Ovarian cancer worries

[LightShinesInTheDarkness]

I know you can't diagnose me but I am so terrified I would just like some support.

Saw my GP last week as my tummy feels bloated and she suggested either ulcers or gallstones. Ordered a whole raft of blood tests and also a scan of stomach etc.

I had to go to a different surgery to have the bloods taken and there was a poster about Ovarian Cancer 'Is your body trying to tell you something?' which said that bloating and back pain can be early signs of ovarian cancer.

Went back to a (different) GP 2 days later to say I had seen the poster and was now scared as I have bloated tummy, and back pain which had come on suddenly. I had not mentioned the back pain to the first GP as it was not severe and half the country has lower back pain!

He checked my blood results - all normal and also felt my abdomen and examined me internally. He said he could not feel anything obviously abnormal with my ovaries but as I am overweight it was a bit difficult to tell. Tried to reassure me and altered the scan request to include ovaries.

Back pain is getting worse, but bloating is not.

Just feel scared and miserable.
Anyone else been here, please?

I have a high risk of ovarian ca as i had breast ca when i was only 26.The screening is very hit and miss involves blood test for ca 125 and internal scans.It is unreliable as well.I would ask for a referal to gynae and speak to them.Ask Dr what he tested for in blood or suggest an ultrasound.my experience has taught me to follow your instincts.Good luck.

How old are you?
OC is very rare in anyone under 50- not to say it doesn't happen but not very likely.

If you have an internal scan and they see your ovaries it is quite accurate.

Try not to worry- it is most likely something very minor.

Hi cabbages - I am almost 47.

Just waiting for the scan date and the GP said they will do an ultrasound but may also do a vaginal scan if worried.

You sound well covered, then - a vaginal ultrasound is standard investigation, I think.

You know, its good to get a gynae overhaul from time to time, and well done for being pro-active, but try not to worry...it sounds FAR more likely that you just have IBS! Back pain is hugely common, you were right, and is going to get worse if you are tense and anxious...I know how awful health anxiety can be, and how impossible it is not to worry sometimes, but you are already doing all you can to safeguard your health: good for you, and I hope you can relax and be restored to peace of mind asap.

Thanks, Elibean - you sound like a really nice person and your comments helped me.

I am trying not to worry, but every now and again it steals up on me.

I had terrible back pain with an ovarian cyst as the cause-it was pressing on nerves which manifested itself as chronic back pain-I had to have pain killers until they removed the cyst.

It is highly unlikely to be ovarian cancer-more likely to be a cyst.

Hope that helps.:)

I agree it is more likely to be a cyst but get it checked out asap.

OVarian cancer is very easy for doctors to misdiagnose. I know because it happened to me. Was repeatedly fobbed off with IBS, when I KNEW it wasn't. I was 28.

Thank you. I know I saw the poster and panicked, but they put those information posters up in the waiting room to get you to pay attention - and it worked in my case!

I am a worrier but know that the odds are on my side that it is nothing serious, its just that niggle that it might be...as happyhappy has said.

Scan appointment on Friday.

Was trying not to worry so much but tummy been very bloated the past few days.

I guess its best to know.

I am really worried now that the scan is getting nearer, but I suppose they will not be able to tell me anything on the day?

I am really worried too as I have put on weight which is unexplained (havent changed anything re eating more etc), have bloated stomach so look pregnant, have also been experiencing dull pelvic aches and sharp pains and also need to go to urinate all the time. Am really really worried as all classic symptoms of OC. I am 38 and have two DC's and also have endometriosis.

have made appointment to see GP later this week.

I get gripy tummyache and back ache and slight twinges @ lower part of abdomen @ times. But, eight years ago I was diagnosed with IBS and my GP put me on Colofac tablets. When, I get a flare up now and then of these above symptons together with indigestion, burping, rumbling tummy I just think to myself has he misdiagnosed me and that it is OC but, then my friends say if you have had it for eight years, you would be dead by now if it had been OC. I also have a bloated tummy but, have had that for many years now and it is fairly hard @ times. But, inwardly I do worry sometimes that it may be something serious, though, I have had it for so long now. What does anyone else think. Would love to hear anyones views. I am however a born worrier!