Mid-Cycle Period...

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-02-2003
Mid-Cycle Period...
4
Sun, 11-02-2003 - 6:43pm
Hi. I had a scare in the past couple of days, and, quite honestly my doctors office did nothing to ease my mind or make me feel like anything other than an idiot. I'm hoping to get some insight here. To give you a bit of background, my husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for the past several months. I currently have a 5 year old...and I've had an ovary removed due to a huge (5 pound) non-active cyst.

Approximately 4 weeks ago I started having some breast tenderness. Shortly thereafter I had some nausea to go along with it. I started to wonder if I might be pregnant. Knowing that I had been regular for the past 8 or 9 months, I knew I had to wait until October 13th, when I was due for my period to start thinking about taking a test or anything. I waited, somewhat impatiently for the date to arrive. Then I gave in to temptation, and my friends prodding on the 12th and took a test. It came up negative. I was slightly disappointed, but accepted it. The next day, as normal, my period arrived. The flow was relatively normal, just a bit lighter than usual. However, afterwards I noticed my breast pain had not gone away, and I was still nauseous. I tried to blow it off, and went about my business. Then, on Thursday I woke up in the middle of the night because of the soreness, and I felt some light cramping. So, I decided to take another test. Friday I grabbed an extra one I had lying around and went to take it. After I'd wet the stick, I looked down and noticed some spotting on my undergarments. My regular period is not due to arrive until November 9th. With my history, I freaked. I am nothing if not regular lately...and I have never in my entire LIFE been early. I called the doctors office and went in. They had me take another pregnancy test, which, of course came up negative. Well, the PA I got stuck with seeing showed me no empathy whatsoever. I was told the breast pain was probably due to my caffeine intake and to cut back on the that...and the 'spotting' as he called it, (I always spot first day, bleed the next) was not 'abnormal'. He basically made me feel like an idiot, gave me a pelvic and sent me on my way.

Now, I understand that for some people mid-cycle spotting is normal...but it isn't normal for me...AT ALL. It has since turned into a full blown period, when I know that I just ovulated this past Sunday (October 27th) because I feel it when it happens. I have had cramping, back pain, and pretty constant bleeding since Friday. I'm really freaked out, but I dont' want to go back to my doctor to be made to feel like an idiot again. I'm also afraid that I'm just going to turn around and start another period on Sunday the 9th, as is normal for my body. Should I just wait until that period arrives to get to the doctor? Or should I find a new one and go this week. I'm still really freaked out...and yet, I feel stupid for having gone to the doctor in the first place.

Worried and feeling dumb,

Sadie

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Mon, 11-03-2003 - 11:23am
Sadie,

I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience with your doctor! I'd be upset too if I was treated that way! Is it possible for you to see someone else? It seems like a good thing to do.

If you're not pregnant, there's definitely something hormonal going on. At least, you should have your hormone levels checked. With a history of cysts, I wonder if you might have another one. Can you request an ultrasound?

I think any women in your shoes would be concerned. Don't feel dumb. You have to take care of yourself. Sometimes these doctors forget that we are people with feelings. Not just another patient.

I hope it works out for you and good luck with trying to conceive!

Kristin

Co CL -

 


 


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-02-2003
Mon, 11-03-2003 - 2:51pm
Kristin,

Thanks for the kind words. I called a gynecologist today that my mom used to go to and raved about. Unfortunately I can't get in until the 20th, but at least I'll get to talk to him about this and see if he can't ease my fears. I am concerned about another cyst, it's my biggest worry right now as I am trying to conceive...the last thing I need is another non-functioning cyst. For now, at least, the bleeding has reduced back to spotting, unfortunately the cramps have not subsided yet. As for now, I'm just talking to people and taking it easy...waiting it out until the 20th. And until Sunday when I'm expecting my regularly scheduled monthly.

Sadie

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2003
Mon, 11-03-2003 - 6:14pm
Hi Sadie,

Would it bother you to tell me how old you are? Also the general age when other women in your family began menopause?

The reason I ask is because about five years before I actually went through menopause, I was having all sorts of weird things happening to my body. I'm only 48 but I went through menopause four years ago. You might consider that as a possibility since it can happen with younger women as well.

Another possibility is that, as the hormones in your body change and go through flip-flops, your cycles and breast tendernesss can change as well. It's usually a good idea to keep a journal as to the changes for a couple of reasons--one being that you will get to know your body even better & understand what is happening; and two being that you will have a concise record of what to tell the doctor should you have to go back to them.

Whatever you do, don't let any doctor make you feel like a fool for being concerned about these changes. You have a small child at home to care for so it is much better to be safe than sorry.

Wendy

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-02-2003
Mon, 11-03-2003 - 7:35pm
Wendy,

Someone mentioned menopausal activity to me as well. It has crossed my mind because my mother started menopause early and I seem to follow her pretty closely in how my body behaves. However, while she started menopause early, she was 38, I'm still only 27, so I think I have a few years for that. I am keeping track of this at the moment, so I can report it all to my new gynocologist when I see him in two weeks. Through talking with friends and posting here I've gotten a lot of support and feel much better about having gone to the doctor, it was something I should have done. Right now I'm just angry at having been treated that way, and intend to talk to my doctors office about it once I am calm enough to act rationally.

I, oddly enough, feel worse today, physically. Now that my bleeding has been reduced to spotting I had some pretty bad nausea today and I've been dizzy several times. I'm taking it easy and just going to use the next two weeks to try to keep sane until I see my new doctor :D

Thank you very much for your suggestions and support. I needed them all.

Sadie