Post-menopausal diagnosed with large ovarian cyst.

Hi, I’m 67 and recently diagnosed with large ovarian cyst. Saw Gynocologist and told I will have to have laparactomy (major surgery, not keyhole) to remove. I am very anxious and scared, both re small possibility it is cancerous but possibly even more so re the surgery, pain and recovery. Anyone else out there in a similar position, or been through this? I feel so alone and am keen to connect with others going through/experienced the same/similar. Looking for a support group for Ovarian Cyst sufferers but unable to find one. Thanks for any input you may have. 

  • Below is from a previous reply to another post of my experience.  It was big surgery only 3 days in hospital . No bending lifting  or exercise and no housework or driving . A few months recovery but nothing compared to the excruciating pain that took me into hospital in the first place . 

    I have tried to copy and paste details of my experience for your info hope it helps (if it works).

    Slightly different circumstances . I was rushed into hospital a few years ago as an emergency with excruciating pelvic pain misdiagnosed and sent home . Trying to make along story short . I was then contacted to return to hospital for a ct scan or mri can’t remember which and kept in hospital. Apparently should not of been sent home . After a difficult time in hospital after a week transferred to another hospital caught Covid during 2022 covid was still about sent home again to be treated as an out patient, (not happy) I think what I’m trying to say is out patient appointment was when I was told I had a ca125 level of 161 and a large ovarian mass . Surgery was needed as a matter of urgency as the mass was large and cutting off my blood supply . Surgery eventually completed with mass removed and full hysterectomy. The mass was a large ovarian fibroma 14-11-7cm and benign . I never understood the ca125 thing being so high but thankful for a good outcome .

    It was not a very nice experience in hospital . I was transferred to another hospital with more  gynae options but when transferred caught Covid so it was almost as if can’t do much because of the Covid .  I attended the outpatient appointment and fortunately saw a fabulous consultant who explained everything to me (which was not done in hospital) . The priority was me and although the wait for surgery was a long one nothing was going to delay it any longer. In fact the surgery was bought forward as my sister paid for me to go private even then the hospital was concerned due to having had Covid but the consultant wasn’t having any of it and surgery went ahead even sooner .

    I didn't realise I had symptoms it was a hindsight thing .  I was dieting and losing weight but my clothes were still very tight . I could not stand wearing my bra as I felt bloated and uncomfortable (apparently this was the mass pressing on my other organs causing discomfort) .  It was not until I had the excruciating pain in my left side pelvic area  and was blue lighted to hospital that I felt really concerned. I have never had children and my periods had stopped long time ago similar to you though my bowel movements were erratic mostly constipated . 

    I think you have done the best thing by arranging to see a gynaecologist and your gp . I just thought what I was going through was me getting older and just being somewhat unfit .  I get where your husband is coming from with the google thing (I did it still do) but just coz you see or read something not good it does not mean it is going to happen to you .  Sorry for a long post but this is a good forum and I am actually on it because I have unrelated precancerous cells of the vulva VIN3 . People have been extremely helpful sharing their experiences with me . Hope the appointments go well for you , take care ….xx