Thread: Ultrasound

I went to my doctor yesterday, she told me that there's nothing on the ultrasound to suggest cancer. She said but to be on the safe side, she did a blood test (I think CA 125). She said she doesn't think there's anything to worry about but she said since I'm a big worry wart (she said she never met anyone like me before, always worrying) that if I wanted her to, she would remove the ovary with the big cyst but she doesn't think it's medically necessary. I asked if she can do a full hysterectomy. She said if that's what you want, I'm willing to do that. Then I told her that I was never put under before and I don't know what it's like (something else to worry about). She said if she does the scope thing and takes out my one ovary, I would have to be put under. But with a hysterectomy, I can have a spinal. I would be awake but all drugged up to not know what's going on. I'm a nervous wreck. I'm worrying about the bloodwork. I have HPV and had abnormal cells once before. Another reason I want a hysterectomy. I want these cysts out of me but then again if I have a hysterectomy, menopause will soon follow and then there's all the hot flashes and night sweats and mood swings. I really don't know what to do. But the first thing is the bloodwork and hopefully if will come back normal and then I can decide what I want to do.

I had a complete blood count done recently (to check my Iron) and my red cells and white cells were normal. That's a good sign, isn't it? I mean if there was anything going on, my red cells or white cells would be off, right?

Bernice

A normal workup is always good!

If there were an infection, your WBC would be elevated. So you've done the CA-125, which seems most likely to come back normal, and you want a hysterectomy? Can I ask why?

I mean, yeah, I am certainly looking forward to the day I don't have to deal with my periods anymore. I get ovulatory cysts, which sometimes burst when I ovulate and since they're small, they're not horrific, but there's always a few at a time, so sometimes it even hurts to put my foot on the floor because the pain is so bad that one darn day I ovulate.

I've also had fibroids, and underwent a myomectomy to remove one large one (the size of a grapefruit originally, shrunk by medication) and two smaller ones. My periods were going twenty days at a time and I was bleeding through a super tampon and overnight pad in less than an hour for the first three days of my periods. I literally couldn't go anywhere if I had my period. That was pretty awful. Everything is much, much better now.

But I still wouldn't want a hysterectomy.

I personally object to a doctor agreeing to give you a medically unnecessary hysterectomy just because you're a worry-wart! Am I missing something? Do have a strong family history of uterine or cervical cancer? Do you have endometriosis? How many times have you dealt with abnormal cells? I read one or two of your other posts but didn't see anything to suggest you having something so drastic done.

>>If there were an infection, your WBC would be elevated. So you've done the CA-125, which seems most likely to come back normal, and you want a hysterectomy? Can I ask why?<<

I really hope you're right and it does come back normal. I want a hyserectomy because I have these cysts that won't go away. My left ovary has multiple cysts measuring 5.7 cm. I get these cramps (like I'm due for my period) and my thighs ache. I'm guessing it's from the cysts or fibroid since I had an IUD inserted, I don't get my period anymore.

>>I personally object to a doctor agreeing to give you a medically unnecessary hysterectomy just because you're a worry-wart! Am I missing something? Do have a strong family history of uterine or cervical cancer? Do you have endometriosis? How many times have you dealt with abnormal cells? I read one or two of your other posts but didn't see anything to suggest you having something so drastic done.<<

I have HPV and had abnormal cells once (so far). My mom had a hysterectomy when she was in her 30's (because of heavy bleeding). I take after her side of the family. The reason I had an IUD inserted was because of heavy, long and bright red periods. Now I have these cysts that won't go away. The 2nd ultrasound, the cyst went down some but the 3rd ultrasound, the cyst increased in size and now I have a lot of cysts in both ovaries.

Bernice

>>If there were an infection, your WBC would be elevated. So you've done the CA-125, which seems most likely to come back normal, and you want a hysterectomy? Can I ask why?<<

I forgot to add that I heard and read that the CA-125 isn't reliable. So the test can come back normal but the cysts can be worst than what the test says. Am I right about this? If so, then why do the test if it's not reliable and accurate?

Bernice

I got the results for my CA-125 back. It should be under 25 and mine is 6. So it's normal. How reliable is this bloodwork? I have to go back to my doctor next week and then we'll decide what to do. I might decide to do another ultrasound in a couple months and if the cysts get bigger or stays the same, I might decide on a hysterectomy, not that I want to have surgery but I get cramps almost everyday and my thighs ache. Any suggestions?


Thank You
Bernice

That sounds wonderful, a six for your results. That's obviously well within the normal range. What does the CA-125 have to do with cysts? It's a test to check for uterine cancer.

Ovarian cysts are a pain, as I mentioned, I have them too, but they can be removed laparascopiclly for you in one procedure. I know someone who had this done.

I think if the bleeding is under control, and the cysts can be taken care of in a procedure, that a hysterectomy is a very drastic procedure to take care of some issues that tens of thousands of women have.

I do not have HPV, but I had abnormal cells and a colposcopy. While I wouldn't want to have it done again, IMO it still does not necessitate a hysterectomy, and I still question the ethics of a doctor who will do that to you! It is a major surgery and not something that should be taken lightly.

Just because your mom had a hyster in her 30's does not mean that's right for you. Our mothers did not have the advancement of the procedures and medications that are available to us in this day and age. They pretty much removed the reprodctive parts of any woman with heavy bleeding, endometriosis, or unexplained pain, because they had no other alternatives.