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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder what to say to the doctor? (Sensitive)

134 replies

Worriedobsessive · 01/10/2017 11:01

Namechanged.

I am NEVER unwell. I'm 45, regular cycle, and last two weeks I'm out of breath a lot, absolutely knackered and taking naps every day, and v bloated lower abdomen. I'm wearing normally I think, but always feel so bloated. I've got indigestion if I eat too fast (again never a problem previously) and I've got constant lower back ache. And one elbow hurts too!

I'm not celiac, not anaemic, not b12 deficient (had recent blooods for something else) but something feels different.

If I see the doc they're likely to say "hormones, go away" aren't they?

OP posts:
thegreylady · 01/10/2017 13:00

Several things set off alarm bells here and the only way to be certain is to see your GP as a matter of urgency. Ovarian cancer would be a worst case scenario but whatever it is the sooner it is diagnosed the sooner it can be sorted. Let us know if you can.

Original poster
Worriedobsessive · 01/10/2017 13:20

Thank you, all of you.

No not had thyroid and antibodies done. I'll ask about that.

Ovarian stuff scares me but I thought that was in post menopause women? Also no odd bleeding. My paternal nan had ovarian cancer and died from it, I've only one aunt on that side, now in her 80s and in the rudest of health.

I'm going to the open access surgery tomorrow. I looked online and the first book able appt isn't till the middle of October, by which time I'll have worried myself into a froth.

OP posts:
LoniceraJaponica · 01/10/2017 13:25

Definitely get it checked out. There is another poster on MN who displayed the same symptoms and this flags up to me why you need to see a GP.

Chilver · 01/10/2017 13:32

Glad you are going to check it out.

It probably isnt ovarian cancer but it absolutely CAN happen in pre-menopausal women - I was 34. Now post menopausal following dreadful, but successful, treatment. The earlier it is found, the better your chances of survival so push, and push some more to get your symptoms ruled out for ovarian. It is not worth being fobbed off by docs. And mention your paternal Nan - there is a genetic factor in some cases.

To help you talking to the docs, here is a symptom tracker for ovarian: www.beatonline.info/about

As I said, unlikely to be ovarian cancer, but do get it checked out. Good luck.

Miserylovescompany2 · 01/10/2017 13:39

Write down all your symptoms in bullet points - take that to the GP!

Are you under any stress? Because, this can cause physical symptoms...

Original poster
Worriedobsessive · 01/10/2017 13:48

Thanks Chilvers, I tick the boxes.Sad Glad you're ok.

Dr Google says I have some protective factors as well, have had children and breast fed long term. I don't drink or smoke but I'm a couple of stone more portly than I could be.

Am writing my list now. Thank you all. I am v scared.

OP posts:
BagelDog · 01/10/2017 13:59

There are plenty of non malignant ovarian things that can present similarly including the breathlessness, but they still need an USS. Ovarian cancer is very unlikely but it still needs to be ruled out, and hopefully a nice benign cause will be found and sorted. Xx

MikeUniformMike · 01/10/2017 14:00

Don't be scared (well, of course you are, but ykwim). It might be something minor. It might be something serious or it might not be, but for now, get yourself to the GP and get yourself checked.

Trampoline11 · 01/10/2017 14:08

My mother had these symptoms (most) years ago. The GP sent her for an ECG and blood tests. It turned out she had a dodgy heart and needed a valve replaced. She's still around btw at 80. Please go and see your GP.
Not sure about the elbow though!

Ropsleybunny · 01/10/2017 14:11

Ovarian cancer has some of these symptoms, especially bloating. Don't be fobbed off, you need a scan. The blood test CA-125 should not be used to rule out ovarian cancer.

StefMay · 01/10/2017 14:22

The sudden onset of breathlessness on its own is enough to make a GP want to do tests. See your GP to rule things out and put your mind at rest. Take care.

SchnitzelVonCrummsTum · 01/10/2017 14:25

Has your weight changed recently? Flowers

Nousernameforme · 01/10/2017 14:27

Try not to worry easier said then done as many people have said it could be nothing but please do flag it up as a concern with your gp specifically say I am worried it might be ovarian cancer.
This should prevent any run around not that I think you will get any problems just that if you state that they will have to look into it for you.
Good luck tomorrow though you could also try and get an appointment through the receptionist if you say why you want an appointment they might be able to fit you in sooner.

Ginslinger · 01/10/2017 14:43

I would suggest you make some notes and take them with you because it's easy to forget or become flustered in the heat of the moment.

Oysterbabe · 01/10/2017 14:49

Always go to your Dr to be checked out if your body is doing something strange.
My mum was suddenly very tired and having to take naps in the afternoon. Prior to this she'd been on the go all day, she had a small holding and ran around after her creatures nonstop. This was for about a month. Then she got a nasty chest infection and was hospitalised. She was diagnosed with Leukaemia 2 days later and died 9 days after that.
You know your body best, listen to it. It's probably nothing serious but it might be.

Original poster
Worriedobsessive · 01/10/2017 16:28

Wow Oysterbabe that's desperately sad! Sad

OP posts:
PositiveAttitude · 01/10/2017 16:34

Worriedobsessive sorry, just seen your question to me. I didn't have any reason to have blood tests until I felt a lump in my neck 8 months after first realising I was unwell. I didn't want to appear stupid going to the Dr saying "I don't know what's wrong, but I am not right" I mean, where would he start?? There was nothing specific with me, until I found the lump.

stopfuckingshoutingatme · 01/10/2017 17:40

Darling get off Dr google !

Get yourself seen , take the bullet list and keep us updated

Now turn your phone off and try and focus on something else please

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 01/10/2017 19:56

No more googling, you'll terrify yourself.
Thinking of you, and sending you a handhold for tomorrow.
We are all here, waiting to know how you get on, and we'll be here, for as long as you need us. It's the not knowing, which is very scary. 💐

Justaboy · 01/10/2017 20:51

Dr Google will tell you that you are suffering from a bad dose of Worryitis for which the only cure is to stop googling;!.

As others have said make sure you WRITE DOWN all that's symptomatic its so easy to forget these things when with the doc.

And keep us posted.

Original poster
Worriedobsessive · 01/10/2017 21:09

I've done my list! Blush

  • feeling bloated all the time
  • lower pelvis dull ache
  • feels like ovulation pain but all the time. Not sharp, just uncomfortable.
  • feel full v quickly, reduced appetite, no weight loss
  • Very tired, scheduling naps, need massive sleep in the afternoon about every 4th day even with naps
  • very out of breath with slightest exertion, like running upstairs. Two flights and I have to sit down, pounding heart.
  • Achy joints especially elbow and lower back, behind hips.
  • normal regular cycle
  • nan, auntie Marg ok
OP posts:
AnyFucker · 01/10/2017 21:14

Good luck, op

When are you seeing the doc ?

Keel · 01/10/2017 21:24

Good luck tomorrow at the drs

Original poster
Worriedobsessive · 01/10/2017 21:29

Thank you. My surgery has a "sit and wait" clinic tomorrow so I shall be taking a good book, and sitting and waiting till I'm seen.

An earlier poster (sorry I can't scroll up on this ancient phone) asked was I under stress. Not any more, but I have been, and a Thing that I had to deal with, has finally been concluded, which is a huge relief. My friend gently suggested that now I have more headspace to worry about other things, I have to find something to worry about! She might be right! Blush

OP posts:
Chilver · 01/10/2017 22:52

You're doing the right thing by going to get checked out. Think of one thing at a time and don't listen to other people (such as you're friend), just focus on the task for the day, which for tomorrow is to make that first appointment with the doctor. Better to be Blush than put it off and find something unpleasant later!

You'll be fine, OP Flowers