Ovulation and Ovaries Forum - Ovarian cysts and chronic pain

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Q: Ovarian cysts and chronic pain

asked by: brandyoldfashion on December 29th, 2008

New User

I started seeking out an answer to my severe lower back pain (and other symptoms) 14 months ago. After going through 5 doctors that just shoved Vicodin at me, I found out from a Rheumatologist (via MRI) that I have severe arthritis and 4 degenerative discs in my lower back. He continued to be baffled that the arthritis medication didn't work as I ended up in the hospital with severe abdominal pain. An ultrasound and a CAT scan revealed that an ovarian cyst had just ruptured and many more (too many to count) were found. At the request of the OB, I started making a concise diary of my symptoms and over the span of 3 months realized that my symptoms coincide with my cycle. During menstruation I have the following symptoms: severe headaches, severe backaches, pinching in my hips, aching pain down my thighs, breast tenderness, exhaustion and diarrhea. Those symptoms subside about day 9 of my cycle and from day 11 to 19 (ovulation) I have the following symptoms: severe headaches, severe backaches, severe stomach cramps (right ovary mainly), painful urination, painful bowel movements, diarrhea, breast tenderness and exhaustion. After day 19, I have 5 days of feeling great with no symptoms, then everything starts all over again. My OB doctor now has me on progesterone pills which have taken away ALL SYMPTOMS!

Is there anyone else out there that has these symptoms?
If the progesterone pills make all my symptoms go away, what could be a long term treatment / solution for me?
My OB doctor is talking of a possible Ovariectomy or Hysterectomy. Is there anyone that has had this and does it work?

FYI - I am a healthy 34 yr old mother (done having kids). 3 kids, 2 c-sections (healed very well with no problems).

Any information or similar stories appreciated.
Thanks,
Brandy

Replies(7)

nicolawilson

replied on January 24th, 2009

New User

vaginal and ovarian pain

my pain starts in my vagina it then travels up into my ovaries,it last for a few hours.I have to stay in the same position for a while,once the pain goes away i get an after affect pain for a day or so,it feels like something sharp is twisting inside me.What could this be.

brandyoldfashion

replied on January 24th, 2009

New User

pain

I don't have any vaginal pain - sounds like a different situation than mine.

long_legs2008

replied on January 28th, 2009

New User

i have had two surgeries for ovarian cysts and the pain was on my right the first time back in 2005 than on my left the second time here back in october of last year. i am on birth control and to be honest i reallt don't know how long i am going to be on it but i had an ultra sound and i still have both my ovaries and they look normal for now

quinova

replied on February 15th, 2009

New User

painful thighs

i had a six inch ovarian benign cyst which twisted my ovary back and forth cutting off and restoring the blood flow. i would have spasms in my low back on the right side and right thigh so bad that I could not stand. these would occur in the first 20 minutes upon rising from bed in the morning. The spasm would last for 30 minutes and not come again until the next morning. i had to insist on an ultrasound because my DR said there was nothing wrong. After surgery i have no lasting effects

ruffnreddy

replied on August 17th, 2009

New User

Cysts and rheumatoid pains

I've been searching around the interwebs looking for this exact symptom pattern.
A few days of feeling great then another cycle of tender breasts and radiating pinching pain in my right pelvic cavity. It runs down my inner thigh and lower back. Lasts for many days at a time, sometimes weeks. Accompanied by quickly spawned headaches and occasionally sharp abdominal pain, that ends up being terrible gas and strange bowels. I went to the GYN and she said it was a cyst. That the ovary was swollen and the pain could last up to months. My mom has a history of cysts and rheumatoid so, I guess i've been cursed with a painful existence.

I plan on going back since it's been 6 months with no real changes, as recommended.
But, it's supportive to hear someone else with similar symptoms, i don't feel so alone.
I'm also 34 and a mom.

ireti

replied on August 17th, 2009

New User

orarian cyst

I am new at this and hope I am not breaking any rules; posting in the right place. I was diagnosed with a 5cm ovarian cyst last year february, 18mths on, it is now 6cm. My doctor has advised that have it removed. I have serious pelvic pain that constraints my walking distance and speed. I have got to stage that I just take pain-killers routinely to mask the pain. I have gone private for the scans but cannot afford the surgery cost. I am 40 years old and trying for a baby. The cyst was found when I had a miscarriage last year. Is there any way to get this done on the NHS without having to wait for 6 months? Any information that can assist me in advocating my rights under the patients charter will be appreciated.

She_Grins

replied on October 19th, 2009

New User

To Brandy Re: Chronic Pelvic Pain

Hi Brandy,

I have had pelvic pain since I was 19 - I am now 34. I was hospitalized at 19 and 21 with no diagnosis, no follow up and, like you, a perscription for Vicodin. In Jan of 2008, I woke up in the middle of the night (after intercourse) with the most awful pain of my life. Faint, bloated, couldn't breathe, pain from my lungs down to my rectum. went to the hospital and after two different types of scans, was told i had a ruptured ovarian cyst. At the time, I was in college and my college did not care to follow up with a formal diagnosis of the type of cyst etc. Since Jan of 08, I have had boughts of pelvic pain, usually during ovualtion and always following intercourse. This last time felt as though I had another ruptured cyst and lasted 3 weeks. Just was accepted for insurance, and had an ultrasound. And as per usual, the experts see "nothing wrong". *sigh*

I just made an appointment with a GYN specialist and i hope we make some progress.

The "its all in your head" factor of what we are all experiencing is not good enough. And makes me wonder why this issue, with soaring numbers of women having it, is unstudied.

I wish you luck. I will talk with my GYN about progesterone.

take care.

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