Complex Ovarian Cyst with Back Pain

I had a vaginal ultrasound done a week ago and my PCP informed me that I have a complex ovarian cyst which will need to be removed (he didn't say WHY he thought it would need to be removed). He scheduled an appointment with my OB/GYN for tomorrow at 2:00. For the past several weeks I have been experiencing severe pain in my lower left abdomen and also acompanying pain in my back. At times I also have sciatica with pains shooting down my buttock, thigh, and leg. Has anyone else ever experienced lower back pain from a complex ovarian cyst? I asked my doctor about this and he said that cysts CAN cause back pain and he feels this is also related to the cyst. I have been on Lortab and Naproxyn for 10 days now for the pain and although it is helping me I am trying to take it only when absolutely necessary. I am not fond of taking any kind of narcotic pain meds and I keep thinking that if I end up having surgery I will need to also be on something for pain then and just don't think it is a good idea to be on pain meds for an extended period of time. I am hoping they will schedule the surgery very quickly so that I can move toward recovery.

Also, can anyone tell me approximately how long recovery is for this type of surgery? I am wondering if they will not be able to perform this laproscopically given the type of cyst that it is.

I forgot to mention that I had my uterus removed surgically 3 years ago and am wondering if I can expect the same type of recovery as I did from that procedure.

Karen

Hi Karen,

Sorry you're having so much pain. If you've been diagnosed with a complex cyst, it's likely to be removed because unlike a simple cyst (fluid filled), it won't just resolve itself. I've had trouble with cysts off and on for over 20 years so I understand your pain. One of my more troubling cysts (9 years ago) was large and complex and impacting both my bladder and causing considerable back pain. I don't think its the complexity of the cyst that causes pain, more so the size and location. I've had cysts removed both laparscopically and abdominally...there are a number of factors as to why a surgeon chooses one type over another (risks, history, adhesions, pathology, etc.). You're doctor would be the best person to ask about type of surgery you're facing.

As for recovery, you'll see by reading these boards that recovery from a lap is typically quicker and easier than from a full abdominal incision (either bikini-line or vertical). For various procedures I was off work for as little as 5 days (after an exploratory lap), and for as long as 10 weeks (my 7th procedure...long and involved, with some complications post). Everyone is different, but for a lap, count on at least 1-2 weeks of resting and recovering....for abdominal, at least 4-6 weeks.

As for medication, I remember morphine post-op for a day or two, followed by tylenol 3s for a week or so, then just plain tylenol as needed. I don't know about Lortab, but I think naproxyn is more of an anti-inflammatory than a narcotic pain reliever.

Good luck with everything, keep us posted.

Karen xoxox

Karen, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post yesterday. I had an appt. with my dr. today and he ordered a CA-125, said he wanted to get a cbc, test hormone levels, etc. Says my cyst is definitely complex and appears to cover the entire uterus. I return for a visit on Monday to go over the test results and schedule the surgery. He HOPES to be able to perform the surgery laproscopically outpatient but said it will depend on what he finds after he gets in there.

Your response is very helpful and has made me feel more hopeful. I have been in tremendous pain for two weeks now and I just want to be able to move forward. I can't imagine recuperation from surgery could be much worse then the pain I am in now. Had my uterus removed three years ago (large fibroids necessitated a large abdominak incision) and I swear I had less pain from that than from this cyst.

Again, thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. I will keep you posted.

-Karen

Hey, Karen. Boy, does your question hit home! I began experiencing severe lower abdominal and lower back pain on 2/15/06. A vaginal ultrasound revealed a 12 cm left ovary that was totally consumed by a complex cyst. I also got a CA-125 test, which had elevated levels, and both my gyn and the gyn oncologist thought it was probably borderline at the very least. I had the left ovary removed through a laparotomy (too large for scope) and also had a TAH due to a very nasty case of endo once they got in there. Thankfully, it was totally benign, and my recovery has been going quite well. Good luck with yours, and if your CA-125 levels are elevated, remember that it can be caused by things other than malignancy--I'm proof of that! I hope your surgery and recovery go smoothly.

Hi Everyone,
I had laporoscopic surgery on Tuesday the 28th and they removed the entire ovary (cyst was very large) and part of my bowel (cyst had adhered to the bowel). I am doing quite well and finding that the pain from my incisions is about 50% less than the pain from the cyst itself. I am, however, still having the shooting pains down the back of my leg. I didn't have them the first several days following surgery or either I didn't notice it because of the pain pills. Can anyone tell me if they have had this happen and if the pain went away later on in recovery? I am hoping that is the case as they are very painful at times.

Also, what kind of expected recovery time can I expect? I am thinking two to four weeks since it was done laporoscopically but am curious what kind of timeline others have experienced.

This site has been such a godsend, so much useful information and the support is wonderful!!! I will definitely be telling others about this site.

On the road to recovery....
-Karen

Sorry to hear about your pain and discomfort.I'm scheduled for surgery this Friday and have also been in alot of pain since my TAH last June.Have you had problems lying on your side to sleep and also problems sitting down?
I'm hoping the laparotomy etc are gong to remove all the discomfort and give me my life back. Why does this happen to so many post-hysterectomy Sisters...I'm so glad we are able to share our problems...Thank you all so much. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!