Ovarian Cysts - sorry posting for traffic!

[ghostyslovesheets]

Hello

Sorry to post hear but I'm running out of ideas and just wondered if there is anything else I can do.

DD3 is 16 in Dec. In July (7th) we ended up in A+E due to tummy pain, and again 2 days later. She was eventually scanned and Gynaecologist was fairly dismissive - 2 cysts - one had popped - the other 4cm - would resolve - take paracetamol and ibuprofen and off you pop.

She missed most of the rest of term and she was sent home in pain daily - she can't sit for any length of time etc.

Anyway it's worse - we've seen the GP again - first told us to contact the gynae again - phone rings out constantly - GP again - much better (female GP thankfully) referred back to paediatric gynaecologist for another scan and possibly also endo.

It's awful - she was up all of last night in pain - she's on paracetamol, mefenamic acid and 111 today prescribed codeine - she's back in school Friday - year 11 and stressed that she wont cope - nothing seems to ease the pain - always worse at night (lying down makes it worse she feels) - she's had a miserable summer poor kid. I think the other cyst popped but now she may have more - all we can do is wait for the next apt.

So, I have never had OC - can anyone share what might have worked for them to help - any magic tricks or things we haven't tried?

Thank you - and sorry for posting in AIBU but you can be very helpful vipers

You need to advocate for better care for her make a bloody nuisance of yourself at your GP or change GP.

You can't just leave a kid with bursting ovaries, she needs urgent scans potentially a laparoscopic investigation to see what's going on and a referral to a endometriosis specialist clinic. It could be appendicitis, bowl twisting or any manner of other internal issues.

No GP ever would refuse to treat a male child who has a testicular torsion and it's the same risk.

She has a risk of infection and long term fertility damage.

Sorry I'm not raging at you just at the shambles and fucking disgusting approach to women's healthcare, I've live with this from 14-49 and sick to death of it.

Does she have a dad, uncle or any male in her life, please ask him to make an appointment to take her and give them shit. It will amaze you the difference it makes.

I hate to say this but the only way my endometriosis was referred was when I took my husband to all appointments.

Please this is not "normal" its a risk and she needs to be seen and listened too and learn that this is not acceptable.

Thanks @startstopengine I hear you - it's very frustrating - her dad is useless in all things medical - I am taking her back to the GP Tuesday as 111 advised - she does need to be seen urgently. I also agree about women's health being less important.

I think part of the issue is she's pretty stoical and not in huge pain in the day when we see the GP - it's always worse at night. She's taken pictures of her tummy today - you can see how swollen the left side is.

Does she drink/eat soy products?

No she's a cows milk drinker

Have they offered her the combined contraceptive pill? That should stop ovarian cysts from occurring.

I hear you - it's very frustrating - her dad is useless in all things medical - I am taking her back to the GP Tuesday as 111 advised

If you explain the difference having a male present can make (not always, but possible) he will surely step up and accompany your DD?

I’m so sorry for your DD.

I had a dermoid ovarian cyst at 13, i’m 31 now. Sounds like nothing has changed with the NHS.

I ended up in A&E a fair few times due to the pain. The doctors dismissed me so much at first - ‘oh its just tummy pain, its a virus, its x…’

By the time they gave me a scan, the cyst had grown to the size of a grapefruit and had twisted/ destroyed my right ovary. I ended up having my full right ovary and fallopian tube removed which wasn’t ideal to say the least. I missed a lot of school due to it too.

Its good that they have spotted the cysts, but please advocate more for your DD, make a nuisance of yourself at GP, ask for referral and scans to check the cyst hasnt grown large or twisted/ruptured the ovary. Turn up at A&E if you must. The pain shouldnt be acceptable or seen as normal.

Dont be embarrassed, the NHS is in a state and your DD’s fertility may be at risk if it affects both of her ovaries.

I probably sound dramatic, but I really wish my mum had pushed harder for me at the time instead of being embarrassed to questions doctors or GPs.

OP, you need to be absolutely kicking the doors down to get anything done. My recent experience of gyne issues was constant dismissal and it’s left me with a permanent issue that could have been resolved fairly easily.

Keep mithering. In the end, I got so sick of being in constant pain that I took out a credit card and paid privately. I’d already seen 5 doctors and been dismissed by all of them.

I'm afraid your DH in this situation needs to step up, he just needs to be sat there. Not even speak.

I'm so sorry this must be so worrying, also tell her not to minimise pain, we all do it to be "nice"

My DH can be a bit of a drip, but literally telling the GP my husband was coming with me changed her entire approach it was frankly eye opening, she sat up straight, took notes listened to me, spoke over my head to my DH.

It was eternally opening and the best advice I was given on an endometriosis forum

Sorry I should have said - she's on that - which yes should stop them!

They need to recheck her because cysts can cause torsions. Severe ovarian pain should always be checked by a doctor, if she can't manage the pain she needs to be on better medication or a treatment plan.

Thanks for the responses and sorry for all your awful experiences - I will be back at the GP Tuesday - I have told her to ham it up a bit at the Dr's as she does tend to play things down.

Honestly I get what you are saying about (ex) DH but he just gets cross and it doesn't help - been there with the other two!

Yes I agree - I asked after the scan what we should do re management and a treatment plan - they couldn;t have been more dismissive

Sorry about that, do you have a dad, uncle parent, make friend? It's worth it!

Poor kid. Keep fighting for her.

@startstopengine sadly not -I'll be very firm on Tuesday trust me - I am a good advocate but it's difficult when our GP is actually trying to help but it's past her pay grade - she's referred her back to hospital and we are waiting

Keep us posted and sending hugs to your DD, horrid situation for her.

Have a look at Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumour.

I completely agree with autumnbake, you know that you have to get it sorted.

I’ve PCOS and Edometriosis.

Ive suffered so much over the years. Constant pain is awful to deal with at such a young age.

These are the things that helped me-

I use something like this to help the pain
https://amzn.eu/d/ibSEYhq

Try not to stay in a featal position for a long time and move around.

I’ve done yoga for years not sure if it helps or not but notice a difference if I don’t stretch.

I also have regular reflexology. Look for a reflexologist who is experienced in
women’s health.

If its going to affect school and exams I would speak to her school.

Keep track of it. Diary when she has attacks

Fertility wise I had IVF to conceive. If you get referred to gyne ask all the questions I didn’t when I was younger and wish I had.

x

Thanks @Lastandfirst I've ordered that heat pad - and thanks all you lovely lot for the advice x