Anxiety Over Ovarian Torsion or Bursting of Endometrioma
Hi all,
I'm going through a very anxious spell and I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some reassurance. I am in my late 20s and had some symptoms of endo for the past 3 years (painful deep sex, bloating, bad abdominal pain after strenuous exercise or when anything remotely pressed on my stomach), but I didn't know I had endo. Well, in the past few months, I noticed pressure in my ovaries and got an ultrasound that showed that I had a 3cm x 3cm x 3cm cyst on my left ovary.
I have been referred to a specialist, but because of COVID and living in Canada, the wait time is a year long and for surgery even longer.
I am starting to freak out. I have a bad fear of pain. I am terrified that my endometrioma will burst or will cause ovarian torsion - both which everyone says is extremely painful. I used to exercise but now I feel I can't because it might cause either of these to happen.
Can anyone give me any guidance who has gone through it? Any help would be appreciated.
Hey
, I so hear you. I’ve been there… many of us have been there, waiting anxiously for an appointment, and worrying what is going on inside in the meantime. I had a cyst burst once, and hey, it was OK. It hurt, but I’ve known those levels of pain for all my life, and I breathed through it all. My body took care of it by itself. The pain lasted 3 days, and that was it. Yes, I’d rather not have to go through that again, but if it happens, I will be OK. If I overthink it, it serves me no good.
Go easy on yourself. Rest as much as you can, keep your mind busy with things you enjoy/keep you focused. Chase up that specialist. There may be a long wait, but it doesn’t hurt to check up on your place in the queue, or to tell them to let you know if there are any cancellations.
If in the meantime something doesn’t feel right, you talk to a doctor. If you are in too much discomfort, tell your doctor. A waiting list doesn’t mean you sit quiet, while in pain. Speak up if it all feels too much.
And reach out to us whenever it gets too tough to manage. We will listen. All my love - Jessie (team member)
Hi Jessie,
Thanks for your thoughtful response. I am always amazed at the level of pain most endo women go through on a daily basis - I am thankful that I have never had that type of pain except for very short periods of time. I don't even have painful periods. That's one of the main reasons why I am so terrified of the idea of the cyst bursting or torsion happening.
I definitely will follow up on the specialist. That's a good idea with the cancellation point.
Thank you for listening 😀I get it, it can be super scary. I get so much anxiety from it. We’re not superheroes, we’re not supposed to go through these symptoms and go “I’m fiiiineeeee!” like Ross in Friends 😉 Worrying is wise, it’s what gets us to fight for ourselves. The reason I suggested checking up on cancellations is because I did that once, and it helped telling them I was available super short-notice. I managed to be seen sooner.
I am wishing you all the good luck in the world and sending you some positive vibes. We’re right behind you, OK? - Jessie (team member)
