Ovarian Cancer - help with symptoms

[helpyhelperton]

Reposting here:

Diagnosed with IBS 3 years ago.

Tried fodmap diet which worked for a bit, then fell of wagon - went in again at beginning of year - made no difference.

Constantly bloated, windy, sore and can't wear anything on waist. I can hardly eat - I just feel so uncomfortable and full. I feel I want to go to the loo all the time to feel better. And I wee a lot too. I rang docs because its so bad and when I go to the loo it is full of air and in bits too (sorry if tmi). I've just started spotting brown blood a week after my period. I have NEVER had breakthrough and I'm 46.

Docs have booked me for a blood test, had one 3 years ago and had raised marker for cancer (I want to say cra or bra something?) Had a pelvic ultrasound and was given all clear. I've also got pots for 2 samples (😳).

I'm not panicking but I just wanted to hear anyone's experience of either this kind of thing - be it bowel stuff or ovarian.

Thank you.

CA125 is what you’ll have been tested for. It can be raised for a number of pelvic issues including cysts/endometriosis.

I have OC and had the bloating and fullness, but the thing that sent me to the doctor was that it was not gas. OC bloating is caused by free fluid in the abdomen set off by tumours, it’s not gassy as it’s just liquid.

So, I’m sure you don’t need to worry about OC but it’s really good that your doctor is checking again. Hopefully you’ll get some answers and it will be something minor.

Thanks for your reply, it's not just gassy - it is like jelly belly -not hard.

I am windy but that could be the constipation?

And today I have sharp pains when I wee in my abdomen / I have never bled outside of my period before - it's dark brown and light.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, how are you doing?

I do remember wobbling my tummy and thinking “I’m sure it wasn’t that wobbly before!” Which made sense as it was full of liquid unbeknownst to me! I never had any pain or anything though, just the bloating really. If your CA125 returns as raised again request another ultrasound. Urinary and bowel changes can be signs so definitely worth ruling it out.

I’m doing okay thank you, I’ve almost finished my course of chemo now so hoping to have a break after that!

Just a suggestion, but with your age are you perimenopausal? That can cause digestive problems, all those you stated and erratic bleeding.

Is perimenopause a cause of constant bloating, constipation and breakthrough bleeding?

It's the bleeding that is the newest symptom.

I'm not having any hot flushes or anything else obviously perimenopause?

Can a blood test determine perimenopause?

Glad you're ok. How did you fare during the chemotherapy? Hope it wasn't too harsh on you and that you are being looked after.

I've had ovarian cancer. My CA-125 was always normal, as it wasn't a marker for my cancer. The spotting you're having should definitely be investigated. That was my main symptom.

Blood test unreliable for peri.
Spotting can be peri, endometriosis, polyps, cerival erosion or cancer.
There are I think 60 or more peri symptoms, check them out to see if you have any others. You don't have to have hot flushes.
Yes, peri can cause constant bloating, my belly is huge and uncomfortable. Peri since late thirties.
Dark brown blood, so old blood clearing out. Totally normal for me, but best to get it checked.

Try not to panic, it could be anything just yet, it's good that the doctors are testing. They will probably ultrasound like last time and then MRI/CT if they need to investigate further. I went to the doctors in March of this year because sex was painful, and I was getting painful backache afterwards too. My CA125 markers were raised and by July I was so bloated I looked 6 month pregnant and I had one episode of unusual spotting. The doctors found a teratoma (Dermoid Cyst) inside my ovary which they think is benign (need to biopsy to confirm) I need to have an operation (was meant to be tomorrow, but is now in 4 weeks) and I should be back to normal after recovery 🤞