scans fibroids and stuck ovaries

Hi to all, i am new to this as of today. but have been reading your messages for about a week.
I am schuduled for a hysterectomy on 3rd May, and am really chicken. I am seeking a second opinion on 11 April . I have been told i Probably (is probably good enough to have a hyst should it not be definite) have a fibroid , have a history of heavy bleeding , and have been taking tablets for that for the last three years (they don't work any more) i have a polyp on my cervix (no pain there) But have pelvic pain which sometimes seems to go through to my back on my right side But i also get sciatic pain occasinally I am worried that its really only back trouble not fibroids at all pain plus plus on gynie examination. Hense his diagonisis of Fibroids. Uterus also hard to move I had laparoscopy surgery three years ago and one of my ovaries was stuck to the wall of my stomach. He told me then i was suitable for a V/H then now it has to be A/H cause I want to keep my Ovaries Had pain with intercourse which is what is happening now. I want to know PLEASE has anyone had a ct scan for a confirmed daigonis of fibroids? Do the scans show this up? Is it worth me even asking about this. Has any one had similar pelvic pain which hurts if you cross your legs and then goes through to your back? also a burnig hot pain where your ovaries are? Whew so many questions
Thanks so much for your help

Hi Chrissy

Welcome to Hyster Sisters. Getting a second or third or fourth opinion, or whatever it takes so you know that whatever decision you reach is the right one for you is so important. This site is neither pro nor con hyst, the ladies here offer their own experiences, support and comfort. There is a lot that you can learn here.

To try to answer your questions: I don't know if a CT scan would show fibroids, but they show other types of tumors (now don't let that word frighten you, but that is what fibroids are - benign tumors in the uterus) so I don't see why they wouldn't. An ultrasound is the most commonly used diagnostic aid, but they don't always show up on it, well in my case it only showed 3, the pathology found many, many, many fibroids (didn't ask for an actual count) along with a polyp (I've had them removed before).

Back pain: yes can be caused by the fibroids. For more on back pain go to the top of the page to the purple buttons and click on <search> then type in <back pain> and you will get a list of threads that discuss back pain. You may have to do some hunting through them but you will find sisters who have had back pain lessened after a hyst.

Burning hot pain where your ovaries are: ovarian cysts???

I hope this helped a little and good luck.

I agree with Mary Lou get a second opinion and then a 3rd or 4th until there is some agreement on what is causing your pain.
You deserve peace of mind that the surgery, if you have it, is the best thing for you and will relieve your pain and other symptoms.
I had an ultrasound (internal and external) that was able to show the size and position of my ovarian cysts and fibroid tumor (all benign).
I don't know about the ovarian pain you mentioned. Please discuss this with the doctor you will see on the 11th.
Let us know how that appointment goes and what his recommendation is okay?
We are here for you.
Keep coming back with your questions and concerns.

Hi Chrissy,
Sounds like you have the same symptoms as me- almost exactly. I had an ultrasound- actually I have had several ultrasounds. I am now shcduled for a TAH / BSO on 4/22. I just cant take to pain and heavy bleeding anymore. I have a fibroid and well, as for the burning sensation, I get that too. I think it must be cysts on the ovaries. Sometimes my back hurts and other times my thighs ache. I spend most of my mornings urinating about every 15 minutes or so- It has been a nightmare. Anyway, I think it is a very good idea that you are going for a 2nd opinion. Perhaps they could schedule you for an ultrasound (sonogram) of the pelvis. Good luck to you!
Shaorn

My symptons are similar. The Ultrasound (external and internal) did not give my doctor a clear enough picture of what was actually happening. He sent me for a CT Scan and still wasn't pleased with the generalized results. My doc read the pictures with the radiologist and determined that my uterus was enlarged, fist size fibroid on the left and several small on the right. Because my bowel was in the way he originally could not get a clear picture as to the fibroid being attached to the uterus or if the ovary was involved. After all the tests and a CA125 blood test (negative) we agreed that at my age (49) a TAH was the best choice.

I did not have excessive bleeding, but my lower back would hurt each month around my period time. The doctor did say the fibroid would continue to grow and I would start having other symptons - frequent urination and my hips hurting are the worst.

Definitely get a 2nd, 3rd or 4th opinion until you are content with the results.

Thankyou so much to all who replied to my post. I feel reasured allready. Delarbar, thankyou for you comments on your hips hurting, its so reasuring to know that you are not alone with your symptoms.
Its even harder for me as my Mother died at 42 from Breast cancer, She had a hysterectomy at around 32 (I think) and kept her Ovaries. We know this cause she was given Tamoxifen when she had cancer.
My other fear is that if i have this Surgery my Ovaries will pack it in and then i have the whole HRT thing to consider. I must admit I am concerned about that especially with the cancer thing in the family. My Mother's sister has also had a breast removed. (I do have yearly Mammograms (Since 35) and do not have a fear of cancer but would like to do my part with God to keep healthy.
I am still wondering on the long term effects of HRT?
Thanks everyone, bless you heaps
Chrissy

Hi, Chrissy, I, too, have had a CT scan of the abdominal and pelvic areas after my colonoscopy doctor recommended it after the barium enema and colonoscopy still didn't give him a clear picture of what he was looking at.

The problem I was having was digestive with my fibroids and what showed up on the barium and colonoscopy were some type of "unusual fold" located in my colon area and, as it turned out after having the CT, I had a fibroid that was resting on the drainage tube leading from one of my kidneys to the bladder, plus the unusual fold actually turned out to be the indentation from the fibroid pressing against the wall in my colon area (no cancer determined, thank God, since I have a big family history of this also !!). Although I didn't have any problem urinating, if it had continued to rest there it could have caused me to suffer kidney damage somewhere down the road.

When they did the CT scan it clearly showed all of the fibroids causing my many digestive problems, so YES, this is possible to determine fibroids through the CT scan.

I'm glad you're getting other opinions 'cause I had originally asked my primary care physician if it was possible to have a fibroid on the backside of my uterus that could've ben causing all of my digestive and constipation problems. I could count the times on one hand the times I've actually been constipated enough that I needed to take something, so this was quite unusual for me.

I had changed blood pressure medicine earlier in the year which took too much water out of my body and when this was changed to another medication, at least the dryness went away and I was able to eliminate more easily. But, the occasional bloody stools still remained. What my colonoscopy doctor determined was that since the fibroids were pressing into my colon, they had actually caused me to develop colitis where the indentations were from the pressure of the fibroids against the intestinal wall. He did make note that once the hysterectomy was done, if that was what I decided to do, then the colitis would go away with a little time. So far, it's getting better and YES, I do watch my stool -- it doesn't hurt to be watchful and knowledgeable of what's going on with your body. Doctors take their cues from us and we need to know the symptoms of what's going on with our bodies. Sometimes the doctors have a tendency to dismiss what we ask, but we have to be persistent in letting them know and making them give us answers for our concerns.

I hope that all turns out well for you. Keep us informed.

Take care, Paula.

Wow
I now know the brain isn't imagining thngs and I have a large list of symptoms to take to the second opnion not to mention the long list of Questions.
Paula I have suffered constipation for years and up untill 8 months ago just used to eat processed bran (complete with all that yukky sugar thats in it) The lady at the health food shop put me onto LSA. Which is Equal parts of Ground linseeds, ground sunflower seeds, and ground almonds. I mix this with acidophilus yoghurt, fruit and 1/2 cup cornflakes. not to mention 1 to 2 tablespoons of flax seed oil which has all those good omegas we need to stay healthy (its supposed to help the dermatitis on my hands) which seems to come and go with my cycle as well I now am regular every morning But if i miss it ooops not good.
I have also lost 1 to 2 kg eating only this for breakfast, despite the oils, they don't make you fat.
I have read so much informative stuff on this site especially regarding those of you who have had hip pain. Thank you
Its nice to know you are not alone.

Bless you all

Chrissy

Well here I am again,
I am so pleased that I got a second opinion. and I did find that the women gynie was so much more though then my other specialist. I have to have a pelvic scan in a couple of weeks and then ring her for the results from there. I had no pain duing the internal . She said that only a gentle touch is required duing an internal examination to feel the organs. (i nearly went through the roof with my other internal) I still have all this pain in my hip and pelvis so am going to really watch my diet over the next little while and see what happens. We are taking the whole body approach to my problems. The problems with my skin (hands) and everthing. I tried to tell my other Dr that and it was like he never heard. I am going to cancel my surgery meantime. I will go through the whole process of tests etc and then know that I have made a more informed choice.
The interesting thing I did find out was that after my previous surgery when he found my stuck Ovary (3 years ago) he states that I have extensive scarring to both Ovaries but no sign of Endo It puzzles the 2nd opinion lady as I have had no other surgery abdominally which could have caused it and there has to be a reason for the scarring. Anyone else been there? had that?
Anyway I am really greatful for all the replies to my posts. Thank you
Its really great to get things of your chest.
Bless you all heaps
Chrissy