Hi ladies,
I'm 26, and had a cyst (football sized), an ovary and a fallopian tube removed 2 yrs ago, (IA)
When I was diagnosed it was purely by luck, I mentioned to my GP that I had weird bleeding patterns and was referred to a gyno for a 'better look'.
3 weeks later my appt came, He firstly did an internal examination and felt my stomach and asked if I could be pregnant, to which I replied 'no chance', he wanted to be sure before carrying on, so he immediately did an ultrasound where they found my cyst. I also had CA125 which came back as normal. 4 weeks later I had surgery, and was told that it was cancer Ia and I was very lucky as the surgery had done the trick, no chemo needed.
I have to go back every 6months for a CA125. What bothers me is that CA125 is not reliable from my past experience, and he won't do a scan every 6 months. Here in the UK, we have the NHS which is basically, you get the gyno you're given. He is a brill surgeon, but I find him unapproachable and feel like he doesn't listen to me.
I am now getting anxious as I have my next check up in 2 weeks, and for the last 4-6 weeks I have had a pain in my lower stomach, bloating and excessive fatigue, I am worried as he will just do the CA125 and that's all, if I tell him my new symptoms I am scared he will think I'm being a hypochondriac. This is the 2nd gyno I have had, as the 1st wanted to give me a full hysterectomy (aged 23) luckily my cancer nurse saw the notes when she returned from holiday and she moved me to another surgeon .. the great but arrogant and dismissive one...
Arghhh, any suggestions welcome ...xx
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Slightly worried newbie
- By DeckStar
- Posted March 11, 2009 at 9:44 pm · 4 replies
- In Young survivors
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- By Jennali
- Posted March 12, 2009 at 12:07 am
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Seems like your best bet would be to try whatever you can to get a different doc. How difficult is that? Could your cancer nurse do a switcheroo for you again?
Failing that, I would be as assertive and insistent as possible. You cannot afford to ignore these symptoms. Be a pushy broad!
- By katelynsmamaw
- Posted March 12, 2009 at 8:39 am
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How come you didn't have chemo? How often do you get your scan? I thought these were the "norm" in treatment. You need to find a dr you are comfortable with that will listen to you. Be persistant. Take care and keep pushing the issue
- By FavoriteAunt
- Posted March 12, 2009 at 8:56 am
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When you see the doctor, I would certainly be firm and clear about the new symptoms and your fears given your history. If that doesn't work, I'd try to get another doctor. It's too bad you are limited in your choice process, but I'd try again if it became necessary.
You are not being a hypochondriac. You have symptoms, a history, and deserved to be listened to and tested. If you were here, you'd probably be getting a CT scan, or at least an ultrasond, along with a CA-125. I wish you well and hope you feel better soon.
- By Tammy2469
- Posted March 12, 2009 at 11:26 am
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I have found one of the most important thing in going through any treatment, surgery, follow-up is to have faith and confidence in your doctor. I am one of the lucky ones that has a doctor that has a wonderful bedside manner and is a great doctor. Keep pushing until you find a doctor you are comfortable with, or if this doctor is very skilled, then just keep being persistant and ask him all the questions you need to until you are satisfied with the answers. I also in the past have felt like there was nothing really wrong with me and hesitated to ask questions and push for tests, but you can't be too careful. I agree with FavoriteAunt, you deserve to be listened to and have a say in your care.
I wish you the best and will be praying that your doctor becomes more receptive to his patients and you get the answers and tests you need.
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