I’m just curious to hear if anyone else has similar experiences. I am planning to fill out an e-consult for GP tomorrow.
I am actually a nurse, but paediatric!
Basically, I’ve had increasing pain in my lower left abdomen in the ovary area.
I was diagnosed with PCOS prior to first pregnancy commencing 2012, fibroids also noted prior to first pregnancy.
I have had intermittent sharp left sided ovarian pain for several years - I didn’t religiously track this alongside menstrual cycles, but it would generally start to increase in the week or so prior to period. Only ever on the left side. I have always presumed that this was related to either ovulation or a cyst.
However, I have experienced increasing symptoms for about 18 months. Initially pain was intermittent, but has begun increasing in frequency over the last approximately 6 weeks and symptoms have also changed, as I have started to experience some referred pain/symptoms. Over the last (approx) six weeks it has started to spread to side of buttock, up left side towards ribs (makes me
want to dig fingers under ribs to relieve this), and down towards knee on front of the leg, not back, with a nerve type of pain in knee. I know that sciatica may be a differential diagnosis, but it really doesn’t feel like that.
When trying to sit I am very aware of it. It can be similar to a pulled muscle feeling, but in ovary area. It doesn’t feel like a musculoskeletal pain. It’s more of a pressure sensation, but when it becomes painful it is incredibly sharp and takes my breath away. Over the last couple of days I am have noticed that this pressure and pain has increased so that I am feeling it almost constantly. Can be difficult to get comfortable and it is starting to wake me at night. I can’t ease it with changing positions etc and the sensation makes me feel nauseous.
I am finding myself feeling incredibly fatigued, though obviously since my sleep is disturbed this could be a contributing factor! However, I’m finding myself with ‘brain fog’ which is very frustrating in my line of work.
No depression etc.
I’ve been experiencing significant bloating and uncomfortable.
When urinating I sometimes need to change position to fully empty bladder, also noticed increased frequency.
Recent changes in appetite - now decreased, and last night I vomited after a small meal.
Occasional acid reflux - have cut out any triggers for this such as occasional fizzy drinks etc.
Have been taking anti-inflammatories and paracetamol with no effect.
Previously dysregulated cycles prior to pregnancies. Cycles are now regular: 29-34 days for last couple of years. Periods can be very heavy with lots of clots and frequent management of sanitary products. No bleeding between periods.
Trying to eat and drink well!
In addition to own history of PCOS, recent maternal history of breast cancer (Mum, great aunt x2 and great uncle). Genetics to be carried out imminently. Maternal history of endometriosis.
I tend to just put up with these sorts of things, as most nurses do, but I’m noticing this a lot now. Today I’ve had trouble with sitting and standing, but it just doesn’t feel like a hip issue.
Sorry if this post is garbled - I guess I’d just like to hear any other experiences. Thanks!