Hello all,

Please forgive the very long first post. I've been reading messages here with great interest, as I suspect I am having a problem related to an ovar cyst.

I will have new insurance starting in September, but none until then. I'd really like to be seen by my doctor because I'm having what seem to be ovar cyst symptoms. But I don't want to end up getting excluded for 9 months for a "pre existing condition" -- which I fear, if I am seen now for this now and it ends up being chronic or cancerous -- especially since, if it's cancerous, it can escalate so quickly.

The main reason I am fearful of cancer is that my husband has had it (I know, it's not contagious -- you just get very aware of all the possibilities in this situation, if you know what I mean). Also, I had a "mildly abnormal" pap last October, and followup colposcopy/biopsy which demonstrated no cervical tissue abnormality. (Ah, that was back when I had insurance ...)

My back/hips are in fairly constant pain, and my belly is too tender for me to play comfortably with my very active boy. Advil helps a little, but not much. It's beginning to frighten me, and I'm especially worried about re-starting grad school in September, because with one semester behind me already, I know how stressful it can be, not to mention it's 50 miles away.

Other possibilities exist, I know. I had groin pain issues before pregnancy that ended up being musculo-skeletal in nature, but this feels worse, much like the pain I felt during late pregnancy (and even a little bit like "back labor" which was all of my labor, yikes). I also tweaked my back at work last week, and I think it's possible the back and hip pain is related to that somehow, since it started after that. I need to eliminate that possibility as well ... and get some pain relief.

Has anyone been diagnosed/treated for an ovarian cyst with no insurance???

Thanks for any advice you might be able to provide. :confused:

tm

I actually have been diagnosed with a dermoid ovarian cyst so I can share with you my story and hopefully that can help. In the beginning, actually back in March I did not have any symptoms. My cyst was found during a routine CT scan following gall bladder surgery. It was decided then that it would just be monitored but would eventually have to come out due to these types of cysts. Well every six weeks like clock work I had been going in for an ultrasound and the cyst had been doing well until about a month ago. Apparently either the dermoid is growing at an alarming rate or another cyst is growing under it. Either way this is not good. Now I have been experiencing lower pelvic pain, pressure with sharp pain moving through it. Sometimes the pain is quite bad. Also, I have been experiencing back pain. Well the doctor said no more and I am actually having it out Thursday August 10th. I am so glad because I do not know how much longer I can take this pain. The doctor told me that I am experiencing the pain because the cyst is trying to turn.

Anywho, I apologize for my post being so long. My advice to you is hon do not wait too long. I have been told by my doctor that if I would have waited too much longer the cyst could have caused my ovary to cut off it's blood supply and I would have had a much worse problem.

I hope this helps.

Terry

Thanks for your response!

"the cyst is trying to turn"

Is that what they call torsion?

One more symptom I didn't mention -- wondering if you have this too -- is that I have some urgency to defecate within about a half hour of eating a meal. The back pain's worse at those times but I experience some relief after.

Today it also looks like I'm getting my period about a week early, so I think I should make an appointment. I'm usually fairly regular but have been off by a day or two for the past few months -- a week early is not something I've ever experienced.

tm

I think that would be a good idea. Yes, I have had those feeling of having to use the restroom shortly after eating. I think the cyst must be pushing against the colon or something.

You are correct about the turning. It has not torsed yet otherwise I would not even be able to sit still but she said it is definitely moving. It is a good thing I am having the surgery now before it gets too bad.

Terry

Well, my period is in full flush today and I'm feeling a little better. It's more like a normal period (cramps etc.) but my back still hurts. So I'm going to see what's what with my ob/gyn on Monday, maybe I can make an appointment with her for next week after the period is over.

That reminds me, I think I read you should wait a week after your period ends for an exam -- does that ring true for anybody?

Thanks all,

tm