Am I worrying too much re intermenstrual bleeding for two years and now they have found a complex cyst on right ovary.

[cally47]

I have been bleeding mid cycle for nearly two years, due to depression and a complete dislike to going to the G.P I'd just put it down to my age (47) and the probability of being pre-menopausal and basically just ignored the fact. I finally was forced to go to the G.P because it was time for my cervical smear test (which has now been done by the hospital and is fine). The G.P sent me for ultrasound which revealed an ovarian cyst. I had to return for another scan 6 weeks later to see if this was just functional. I meanwhile went back to G.P and asked her to do a CA125 test which she willingly gave me, they told me the results of this were normal but they didn't tell me a number.

The second scan showed that this cyst hadn't changed and they decided it is a complex cyst of only 2cm and would therefore watch and wait. I have to go back for another scan and blood test in September.

The gyny Consultant has arranged for me to have a hysteroscopy and thinks I should have my iud changed to a mirena to hopefully stop this bleeding. My periods have always been very regular and aren't particularly troublesome and only last 4-5 days. The intermenstrual bleeding has been for 10-11 days most months recently and is different to menses.

Do complex cysts normally disappear after a while? I have been having pain where my left ovary is and just occasionally on the right. (The cyst is on my right ovary) I have also been suffering bloating which the gyny doc thinks must be caused by something else. Since they have started doing all their investigations I am having more pain and bloating but is it just in my head? The discomfort in my abdomen causes me to unzip my trousers when I am sitting down and driving the car, which doesn't make sense as I have lost weight(I have been dieting and lost over 1 stone). For the last couple of weeks my abdo has been very uncomfortable and sore up under my ribs all of which does feel easier when I'm standing up, but if I am walking I seem to get really uncomfortable in my tummy. I have started to keep a sympton diary, I am useless when I am sitting in front of a Doctor and find it very difficult to explain things. Sorry I have written such a long question!

I'm very hopeful that they will find nothing wrong but I am worried and just wondered if anyone has had a similar experience.

This is nothing compared with the very brave women dealing with this awful disease, and I would like to send my love to everyone who is. Keep strong.

[RuthPOvacome]

Hi there I am one of the support line nurses at Ovacome and am really sorry to hear about all your concerns. Do feel free to give me a ring this afternoon as I am in the office until 5 and can talk things through. The number is 08453710554

Best Wishes

Ruth

[cally47 in reply to RuthPOvacome]

Hi Ruth, thank you for your reply, I couldn't phone yesterday but will try after the weekend. It would be good to talk to someone. Have a lovely weekend.

[Bloomin]

Hi Cally, I have had similar problems with bleeding, but can't stress enough to all women now not to just accept it is that ageing thing. I've have had a polyp in the past which caused the same symptoms so just kind of accepted that is me. I got rather a shock when as a routine check because of my symptoms I has a scan, to then find apparent cyst behind the uterus, another above the ovary and a blocked tube. My gynae said the scan's made it difficult to see quite what the cysts were but she suspected endometriosis adhesions and recommended I have an hysteroscopy just to clarify. Sigh of relief that things perhaps are o.k, then today I receive an appointment for a MRI which wasn't even mentioned. Guess I should be grateful that I am having such thorough investigation but bl.....y scary. Know the jean and zip issue well, I often after work have literally just stepped in the front door and I am stripping off for my joggers.

Try not to dwell too much and focus your time on more pleasurable things, Hopefully both our investigations will have positive outcomes.

[cally47 in reply to Bloomin]

Dear Bloomin,

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I've never really had any gynae problems in the past. You are right, it is bl....y scary! I keep trying to keep busy with other things but it's easier said than done isn't it. The trouble being you can't help but look for your symptoms online can you. I am going for my hysteroscopy this week so am hoping that will put my mind at rest for a while. They have fast tracked all of my appointments so far but that has made it worse in some ways. It is good to know that they are being very thorough with your investigations and I hope that all goes well with your MRI. Please let me know how you get on, I will update on my investigations. As you say, hopefully we will both have positive outcomes. Best wishes to you and enjoy the bank holiday weekend.

[cally47 in reply to Bloomin]

Dear Bloomin,

How are you? Just to update you on my investigations- Had hysteroscopy done and he didn't find anything to worry about so all good there! He changed my coil to a mirena as he thinks it's hormones and perimenopause making me bleed. Had letter from gyny and my CA125 was only 16. So have just got to wait now until September to have cyst checked and another blood test. But have decided that if all my other symptoms don't go away I will go back to GP. I was also a little concerned as the sonographer told me that the reason I needed to be referred was because there was no change in the size of the cyst, in the letter I had from the Hospital it said that at my 1st scan it was 32mm and at my 2nd it was 22mm so if it had got smaller why did they refer me. Will check that with GP. Hope all is well with you. Best wishes, Cally.

[Bloomin in reply to cally47]

Hi Cally, thanks for your replies and keeping me updated, it is always helpful to see what others are experiencing. Sounds good news and that they are rightly placing you on a waiting and see continued screening, so think you can relax a bit now...hopefully with some soon to arrive sun. Sorry but we are in down pour here in wet Wales! My CA 125 was 13. I have since had a letter from gynae who discussed my case with consultant radiologist. Because they are unable to see clearly what the cyst like images are from the sonogram, they have recommended MRI scan, then they will decide management plan. I have been placed on list now for surgery whatever result, this will inevitably and be key hole i.e hysteroscopy, I hope, otherwise something more invasive. I am fine and funny but recently not had any intra-menstrual bleeding and period is pending approaching a 6 week cycle now! Only real discomfort at moment is I am so swollen and extended, getting to the point I don't care what people think if they see my swollen belly. Can only presume the swelling is so prominent because of the blocked tube and cysts, and that these will flare up more around menstruation time. Due MRI next week and have mixed happy and hate the idea thoughts of that. At least it will be clear what is going on then. Take care, Bloomin