First Gynaecology Appointment

[TrueBlue10]

Hi everyone. I'm here seeking some advice about what to expect from my first gynaecology appointment.

I went to my GP a few months ago after my periods decided to go from being like clockwork to turning up when they felt like it. I also developed a horrible pain in my right side. My initial reaction was perimenopause as I hit 40 and things went down hill...

The GP done a CA125 which was borderline high and I was referred for an urgent ultrasound. I had pelvic and TV done which showed a complex cyst on my left ovary.

I was then referred for a repeat ultrasound around 4 weeks later which showed the cyst was still there. It also showed that my endometrium lining was thicker than expected for the stage of my cycle.

GP repeated CA125 and it came back elevated so an urgent referral has been put in to gynaecology.

I now have an appointment at the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow next week and I wondered if anyone could tell me if they will do any further tests or if it will just be a quick chat and out?

Thanks

[Gonewith]

Hi, everyone case is different and it will wrong to tell you what to expect. I can only tell you about when I met my gynaecology I only had ultrasound scan done. However, later on had a ct scan done follow by an appoitment with a Consultant Gynaecologist specialist who confirmed I had ovarian cancer.

Wish you all the best.

[TrueBlue10 in reply to Gonewith]

Thank you.

[Dales-Rambler]

Hi Trueblue10

Like the previous reply, it's hard to know exactly what each hospital team may or may not do, but I wouldn't think any further tests (perhaps except for more blood tests) would be done on the actual day.

They may arrange for more scans (CT or MRI) and /or a CT guided biopsy to provide more information on the cyst / endometrium.

Go with a list of questions you want answering to remind you and jot down any answers, as it may be a bit of an information overload.

Once you've had your appointment, don't Google anything, it will only increase your anxiety, but use trusted support websites like Macmillan, Ovacome, etc Ovacome have a great support phone line.

Wishing you all the best.

Sally

[TrueBlue10 in reply to Dales-Rambler]

Thank you.

[SopSinger in reply to Dales-Rambler]

you can also record the consultation on your phone (ask permission first, but it's very unlikely to be refused). Then you have the recording to refer back to.

[lesleysage]

Good evening TrueBlue10,

I agree with Sally (Dales-Rambler) about making a list. Over the years I found a pen and paper by the bed or in my pocket meant I could capture all those random thoughts, questions, worries as they happened. I could then distill these out when having my appointment time with any consultant and my GP. None ever thought it 'stupid' or a nuisance.

I also agree about the support from Ovacome.

Take care and be kind to yourself. L x

[TrueBlue10 in reply to lesleysage]

Thank you. That's really good advice. ❤

[Teazles]

Hi, to be truthful I don’t know what to advise you, do you know how big your cyst is? And what your Ca125 reading is

If your CA125 is elevated I would ask for a CT or MRI scan when you go for your appointment that way they can see what is going on, hopefully they will do that anyway.

Good luck with appointment please let us know how you get on xx

[Fluffyjumper]

Hi TrueBlue10

At my first appointment my gynaecologist discussed my symptoms with me and the results of the CA125 test and ultrasound. She arranged for me to have a CT scan with contrast to get a clearer image and a liver ultrasound. She answered any questions I had and advised me that my results would probably be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team at another hospital but not to be concerned by this. I received very good communication from the gynaecological team and felt that I was in very good hands.

[TrueBlue10 in reply to Fluffyjumper]

Thank you Fluffyjumper That's reassuring.

[Fluffyjumper]

Good luck. Take a friend if you can, take notes and ask about who to contact if you have any questions following your appointment. Let us know how you get on. This forum is so supportive.