Laparoscopy for Ovarian Cyst :(

[soulfulsarah]

Hey all,

I'm feeling incredibly low today. Probably because I'm having to be in this lockdown alone while dealing with all of this.

I've been in and out of hospitals and doctors having to have blood tests and scans galore. At first, my CA125 test was slightly raised but I was told it was nothing to be worried about as it could be anything non-cancerous. I was told I would have to have an ultrasound and scan. I had these and they found I had a large cyst with a sister cyst on my right ovary and tiny ones on my fallopian tube.

So I was told I needed to see a gynaecologist, which i later did. They explained i would need further blood tests and a CT scan. Got these done. My bloods came back showing I was low on iron and that I was thr carrier od Alpha Thalassemia. A type of anaemia apparently. So I've been on iron tablets since and need to have further bloods done. My CT scan showed my cysts had shrunk but I had developed another 3cm cyst on my left side snd they have recommended that I have a laparoscopy done (but due to the current lockdown situation they're not carrying out any surgeries currentl). They have also attached another blood test form stating my CA19-9 is a little over and showing 16 so I need to havr further bloods done on that and again on my CA125 levels and another consultant with my Gynaecologist to be consented.

This has really just brought me down. Ive never had any health issues before so the constant back and fourth, blood tests and needles in my arms, its really getting me down now and sending my anxiety through the roof. I know they're just being safe right now and making sure they get to the bottom of whatever is wrong with me but it feels so so long winded. My hospital has also been hit hard with Covid19 infections and deaths so I'm really reluctant to go there right now and i have nobody to go with me. My partner is on lockdown away from me because his brother is having to go out to work (they live with eaxh other) and my mum is a carer in a nursing home around the clock working her butt off (who i temporarily live with) so she cant come with plus i dont want to worry her with this all.

Not sure the point of this post but has anyone been through a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) to drain the cyst? Has this affected your fertility? Anyone had the CA19 or CA125 tests?

Thanks in advance x

I had a laparoscopy to remove a cyst, as I was 44 they removed my ovary & tubes as well. I went in at 6 00pm, theatre at 7.00pm, back on ward by 8.30pm & was on my way home before 9.30pm. I had mine done at my local private hospital under NHS choose & book.

Didn't want to read and leave but I'm earlier in the pcos journey, only found out officially I had cysts on right ovary. However in my reading up on the subject isn't the laparoscopy meant to help with fertility? Xx

Hi. It is always worrying when you don't have definitive answers, I remember being incredibly teary when I was going through the same as you.

Anyway, I had a 10cm Ovarian Cyst removed about 10 years ago. They go in, suck out the fluid, and then remove the collapsed cyst. I was just on the edge of having to have an open operation because of the size, but had a really great surgeon, who I was able to choose as I went private, and he did a great job. No scars, back to work within 10 days. Fertility not compromised, I wasn't trying to have children or anything, but my periods never stopped, and in fact I still regular periods now, in my mid 50's. Good luck. I am sure you will be fine.

Oh, just an aside. I probably had had my cyst for years, growing away. I ignored slight stress incontinence, not being able to bounce on the trampoline, and a strange hard feeling in my tummy, putting it down to age! Stupid woman that I am. Very luck that it wasn't anything more serious, and incontinence went away after the op. The cyst having been sitting on my bladder!!

I’ve had four laps. Any operation is obviously not fun but as far as operations go they’re really not awful. Often done as day cases and you’ll more than likely spend more time on the day waiting for the op than in the actual theatre!

With regards to fertility: it will help as it will give your ovary and tubes the chance to work properly again.

With regards to practical tips preparing and recovering from the lap: come back to mn when you have your date and ask again. You’ll get loads of great advice.

Wow, i really wasnt exoecting such a positive response (or any) and i really do appreciate all the feedback and insight.

I'm 34 now. I had net my other half later on in life (when i as 32). We were in the middle of our exciting search for our first home journey but all of this has been put on hold. With my anxiety I know i catastrophise but i cant help it. So my thoughts have led to age, now a huge pause in buying a house and having to stay away from other half, which means a delay in setting up our foundations and a further delay in creating our little family and of course age making it possibly more difficult to conceive/carry. Oh hello health issues to add into the equation too now. It has worried me and the elevated CA19 / CA125 levels in my blood too.

Your responses have settled me a little and I'm really grateful for that. THANK YOU all xx

Book marked. I will def been in touch @RedRed9 thank you x

Hey all,

I'm wondering if anyone paid privately for a laparoscopy. If so roughly how much did it cost and what was your experience. I've had another letter come through this morning saying my CT scan has been reviewed for the 2nd time and i have 2 cysts. 3cm on the right and 6cm on the left. Due to covid19 and completely understandable that the treatment rooms are closed for minor surgeries at my local hospital. Im not sure I'd feel too safe there either as its one of the hospitals struck quite bad with thr covid19 cases.

I'd love to hear of any experiences and advice on budgeting.

Thanks in advance x

@Baaaahhhhh may i ask, what costs were involved for going private and what was the overall service like?