Undiagnosed Illness - Gynecologist In Sydney

Medical History

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a syndrome, meaning a group of symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort often reported as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and or constipation. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool. IBS is not a disease. It�s a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel doesn�t work, or function, correctly.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis Symptoms Endometriosis is a common medical condition characterized by growth beyond or outside the uterus of tissue resembling endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the uterus. In endometriosis, the endometrium (from endo, inside, and metra, womb ) is found to be growing outside the uterus, most commonly in the pelvis.

Costochondritis

Also called Tietze's Syndrome
Costochondritis is a form of inflammation of the cartilage where ribs attach to the breastbone.

Pain caused by Costochondritis may mimic that of a heart attack or other heart condition.

Adenomyosis

Endometriosis of the Uterus
Adenomyosis is the growth of uterine tissue from one particular layer of the uterus (the endometrial glands) into the wrong layer (the muscle layer, called the myometrium). It is a benign condition, but it can enlarge the uterus presenting as a growth.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuralgia
Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged, dysfunctional or injured. These damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers. The impact of nerve fiber injury includes a change in nerve function both at the site of injury and areas around the injury. Symptoms may include shooting and burning pain, tingling and numbness or electrical pain.

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction

(SOD)
Sphincter of oddi is situated in the upper intestine, or duodenum, at the site where the pancreatic and bile ducts enter. Normally, this sphincter functions as a one-way valve to allow bile and pancreatic secretions to enter the bowel, while preventing the contents of the bowel from backing up into these ducts. Sphincter of oddi

When the sphincter malfunctions, it becomes overly tight and does not allow adequate drainage of the pancreatic and bile ducts. The result is a pressure build-up in the ducts, leading to recurrent episodes of pancreatitis or biliary pain mimicking gallstone disease.

Splenic Flexure Syndrome

Muscle Spasms of the Colon
Splenic flexure syndrome refers to the trapping of gas at the splenic flexure causing distension and bloating. Pain can be felt up under the left ribs. When the pain is really bad, it can enter the left armpit.

Anal Sphincter Dysfunction
Significant Cause of Constipation

Anal Sphincter Dysfunction can result from nerve damage as well as from lacerations of the sphincter. Tears are an important risk factor for long-term anal sphincter dysfunction.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Predominantly Affecting Females

Pelvic floor dysfunction, or obstructed defecation, results when the external anal sphincter and/or puborectalis muscles do not relax appropriately when defecation is initiated. People with pelvic floor dysfunction strain excessively in a feeble attempt to eliminate stool from the rectum.

Mystery Diagnosis

Living With an Undiagnosed Illness

Gynecologist

Appointment with a highly sort after Gynecologist in Sydney

Waiting 4 months was hell, but I was extremely excited, and so was my family. My sister Robyn and Mum came with me for support. The Gynecologist was very pleasant took some background info, but before he could do anything I needed more blood tests and another ultrasound, this time a Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound, more involved ultrasound that shows up finer details, it's an ultrasound used for pregnancy too.

My first ever Transvaginal Ultrasound referred by the first Doctor was the most terrifying experience, the sonographer was so rough I was almost tempted to jam that probe in her. I also put my pain erupting more so after that consult, I swear she set something off, don't ask me what but the pain since that ultrasound was 10 x times worse.

Painful Ultrasound

I always mention this to doctors, and the reaction is perhaps I'm just more sensitive then other women, if you had of been there to witness this transvaginal ultrasound, 100% would agree the sonographer was a true witch. I have tried over the years not to blame others for my symptoms, as it gets you no where, and hey I may be wrong, but I will never forget, and should I ever have to go back to that particular medical centre for a transvaginal ultrasound, and walk in the room and see she is taking my test, I will bluntly refuse.

Back to The Gynecologist

He wanted more blood tests, this time he was doing a CA 125, which is a cancer marker blood test. I was happy to have the test. I had an internal exam, which was rather painful and was the beginning of many undignifying tests, something I now have no trouble with at all. The Translucency Ultrasound was another long wait. I'm sure alot of you going through something similar would be fully aware of the waiting periods some specialist and doctors have.

The Waiting Period Again Roughly 2 weeks waiting period for this one, which wasn't too bad, but sooner the better, and the good part was as soon as I had these tests I didn't have to wait another 4 months to see the Gynecologist again. I was anxious about this ultrasound, I was not looking forward to it. But the sonographer was terrific, I explained my last nightmare ultrasound and she was appalled, mentioning it should never go that far when the patient is in pain.

Test Results

The blood tests showed all normal limits, including the CA 125 which was a relief. The ultrasound showed some issues with my ovaries, one large cyst (not too big) I will post a page with all results of my tests, easier for me to get the whole library out and type from one page to the next, instead of going through each page searching. I also had a adenoma, and still the fluid in my pouch of Douglas. The results didn't show Endometriosis, but the Gynecologist had suspicions about it so I was booked in for my first Laparoscopy, I was excited, yep excited about an operation (weird I know lol).

Undiagnosed Illness Continues

The Gynecologist said what an unprofessionsl thing for my bosses Doctor to say to someone over the phone when they had never seen me as a patient. Tests were all clear I DO NOT HAVE OVARIAN CANCER

Another waiting period, more frustration, I'm not dying I don't have anything major, and I understand there are many unhealthy patients waiting for operations and treatment, and nothing against those people, but I wanted the surgery yesterday. I was so thankful the Gynecologist was taking me serious about my pain, and as frustrated as I was, I was also just so happy he didn't say there is nothing wrong with you or its all in your head, so there was some good news to come out of this visit.

The Story Continues ....... If you would like to continue reading: First Laparoscopy

Medical Procedures

Colonic Transit Study

CT Scan /Abdominal / Pelvis

MRI / Chest / Spine

X-Ray Lungs

Colonoscopy

Gastroscopy

Sigmoidscopy

Bone Scan

Hida Scan

Barium Meal

Laparoscopy

Abdominal Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound

Abdominal Wall Ultrasound

Infrared Imaging

Cholecystectomy

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

This website is therapeutic.. A place for me to vent and express my feelings. When problems bother you in real life your always advised to talk about it but with an undiagnosed illness your often told just live with it and carry on with your life. Easier said then done.

Undiagnosed Forum

Thank you to all members of the forum for your continued support, encouragement and guidance.

Mystery Diagnosis

Just over 5 years now and Im still undiagnosed. I'm extremely exhausted.