A "Para-Ovarian" What?

I debate whether to include this post...but this is what is going on right now. A few weeks ago I went to my OBGYN for my routine yearly exam. While checking me out he asked if I knew I had a really big fibroid tumor. I told him that I did have one when I was pregnant with Courtney, but that I wasn't having any of the typical problems associated with a fibroid. I do have pain on my lower left side on my abdomen, but I ALWAYS have pain. The only way to describe what pain means to me is "back ground noise." I am so used to it, that it takes a REALLY bad day for me to even reach for the Advil. I'm the girl that only took 2 Advil after having a C-section. That's it... only 2... period. Lets just say that over the years, in this area of my body, I have built up a very high tolerance to pain. Now send me to the dentist for any procedure and I will cry like a baby. Weird.

Any way, he ordered an ultra sound just to see what were dealing with, so last week I went back and had that done. It is never good when the technician is relatively chatty, and then gets quiet. I know better than to ask what is wrong... so I left in a bit of a panic, but figured I wouldn't get too worried until they told me I had something to worry about. Fast forward 48 hours and I called to get the results. My nurse was out of the office so I spoke to another nurse who informed me that what he could feel was actually a "para ovarian cyst." I have never even heard of such a thing! It isn't connected to an ovary, but rather is attached to the ligament connecting your uterus and ovary. Really? I didn't even know I had a ligament providing this function. The scary part... the reason I am having my upcoming surgery to remove it.... is because mine is almost the size of a grapefruit. I hate grapefruit. I can't believe I have been packing this thing around with me for heaven knows how long!

The biggest concern they have, is that this type of cyst, especially because of the size, can rupture, bleed, or tear, which can cause serious problems and infection. They can also twist around another organ. Apparently this would be "excruciating." (Her words, not mine.) I have been told not to work out (BOOOOO!) and to take it easy. Not even a "brisk walk". This is difficult for me. Just sitting around, worried that the ticking time bomb in my belly will decide now is the time to rupture or twist around other organs. Weird. I have been working out for months now...with the exception of falling off the wagon during the holidays a bit... but I really WANT to work out. My poor workout buddy sounded horrified when I told her...can you imagine if something would have happened while we were working out?! What would be the "first aid" rendered in such a situation? I can't vacuum. I'm scared to do anything really. But I hate just sitting around. I told Dan that today if I watch any TV, I am going to walk slowly in place. He thinks I'm hilarious....but what's a para-ovarian-cyst-totin' girl supposed to do?!

I will be having surgery on February 8th... that was the soonest he could take care of my issue. I would be frustrated by that...but I guess that means that whomever is scheduled before me must have far worse things to be dealing with. I will take my weird, grapefruit sized, benign cyst. I am sure I have no idea how much better I will feel when this is done. I have become far more aware of what I am feeling...and I really had tuned out to what my body was telling me. I have now included in my new years resolutions to pay more attention to my body and what I am feeling. I am grateful for a wonderful doctor who didn't just "let it go" and figured out what I have going on! I won't be posting any "after" pictures... but lets just say that my "left side" will no longer be jealous of my far flatter "right side" abs. Sweet!