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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 28. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 9:18:39
On Friday I had an ultrasound. Had bladder infection late August took Cipro.
Had a clear urinalysis & then several weeks ago there were white blood cells in urine.
Doctor arranged pelvic ultrasound. I didn't know that these days they do outside on abdomen but also internally. During internal, during the time she was scoping the right side, it hurt. My symptoms of 'an awareness' of 'peeing' - not actually having to go quite - had gone (am on week 3 of Macrobid). Before that I'd had no discomfort. But since the ultrasound, I've had the symptoms back along with 'twinging' (sp? as in 'twinge' - pain) on my right lower abdomen off & on. Once when I blew my nose it hurt.
I am really SCARED. I already have a dr appt on Monday. U-sound said he should receive results within 3 - 5 days. I am scared & have worked myself up to being so afraid that I have cancer & it's really spread. I think I have a flu virus also that I've been having off & on for about a month. My right shoulder blade has been aching for a few days sometimes. I even have though 'Oh what if cancer has spread all along my right side'.
:-((( Trying to be sensible.
Kath
Posted by fayeroe on November 20, 2008, at 10:01:13
In reply to Female bladder infection; ultrasound; scared. HELP, posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 9:18:39
> On Friday I had an ultrasound. Had bladder infection late August took Cipro.
Glad you had the ultrasound.
>
> Had a clear urinalysis & then several weeks ago there were white blood cells in urine.
>
> Doctor arranged pelvic ultrasound. I didn't know that these days they do outside on abdomen but also internally. During internal, during the time she was scoping the right side, it hurt.Did the instrument that was used internally hurt you? Or did you just start hurting?
My symptoms of 'an awareness' of 'peeing' - not actually having to go quite - had gone (am on week 3 of Macrobid). Before that I'd had no discomfort. But since the ultrasound, I've had the symptoms back along with 'twinging' (sp? as in 'twinge' - pain) on my right lower abdomen off & on. Once when I blew my nose it hurt.
Lots of muscles in our bodies and they run willy nilly throughout and an abdominal muscle can defintely be affected by a sneeze.
>
> I am really SCARED. I already have a dr appt on Monday. U-sound said he should receive results within 3 - 5 days. I am scared & have worked myself up to being so afraid that I have cancer & it's really spread.If stuff didn't scare us..we wouldn't have therapists. :-) That is normal.
I think I have a flu virus also that I've been having off & on for about a month.
symptoms?
My right shoulder blade has been aching for a few days sometimes. I even have though 'Oh what if cancer has spread all along my right side'.
Sometimes when I'm sore somewhere, I'll over compensate and hold myself differently. Maybe you're strained something.
>
> :-((( Trying to be sensible.Sensible? You don't have to worry about that right now. Pamper yourself....xoxoxo Pat
>
> Kath
Posted by Angela2 on November 20, 2008, at 10:04:18
In reply to Female bladder infection; ultrasound; scared. HELP, posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 9:18:39
((((((((((((((((Kath)))))))))))))))))
I hope it's nothing. Do something to make yourself feel better like a bubble bath maybe? Something you enjoy.
Posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 10:42:50
In reply to Re: Female bladder infection; ultrasound; scared. HELP » Kath, posted by fayeroe on November 20, 2008, at 10:01:13
Oh Pat - you are so nice.
Good point about holding ourselves differently!!
Dropped in at doctor's office to see if he'd received results. He did. His nurse read it to me:
Small ovarian cyst on right ovary; not significant; re-test in 3 - 4 months.
I am SO relieved!!!!!!!!!!! Still sore. It actually hurt while the probe was being used & then off & on since. Doctor's nurse said to me that it probably caused some bruising.
I see the doctor on Monday & am going to have him do a check just to see what he can feel.
I am so glad I went into the office.
:-))))) Kath
PS - still wondering if the cyst is causing some kind of inflammation or something. Not sure if that can happen.
Posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 10:45:23
In reply to Re: Female bladder infection; ultrasound; scared. HELP » Kath, posted by Angela2 on November 20, 2008, at 10:04:18
> ((((((((((((((((Kath)))))))))))))))))
>
> I hope it's nothing. Do something to make yourself feel better like a bubble bath maybe? Something you enjoy.
Thanks Angela - I find you so kind & caring.Am hearing you & Fayeroe & am going to curl up on my living room sofa with a really good book I'm reading. The sun is shining through my huge window, so it's pretty uplifting.
Thanks for your quick support Angela.
luv, Kath
Posted by Dinah on November 20, 2008, at 11:07:09
In reply to GOOD NEWS » fayeroe, posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 10:42:50
I'm so glad you called! It sure is better than worrying about it, and I'm sure they thought so too.
With either inflammation or irritation, it takes a while for tissues to get back to normal after they've been hurt. Infections definitely cause that.
Posted by fayeroe on November 20, 2008, at 11:17:22
In reply to GOOD NEWS » fayeroe, posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 10:42:50
Posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 11:58:17
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS » Kath, posted by Dinah on November 20, 2008, at 11:07:09
Dinah - good point about the tissues taking a while to get back to normal.
I couldn't understand why I've been uncomfortable after the ultrasound, but when I think of the discomfort during it (which wasn't dreadful, but certainly was not nice) - it's quite feasible that tissues could be irritated & then there's the original infection as well!
Thank you ALL for 'being here' for me. Ya know, even though I didn't read these until I got back from the doctor's, they still are very reassuring & comforting.
luv to you all, Kath
Posted by Phillipa on November 20, 2008, at 19:47:09
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS, posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 11:58:17
Kath just home a while back. So sorry about the scare. Had ovarian cyst when about 19 and they hurt horribly. Mine reptured on it's own as had doc appointment next day and it was gone. Doc said had to have been cyst. Happy Days for Kath. Now cranberry juice good for bladder. Love Phillipa
Posted by Kath on November 21, 2008, at 22:37:11
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS » Kath, posted by Phillipa on November 20, 2008, at 19:47:09
Yup cranberry juice for me.
So - if this is a cyst on the ovary it's sure not happy to have been poked about! It was a whole week ago & I'm still having discomfort now! There was no discomfort before.
I don't know if cysts can become cancerous??
I know myself. I'm going to be AWARE that I have a cyst. I'm going to be worrying about it growing/becoming cancerous/bursting.
Since I know this tendency of worrying, I'm thinking that since I'm 61 & don't need ovaries any more - I'd like to have the cyst AND ovary removed by laporoscopy if that's possible!!!
Seems really extreme, I know, but that's what I'm thinking right now.
My husband said he thinks it sounds sensible.
My daughter (who knows how I worry etc) mentioned that that's what she'd suggest (even before I told her my idea).
Any comments anyone? Do ovaries perform any function for post-menopausal women?
Kath
Posted by Phillipa on November 22, 2008, at 19:05:04
In reply to Wondering what now - extreme solution? » Phillipa, posted by Kath on November 21, 2008, at 22:37:11
Maybe a slight bit of hormones. If still there surprised they just didn't drain it then it's gone???? Today maybe they do it different. Will google ovarian cyst and treatment. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on November 22, 2008, at 19:18:11
In reply to Re: Wondering what now - extreme solution? » Kath, posted by Phillipa on November 22, 2008, at 19:05:04
Kath just a bit of info hope your're not pregnant just kidding. Love Phillipa
Ovarian cysts
Contents of this page:
Illustrations
Alternative Names
Definition
Causes
Symptoms
Exams and Tests
Treatment
Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Prevention
Illustrations
Female reproductive anatomy
Ovarian cysts
Uterus
Uterine anatomy
Alternative Names Return to top
Physiologic ovarian cysts; Functional ovarian cysts
Definition Return to topAn ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or a semisolid material that develops on or within an ovary.
Causes Return to top
Typically, ovarian cysts are functional (not disease related) and occur as a normal process of ovulation. During the days before ovulation, a follicle grows. But at the time of expected ovulation, the follicle fails to break open and release an egg, as it is supposed to. Instead, the fluid within the follicle remains and forms a cyst.
Functional, or physiological, ovarian cysts usually disappear within 8 - 12 weeks without treatment. They are relatively common, and are more common during a woman's childbearing years (puberty to menopause). Ovarian cysts are rare after menopause.
No known risk factors have been identified.
Functional ovarian cysts are not the same as ovarian tumors (including ovarian cancer) or cysts due to hormone-related conditions such as polycystic ovarian disease. Some non-functional ovarian cysts must be treated to go away.
Symptoms Return to top
An ovarian cyst can cause pain if it pushes on nearby structures, ruptures, or bleeds. Pain may also occur if the cyst is twisted or causes twisting (torsion) of the fallopian tube. Symptoms of ovarian cysts can include:
Pelvic pain -- constant, dull aching
Pain with intercourse or pelvic pain during movement
Pain during bowel movements
Pelvic pain shortly after beginning or ending a menstrual period
Abnormal uterine bleeding (change from normal menstrual pattern)
Longer than usual menstrual cycle
Shorter than usual menstrual cycle
Absent menstruation
Irregular menstruation
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Note: Often no symptoms are noted.Exams and Tests Return to top
Pelvic exam -- may reveal an ovarian enlargement or a cyst
Ultrasound -- usually done first
CT scan
MRI
Doppler flow studies
Blood tests may be ordered:Serum HCG (pregnancy test) -- may be done to rule out pregnancy
Ca-125 -- an ovarian cancer marker that may help to identify cancerous cysts in older women
Hormone levels (such as LH, FSH, estradiol, and testosterone) -- may be checked to evaluate for associated hormonal conditions
Treatment Return to topFunctional ovarian cysts usually go away without treatment. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may be prescribed to help establish normal cycles and decrease the development of functional ovarian cysts.
Simple ovarian cysts that are larger than 5 - 10 centimeters and complex ovarian cysts that persist should be surgically removed. Laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy can be used.
Other medical treatment may be recommended if other disorders are found to be the cause of ovarian cysts, such as polycystic ovary disease.
Possible Complications Return to top
Complications are related to the specific diagnosis. Concern is given to cysts that twist, rupture, bleed, or show signs of cancerous changes.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of an ovarian cyst.
Prevention Return to top
If a woman is not seeking pregnancy and develops functional cysts frequently, they can be prevented by taking hormonal medications (such as birth control pills), which prevent follicle formation.
Update Date: 6/20/2006Updated by: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the
Posted by Kath on November 22, 2008, at 20:19:49
In reply to Re: Wondering what now - extreme solution?, posted by Phillipa on November 22, 2008, at 19:18:11
Thanks Phillipa,
That was quite useful. Gives me information for my appointment Monday as to which blood tests to request from my doctor!!!
I'm going to print out some of that information.
Maybe they do drain them these days. I will look on Google & see what additional information I can find.
Thx for your help.
:-)) Kath
PS - The symptoms I was feeling are subsiding. Makes me think that the ultrasound did maybe cause bruising or at least irritation & that might be calming down.
K
Posted by Phillipa on November 22, 2008, at 21:12:45
In reply to Re: Wondering what now - extreme solution? » Phillipa, posted by Kath on November 22, 2008, at 20:19:49
Kath yes google can be good also maybe cyst has resolved on it's own? I hope that's the case as that's what happened to me. Phillipa
Posted by Kath on November 22, 2008, at 22:04:06
In reply to Re: Wondering what now - extreme solution? » Kath, posted by Phillipa on November 22, 2008, at 21:12:45
Well it certainly hasn't resolved yet! But I think it's settling down after having been agitated!!
I'm interested in that Ca-125 blood test.
thx Phillipa xo Kath
Posted by Phillipa on November 23, 2008, at 0:12:23
In reply to Re: Wondering what now - extreme solution? » Phillipa, posted by Kath on November 22, 2008, at 22:04:06
Kath that's for cancer you don't have that I'm sure. Your doc would have done the blood test them. Ultra sound of ovaries will show if normal or not as had one about six months ago to check ovaries for cancer and they were normal. Ob-gyn did it. Love Phillipa
Posted by Larry Hoover on November 23, 2008, at 20:06:24
In reply to GOOD NEWS » fayeroe, posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 10:42:50
Hi Kath. I hope you don't mind a masculine voice in this dialogue. I totally understand your concern about cancer. Once that question arises, it's really hard to put aside. Even though my mom died of a bowel malignancy, it took eight months to get tested myself, after we found out.
Your ultrasound result suggests that what you have is a simple cyst. That's what they call it. Anyway, the likelihood that it's cancer is less than one percent from that test result alone. The CA125 blood test is not perfect, but if it's negative too, then the chance that it's cancer virtually disappears. They'll still monitor you, of course. That's simply being prudent.
Here's a thorough article on the subject. I found it answered any question that occurred to me. http://www.rcog.org.uk/resources/Public/pdf/Ovarian_Cysts_No34.pdf
Take care.
Lar
Posted by Kath on November 23, 2008, at 20:57:26
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS » Kath, posted by Larry Hoover on November 23, 2008, at 20:06:24
Thanks Larry, No problem for me having male input!
Thanks for the site.
I found this site useful.
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/centres/pelvic_health/oviarian_cysts/treatment/index.html
I'll check the one you mentioned also.
thanks very much Larry
Posted by Kath on November 24, 2008, at 22:00:09
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS » Larry Hoover, posted by Kath on November 23, 2008, at 20:57:26
Went to doctor today.
The cyst is only 1.5 cm so that is good news.
I am very proud of how assertive I was.
He said that we'd wait 3-4 months & re-do the ultrasound & did I want him to do a pelvic exam today.
I said that what I would like to do is to have an appointment with Dr. H. (a gynaecologist who I went to 12 yrs ago once) to discuss it. My Dr. said he'd be happy to have me see Dr. H. Then he explained that generally they wait 3-4 months to do an ultrasound to measure the growth of the cyst.
I'm going to discuss it with Dr. H & I feel quite comfortable to ask him any questions that I have, in order to feel comfortable with 'our' course of action. Unless he convinces me otherwise, (& I'm open to being convinced) - I'd just as soon just have him remove the cyst AND ovary without waiting.
Anyway, I'm feeling much better to know that I'm going to see a specialist about it.
Also good is that when I called Dr. H's office to see if I needed a referral, I was told that they don't have a long waiting list. That other gyn's offices are booking in the New year, but they have available appts way sooner than that.
So thx all for your very appreciated support.
luv, Kath
Posted by Sigismund on November 26, 2008, at 13:47:11
In reply to Female bladder infection; ultrasound; scared. HELP, posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 9:18:39
>'Oh what if cancer has spread all along my right side'.
That's the best laugh I've had all morning.
I say to myself that.....
Everything ends badly
I'm not dead yet, not even close
And when things get difficult, there is no point in getting upset.
Life is an endurance race in not getting upset.Cranberries are supposed to be good for some UTIs.
Posted by Kath on November 26, 2008, at 18:17:11
In reply to Re: Female bladder infection; ultrasound; scared. HELP » Kath, posted by Sigismund on November 26, 2008, at 13:47:11
> >'Oh what if cancer has spread all along my right side'.
>
> That's the best laugh I've had all morning.LOL - I know, I know!! My daughter & I tease each other about 'cancer of the fingernail'. No matter what physical problem comes up we tend to 'catastrophize'. I can actually laugh about it. When I called my friend to tell her, I mentioned the pain in shoulderblade & also my right leg was sore, so she said, "So when are ya dying??" She knows what I'm like!
Yup I'm drinking cranberry juice.
I am pleased to get such a quick appointment with the specialist - Dec 1st. Unheard of.
Thx for you post with the words of wisdom.
:-)) Kath
Posted by Kath on December 6, 2008, at 18:48:15
In reply to Re: Female bladder infection; ultrasound; scared. HELP » Sigismund, posted by Kath on November 26, 2008, at 18:17:11
Will post details later.
C125 test is negative. (ovarian cancer marker)
Gynaecologist says the pain was probably from the probe causing the cyst to burst.
Re-ultrasound in about 4 months.
I feel quite reassured. Will post details - the doctor is SO nice & very funny.
:-) Kath
Posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2008, at 21:20:51
In reply to Good Update, posted by Kath on December 6, 2008, at 18:48:15
Great news as CA 125 is the marker for ovarian cancer. Probe burst cyst liquid come out and cyst gone. Fantastic. Love Phillipa
Posted by Kath on December 6, 2008, at 21:37:58
In reply to Re: Good Update » Kath, posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2008, at 21:20:51
Yup!! Doc said cysts will often fill up again, hence re-ultrasound later.
Doc is in about his late 60's with a slight Scottish accent. He's very jovial & awfully kind & gentle. Also very straightforward.
So I told him all the syptoms, etc. That the pain started with the ultrasound & was in the same place I used to get 'twinges' at ovulation time. So then he said, "Okay - you've told me the rest of the story! Now - you tell me - what has happened??!!"
So I thought, "WHAT!!??" I said I didn't know & he said with his Scottish accent & a smile, "Think, woman!!"
LOL Jeez!! So I made some stupid guess. Then he told me that in the same way the follicle bursts to release the ripe egg at ovulation, the ultrasound ruptured the cyst & the liquid was seeping out over the week, causing slight peritonitis & therefore pain.
When I asked him if the cyst reformed, might it turn cancerous. He said, "If it turns cancerous, I'll eat my..." & looked around his desk & when his eyes landed on his glass juice bottle, continued "I'll eat my juice bottle!!!"
He is hilarious!!
He said that in his opinion there was no need at all to do a C125, but he was doing it to help me feel more reassured.
So that's my funny doctor story!
What a relief. He also said that they could tell from the look of the cyst in the ultrasound, whether it was just a simple, ordinary, fluid-filled cyst, or a denser, uneven one that might be cancerous.
All in all I feel totally reassured.
Thanks all, for your support.
:-) Kath
Posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2008, at 21:53:15
In reply to Re: Good Update » Phillipa, posted by Kath on December 6, 2008, at 21:37:58
Clear fluid I'm asssuming. Great Kath. Love Phillipa
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