with OVCA nor have I been diagnosed with any ovarian problem. However, I have been having a multitude of gyn problems that are, to date, unexplained. With my most recent of events, my symptoms and subsequent research brought me to suspect an ovarian problem. After much research, I've still had many questions. I love iVillage and have found such wonderful information and support on the message boards. I hope it is okay if I ask you a couple questions even though I don't have cancer.
I will keep this as short as possible. For about 1 year I have been having excruciating periods. I have always been able to feel ovulation but within the last year, the pain lasts for 2-3 days and, at times, makes me bend over and really just takes my breath away. It's always concentrated on one side. My gyn suspected endometriosis but a laparoscopy did not detect it. I did not hear if there were any other problems but I suspect I would have heard. The lap was on 6/28/05 and gyn decided not to investigate the pain further. Because the bc I was on wasn't working, I decided to stop taking it. Hate how I feel on bc. DH and I are not trying for baby #2, but we aren't not trying. I stopped taking the bc on 6/14 and had my cycle right after. My cycle in July after all this was 34 days long and I did not feel ovulation (assumed I did not ovulate). I chalked this up to the stress of everything on my body. My August cycle was 28 days. I had ovulation pain on days 16 and 17 on my left side. I have not had my period yet for September and it is, currently, day 34 and I, again, did not feel ovulation this cycle.
Last night I could not sleep because I had excruciating cramps. I kept feeling life AF was here but, when I would get up to check, there was nothing. I called the gyn's office this morning and I have an appt tomorrow afternoon. When typing out a brief synopsis of the recent events, I discovered that maybe there is something wrong with an ovary because I did not ovulate 2 of the last 3 cycles and they were so long.
Of note is that I was only on bc for about 9 months. Before, it had been years since I last took bc. DS is 2.5 and my first cycle after he was born went right to a 27 then 29 day routine with ovulation on day 14--always was a regular gal. The pain with menstruation, intense ovulation pain, spotting, and pain with intercourse began last June. Since then, my cycles are wacky! This is the first time in my life I have not been regular. When I brought this up to my doc, he said it was age--well I am 25! Like I said, he doesn't want to investigate further and I feel he doesn't believe I have pain but I am seeing his nurse practitioner tomorrow and think I should insist on an ultrasound or something--something other than just a pain killer script.
What are your thoughts? I don't want to bring up something that may not be an issue if something else should be checked. KWIM? Any other questions I should be asking? What can I expect?
I am so sorry for the length and I hope you do not mind my questions. Thank you very much for any info and help you can give me. I greatly appreciate it. I am just confused and very desperate for help. I cannot take this pain anymore. It has affected my job, my marriage and relationships with friends.
Elle
re: Seeking Ovary Information message #: 3660.2 in response to 3660.1
If you feel there is something wrong (pain isn't normal!), get a second opinion. I would also ask for a transvaginal ultrasound if they are willing to give you one. If you are not happy with the results/answers you got today, find another doctor. I never had terrible pain with my OC. But since you are, something is causing it, and you need to find out what. Come back and let us know how you are doing. Marguerite
re: Seeking Ovary Information message #: 3660.3 in response to 3660.2
Thanks Marguerite! I had the appt. with my doc's nurse practitioner and she ordered a pelvic ultrasound. I don't think it's transvaginal because I have to drink the water like I had to for my ultrasound when I was pg. She didn't seem impressed with anything (hardly looked at the nice print-out I made with my symptoms and cycle info--actually had to remind her it was just sitting on the desk in the exam room when she walked me out) but prescribed me Postnel (sp?) for the pain, Loestrin bc to start next cycle, the ultrasound, and blood work (H&H) to rule out anemia for the fatigue and weakness I am having--I literally fall asleep at my desk every day and wake up late even though I sleep 8+ hours each night! I wanted to get another doctor awhile ago cause he refused to write me a note for the Army (fitness test) a month after my lap and LEEP cone biopsy because I didn't bring up the pain at my 2 week appt. However, the wait for another doc was 8+ weeks and I just didn't think I could wait another 2 more cycles like this. If this ultrasound does not show anything, should I go see another doc or should I just consider myself crazy and just take the bc? I don't want to because we are thinking of getting pg but I also don't want to be in this kind of pain anymore.
Thank you again!
Elle Mom to Nick (12/30/02)
re: Seeking Ovary Information message #: 3660.4 in response to 3660.1
Hi Elle, and welcome to the message board. I was wondering why you had a LEEP and cone bx done. did you have an abnormal pap?
As for ovarian cancer and menstrual pain, I did not find any correlation. i had normal periods, without any excessive pain or bleeding.
I suggest a transvaginal ultrasound, CAT scan of the abdomen/pelvis. If your doctor is not taking your concerns seriously, I would suggest a second opinion, or perhaps changing doctors.
You are never too young for ovarian cancer, although too many doctors feel that it is an "older" woman's disease. Not true... I was 45 when diagnosed.
Please let us know what your ultrasound shows. Keep us posted.
Glynne
re: Seeking Ovary Information message #: 3660.5 in response to 3660.4
Thanks Glynne! I had an abnormal pap (LSIL), colpo, ECC and biopsies. Results were severe cervical dysplasia (HSIL) extending into the endocervical canal so that is why I had the LEEP cone. I have HPV--one of the agressive strains.
I only thought of an issue with my ovary because all of a sudden, every other cycle was longer than is normal for me (34+ days) and I didn't feel my ovulation (like I have since I first had my period). Right now, I am having the longest cycle I have ever had in my life (other than when I was pregnant). Today is day 36 and still no AF. The alternating period is like normal for me (28 days, ovulation felt on day 16 on left side). I have felt nothing on the right since last year. In the past, the pain always alternated, left side one month, right another. I always assumed, my ovaries were alternating which ovulated each month. I do not believe it has anything to do with the menstrual pain but it is just so different for me all of a sudden and sounds so much like there is an issue with that right ovary.
The NP ordered a regular ultrasound. Is that okay? Will it see anything if there is an issue? I also got some blood work for the fatigue and weakness I have been having. But, H&H is for anemia and that was the only blood work she ordered. I had to convince her of the ultrasound so I think a CT scan would not happen. However, yes, if this round of testing shows nothing, I will be seeing another doctor. This practice has been pretty unsupportive on their own and I KNOW if this comes up negative, I will not be taken seriously. I have already found another doctor but wait was so long for her, I just felt I needed to get in sooner so that's why I went back to this practice.
I will let you know what happens on Tuesday (the appt. is at 1pm).
Thank you so much again! It really helps having information and support!
Elle Mom to Nick (12/30/02)
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