Not again. My 12 yo dd has ANOTHER ovarian cyst!

[dancer67]

Last month my 12 yo daughter had right side pain. We thought it was appendicitis. Instead, an ultrasound showed a hemorrhagic cyst on her right ovary.

 

She was scheduled for a follow up ultrasound on the 29th of this month to see if it shrunk or went away.

 

Two days ago she started complaining that her LEFT side hurt. And it felt the same way as the right did when she had the cyst.

 

So the pediatrician could not move up her U/S appt, and instead called the local ER here to let them know I was bringing her in, and she only needed an ultrasound.

 

The good news, is that the right cyst is gone. But now she has a LEFT hemorrhagic cyst on her left ovary!! Uggghhhhhh...........

 

The ER Dr was very nice, but said that she is old enough to go a GYN and NOT they pediatrician. Because she has had two hemorrhagic cysts in two months already with pain. She isn't in a lot of pain, more like a dull ache. Enough to bug her though.

 

Okay, what is going on here? Why does she keep getting these?

 

And I can tell you, that me bringing her to a GYN office does not thrill me. Even though I do have a woman Dr in my practice. But I am not so sure she is "kid" friendly.

 

I know our pediatricians office does GYN things. And does birth control and what not. Is there any reason why the pediatricians office cannot handle this? The woman Pediatrician we have, we really love. And my duaghter loves her as well.

 

I am almost certain they are going to put her on BCP. I woul like to know if it is a MUST to bring her to a GYN. If the pediactrician gives me the option of staying with her, or going to a GYN I am not sure what I should do.

 

I just don't get this. None of us in either side of the family ever had any woman issues. Not even a hysterectomy.

Edited November 17, 2010 by dancer67

[Jann in TX]

Peds are more of a generalized practitioner.

 

A Gyn is a specialist.

 

Your daughter needs to see a specialist. Seeing a GYN does not automatically mean pap smear!

 

Your ped may be super nice--but this is an issue that she most likely has minimal knowledge of... a GYN would have studied this in detail and would have experience with MANY patients who have experienced these cysts...AND will be more up to date on treatments.

--

 

I love my Ped too--but we wasted several years going to her instead of speaking to a specialist-- in the mean time dd became over-aggressive and suicidal! The Ped had NO CLUE what was going on with dd--but the specialist nailed the DX in only a few minutes (thyroid disorder).

[Tidbits of Learning]

Last month my 12 yo daughter had right side pain. We thought it was appendicitis. Instead, an ultrasound showed a hemorrhagic cyst on her right ovary.

 

She was scheduled for a follow up ultrasound on the 29th of this month to see if it shrunk or went away.

 

Two days ago she started complaining that her LEFT side hurt. And it felt the same way as the right did when she had the cyst.

 

So the pediatrician could not move up her U/S appt, and instead called the local ER here to let them know I was bringing her in, and she only needed an ultrasound.

 

The good news, is that the right cyst is gone. But now she has a LEFT hemorrhagic cyst on her left ovary!! Uggghhhhhh...........

 

The ER Dr was very nice, but said that she is old enough to go a GYN and NOT they pediatrician. Because she has had two hemorrhagic cysts in two months already with pain. She isn't in a lot of pain, more like a dull ache. Enough to bug her though.

 

Okay, what is going on here? Why does she keep getting these?

 

And I can tell you, that me bringing her to a GYN office does not thrill me. Even though I do have a woman Dr in my practice. But I am not so sure she is "kid" friendly.

 

I know our pediatricians office does GYN things. And does birth control and what not. Is there any reason why the pediatricians office cannot handle this? The woman Pediatrician we have, we really love. And my duaghter loves her as well.

 

I am almost certain they are going to put her on BCP. I woul like to know if it is a MUST to bring her to a GYN. If the pediactrician gives me the option of staying with her, or going to a GYN I am not sure what I should do.

 

I just don't get this. None of us in either side of the family ever had any woman issues. Not even a hysterectomy.

 

I would go to a GYN and specifically ask about endometriosis.

[tex-mex]

 

Your daughter needs to see a specialist. Seeing a GYN does not automatically mean pap smear!

 

 

I love my Ped too--but we wasted several years going to her instead of speaking to a specialist-- in the mean time dd became over-aggressive and suicidal! The Ped had NO CLUE what was going on with dd--but the specialist nailed the DX in only a few minutes (thyroid disorder).

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

Son and I have a rare liver disease that is X-Linked (genetic). I will tell you that many pediatricians or PCP have no clue for rare or unusual things in the human body -- they forgot all of their medical school training bookish stuff and focus on their specialty. Don't waste any time and see a specialist ASAP. Get full blood labs and get informed on your own. Soon you will need to be your ds' advocate to kick down the doors for help. Drs do not always know everything.

[dancer67]

okay. We have a follow up appt with the pediatrician tomorrow anyways. So I will let her know that I will make an appt with my GYN office for this.

 

How can they tell if she has endometriosis?

 

I am really new to all of this, because up until now(and just premenopause stuff), I have never had any female problems at all.

[Mom2J112903]

I would have them draw labs for PCOS aka PolyCysticOvarianSyndrome as well as a vaginal ultrasound to look for signs of endometriosis.

 

I know for me, it is pretty aparent upon an internal exam that I have endometriosis.

 

Some women will have laprosopic surgery to "zap" the endo away, but I do not think that is an option for a young girl. I know it wasn't for me at that age.

 

A GYN is needed in this case, she is young and pediatricians are for "every day things" not things like this. Our pediatrician hardly sees Josef as he has other specialists that know what they are talking about. For me personally, pediatricians are for the sniffles and well child visits *only*.

 

:grouphug:

[littlebug42]

I would also recommend a GYN. I know mine counts adolescent GYN as one of his specialties so just look around. I would not mess around with it. If, heaven forbid, she does have something like endometriosis or PCOS, it can be very helpful to her future fertility to intervene now. My OB and reproductive endocrinologist both told me that the years I spend on BCP helped to preserve what fertility I had. Even so, it was a struggle for me to get pregnant. I have a milder form of PCOS. I am sorry she has to deal with this.

[Liz CA]

At this tender age, I would even look for a holistic/naturopathic GYN who can perhaps help with more natural ways rather than hit her with meds or BCP.

 

If you are going to the GYN and are not sure your doc is the right one, look around and call other offices and mention that the patient is very young. I would look for a woman but that is just me.

[dancer67]

From what I have read about PCOS, she has no signs of this. Her other cyst is gone, and another formed on the other side. It is one cyst, not multiple small cysts on one ovary.

 

It is not an endometrioma either.

 

But, with all that said. I am going to set an appt with my GYN for her. She still has to see the pediatrician for a follow up tomorrow though.

 

As far as an internal ultrasound. She will never, ever, ever agree to that. They would have to put her out for it. She has been with me when I had one done, and although she knows it is not a painful thng, there is no way she is going to agree to it. She has already told me that NOBODY is putting ANYTHING "down there". She just turned 12. And I cannot say that I blame her for feeling that way. That would be an absolute last resort for us.

 

This poor kid. And I could understand it if I had female issues. But I never have. She has only had her period since April. ((sigh))

[scrapbabe]

At this tender age, I would even look for a holistic/naturopathic GYN who can perhaps help with more natural ways rather than hit her with meds or BCP.

 

If you are going to the GYN and are not sure your doc is the right one, look around and call other offices and mention that the patient is very young. I would look for a woman but that is just me.

:iagree: I had lots of problems with my period. Sometimes only having it 3 times a year. Sometimes spotting for 3 weeks then off for 1 then spotting for 3 weeks again. I took tons of medicines from different GYN and it never helped at all. I finally talked to an herbologist and within a week my period was regular. Hope you find someone/something that can help her.

[Mom2J112903]

An ultrasound is the least invasive way to see what is really going on. Some docs are fine with an abdominal ultrasound, but others want that better picture that an internal provides.

 

I was your daughter's age when I started going thru this. I remember how scary it was but answers were found and the path of finding what worked and what didn't started.

 

*I will add that I have a family hx of Endometriosis and I was missing *a lot* of school and taking *lrg* amts of pain medication without relief. I know that if I had a daughter going thru what *I* went thru, there would not be a procedure I would not allow.*

Edited November 18, 2010 by Mom2J112903

[TravelingChris]

My older dd has been seeing the gynecologist for a year and a half. SHe is 17 now and the gynecologist has never done a pelvic exam. She did have an ultrasound but nothing was placed inside. Just to let you know that pelvic exams are not necessarily what a gynecologist will do, especially with someone so young.

[dancer67]

Well, I already know my daughter will NOT have an internal ultrasound. I won't allow it either unless it is absolutely necessary. I didn't think they would do a pelvic as there is no reason to do so. When my 17 yo dd went for the first time they did not do a pelvic either.

 

I am wondering why this keeps happening? Well, the last two months anyways. I wonder if this is common in young girls who had their periods before 12 yo, and just started to ovulate?

[Starr]

Some cysts are cyclical. I would have an open mind to what the doctor suggests. Praying all goes well.

[Lisa in Jax]

Last month my 12 yo daughter had right side pain. We thought it was appendicitis. Instead, an ultrasound showed a hemorrhagic cyst on her right ovary.

 

She was scheduled for a follow up ultrasound on the 29th of this month to see if it shrunk or went away.

 

Two days ago she started complaining that her LEFT side hurt. And it felt the same way as the right did when she had the cyst.

 

So the pediatrician could not move up her U/S appt, and instead called the local ER here to let them know I was bringing her in, and she only needed an ultrasound.

 

The good news, is that the right cyst is gone. But now she has a LEFT hemorrhagic cyst on her left ovary!! Uggghhhhhh...........

 

The ER Dr was very nice, but said that she is old enough to go a GYN and NOT they pediatrician. Because she has had two hemorrhagic cysts in two months already with pain. She isn't in a lot of pain, more like a dull ache. Enough to bug her though.

 

Okay, what is going on here? Why does she keep getting these?

 

And I can tell you, that me bringing her to a GYN office does not thrill me. Even though I do have a woman Dr in my practice. But I am not so sure she is "kid" friendly.

 

I know our pediatricians office does GYN things. And does birth control and what not. Is there any reason why the pediatricians office cannot handle this? The woman Pediatrician we have, we really love. And my duaghter loves her as well.

 

I am almost certain they are going to put her on BCP. I woul like to know if it is a MUST to bring her to a GYN. If the pediactrician gives me the option of staying with her, or going to a GYN I am not sure what I should do.

 

I just don't get this. None of us in either side of the family ever had any woman issues. Not even a hysterectomy.

 

Vitex (chaste tree berry) can help ovarian cysts. It might be worth a look. I'd give my teenaged daughter vitex without a second thought, but you should research it for yourself, of course. :)

[dancer67]

Vitex (chaste tree berry) can help ovarian cysts. It might be worth a look. I'd give my teenaged daughter vitex without a second thought, but you should research it for yourself, of course. :)

 

Thank you! I am going to look into this!!:grouphug:

[Mary in VA]

My older dd started having similar symptoms as your dd when she was 18. They had noticed fluid indicative of an ovarian cyst when they did a CT scan when she was having a kidney stone attack. She kept having pain in her ovaries and it seemed to be cyclical. They did prescibe BCP based on the pain and the CT scan (which was not decisive) The pain has gone away. They did not feel it was necessary to do an internal exam or internal ultrasound. It seems when the patient is young and not sexually active they don't do it unless absolutely necessary. I wouldn't worry about an internal ultrasound at this point because what you are describing does not sound like endrometriosis. It sounds like they have a diagnosis from the ultrasounds they have done.

 

ETA: Is the pain during her period or another time? My dd's was not during her period. And I just remembered that when I was about 13 to20 (so long ago I forgot) I would get excruciating pain on my right side when I would ovulate. It didn't happen every month and never on the left.

 

 

Mary

Edited November 18, 2010 by Mary in VA

[AngieW in Texas]

Does she get much caffeine? When I was having ovarian cyst issues (back around 20yo), the doctor told me that if I cut out caffeine, my problems would probably stop. I went cold turkey the next week. I had already had a cyst rupture and NEVER wanted to go through that again. My caffeine withdrawal was pretty awful, but I've been caffeine-free for 20 years now and haven't ever had cysts again.

 

I was getting a LOT of caffeine back then. I never drank coffee (I'm allergic), but I did drink at least a 12-pack of Dr. Pepper every day. That was just about the only thing I drank from the time I woke up until I went to bed.

[dancer67]

She gets the pain it seems about a week before her cycle. After the ovulation has passed and the cyst has formed. When she gets her periods, she gets bad cramps for the first day. Mainly in her back. But I was the same way as a kid.

 

Umm...caffeine...okay, she drinks those Rockstar energy drinks. Maybe She better not drink those anymore.:confused:

[jplain]

Try to find someone who specializes in pediatric and/or adolescent gynecology. Call ahead to ask the nurse what is done to help nervous patients feel more comfortable. :grouphug:

 

And this is way out there, but I'm going to say this anyway since it sounds like she's terrified about anything being inserted in her vagina. Would you be comfortable giving her a mirror and encouraging her to visually examine herself? You could also let her know that there's nothing wrong with using her own (clean) fingers to explore. She can't hurt herself, and as long as she washes her hands first, she won't give herself infections, but it might make her feel less concern about the prospect of a pelvic exam.

 

(Generally a bimanual exam is done when ovaries are being assessed. Fingers in the vagina are used to move the uterus, which makes the ovaries easier to feel through her skin.)

[SailorMom]

Definately a gyn....

I began having them at about 13, and wasn't actually diagnosed until 15. Our gyn was wonderful. I did have to have a pelvic exam - and it was a bit rough - but actually, I am glad I got it over with so that as I got older they weren't so traumatic. Ultrasounds can pick them up - it is much harder after they have ruptured, though....

The pain is horrible - it has been compared to an appendix rupturing. I missed many school days - and was so miserable.

The gyn suggested putting me on the mini-pill. Obvioulsy my parents were concerned, they didn't need to be. Being on the pill does not change the personality of the rperson on them :) Anyway - immediate relief. No more cysts.

I'm not sure if that is an option at 12 - there is a huge difference between 12 and 15.

:grouphug:

[Tammyla]

:grouphug: No advice.

[dancer67]

It is more the "thought" of having someone "look" down there or put "anything" in there. That is her thing. And again, I cannot blame her at all.

 

She has no problem using tampons when she was going swimming.

 

We have an appt with the pediatrician today so we will see what she says.

 

I hate all of this.

[Mom2J112903]

Were you able to find some answers from the pediatrician appt?

[cin]

*I will add that I have a family hx of Endometriosis and I was missing *a lot* of school and taking *lrg* amts of pain medication without relief. I know that if I had a daughter going thru what *I* went thru, there would not be a procedure I would not allow.*

 

 

Ditto. And quite honestly, being on the pill with no week off has been the best thing I've ever done.

 

Don't know where you are, but is there a Children's Hospital nearby? They probably have a GYN department. Endometriosis and PCOS have finally become 'mainstream' diseases, and most GYNs are prepared to treat them. But yes, some tests are needed. Maybe talk to the pediatrician about something to relax her, xanax or something, or even maybe some benadryl, because they are probably gonna need to touch her down there. And make sure they use a SMALL speculum! I'm sorry this is happening to your daughter. She's WAY too young!

[celticmom]

I will second the reccomendation to eliminate caffine from her diet. I did still have some problems after eliminating caffine but they were greatly reduced.

[sheryl]

I would take her to get a 2nd opinion AND to an endocrinologist. That's if your insurance would pay for it. Then, make your decision of staying with ped's office or not.

 

Simply tell your ped you prefer to stay put. I don't recall my gyn telling me my dd was soon to be of age to be brought in. Doctors have varying opinions on these matters.

 

HTH. Sheryl <><

 

:grouphug::grouphug: Sorry your going through this.

[swellmomma]

Well, I already know my daughter will NOT have an internal ultrasound. I won't allow it either unless it is absolutely necessary. I didn't think they would do a pelvic as there is no reason to do so. When my 17 yo dd went for the first time they did not do a pelvic either.

 

I am wondering why this keeps happening? Well, the last two months anyways. I wonder if this is common in young girls who had their periods before 12 yo, and just started to ovulate?

 

This is quite possible. I had "issues" with ovarian cysts when I was a teen. I started my period at age 10 but didn't have issues with the cysts until I was in my mid-late teens. I did not get them every month, but enough to bother me. It seemed to resolve itself with time. Once I had my first I never had that problem again, though it had dwindled to an occasion nuisance for about a year before I even got pg.

 

I know for some going on bcp helps, for me it actually made things worse and I would have more pain/more cysts when I took bcp, it is 1 of the side effects I get that prevent me from using bcp at all.