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I'm afraid
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04-14-2004, 09:47 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 3
Hysterectomy:
Ovaries: Undecided
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I'm afraid
I've been experiencing sharp pains in my lower abdomen and my upper and lower back. I also have bad constipation, but I have been plagued with with curse since I was a child.
I've just gone to my Ob-GYN for a check up. She said that she didn't feel any masses and my pap was fine. I'm 48 almost 49 and still have my periods. They are sometimes 3 weeks apart, sometimes 4, sometimes 5. They are heavy for about 2 days, then taper off to spotting for a few days. This is pretty normal for me. In February though, I spotted through the entire month, then went back to normal in March. I also bleed vaginally sometimes when I have a bowel movement, but only when I have to strain really hard. My doctor said that my rectum is scraping my cervix causing this to happen. I think it seems strange.
She is attributing everything to menopause beginning, because I do have symptoms of hurting breasts, fatigue, mood swings, and mild hot flashes.
I had a aunt that died 4 years ago from pancreatic cancer and my cousin (who is like my sister) and 47 years hold was just diagnosed with StageIV fallopian tube cancer with pleural effusion.
I have just gone for a pelvic sonogram and have a prescription to have the CA 125 blood test done, just to ease my mind.
I am terrified to hear any bad results, as I am about to remarry for the second time to a wonderful man after being alone for the last 12.
Any thoughts out there???
Thanks for your time.
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04-14-2004, 10:29 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 3,391
Hysterectomy: November 29th, 2001
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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I'm afraid
Hi lms0617,
It sounds like you've taken the right step in seeing your doc and getting some tests to have things checked out. Abdominal pain can be tricky because there are several different organs that could be causing the pain. Your problem might be gyn-related, or it could be something else.
Having a family history of various types of cancer doesn't help - and it would make almost anyone nervous when they're having pain.
If your pap test was negative, that's good. One thing ruled out. And if your doc can't feel anything unsual in your uterus, that's good too. There could be problems anyway however, so it's good that you're having the ultrasound. This test normally can detect fibroids and ovarian cysts. Two painful conditions that cannot be diagnosed via ultrasound or a doctor's examination are endometriosis and adenomyosis. Either of these conditions could be the source of abdominal pain. Adeno is sort of like endometriosis, but is grows inside the uterus. Adeno occurs when the uterine lining begins to grow into the uterine muscle. It can cause pain, excessive bleeding and clotting, and cramping. The only definitive "cure" for adeno is a hyst, unfortunately. But adeno is notoriously hard to diagnose and many gals don't even know that they have it until the pathology report comes back after their hyst.
Endo can only be diagnosed positively via a laparoscopic procedure where the gyn can actually "see" inside your abdomen. Most docs will hold off on this procedure until everything else has been ruled out.
I know you are worried, and I'm glad you are getting things checked out. The CA-125 test can be an early warning of cancer (normal levels are zero to 35) but sometimes the CA-125 is elevated when women have fibroids and/or endo. So an elevated level does not necessarily mean you have cancer.
Please keep us posted on what you find out and how you are doing. We'll do our best to provide support. Sending hugs your way.
Beth
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04-14-2004, 10:30 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 83
Hysterectomy: February 13th, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Undecided
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I'm afraid
Why don't you go and get a second opinion? What you are going thru may be completely normal for premenopause symptoms, but you are obviously scared. If you feel in you gut that something might be wrong, why not run it past another doctor, just to make yourself feel better.
I just had a hysterectomy because there was some concern that my fibroid had turned cancerous. I consulted with 3 doctors before having the surgery. None of them were offended that I wanted more opinions, they even encouraged it. With each doctor I got more and more information and I feel I made a really good decision. (Everything turned out to be benign)
Researching about menopause (I bet there is a forum out there just like this) may also make you feel better.
My aunt died of cancer of the fallopian tubes. My understanding is that type of cancer is quite rare.
I hope I am not overstepping my bounds, but it sounds like you are so worried partly because you are going to be so happy (getting married) Almost like you are afraid that something is going to ruin all of it. That is probably heightening you concern.
Good Luck to you.
Jenny
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04-14-2004, 12:35 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 3
Hysterectomy:
Ovaries: Undecided
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I'm afraid
Thanks for your answers.
One thing that I neglected to tell you was that 4 years ago I had a D &C because my endometrium layer was too thick.
The biospy came back negative and the diagnosis was imflammation of the cervix. No dysplasia.
This time during my ultrasound I was told by the radiologist that I have an enlarged uterus. I asked what that was and she said to discuss it with my doctor, then she said something about fibroids and I knew I had them.
I don't know if this is another thing that can be causing all of the pain, because everyone I know with large fibroids has alot of heavy bleeding, which I do not.
Well my doctor should have my report in this afternoon, so keep your fingers crossed for me.
Thanks again.
Laura
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04-14-2004, 03:38 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 83
Hysterectomy: February 13th, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Undecided
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I'm afraid
The type and location of your fibroids can determine if you have heavy bleeding or not. My fibroid was the size of a cantalope when I had my TAH--But it was mostly outside my uterus, so it did not cause the massive bleeding that much smaller ones can cause when inside the uterus.
I am glad that you are going to talk to your doctor. And if you still feel unsure, get a 2nd opinion to put your mind at ease. I know what it is like to worry about this kind of stuff.
I wish the best of luck to your cousin. I'm sure the the treatment of cancer has come a long way since my aunt's diagnoisis. She was diagnosed 25 years ago and was quite a bit older than your cousin. I wish her the best.
Good Luck to you.
Jenny
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04-14-2004, 03:40 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 83
Hysterectomy: February 13th, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Undecided
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I'm afraid
I wanted to add that fibroids that are degenerating can be quite painful. It is not dangerous, just painful. It just means that they are losing their blood supply and are dying.
Jenny
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04-15-2004, 07:01 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 3
Hysterectomy:
Ovaries: Undecided
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Thank you again
You have all been so sweet and thoughtful.
I received good news yesterday, my sonogram showed that my fibroids have not grown in 4 years and my ovaries look good. Also my endometrium layer was not thickened like last time.
So all I have now is the CA 125 blood test, which I know can show a false positve because of many factors (fibroids, hormones, etc). But I'll have it done just to make sure.
But the pains in my back are excruciating. I was up all night and now I'm at work half asleep.
But girls, please pray with me for my cousin Kathy who is only 47 and has three small children. She is like my sister and I am her rock (some rock, I cry every time after I give her one of my motivational speeches). She will be undergoing 6 rounds of chemo, 5 1/2 hours each, once every three weeks.
I truly love and admire all of you on this site. God Bless you all!!
Laura
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04-15-2004, 10:25 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 3,391
Hysterectomy: November 29th, 2001
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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I'm afraid
Hi Laura,
Thanks for the update on your doctor visit. I'm glad to hear you got a good report and hope that the CA-125 will be normal.
As for your back ... maybe the pain is unrelated to any gyn issues???
Sending extra prayers for your cousin, Kathy.
Beth
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