Seeking Assistance: Overwhelmed by Pelvic Pain and Anxiety
I'm reaching out for support. At 26 years old, standing at 1.73 meters and weighing 67.2 kilograms—having lost 7 kilograms since January 13, likely due to stopping seroquel in December—I find myself in a state of distress. My current medications include Qlaira, Epitec, and Dormonoct, and I do smoke. I am filled with dread as I approach my gynecologist appointment on Wednesday. It would be incredibly helpful to understand the potential issues I might be facing, whether from personal experiences or professional insights. To provide some context: Back in September of last year, I began to feel pain in the lower right rib area, specifically on the bone itself (the second to last rib). When I visited a physician in December, my concerns were dismissed as allergies, and without a physical examination, I was merely offered pain medications, which I declined out of sheer frustration and disappointment. Since then, the discomfort has been sporadic. On February 10, I noticed significant blood in my stool, which reoccurred last Sunday but wasn’t as severe. Shortly after that, I began experiencing pain in my rectal area, alternating between the left and right sides. Within a week, I also felt soreness on the vaginal walls, progressively leading to lower abdominal pain near my hips, again alternating between sides. Initially, these episodes lasted around 30 minutes, but two weeks ago, they began to extend for several hours, feeling as if pressure were being applied forcefully in those spots. Most frequently, the pain is concentrated in the right lower quadrant and the left vaginal wall. Additionally, my bowel movements fluctuate drastically; one day I feel constipated, while the next I have loose, watery stools, always accompanied by a mucus coating. During an examination by my GP, tenderness was found throughout my abdomen, especially in the ovarian region, but her check for masses on the vaginal walls only revealed pressure. This led to a referral to a gynecologist for further evaluation. Compounding my anxiety is my family’s history with gynecological conditions: my grandmother passed away from ovarian cancer at a young age, my mother underwent an emergency hysterectomy due to uterine cysts, one sister battles endometriosis, while another has PCOS. Currently, my first cousin is fighting stage 3B ovarian cancer, and my aunt has also battled this disease. Given this inherited history and my ongoing pain for two months, I’m becoming increasingly anxious. What kinds of possibilities should I be prepared for? I would appreciate any advice to help me mentally ready myself for the upcoming appointment.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 8:00:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed given your symptoms and family history. You’re facing considerable discomfort and anxiety, and it’s important to acknowledge how distressing this can be. You’re preparing for a significant medical appointment, and it's natural to want clarity about what might be happening in your body.
Main Points:
- You are experiencing various symptoms, including pelvic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and emotional distress.
- Family history increases the need for thorough evaluation, but it’s important to approach your upcoming gynecologist appointment with an open mind about potential diagnoses.
- Being prepared can help ease some of your anxiety.
Explanation:
Your symptoms—such as lower abdominal pain, rectal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and the presence of blood in your stool—suggest multiple potential issues, including but not limited to:
- Endometriosis: This can cause pelvic pain and has familial ties, as well as being common in young women.
- Ovarian issues: Such as cysts or other conditions affecting the ovaries, which can also be related to your family history.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can explain the alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Blood in your stool is particularly concerning and should not be ignored, as it can indicate gastrointestinal conditions that may need further investigation.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Before your appointment, keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and associated factors (like food intake or stress levels). Bring this to your appointment; it can provide invaluable context for your doctor.
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Prepare for Questions: Consider writing down any questions or concerns you have about your symptoms or family history that you want to discuss with your gynecologist. This can help ensure all your concerns are addressed and may reduce anxiety about forgetting something important.
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Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with conditions linked to your symptoms and family history, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or inflammatory bowel diseases. This can help you engage more effectively in discussions with your doctor.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: To manage anxiety before and during your appointment, try breathing exercises, mindfulness, or grounding techniques. Even simple practices like deep breathing can help reduce immediate feelings of panic.
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Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust about your fears and symptoms. Sometimes, just voicing your concerns can help reduce anxiety.
Reassurance:
While it's helpful to be aware of potential health issues, many causes of pelvic and abdominal pain can be treated effectively, and not every symptom points to something serious. The fact that you're being proactive by seeking care is a positive step. Remember, you are not alone in this, and professional support is a key part of your journey toward better health—best of luck at your appointment, and don't hesitate to reach out for ongoing support.
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