This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/twoxchromosomes by /u/Caffeine-Dream on 2023-08-10 16:05:19.

It is so important to stand up for yourself when it comes to reproductive health.

I (22F) am getting a major surgery by the end of the month to removed a 26cm ovarian cyst. Yep, basically a 5 dollar foot long in form of cystic endoplasm and other medical mumbo jumbo that I don’t understand, but needs to get out of me.

Thankfully the doctors have basically confirmed it’s not cancerous. In fact, if it didn’t start benign, I was told I would have died by now.

After 4 years of multiple ER trips, different birth controls, estrogen pills, and doctors dismissing my pain as “really bad menstrual pain and symptoms”, I had to put my foot down and demand an ultrasound, despite my anxiety of being denied in the past.

Finally I got the ultrasound, and less than 24 hours after, my doctor is calling me absolutely bewildered over the fact I have a cyst big enough to mimic a 24 week pregnancy.

I am pretty terrified for the surgery. I will be losing my left ovary. I have no idea what to expect. Tips for recovery?

In case anybody else finds themselves suspecting they are in similar position, I’m going to list my misdiagnoses and symptoms. I am not a doctor and everybody’s experience will vary, this is not medical advice, but please do speak up for yourself. You’re not crazy, and the symptoms shouldn’t be normalized.

Misdiagnoses:

  • Low Estrogen
  • Extreme constipation (I was prescribed a heavy duty laxative after a doctor refused to run an ultrasound on me!)
  • Intolerance to gluten and dairy
  • IBS
  • “Really heavy period”

Symptoms experienced (some appearing later than others):

  • Extreme abdominal bloating (stomach hard to the touch)
  • Extremely painful periods
  • Starting menstruation at an early age
  • Longer periods, started as 6 days when I was a teen, now lasts 2 and a half weeks
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Nausea and frequent vomiting (at least 3 times per month)
  • Lower back pain
  • Consistent, dull cramping in my abdomen, even when not on my period