Fears About a Possible Cancer Diagnosis
I may be overreacting, but I feel it’s important to seek a second opinion. At 18 years old, AFAB, standing at 5'3” and weighing 65kg, I’m currently on a daily dose of 30mg citalopram. Since the 28th, I have been enduring severe pain in my lower right abdomen that makes even basic movements challenging. Although taking 30mg of codeine alleviates it somewhat, the discomfort never fully subsides. Initially, there was suspicion that my appendix was the culprit. However, my blood tests returned normal, and an ultrasound ruled out any issues with the appendix. I was scheduled for a vaginal ultrasound, but due to the pain and my history of trauma, the procedure was aborted early. As of today, it has nearly been two weeks since this pain started, and I am still without answers. The only relief I have is through pain medication, which I find myself needing constantly. I acknowledge that I might be jumping to conclusions, especially given the ambiguity of the situation. Perhaps I’m connecting dots that aren’t there. Nevertheless, I can’t shake the concern that I might have ovarian cancer. After doing some research into symptoms (a mistake I recognize, as it's the classic scenario of 'Dr. Google says I have cancer'), I found striking similarities to my experiences. I've been dealing with persistent back pain even prior to the abdominal issues. I also face frequent urges to urinate, sometimes as often as every hour, with extreme fatigue and a noticeable decrease in my appetite. There’s also been unexplained weight gain that occurred before the onset of my pain. I have reviewed my blood tests conducted on three separate days during my hospital stay, all of which showed a platelet count ranging from 450,000 to 550,000, which raises some alarms for me. My eosinophils were between 0.57-67 10*9/L, among other findings. Notably, a CA-125 test was not performed. (Just to clarify for anyone curious, I do not have a UTI or pregnancy, as both tests came back negative.) While at the hospital, I felt I was treated poorly and my concerns were often dismissed without any long-term solutions provided. Perhaps I am just being overly anxious. However, my maternal aunt was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, which has definitely amplified my fears. The lack of clarity surrounding my own condition is making me feel frantic. Should I bring this up with my GP at my upcoming appointment, which I hope will be tomorrow? I don’t want to waste anyone’s time, but I am genuinely terrified and would find relief in getting tested to know for sure. I can’t continue living like this, constantly in pain and worrying about my health.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 1:30:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious and concerned about your health, especially given your symptoms and family history. Your pain and worry are valid, and it’s important to address them properly.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms and history need thorough investigation.
- Discussing your concerns with your GP is crucial, especially considering your experience and symptoms.
- You deserve clear answers and appropriate management for your pain and fears.
Explanation:
It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort that is affecting your daily life, along with a range of distressing symptoms. Your fears about ovarian cancer, while understandable, are compounded by your ongoing pain and the lack of answers from previous medical evaluations. It's good that you've sought medical attention and have some tests done. While initial tests showed no clear issues, your persistent symptoms suggest that further investigation is warranted.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare for Your GP Appointment:
- Make a list of all your symptoms, how long you've been experiencing them, and any changes (like your appetite and weight). This can help your GP understand the full scope of your concerns.
- Include any family history of cancer, since this can inform your doctor's assessment.
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Express Your Fears:
- Be honest about your anxiety surrounding a possible cancer diagnosis. Your GP is there to help, and discussing these fears can help guide their examination and any necessary testing.
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Request Further Testing:
- Ask about a CA-125 test and any other relevant imaging or blood tests that could help clarify your diagnosis. Insist on a thorough evaluation since you’ve been in pain for a prolonged period.
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Seek Pain Management:
- Discuss your pain management strategies with your GP. If codeine isn't providing sufficient relief, there may be alternative options available.
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Consider a Support System:
- Talk about your feelings of anxiety with someone you trust or consider talking to a mental health professional. Managing stress and fear can be helpful while you navigate this health journey.
Remember, your health concerns are important, and seeking clarity is not a waste of anyone's time. You deserve support and answers to help improve your situation.
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