in February I became ill and a blood test red flagged cancer. I’ve continued being unwell with scans, endoscopy, subsequent bloods and a night in ER revealing only Orthostatic hypotension and high cholesterol. I’m awaiting a colonoscopy however the last abdominal scan showed cause for concern and I’m speaking to GP on Monday. I’m wondering if the colonoscopy will be changed to a laparoscopy as symptoms lean towards ovarian problems.
Bloating, fatigue, headaches , indigestion , change in toilet habits, period like pain and cramps, nausea , dizziness, strange muscle pain, sore throat, back pain, random stabbing pains, vaginal spotting, sore eyes, loss of libido , anxiety disturbance of sleep.
It’s hard to differentiate the joint and muscle pain from my chronic rheumatoid condition which also seems worse unsurprising I suppose. Thyroid not tested.
My question is : are sharp stabbing pains in pelvis and abdomen a symptom of ovarian problems? I’m 61, post menopause and apart from mentioned here above generally robust .
Thanks for any responses .
Written by
Stills
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hello Stills, I am sorry that you are having all this worry. Ovarian symptoms can be vague but changes in bowel habits, feeling full quickly, bloating etc are all on the list.
Not being medically qualified, I think that I can only say that you have identified things that don’t feel right and you have done the right thing by getting them investigated.
Your doctors are looking for a cause.
Meanwhile you are left in this horrible limbo trying to keep it together. We have all been there and it stinks! Try to get yourself some support right now, you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis. Macmillan have a helpline for anyone suspected of having cancer as well as those with a diagnosis.
Once you know what you are dealing with and if it is cancer, there’s lots of support on here from other patients, you can ask anything, someone will have experience or knowledge to share. Very best of luck xx
Thank you Lyndy , much appreciated, and as you infer it’s the unknown time that’s the hardest to deal with for all involved. I’m busy making peace right now. I didn’t realise Macmillan were able to advise/support those in my position so that’s a great help thank you.
From your bio it looks like you’ve been through the mill so I’m sending …. 🤗
Such brilliant advice as always for you Lyndy . You are being taken seriously Stills and your GP will be able to arrange a CA125 and urgent referral for CT/transvaginal ultrasound scans.
Speak to Ovacome too if you get a OC diagnosis and need more specific advice.
Thank you, I’ve had the trans vaginal US thing with a probe last month and they found something so that’s what Dr wants to tell me about tomorrow on the phone. My marker was up in feb and since then they’ve been treating my heartburn, indigestion and dizziness as nonsense as well as a locum saying I was an hysterical post menopausal woman. Looks like I’m close to finding out the problem though. Question , is if usual to have period like pains and back ache vaginal spotting with OC?
Hi Stills usually a raised ca125 test and CT scan can identify possibility of ovarian cancer but definitive test is with a biopsy. I was diagnosed a few years ago with ovarian cancer stage 3c/4a and am now in remission and enjoying life. X
I had an ultrasound and vaginal probe scan, ( not sure of correct terminology) and the sonographer said there and then my organs looked ok but now GP has called me in on Monday as there is an issue that needs to be discussed with the results. However in between this the vaginal spotting started again with period like cramps ( I’m 61) and GP has ordered colonoscopy. Given my symptoms I think they may chose a laparoscopy instead? Can a colonoscopy detect OC?
A colonoscopy is in the lower intestine (the colon, rectum) so wouldn’t really see ovaries probably worth mentioning could you have a CT scan as well to look at both as concerned about possibility of cancer once you have mentioned the word cancer the gp might feel obliged to give you one. Wishing you well X
Sorry you find yourself in this position, but you’re getting some sound advice here. I’m on a Scottish OC facebook support group and know from the experiences of others that being bounced between gynaecology and colorectal is not unusual. The women I know of course have OC but in some cases the journey to diagnosis took a while because colorectal also being investigated/ ruled out. In some cases the colonoscopy picked up problems caused by OC - blocked bowel etc- but not OC. This was eventually picked up in the usual way- elevated CA, ultrasound, CT, biopsy. I hope this helps. The women I know are all doing fine now. X
No, a colonoscopy only examines for internal large bowel disease unless mass is so large it is putting pressure on the wall.
I had a colonoscopy too as ovaries were within normal size limits on US and CT but a LN nearby was enlarged. Good to be thorough but it was a rule our rather than rule in procedure. On a positive note (and you get very adept at looking for the positives,) the endoscopy dept gave out very nice warm socks with grippy soles which I kept to use at home 😊.
Read your bio, how are you now? My Mum had a mastectomy and recovered and is now 86. Your reply referenced LN, my Dad died of non Hodgkinsons Lymphoma last December and I assume that’s an added risk factor for me but will ask Dr.
I am well thank you. I have started my maintenance treatment now of bevacizumab every three weeks by infusion and the PARP inhibitor olaparib orally. I had my second infusion yesterday and so far so good 🤞.
Hi Stills, my CT scan and CA 125 showed signs of ovarian cancer. The biopsy confirmed it. I had much bloating and discomfort in my belly also. I was losing weight and that can be a sign of cancer even though I was bloated. Hope you find the diagnosis soon and sending well wishes. Donna xx
Thanks for your reply. Yes the bloating is evident, I feel pregnant almost but have not put on any weight. I feel like there’s no room for food. These last few weeks have also brought new stitch and stabbing pains in the pelvic/abdomen. I’m not sure where the pelvis starts and ends or where it becomes the abdomen tbh but it’s a low down pain. How are you getting on with treatment may I ask?
I had 4 rounds of chemo, debulking surgery, 3 more rounds of chemo and took niraparib for 3 years. I am NED , but I had some on and off again while taking niraparib. I had some side effects and now I am seeing a hematologist for blood tests. These drugs can take care of the cancer cells, but they also can give you blood tests that aren’t normal. The low down pain that you are experiencing is in the area where ovarian pain starts. Mine also spread to my omentum and intestines. Hoping your diagnosis comes soon. Donna xx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Help! Scared & Confused 
cysts..tah..and scared
New mom & scared of surgery
Scared and in holding pattern.
Getting Scared
