Worried i have O/C: Hi. Sorry it may be long. Im... - My Ovacome

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Worried i have O/C

Stressedmum247 profile image
40 Replies

Hi. Sorry it may be long.

Im 39. Mum of 3

Its been 2 months since iv been having alot of pain in my pelvic and lower back its like constant period pain. When its bad i feel nauseous. Gp prescribed me naproxen which helps now and then not all the time.. the bloating comes and goes and definitely isnt food related. The tiredness is overwhelming at times i feel like i HAVE TO sleep i have no choice even if i push myself to carry on i HAVE TO sleep.

Iv been to the gp, to get checked for endometriosis since my periods have been painful aswell as i bleed from the backside too(sorry tmi) thats been ongoing for a few yrs since i had my last child, iv just felt silly speaking about it.

I had bloods done a month ago just the normal ones and all came back fine.

This pain is soo depressing and i think i have ovarian cancer.

Any help or advice?.

Im back to the gp in couple days.

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Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247
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Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247

Oh Iv got a gynaecology appointment in 10MONTHS! Had an internal scan done in april came back clear

Nicky100 profile image
Nicky100

The ca125 test would tell you if it was I think. But I would go back to your GP and get them to check you again. Perhaps you could ask for an ultrasound.

Fingers crossed you’re okay and get better soon.

Love Nicky x

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Nicky100

Thank you. I go back in a couple of days. Will ask for the ca125. Iv already been twice in one month and its been the same. Pain killers and offered the birth control and mirena coil. I wanted to know first whats going on before i get the coil.

Nicky100 profile image
Nicky100 in reply to Stressedmum247

I’d really insist on some more testing lovely, just to put your mind at ease. If you don’t feel you’re getting answers, ask for a second opinion. It seems as though painkillers aren’t getting to the problem, let me know how you getting or if you fancy a chat. X

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Nicky100

Hi Nicky100 , got to the see the gp today .. put through for ca125 blood test which is next week. And have to get a smear test done too. To rule out any cervical problems since im overdue by a yr on that. And then hopefully push to see a gynae sooner than 10months iv said i dont want to wait that long if im always getting like this. I hope she has taken me seriously. I read the notes she put on the nhs app.

Hopefully get some answers.

I am over weight . And shes made note of that. Eventhough iv lost a little over the past couple weeks . Still overweight. Every little helps.

Nicky100 profile image
Nicky100 in reply to Stressedmum247

Well done on getting all that done and underway. I was wondering how you were. Thank you for the update. Hopefully you’ll get some more answers soon. The NHS can be very slow these days. Keep pushing for answers lovely. X

Joanne59 profile image
Joanne59

Go back and insist on a scan and more tests try and see a dr you haven’t seen yet,you can’t go on like this! Good luck 😘

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Joanne59

Thank you i will. Iv seen the same gp twice now. 3rd on later in the week. I saw another few yrs ago and she put me on the pill but i didnt take to it well and so stopped taking them.

bamboo89 profile image
bamboo89

You refer to bleeding from your back passage, but it's not clear whether you have mentioned this to the GP; if you haven't yet, its very important that you do, with details such as when it happens and how often if you can recall. Bleeding from the back passage following on from your last pregnancy is not normal, unless you frequently suffer from haemmorhoids (piles), when that might be te issue. and for which treatment can be given. As a side note, being bloated intermittently is not a sign of ovarian cancer, bloating from that tends simply to increase. Otherwise, do request a CA125 test as the others say.

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to bamboo89

Hi .thanks for the reply. I have mentioned this to the gp and thats why they are looking into endometriosis. Im on tranexamic acid for the flow too . Definitely not haemorrhoids or piles. Its only during my periods. No other time. Its the pelvic and lower back pain aswell as being really tired thats getting to me.

Jencs1983 profile image
Jencs1983

Hi. Sorry you are going through this bad time at the moment. I am going through a similar thing.

My problems started in July. I had an extremely heavy, painful, prolonged period with huge clots, which is totally abnormal for me. After two weeks of the period, I sought medical help and my GP organised an ultrasound scan for me. It revealed a huge cyst on my left ovary (16cm x17 x10). A CA125 test was done which came back normal.

As extra precautions, I had an MRI scan and more blood tests. Bloods were normal, but Endometriosis was found and has spread to my bowel. Although my cyst is large, it doesn't look cancerous apparently.

Luckily for me, I am in no pain, but Endometriosis causes pain for many. I highly suspect you may have similar issues to me. The worry I went through for months whilst I was checked for cancer was unreal. I too was worried that my bloating was caused by OC.

If you are not booked in for any scans, I highly suggest that you push for them. They put my mind at rest.

I have been warned that when they operate to remove they cyst and check out the Endo, there's a small chance of cancer, but it's not their main concern.

All my gynecological issues are pointing to being benign, and cancer is pretty rare at my age too (I'm 40).

I hope this gives you a bit of piece of mind, but really do push for more tests.

I hope my experience has helped you.

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Jencs1983

Hi. Jencs1983 thank you for your reply. The bleeding iv had for about 5yrs but this pain is new. For 2months its constant in pelvic and lower back feels like p.pains dull achy. Painkillers help for a bit then it comes back. With the nausea. Times i get a bit woozy and people have noticed i just dont look "right'. So yes i do worry

. Transvaginal scan in april didnt pick up anything but i didnt have this pain then. Hoping to get answers and not have to wait 10months to see a gynaecologist.

I hope you are feeling better and your results all come back fine.x

Jencs1983 profile image
Jencs1983 in reply to Stressedmum247

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been in so much pain for that amount of time.

It's good to hear that your ultrasound scan was clear though.

My endometriosis was picked up on the MRI scan. Has anyone mentioned you getting an MRI? Ultrasound scans are great, but MRI scans seem to see things in more detail.

Also, have you seen any female GPs about your problems? Sometimes male ones aren't as thorough unfortunately.

I had a few different blood tests to check for different types of cancer. Has this been mentioned to you also?

I really do feel for you, because it is so horrible when you feel ill but don't know what's wrong.

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Jencs1983

Iv only been seeing the female gp's that referred me to gynecology but the waiting is 10months. I cannot wait 10months. I looked at the notes on patient nhs and she put its during my period .but the pain isnt just during then it is everyday. So will have to re tell again.

Jencs1983 profile image
Jencs1983 in reply to Stressedmum247

That's a very long time to have to wait, especially if you are scared and in pain constantly.

I don't know how much it would cost to go private, but is that an option for you?

Waiting lists are just ridiculous these days. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can get seen earlier.

bogeygolfer profile image
bogeygolfer

Not all ovarian cancers will have elevated CA 125. I would get to an OBGYN and have them order CT or MRI. Good luck and try not to worry until you have the answers.

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to bogeygolfer

I went back today. And got told to wait for the bloods ca125 to come back smear test. She couldnt order a ct or anything else till they are done and then push for gynecology. Hopefully by end of month dec. Il have some answers. Or just back to the beginning

BrandyHorse profile image
BrandyHorse

Please please ask for a CA125 blood test. It may be normal and it doesn’t always signify cancer but please insist together with a scan of your ovaries. Please don’t delay. I speak with experience. Take great care.

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to BrandyHorse

I will ask thank you. My problem is i feel silly asking them to do things . How did it go for you?

BrandyHorse profile image
BrandyHorse in reply to Stressedmum247

Please don’t ever feel silly. I have learnt from this that you have to push for everything. Even if all is well you still need to do this for your family. My daughter is doing ok thank you but if we hadn’t pushed her outcome may be different. She was ignored initially due to her age but we pushed for CA125 and scans. She is 40 with an 11 year old son. I wish you well. Good luck and take care. Xxxx

wendydee profile image
wendydee in reply to Stressedmum247

Please don’t feel silly…..ring the Ovacome helpline (Mon - Fri, office hours) for advice and support xx

SopSinger profile image
SopSinger in reply to Stressedmum247

You're not silly. There is clearly something serious going on and you deserve proper investigation. Insist on a CA125 blood test and also say that you are concerned about ovarian cancer. If the GP refuses, insist also that she records the refusal in your notes, with her reasons. That often gets some action. Regarding the bleeding from the backside (and nothing is tmi here, everything to do with ovarian cancer is potentially tmi and you're allowed to discuss it!) you should have further investigation for that also. Your fatigue may be due to anaemia, but if you're that anaemic, it's another cause for concern and should be checked out. I'm wondering if you should also be checked for bowel cancer. If the GP says you're "too young", stand your ground and say that people DO get cancer at younger ages, they're just in the minority.

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to SopSinger

Im not anaemic blood done 2weeks ago. Im usually low on vit D and get put on high dose for that. But not this time, also been taking multivitamins just to keep on top. I knew its not the cause. This feels different. I usually get it before i start. But now it just pops up and i just want to sleep. The backside bleed has been ongoing for few yrs during my periods and comes with really bad pain in the lower back.

My gran(mums mum) died from cancer. Mum was on high risk for cervical cancer and recently just had surgery to to get rid of the infection that can cause cancer. So it makes me think alot.

Thank you for your advice. It helps

I hope you are well too. 🥰

Summergold2 profile image
Summergold2

get a ca 125 at least push for it . And do an internal sonogram ! This cancer is nothing to mess around with be your own advocate

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Summergold2

I have that boookd now for next week And had transvaginal scan done in April but i wasnt feeling like this back then. So i dont know if she will repeat it.

I have a smear booked it too .cover all bases i guess.lol

lesleysage profile image
lesleysage

Hello, maybe the Support Team at Ovacome on freephone 0800 008 7054 can listen and guide you? Warm wishes. x

Heart12345 profile image
Heart12345

I’d possibly ask your gp for an urgent referral to A and E for a CT scan as you are concerned it is cancer or when you bleed again from bottom and have abdominal pain take yourself to A and E and see if they would do a CT scan. Wishing you well X

wendydee profile image
wendydee

So worrying. I had to keep going back to my GP over about a year, but I ‘JUST KNEW’ something was wrong. It seems you have that feeling too. Have a look on the Ovacome website, under Information and support/ symptoms. There is a symptom checker which you can record your symptoms and print out the result to take back to the GP. Ring the Ovacome helpline to get further advice. You don’t need me to tell you that you need your symptoms investigating as soon as possible. The feeling of utter exhaustion that you describe resonates with me. It was like nothing I’d experienced before (or since).

Good luck. Even if it does turn out to be ovarian cancer, there are a lot of success stories out there. Early treatment is the important thing.

Wendy xx

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to wendydee

Thank you for your reply. Did it take along time for you to get properly seen to? What symptoms did u have? I have just had a look at the symptom checker and will try and fill it out. So far all day i have had only 2cups of tea morning and evening and 2toasts. I just dont feel like eating . Thats not everyday it comes and goes.

I got a gp appointment on Wednesday . So lets see what happens.

wendydee profile image
wendydee in reply to Stressedmum247

It took about a year, maybe a little more, I think. I had a female GP too. My symptoms were pain, draggy, usually around ovulation and period times; pain during sex; really tired, feeling faint, a bit of bloating but later on, I had awful diarrhoea almost immediately after eating anything at all, and had to rush to the loo. I was bloated by that time and losing weight. I was bleeding heavily, not just during periods, but I was 5ish and it was put down to menopause (I was 52), stress, anaemia…….in the end I went to the GP and said I was no longer able to work due to the excessive bleeding (I was a primary school teacher, always wearing black trousers and wearing 2 pads and tampons). The GP sent me for an ultrasound, a CA125 and an internal examination then a trans vaginal scan. By that time the results had got back to the gynaecology consultant and he booked me in for an op within the fortnight. It all happened quickly once I got into the hospital system. Mind you, that was w0myears ago. So far so good.

Ring the Ovacome team. They’re so helpful, for more support.

Wendy xx

wendydee profile image
wendydee in reply to wendydee

Sorry! The last bit of the last paragraph should read, ‘that was 20 years ago’ 🙄

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to wendydee

Your story sounds like a lot gone on soo quickly. I feel those symptoms.. i work in a school too few times i felt a bit off my head just wasn't right and have had sit to sit down have a drink few mins then back to it. The staff find it funny how much i sleep..but im soooo tired all the time. Its all i want to do.

Nausea comes and goes as well as bloating. Eating has gone off . Think i may become a vegetarian meat and chicken just dont seem right .

Got my blood test for ca125 next week. See what comes of that .

I hope your health is much better x

wendydee profile image
wendydee in reply to Stressedmum247

I’m very well now, thanks. (I always say ‘fingers crossed’) It was ovarian cancer, I was successfully operated on and I haven’t had a recurrence. I had a US scan and that was the main thing that picked it up and it was backed up by a CA125. I’m just coming up to my 21st cancerversary. I hope you can get your problems sorted out soon.

Pixiepurple profile image
Pixiepurple

Hi Stressedmum247,

Please ask your GP to get your blood test CA125 done. This will tell you alot. N if possible get an MRI booked. Best wishes hope you get answers.

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Pixiepurple

Thank you..and yes its booked. I cant do any scans till the results are and smesr test is done..so one at a time i guess.

wendydee profile image
wendydee in reply to Stressedmum247

NB a smear test won’t pick up ovarian cancer, only cervical cancer.

Not really my specialist subject, obviously :) but I am suprised at the Naproxen prescription, tiredness is a known side effect, but it is usually prescribed as an anti-inflamatory medication. GP's don't like long term prescribing because of the potential for stomach ulceration, usually Omeprazole or similar are prescribed to help ameliorate that problem. I would ask your GP why he expects some good to come from Naproxen, given its normal short term usage.

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Stephenlangtonriley

Thank you for your msg .Iv heard it helps period pains. Im not on it continuously, just when i cant manage i take it. And its usually just the one tablet. Then i top up with paracetamol. Someone else also told me that i should be taking omeprazole too . I try to stick with paracetamol .

Sherrym profile image
Sherrym

Bleeding from back passage is not an OVCA indication I don’t believe, but it is def an indication of something wrong.

colon polyps & diverticulitis? I mean, you can guess all you like but you need to be listened to & checked out -I hate to say it, & God bless the NHS, but can you afford a private consult if you are getting nowhere at all?

Stressedmum247 profile image
Stressedmum247 in reply to Sherrym

The bleeding is during my period and its been 5 6yrs. So its not new. And yes if i google il have every problem there is. So i try not to. I hope she took me seriously now. 3rd time in so will just have to see. Private is soo expensive so will just keep going as i am.. il get there. Just may take some time.

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