new update #36: Finally doing better!

[Kirsten]

First of all, I have to apologize for staying away for so long. I'm not doing well, I'm depressive and frustrated.

The abdominal pain I mentioned in my last update is still the same, feels like a burning wound, even my skin is burning and I can hardly touch it in that area. The pain is getting worse when I'm resting, when I'm walking around, it's better, but I'm supposed to rest a lot.

Because of the pain, I saw the doctors in hospital last Tuesday; they did an ultrasound and said everything looks fine, and also the blood test results were negative.

Went to see my gyno on Thursday, and she also checked that area carefully and couldn't find a cause for the pain. She said that maybe they burned the peritoneum when they tried to remove the endometriosis.

Then she said another thing that shocked me: She said that the diagnosis "borderline tumor" is nothing to be happy about, it's a serious condition and I need to be monitored closely from now on, as these tumors may come back. Borderline tumors are defined as "tumors with a low malignant potencial", so they have to be taken very seriously, and I think that is scary. She said I was very close to having an ovarian carcinoma.

With the gyno of the hospital, she discussed the option of removing my second ovary, and my uterus as well. She said that option was also discussed with me at the hospital, but it's just not true!! I even mentioned that I wouldn't mind to have my uterus removed, and the doctor I talked to replied they wouldn't do it. Now they say because of the risk of a relapse, and two myomas they found on my uterus, all this in combination with the endometriosis with is very painful and also give you a higher risk for ovarian cancer, the uterus and the second ovary should be removed as well.

I'm very upset that they haven't done it all at once, I just hate the thought of going through this ordeal again, especially as my entire abdomen is sore right now!! I also fear for my job! Even now, they call me and ask me to come back, but my gyno says there's no way for me to go back there within the next two weeks. She said the surgery was much bigger than expected, and I need more time. Besides, with that pain I still have, I just couldn't go back. But I'm very worried about the consequences!

Regarding the abdominal pain, I start worrying that a nerve may have been damaged, and I wonder if I should better see a neurologist. I will ask my doctor and my gyno about this, I will see them tomorrow.

I'll keep you updated.

Kirsten


(Just in case you wonder what I'm talking about:

I'm back home from hospital (but still very much in pain)

Update on Kirsten (Thursday: Good news, post # 65)

Will have surgery next week, I may have cancer!!)

[catnapper]

Oh Kirsten, I am so sorry to hear about all this pain -- both the physical and emotional. I'm sending out a ton of prayer for you. and some gentle ((hugs))

[jenluckenbach]

Kirsten, this is all so unfair! The surgery was to make you feel BETTER!!

I am so sorry that you have to know go through all this pain.

Prayers and healing wishes to you, my friend.

[joycenalex]

kirsten , like you, i would want the other ovary and uterus out, and it would seem logical that the pain could be from a burn or a nerve being hurt. post op depression is an under reported and under treated condition i think. pain leads to more depression, is there some reason why your gynie won't send you more pain meds or to a pain managment doctor or meds for depression? i am sending you gentle hugs and positive thoughts

[Freedom]

Prayers for you to feel better and have less pain!

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm still keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Kirsten. I sure hope this will get better very very soon.

I hope your job will stop putting stress on you. You sure don't need that right now. You have enough to be concerned about. Can you talk to your Human Resources Dept. and see if there is some way to protect yourself? Best of luck in this.

[beeniesmom]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I wish for your pain to go away.
Hugs

[Taz_Zoee]

I am so sorry you are in so much pain. You will be in my thoughts.

[Karen]

Kirsten, you are in our prayers. Please try not to make any decisions when you are in severe pain and not thinking clearly - what if the pain has nothing to do wit the remaining ovary and your uterus? I'd recommend seeing a pain specialist at this point, to see if there's any way to let you experience less pain.

Do let us know what the doctors say tomorrow. A friend had one ovary out, but not the other, when she had a hysterectomy. I asked "Why didn't they take the other ovary" and she said "Because then my risk of breast cancer would skyrocket." So be sure to ask plenty of questions, and get second opinions before any more surgery, okay?

You will be in our prayers.

[sirrahbed]

I have to agree with Karen above. You are still recovering and I am hoping that your pain is going to get better. After my Missy's last c-section - the incision was very slow to heal and bothered her very much for many weeks. I bet you are still healing and will feel a little better each day.

Glad to see you posting!! ((((Kirsten))))

[kimlovescats]

Kirsten, I am so sorry to hear that you are still in such pain! I pray that things get better for you soon and your doctor can figure everything out that needs to be done!

Hugs,
Kim

[Felicia's Mom]

I am sorry you are still in pain. You will be in my prayers.

[sasvermont]

Kirsten, I hope your situation improves so that you may have peace for a change! You need all the rest you can get. I wonder if they have been giving you the correct pain medication. Pain management can be so tricky.

I don't know about the kind of problems you are having but do know that any health problem can set one back many steps. Time will heal you. Maybe Mom could spend some time with you? Are there visiting nurses in your country? I hope you have good neighbors and friends. Sometimes one needs to ask for assistance, as difficult it is for those of us who are independent and living alone.

You are on all our minds and in our most positive thoughts.

Hang in there dear one. Keep that chin up. Sleep is good for you, so ask your doctor for some really good drugs to get you through the tough times, like NOW!

Keep us posted Kirsten.

[cyber-sibes]

Prayers going out that you have less pain as you heal. It did take weeks before I wasn't sore after my hyst. (total abdominal), but nothing like the kind of pain you describe. I hope your doctors can help you. It's possible they hit a nerve and it's extra painful til it heals. My nurse-friend said that abdominal surgery takes a long time to heal because they have to go through so many layers of tissue. At least they were able to catch the tumors before they were malignant, and that is a blessing.

[Sirrahsim]

I had c-sections with both of my boys and I remember something similar to what you are describing with both boys. During the abdominal surgery certain small nerve fibers are bound to get severed or at least bruised. I went in several times to find out why it felt like my abdomen was burning or being stabbed and they explained it to me to the best of their ability. They basically said that there will be a lot of weird and possibly painful sensations as the nerves begin to "wake up" and heal. Unfortunately it is possible to have these sensations for quite a while post surgery but they should get less and less painful within the next few weeks. I hope that you are experiencing the same problem that I did and that it is nothing more serious