Cyst is such a Dirty Word (Medical Pictures: Use Discretion)

January 12th, 2009

I’m 23 (if anyone is curious!)

Long story shortened (moderately.. lol):

January 6th (Doctor’s Appointment):
I have been feeling off for about a year, and started feeling full/bloated/constipated about 6 months ago–doctor said it was just my intestines (which makes sense, if I’m saying I’m constipated)–Anyhoo.

So I went in to the doctor on Tuesday and told her my concerns (SUPER bad pains on the left–figured I had a minor ovarian cyst on that side) — We did the normal pelvic exam, and she couldn’t find anything, but took me seriously and set up an appointment for the “innie/outie” ultrasounds the next day. (like my technical terms?)

When I went in, I noticed the technician was taking a LOT of pictures of the right. Also–she told me my bladder was full when it wasn’t… I was close to tears cause I thought that I had cups and cups of pee and couldn’t take care of it!!! 
So I went to work and got “the call” from my doctor the next day. She said that what they could see (from the ultrasound) was a 22cm ACROSS ovarian cyst (originating from the right side–guess that’s why the majority of ultrasounds were there!), and I need to go in again to get an MRI so they can see exactly what’s going on. 

I went in on Friday to get my MRI, and I DID get to keep my images! (I won’t post them HERE to save anyone from upset stomachs if you’re prone–but there will be some soon on my blog) and it looks like someone put a waterballoon in my lower-stomach (which I lovingly call my thorax). — My bladder is FLATTENED against my pelvic bone because of this!! (no wonder she thought it was full!)
The cyst extends from above my belly-button to below my pelvic bone. From hip to hip, as well as “hugs” my back and extends my belly to the point that I’ve been asked 3 times if I’m expecting! (From people I KNOW!)

The doctor said during “the call” that she wants it surgically removed within the week. I hear from her tomorrow for instructions and consult referrals. I’m pretty much at terms with the situation (scared about stupid things like catheters and being intebated, and more serious things like if I will lose my ovarie(s) because of this)

Below are the before pictures.  I’ll be going in for surgery this week and will post “after” pictures. I can’t wait for this to be OVER with!!



January 26th:
Surgery Day– It was a long and nerve wracking process.  It took me a good 6-8 weeks to fully heal enough to get the OK from the doctor (more news next, on that).  I went through something that could only be described as post-partum depression.   Except: No baby. 

I was only on pain meds for 2 weeks, and then I was able to fully kick them.  The whole 2 weeks, I was just trying to get UP and not cry… Mostly I could be distracted, but when I was alone, it was bad. 

March 12:

So I went in today for my checkup– She said I’m healing great, but my scar is keloiding (sp?) a little bit– If I use vitamin E (which I have been), it shouldn’t be bad, but I “may want to see a plastic surgeon” if it gets worse.. Oi vey!!!
She didn’t do a full physical exam: Just checked my ovaries, and said that nothing’s growing on either of them (yay!)– it was quick and mostly painless (after all, I’m still healing).
Apparently, though, I had another cyst inside my cyst, and a couple of nodules.  Those nodules weren’t cancerous, but weren’t “not cancer”–which means I have a 30% likelihood of re-growing an ovarian cyst, which could or could not be benign.  (bummer!)  So I’ve got to go in every 3 months (for 2 years) and get checked out.  Every 6 months, I have to do ultrasounds, and then if I’m cleared after 2 years, I get to go to 6 months between visits for the rest of the obligatory 5-year span.
Basically they want to catch it early, if anything grows, and she said to call and make an appointment ASAP if I get ANY symptoms of a cyst again.  She said that because they kept the ovary that this one emanated from, it’s more likely to grow a new cyst. (bummer!)
There’s nothing.  NOTHING that can change the course: I can’t convince my body not to produce ovarian cysts whether I am (or am not) on birth control.  I can’t eat anything to make my situation better.  I can’t do anything but wait for it to (or not to) happen.
The other scary thing is that an ovarian cyst could happen during pregnancy.  Since they kept the ovary that the cyst emanated from, I’m more likely to re-grow a cyst on that side.  So… What?  I’m being “punished” because I wanted to have kids one day?  …That doesn’t seem fair. 
So, not the best news, but not the worst news– but I’ll take it!  

I’m all cleared to go back to dance, and I went to ballet– It was incredible. :)  I’m desperate to MOVE again.  She said just to take it easy, and go about half-speed on whatever I was doing before surgery.  (I can deal with that!) 

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