To be annoyed about this GP?

[jennymanara]

Been to see my GP as according to Dr Google I have classic signs of ovarian cancer. I am NOT saying I have ovarian cancer, but I should have tests to rule that out.
The GP was fixated on the idea that I had a urine infection, I have been tested for this twice with 1 sample been sent to the hospital to check for one. Or that I have an overactive bladder. Googled on getting back and my symptoms do not really match.
I had to really push to get agreement that a nurse will do some blood tests, and have been referred for a scan. And I have had to do another urine test.
I suspect this is not unusual though as the ovarian cancer site urges women with these symptoms to push their Dr for tests and be assertive.

Yanbu, and you aren't the first women I've heard saying exactly the same thing.

The problem is how vague the “classic signs” of ovarian cancer are. Vast majority of people with those symptoms don’t have it. It can’t reliably be picked up on blood tests. Can’t scan everyone with abdominal bloating because there aren’t enough ultrasonographers in the country. Etc. Etc. But can’t make a judgement on the GP without knowing what your symptoms are exactly.

Hope you don’t have it, anyway.

I really hope you don’t have it, but no wonder it isn’t diagnosed until it’s too late for so many women!!! (Good luck with the tests! Please let us know when you get the all clear!!!)

Elle Yes that is all true. Constant feeling of bloating, constantly feeling I need to pee, some fairly constant very low level back ache. Had it for about 6 weeks now.

I see. All very common symptoms, unfortunately. Probability of UTI/overactive bladder PLUS unrelated back pain PLUS unrelated bloating —> altogether still more likely than ovarian cancer. BUT as that back pain is relatively new (6 weeks) and you’re worried about it, a scan wouldn’t hurt. I hope it’s good news OP.

I think you ANBU to be honest,I had similar symptons and it turned out to be an ovarian cyst!.Hopefully not that or OC but surely needs checking out!

Thanks, I know that it could be other things. I am not saying it is ovarian cancer. But I do think I should not have had to push so much for it to be checked out.
And when I googled overactive bladder, it says that the feeling of needing to pee is relieved when peeing. Mine doesn't. It is there all the time. And I did keep saying it was there all the time, just like the bloating.

My mum is dying of ovarian cancer. She had no symptoms and when they found it by chance it was too late for any treatment. They gave her six months in March. It can present as so many things. DM's oncology nurse called it the silent killer. Even in the final stages she is not in any pain. You have every right to push for tests but classic symptoms doesn't mean much.

Those are symptoms of a number of different cancers (not just ovarian cancer) as well as more easily treatable conditions too. GPs need to get through the easily treatable conditions first before they can refer for further tests. And you will need more than just ovarian cancer tests - you should request a smear test as well as a test to look into the inside of your womb / bowels.

My mum had ovarian cancer 2 years ago, symptoms very vague. Please push for more tests. YANBU

WalnutWhisper I am so sorry to hear that?

Teddybear What easily treatable conditions? Only things GP was talking about was a urine infection and overactive bladder and STD. STD ruled out.

How old are you? If you're not in the classic age range for ovarian cancer that might be way he's hesitant. My aunt who sadly did have ovarian cancer was referred immediately on seeing her GP. I went to the GP with similar symptoms to yours (bloating, back pain, constantly needing to pee) and wasn't referred (she did do an examination of my abdomen) but I was in my twenties and an unlikely candidate. It turned out to be IBS.

Mid 50s. Could understand if I was mid 20's.

Urine infection, inflammatory bowel conditions (including IBS but that should be a last resort diagnosis), kidney or bladder stones, STI, Kidney infections etc etc. Even gastritis can cause your symptoms (including the urine symptoms).

I was diagnosed with overactive bladder three and a half years ago with symptoms like yours (except the back pain). The feeling of needing to go is there all the time - it doesn't go away. Tablets help though

I had a medium size ovarian cyst in my late 40's. GP asked all the right questions about my symptoms, but as I said to her I have IBS and I'm peri-menopausal so many of they symptoms are exactly the same.

Had the CA125 test which was normal and eventually had the cyst removed.

Luckily my GP listened. If you're not happy then insist on a gynae referral.

Glad with some of you the same symptoms turned out to be something far less serious. Obviously this is what I am hoping for.

Any news yet, OP?

Wow, thanks for checking.
Blood tests came back negative, still waiting for appointment for a scan.

Well that’s a little load off! Please check in once scan is done! I am in Aus and have a different medical system. Am rather shocked at the wait time, but we pay for these things....

Thanks. Yes the blood tests have reassured me a lot.

You have the symptoms of urogenitary syndrome if the menopause (or perimenopause)#

Have you got health anxiety?

Why do I have that? I have no pain in the genital area or on peeing

And I have no vaginal dryness at all.