Aa
Peace of mind
Hi,
A week ago I admitted myself to the emergency room because I was experiencing a lot of pain on the lower right side of my abdomen. The pain was intermittent and more intense when I was walking around. A CT scan was performed and revealed that I had a ovarian cyst. Two days later, I saw my primary care physician who ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound (both pelvic and transvaginal) revealed that the cyst is actually within the left ovary (not the right ovary as was expected), is rather large (10.2 x 8.8 x 10.4 cm), and appeared to be a simple cyst. The cyst has a single small thin septation within it that is approximately 2 mm. The right ovary appeared normal. The pain subsided after 3 days, and presently I am only experiencing a pressure feeling more towards my lower left side. I am 47 (almost 48) years old and am still mestruating regularly. After reviewing the ultrasound, my primary care physician recommended an evaluation by an OB/GYN. My appointment to see the OB/GYN is 9 days from now. I couldn't get an appointment sooner than this. Is it okay to wait this long or is this a more urgent matter? Also, I was wondering if my activities should be limited. Can I still bike ride and mow the lawn? I guess I am just worried that this cyst could burst and cause problems. How likely is it that the cyst will burst? Finally, I am aware that the cyst will have to be removed surgically since it is so large. What type of surgery would most likey be appropriate for this type of cyst? Is the cyst too large for laproscopic surgery? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. It is so difficult to speak with a doctor over the phone, and the receptionists are not trained to answer such questions. Thanks again.
A week ago I admitted myself to the emergency room because I was experiencing a lot of pain on the lower right side of my abdomen. The pain was intermittent and more intense when I was walking around. A CT scan was performed and revealed that I had a ovarian cyst. Two days later, I saw my primary care physician who ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound (both pelvic and transvaginal) revealed that the cyst is actually within the left ovary (not the right ovary as was expected), is rather large (10.2 x 8.8 x 10.4 cm), and appeared to be a simple cyst. The cyst has a single small thin septation within it that is approximately 2 mm. The right ovary appeared normal. The pain subsided after 3 days, and presently I am only experiencing a pressure feeling more towards my lower left side. I am 47 (almost 48) years old and am still mestruating regularly. After reviewing the ultrasound, my primary care physician recommended an evaluation by an OB/GYN. My appointment to see the OB/GYN is 9 days from now. I couldn't get an appointment sooner than this. Is it okay to wait this long or is this a more urgent matter? Also, I was wondering if my activities should be limited. Can I still bike ride and mow the lawn? I guess I am just worried that this cyst could burst and cause problems. How likely is it that the cyst will burst? Finally, I am aware that the cyst will have to be removed surgically since it is so large. What type of surgery would most likey be appropriate for this type of cyst? Is the cyst too large for laproscopic surgery? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. It is so difficult to speak with a doctor over the phone, and the receptionists are not trained to answer such questions. Thanks again.
Thank you for your recommendation. I tried calling the doctor but their office was closed. So, I contacted a friend and asked her for the number of her OB/GYN and called that doctor. They were able to fit me in for an earlier appointment (on Monday). (Finally, a receptionist took me seriously! In my opinion they should be better trained to listen for urgent cases). I have been worried about the cyst rupturing. But, now I feel relieved knowing that I will be seen by an OB/GYN soon. Thanks again for your advice. I hope Leslee is responding to the chemotherapy. I will keep you both in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and photos. What a lovely family you have!
Because of the size of your cyst, I think I would call the doctor back and see if there is a cancellation or earlier time for your appointment. Tell them you are afraid of a ruptured cyst or a torsion. This would cause an emergency surgery then, and could cause unneeded complications. All doctors and hospitals can make room for emergencies.
I also wanted to thank you for your thoughtful response and your advice. It really helped. As I stated above, I originally intended my message to go to the OB/GYN doctor for this web site. That's why it was so detailed. But, I'm glad that it went through this forum. Your response helped me feel more at ease because it was a caring one. Also, a person is able to gather up more courage when hearing about the courageousness of others like you who have gone through a tough time. I'm glad that you are recovering well from your operation, and I hope that the healing process continues to go smoothly for you.
Take care of yourself and thanks again.
Take care of yourself and thanks again.
I just wanted to thank you for your response to my message. Your response made me feel more at ease. It sounds like you had a similar experience and your advice was very reasonable. I was getting a bit anxious because I haven't really been able to talk to a doctor directly since I found out how big the cyst was. My primary care physician just left a message on my answering machine, and the only people I've been able to discuss this with were the doctor's receptionists. I actually meant for my message to go to the OB/GYN that responds to gynecological issues, but posted it here by mistake. I'm glad that I did, though, because yours and another response were helpful. I later posted the message to the OB/GYN for this web site. We'll see what he has to say.
It's interesting that we both felt pain not in the same location as the cystic ovary. I guess there must be a reason for it but the doctors may not know. I will try to take it easy as per your advice. Although, I may go for a walk just to get outdoors.
By-the-way, I liked your pictures of the raptors. There is a nice raptor center in Woodstock, VT. It is a learning center housing injured birds of prey. Also, I once saw a bunch of those turkey vultures on the roof an old victorian house down in Cape May, NJ. It was a rather spooky image. My friend has a picture of it somewhere.
Anyway, thanks again for your advice. I'm glad that you are feeling better.
Take care.
It's interesting that we both felt pain not in the same location as the cystic ovary. I guess there must be a reason for it but the doctors may not know. I will try to take it easy as per your advice. Although, I may go for a walk just to get outdoors.
By-the-way, I liked your pictures of the raptors. There is a nice raptor center in Woodstock, VT. It is a learning center housing injured birds of prey. Also, I once saw a bunch of those turkey vultures on the roof an old victorian house down in Cape May, NJ. It was a rather spooky image. My friend has a picture of it somewhere.
Anyway, thanks again for your advice. I'm glad that you are feeling better.
Take care.
Thank you for your very thorough message. I'm sure many women feel the same way and can be helped by "we ladies" talking.
I had a large cyst on an ovary too. I went to the ER, had the same type of tests as you (also a CA125). I'm 46. I'm obese though, and so after consulting with several specialists, we decided on a complete hyst &ooph, which I had via open surgery on 04/08. I am already back at work (desk job).
I would avoid any sweeping, mowing, or any getting on your hands & knees type stuff.
I would also avoid carrying anything heavy.
My tumor was pretty big, and I wound up having some stuff they didn't see in the tests.
Because I am such a big girl, the incision across my abdomen is 20", which was sealed via staples. They left the staples in for over 2 weeks--that was probably the worst part.
I am healing very very well (better than expected, since I am also a diabetic).
I'm not currently taking HRT, although I had my first hot flash last night (that sucks).
Welcome to our forum, where you will find "lots of different experiences", and even MORE information! Be sure to check out the "health pages"-- and listen to your body.
If you tire easily, rest more. If you feel great, don't stop doing the things you "Normally" do.
And, please, keep us posted!
hugs,
Morrowville
I had a large cyst on an ovary too. I went to the ER, had the same type of tests as you (also a CA125). I'm 46. I'm obese though, and so after consulting with several specialists, we decided on a complete hyst &ooph, which I had via open surgery on 04/08. I am already back at work (desk job).
I would avoid any sweeping, mowing, or any getting on your hands & knees type stuff.
I would also avoid carrying anything heavy.
My tumor was pretty big, and I wound up having some stuff they didn't see in the tests.
Because I am such a big girl, the incision across my abdomen is 20", which was sealed via staples. They left the staples in for over 2 weeks--that was probably the worst part.
I am healing very very well (better than expected, since I am also a diabetic).
I'm not currently taking HRT, although I had my first hot flash last night (that sucks).
Welcome to our forum, where you will find "lots of different experiences", and even MORE information! Be sure to check out the "health pages"-- and listen to your body.
If you tire easily, rest more. If you feel great, don't stop doing the things you "Normally" do.
And, please, keep us posted!
hugs,
Morrowville
In Feb. I had a 10 x 9 x 8 cm cyst removed laparoscopically. My gyn told me she might have to open me up if they couldn't get it out but she managed to bag it, drain it and remove it along with my ovary and fallopian tube. It all depends on the individual: your cyst type, location and past surgical history (adhesions?).
When I found out I had a large cyst I just slowed myself down activity wise. I didn't know which movements might cause it to twist or rupture so I used common sense. No heavy lifting, no squatting and twisting (things I normally would do at work) and no yoga until the cyst was gone. Your appt. is coming up soon so you can do without the bike or delegate some of the heavier chores to someone else until you get better.
Funny thing - when I had my cyst on the left side, all I felt was a heaviness there and a feeling like I was carrying something around in my pocket. But I had sharp little zings of pain on the right side. I don't know how many times I asked the doc if my right ovary was OK. Even after the surgery I asked her if she looked at it. It was fine and it's not bothering me any more.
When I found out I had a large cyst I just slowed myself down activity wise. I didn't know which movements might cause it to twist or rupture so I used common sense. No heavy lifting, no squatting and twisting (things I normally would do at work) and no yoga until the cyst was gone. Your appt. is coming up soon so you can do without the bike or delegate some of the heavier chores to someone else until you get better.
Funny thing - when I had my cyst on the left side, all I felt was a heaviness there and a feeling like I was carrying something around in my pocket. But I had sharp little zings of pain on the right side. I don't know how many times I asked the doc if my right ovary was OK. Even after the surgery I asked her if she looked at it. It was fine and it's not bothering me any more.
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