What the doctor had to say
Oct. 24th, 2002 11:14 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
m_cobwebQuite an informational message I had on my machine last night. And it certainly confirms some suspicions--and then some.
There are indeed uterine fibroid tumors--three of them--at 7 cm, 6.6 cm, and 6.4 cm. This explains some symptoms I've had for some time, primarily breakthrough bleeding. I also have a two-inch-wide ovarian cyst. I figure this is where the pain I've been feeling is coming from.
I get to go back for another ultrasound in mid-December to see if the cyst is shrinking on its own. This is normal for many of them. Unfortunately, according to the internet research I did last night, it's very unusual for a woman on the Pill to have that kind of cyst. So god only knows what's going on there. Chances are it's not cancerous--but that's still a scary thing to carry around in my head for the next couple of months.
Then I suppose we consider surgical and/or non-surgical options. Fun!!
Now I'm wondering what else is in there. Lost socks? Garden implements? Cystacular! (It seems I may be dealing with this with sick humor...)
So there we are. It's not in my head and it's not "normal" hormonal fluctuations. Can I just get rid of my reproductive system? Without having hormonal problems, of course? It's really not doing me any good and it's driven me bonkers for years. At least now I know some reasons why.
There are indeed uterine fibroid tumors--three of them--at 7 cm, 6.6 cm, and 6.4 cm. This explains some symptoms I've had for some time, primarily breakthrough bleeding. I also have a two-inch-wide ovarian cyst. I figure this is where the pain I've been feeling is coming from.
I get to go back for another ultrasound in mid-December to see if the cyst is shrinking on its own. This is normal for many of them. Unfortunately, according to the internet research I did last night, it's very unusual for a woman on the Pill to have that kind of cyst. So god only knows what's going on there. Chances are it's not cancerous--but that's still a scary thing to carry around in my head for the next couple of months.
Then I suppose we consider surgical and/or non-surgical options. Fun!!
Now I'm wondering what else is in there. Lost socks? Garden implements? Cystacular! (It seems I may be dealing with this with sick humor...)
So there we are. It's not in my head and it's not "normal" hormonal fluctuations. Can I just get rid of my reproductive system? Without having hormonal problems, of course? It's really not doing me any good and it's driven me bonkers for years. At least now I know some reasons why.
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(no subject)
Date: 2002-10-24 12:12 pm (UTC)It's definitely a scary position to be in, but you'll get through it. At worst, as I said last night, I'm proof that abdominal surgery doesn't have to be horribly traumatic. Admittedly, any surgery that you need will probably be a bit more extensive than mine was, but at least you'll have a chance to prepare for it.
Try not to fret about it too much. You have caring friends and a loving husband, all of whom will do whatever they can to help out....
(no subject)
another ultrasound done just a little
earlier, or if a fever happens in strong
conjunction with your symptoms, press to
be retested. Just do. And if the doc is
on the fence about doing a laparoscopic
biopsy, do it. Be sure. *good thoughts*
(no subject)
Date: 2002-10-24 01:22 pm (UTC)Thanks for the advice...I'm taking it seriously.
(no subject)
I know love and support are going to make a lot of difference. I'm very lucky there.
Ok, now you know.
Date: 2002-10-24 03:34 pm (UTC)I had a cyst in my ovary. When we first caught it, it was about 2.5 inches across. I also had dysplasia on my cervix. We did the lyperoscopi on my cervix (which it turns out got the tissue.. we will return to this). We did a few more ultrasounds. One of the other problems I had was that my ovary was behind my uterus. But as the cyst grew, so did my tummy. I fought for, and got my hystorectomy, and they took out that ovary with my uterus. The cyst was the size of a softball when they took it out. I am glad it didn't burst. The dysplasia was gone from my tissue.
take no risks. Measure your tummy from your hip to your hip across where your ovaries are. Measure it once a week. If you notice a steady increase in the numbers, call your doctor and get an ultersound immediately to get the size again.
If you notice no change, wait until December.
Most of the time cysts go away by themselves.
When they don't they care sometimes broken up with an ultrasound like procedure that does not involve surgery. Sometimes you need surgery. I can tell you now that surgery is not as huge of a deal as it seems. And if you have to go that route, you will feel LOTS better the day after your surgery than you will the day before. And the day of your surgery will be a fit of strange memories. I never once regretted my decision to have surgery. I jumped at the chance to be rid of parts that seemed to be more poison than anything to me, and that would never come of any use.
I have faith that you will be ok. It may suck for a little while in the mean time tho. But keep us posted with how you are doing and feeling. I will be keeping an eye out. My family has plumbing problems (well the women do), the *whole* family. I have been aware of what to really watch for since childhood.
Re: Ok, now you know.
Date: 2002-10-25 11:38 am (UTC)That's a good tip about measuring. I would never have thought of that. I'll do it.
Fibroids have been pretty common among the women in my family. I don't know about ovarian cysts, but I plan to find out. I'd love to get rid of the fibroids regardless of anything else!
Re: Ok, now you know.
Date: 2002-10-25 12:06 pm (UTC)Talk to your doctor about arrangements to get them to go away. Fybroids are not going to help you feel better.
*hugs*