Hi
im new to the group and I’m seeking some reassurance, hopefully and to be told I’m worrying unnecessarily as my GP seems to think.
I've had pelvic pain for over a year now and about a year ago went for an intrauterine ultrasound which was apparently all normal. However, the pain has not subsided and I’ve been back to my GP a number of times, questioning whether the pain may be linked to my long standing hip and back pain, referred for xray and told I have moderate OA in both hips and lower back. This would explain the hip and back pain, fine, but does it explain the pelvic pain?
I went back to GP last week over all sorts of symptoms eg excessive fatigue, generalised aches and pains, specifically in thighs and calves, and my urinary problems ie constant urge to go, especially when sitting, not passing anything or just a trickle or waiting ages for anything to happen etc and discomfort and pain (not all the time) when passing water - feels like an urge to ‘push’ and/or shooting pains right up what feels like my vagina when peeing. Infection was ruled out and as my US scan a year ago was clear I’ve nothing to worry about. I was told to drink less tea and coffee (even though I only drink decaf) as this can cause irritation to the lining of my bladder and to drink more water.
I’ve been referred for blood tests (FBC, Thyroid, liver, kidneys, E&L and HbA1C) but can’t help but feel fobbed off.
Does the fact that my US scan a year ago was clear mean that I’ve nothing to worry about now?
I wasn’t asked any questions about discharge, smell or family history or any other symptoms. She wouldn’t examine me as there wasn’t enough time.
over recent months the pain in my pelvis is worse and I’ve noticed a different kind of lower back pain to my usual back pain. I mentioned discharge on a previous occasion but the male GP said to rebook with a female GP if symptoms persisted. I couldn’t be bothered making the appt at the time.
I am 51, menopausal on HRT, have a mirena coil, am T2 diabetic (insulin and tablets), I have a TVT, I have lost an ovary due to a large and several smaller cysts, my dad died of bowel cancer, I always suffered terribly with my periods etc. A few people have suggested womb cancer but as I said, my scan a year ago was clear.
Am I worrying unnecessarily or am I being fobbed off? It’s really getting me down now as I’m sick and tired of the pain right across my hips and pelvic area with little to no relief from my prescription painkillers.
Apologies for the lengthy message but I can’t seem to get any answers anywhere else.
Any help, guidance and/or reassurance would be immensely appreciated.
Thanks
Hello Pipsteroo
Welcome to the Online Community.
I am sorry to hear of all your symptoms and that you feel that they are not being taken seriously. I can understand why they are getting you down.
I myself had womb cancer and for me the initial symptom- as with most women- was bleeding. Your symptoms don't necessarily make me think of womb cancer first but I do feel you are right in pushing for answers.
We do have a forum specifically for womb cancer and if you feel that is what you are most concerned about you could consider posting this in there to see if any ladies had any similar symptoms during their diagnosis. Maybe also have a look a the diagnosis thread.
Womb cancer forum | Macmillan Online Community
I had a family member who had bowel cancer and in some cases there can be a link so it is worth mentioning.
The ultrasound that you had last year should have picked up any cause for concern at the time but it does not, I'm afraid rule out something developing later on.
I think blood tests initially are a good idea. Have they mentioned one for CA125? It might be worth asking as this is a marker that can be raised in ovarian/endometrial cancers. I am not saying that is what I think it could be- but it would be worth asking. A high result would warrant further investigation. I am thinking it may be worth it with a history of ovarian cysts.
My feeling is that you need to be referred for a repeat TVS (internal scan) and abdominal scan to see if this picks anything up. If this did then it would be a 2 week referral to a gynaecologist.
However I do feel, with your current symptoms you do need to be examined properly- maybe initially by GP but due to previous cysts, then a gynaecologist. I would also consider looking at your HRT to see if any of your symptoms could be attributed to it. I wonder also with being diabetic it is worth getting yourself checked over in case any of the leg pain is related.
Is your cervical screening up to date?
You said infection was ruled out- was that a urine infection? I am wondering if it is worth asking for a swab to be taken to rule out any sort of pelvic inflammatory infection/disease- as this may be a cause of pain and the discharge for some ladies. I am also thinking that you have the coil in which could maybe be an extra risk factor. The pain you are getting from your OA I would not think you would feel it in your pelvis.
We are not medically trained on here and these are only suggestions of what I would ask for if I was in your position. I think you are right in wanting to get checked out. Something is causing these unpleasant symptoms and the sooner they work out what is going on, the sooner you can hopefully find some treatment that works.
We do have a Support Line that you are welcome to call, if you feel that talking things through would help. The details are at the end.
I hope this helps a bit and I hope that you get some answers soon.
Jane
