Worried

canadiangirl

Hi everyone, I'm new here and perhaps (and hopefully) don't belong here. I have been doing some research on ovarian cancer and I'm worried that the symptoms I've been ignoring for 3 years may be ovarian cancer. I wanted to compare them with you. I have not told my family my concerns because I do not want any one to get worked up for nothing but I have now stressed myself sleepless. 3 years ago I went to the Dr. complaining of general unwell (nausea, abdominal pains, diarrhea, reflux). I had tests done to rule out bowel issues, all were fine, I learned to deal with them as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I also had an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, which came back "fine" one ovary a little bigger than the other. Issue was dropped no follow-up, I don't know if it is normal to have different size ovaries but my Dr. wasn't concerned so neither was I. Over the past 3 years, I continue to have pains (ignore them as irritable bowel), tired all the time (work shift work, 2 kids, anemia), back pains (work on my feet, housework etc). Constipation (I take iron for anemia) I have reasons for everything. Didn't seem worth going to the DR. I've lost 10 lbs in 5 months, yet everyone tells me I'm getting "quite a gut". I went to my gyne the middle of July for routine pap. She thinks she felt fibroids and sent me for an ultrasound and sent results to my family Dr. too. All this is great but... my gyne is closed for a month holiday, my appointment for results in 2nd week in September and my family doctor on holiday until mid August. My ultrasound results are sitting on their desks and no one to look at them. I've totally stressed myself out. My abominal discomfort has progressively got worse since June. It feels like I'm pregnant, that heavy, full , can't sit comfortably feeling. I wake in the night uncomfortable. (I'm a tummy sleeper, I am starting to find I can't). I pee a lot and if I can't (out and have to hold it) the added pressure of the full bladder kills. I've noticed people saying they had to go to ER because of pain and noticing lumps in pelvic area. I don't have any of that but has anyone had similar symptoms to me. I wish everyone all the best and thanks for reading my message. I know I rambled for a bit there.

jamilou

Hi
Symptoms are a funny thing...you can have the same ones for many diffrent things. I know that it is hard to not worry while you wait for test results. Have you tried calling the office and speaking to a nurse or is the office completely closed? Is there a doctor on call for your doctors that could have the results sent to them? Or a possible solution could be to go to the ER and tell them that you are in pain and that you had an ultrasound. Let them know where the ultrasound was done and maybe they can have the results forwarded to the ER. Now I am rambling! I tend to type exactly as I am thinking! Good luck and please let us know what you find out. I would definately pursue it though until you get an answer.
God Bless!
Jami

skyblue

jamilou said:

Hi
Symptoms are a funny thing...you can have the same ones for many diffrent things. I know that it is hard to not worry while you wait for test results. Have you tried calling the office and speaking to a nurse or is the office completely closed? Is there a doctor on call for your doctors that could have the results sent to them? Or a possible solution could be to go to the ER and tell them that you are in pain and that you had an ultrasound. Let them know where the ultrasound was done and maybe they can have the results forwarded to the ER. Now I am rambling! I tend to type exactly as I am thinking! Good luck and please let us know what you find out. I would definately pursue it though until you get an answer.
God Bless!
Jami

Hi, I agree completely with Jamie. There has to be a way to get those results. The not knowing is the hardest part. Did they do any bloodwork on you? I was diagnosed in December and had a full hst. in January. Still very fresh in my mind. I will say a prayer for you. It is your body. Stand your ground and get those result. Best of luck to you.

canadiangirl

My gyne's office is completely closed. My family doctor has 2 other doctor's in his office. When I called last week the receptionist said any results for my Dr. gets put on his desk and he looks at them when he gets back. The other Dr.s don't look at them. I am going to try see if I can get in to see one of the other dr. tomorrow. I have gone to a walk in clinic, (thought maybe they would be an abdominal xray (at least) to see what's wrong... but NOPE, he told me I was constipated and to take a laxative. I have not had any blood work done, except a blood count (not related) to monitor my anemia, which had dropped from 112-96. I have an appointment with my family doc. in 2 weeks (when he gets back) for that followup. I really don't think he would do anything about the results so as not to step on my gyne's feet, so to say. He will wait for her to make a decision because 1) he's useless... 2)she ordered them and is the specialist... 3) all he would do is refer me to her... and the vicious cycle begins. I have thought of going to ER and waiting hours and hours to be seen. I don't know how easy it is for them to get results and for them to repeat the ultraound would be a wait for an appointment. They could at least do an xray and see any mass etc. I will wait and see what happens tomorrow (trying to get in to co-doctor in my office) at least they have the results.

groundeffect

canadiangirl said:

My gyne's office is completely closed. My family doctor has 2 other doctor's in his office. When I called last week the receptionist said any results for my Dr. gets put on his desk and he looks at them when he gets back. The other Dr.s don't look at them. I am going to try see if I can get in to see one of the other dr. tomorrow. I have gone to a walk in clinic, (thought maybe they would be an abdominal xray (at least) to see what's wrong... but NOPE, he told me I was constipated and to take a laxative. I have not had any blood work done, except a blood count (not related) to monitor my anemia, which had dropped from 112-96. I have an appointment with my family doc. in 2 weeks (when he gets back) for that followup. I really don't think he would do anything about the results so as not to step on my gyne's feet, so to say. He will wait for her to make a decision because 1) he's useless... 2)she ordered them and is the specialist... 3) all he would do is refer me to her... and the vicious cycle begins. I have thought of going to ER and waiting hours and hours to be seen. I don't know how easy it is for them to get results and for them to repeat the ultraound would be a wait for an appointment. They could at least do an xray and see any mass etc. I will wait and see what happens tomorrow (trying to get in to co-doctor in my office) at least they have the results.

You're having a horrible time! What is causing your anemia? I had anemia when I was first diagnosed, because I had such terrible uterine bleeding.

You don't mention your age, but it is quite common for doctors to discount women's gyn. complaints because they're "too young". I was told many times that I was so young for ovarian cancer, and I was 48 at the time.

I don't know much about the Canadian health system, but here in the U.S., patients really own their records, and can demand they be produced to take with them if they want to take them to another doctor.

One thing I've learned through my diagnosis and treatments is to keep at the problem. My mystifying symptoms didn't go away by themselves, but my doctors (both women) were persistent, and were willing to pursue my problems with me.

canadiangirl

I'm 34 years old. In Canada there is a shortage of doctors. I don't have confidence in my doctor... but too bad because there is no other. My records stay with him. If I have a test done they can "cc" a copy to any of my doctors (family or specialist) but if I was to say change doctors and take my records. They send copies to the new doctor, if I request, and I pay per page (not sure how much). We don't pay for health care (directly anyway) so doctors here (or mine anyway)are very strict on doing tests. It is not easy to get anything done and when you get it order it takes a while to get an appointment. I called my doctor's appointment today to try see a co-doctor, I was told they are so busy with their patients, they are not seeing his. I will have to wait. He returns Monday, I can call Monday morning and they will try give me one of the "emergency" spots but they can't book them ahead of time. I guess I will just have to be patient and keep myself busy in the meantime. My doctor is the type the doesn't like to be told your opinion. I say white he says black. He has to think it was his suggestion. I will keep you all posted after I see him next week.

jamilou

canadiangirl said:

I'm 34 years old. In Canada there is a shortage of doctors. I don't have confidence in my doctor... but too bad because there is no other. My records stay with him. If I have a test done they can "cc" a copy to any of my doctors (family or specialist) but if I was to say change doctors and take my records. They send copies to the new doctor, if I request, and I pay per page (not sure how much). We don't pay for health care (directly anyway) so doctors here (or mine anyway)are very strict on doing tests. It is not easy to get anything done and when you get it order it takes a while to get an appointment. I called my doctor's appointment today to try see a co-doctor, I was told they are so busy with their patients, they are not seeing his. I will have to wait. He returns Monday, I can call Monday morning and they will try give me one of the "emergency" spots but they can't book them ahead of time. I guess I will just have to be patient and keep myself busy in the meantime. My doctor is the type the doesn't like to be told your opinion. I say white he says black. He has to think it was his suggestion. I will keep you all posted after I see him next week.

Hi! It's me again. Have you given any more thought to going to the ER? I can't imagine being in pain physically and mentally for another week or longer! Like groundeffect I was a "young" patient. I was 40 when I was diagnosed. It is considered an older woman's disease by many doctors. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you can have an end to this soon! Keep in touch!
Jami

groundeffect

canadiangirl said:

I'm 34 years old. In Canada there is a shortage of doctors. I don't have confidence in my doctor... but too bad because there is no other. My records stay with him. If I have a test done they can "cc" a copy to any of my doctors (family or specialist) but if I was to say change doctors and take my records. They send copies to the new doctor, if I request, and I pay per page (not sure how much). We don't pay for health care (directly anyway) so doctors here (or mine anyway)are very strict on doing tests. It is not easy to get anything done and when you get it order it takes a while to get an appointment. I called my doctor's appointment today to try see a co-doctor, I was told they are so busy with their patients, they are not seeing his. I will have to wait. He returns Monday, I can call Monday morning and they will try give me one of the "emergency" spots but they can't book them ahead of time. I guess I will just have to be patient and keep myself busy in the meantime. My doctor is the type the doesn't like to be told your opinion. I say white he says black. He has to think it was his suggestion. I will keep you all posted after I see him next week.

You might want to think about the ER more. If your doctor isn't available to turn over your records, they may look at your symptoms in another light. Consitpation can be caused by many things - before I had surgery for fibroids (6 years before being dx with cancer), one of the fibroids was pressing on my bowels, causing a dull pain that I always thought was constipation.

Short of learning how to lead your doctor to his own conclusion, this may be your best bet for getting treatment in a timely fashion. Be persistent, whatever you decide to do!

canadiangirl

groundeffect said:

You might want to think about the ER more. If your doctor isn't available to turn over your records, they may look at your symptoms in another light. Consitpation can be caused by many things - before I had surgery for fibroids (6 years before being dx with cancer), one of the fibroids was pressing on my bowels, causing a dull pain that I always thought was constipation.

Short of learning how to lead your doctor to his own conclusion, this may be your best bet for getting treatment in a timely fashion. Be persistent, whatever you decide to do!

Well, I tried going to the ER. They told me I has kidney stones (although they can't see any on the xray). Kidney Stones!!!!!!! I can't believe it. I DON'T have kidney stones. So much for seeing things in a different light!! I will just wait until my appointment with my family doctor next week. Only one more week to go. This is why I always go so long with symptoms before going to the doctor. Take care. I'll keep you updated.

jamilou

canadiangirl said:

Well, I tried going to the ER. They told me I has kidney stones (although they can't see any on the xray). Kidney Stones!!!!!!! I can't believe it. I DON'T have kidney stones. So much for seeing things in a different light!! I will just wait until my appointment with my family doctor next week. Only one more week to go. This is why I always go so long with symptoms before going to the doctor. Take care. I'll keep you updated.

Oh I am so sorry that it didn't help! Good luck and I will be keeping you in my prayers!
Jami

mopar

jamilou said:

Oh I am so sorry that it didn't help! Good luck and I will be keeping you in my prayers!
Jami

I feel so bad for you, everything that you're going through. You've been given some very good suggestions. I've heard so many negative things about doctors in Canada. Where exactly in Canada are you located? If near the Windsor border, my gynocologic/oncologist in located in Southfield, not far from the bridge or tunnel. If you're interested, let me know and I'll give you the info.

In the meantime, most iron supplements can cause constipation. Are they prescribed or over the counter? Is is ferrous fumerate, ferrous phosphate or what? Try to drink lots of water and eat fibrous foods (oatmeal, bran flakes, apples, etc.). There are even fiber supplements on the market you can chew and follow with water. Or the kind that mix in water. Anything right now to get your intestines working well. I'm sure that doesn't help the so-called 'gut' and discomfort you're feeling.

It is very true that 10 of 10 symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have the disease. So, don't lose sleep over this just yet. I deinitely recommend the CA125, a transvaginal ultrasound if possible, a CT scan, or even a PET scan would be very, very helpful. You have quite a heavy load so it wouldn't be unusual to have lost weight. And, even though you've lost weight, it doesn't mean you'll thin out in the abdominal area too. So, once again, try not to look at everything as a whole and come up with a diagnosis.

However, I'm so glad you found this site. Please keep us informed. Try to get some more rest (IF POSSIBLE???) and drink a lot of water to keep your system going. Stay away for refined carbohydrates like sugars, white breads, etc. They can add that 'bloated' feeling. Try to eat lean meats (chicken, fish, etc.) and lots of veges. I know this is a cure-all, but in the meantime it will help you a little until you can find out what's going on.

I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Monika

skyblue

Hello Canadian Girl, what did you find out from your doctor's office? You are in my prayers, Skyblue