# Wherein my 48-year-old body goes to hell. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 11, 2009, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702 "2009-07-11T19:56:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2009, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/21 "2009-07-12T23:31:25Z")
Of course if you let our no wait, health system take care of you, it could have been worse. How many people have suffered ,waiting for a specialist to see them. I had a mole on my back that bothered my wife. I talked to my regular doc and he recommended a specialist. I had to wait 3 months for an appointment. it was biopsied and was nothing. But ,if it were ,it would have had 3 more months to percolate. It is good you fought a bit. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2009, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/22 "2009-07-12T23:39:57Z")
**SCL** , The Wife went through similar things, a lot of the same symptoms (she refused to believe it’s possible to fart in your sleep until I shook her awake and forced her to check she hadn’t stained herself) and went through the biopsy. She was told they’re fibroids, and in fact - told they’d just keep an eye on things, and not tto wear herself out worrying. We’re thinking of you and waiting for the good news! ---
**Author:** ![BrassyPhrase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@BrassyPhrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrassyPhrase)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/23 "2009-07-13T02:29:03Z")
As far as the flatulence goes? My younger sister is a very very fit runner type who eats vegetables constantly. She has this problem, that you may have discovered in your exercise and fitness regimen as well. Often when visiting her at her home, she will stop what she’s doing for a moment or pause and giggle and say “Oh. My. God. SOMEONE just farted in my pants.” My entire family has been trying to find that BASTARD!!! Because he comes and farts in our pants too! Good luck and hugs to you SCL! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/24 "2009-07-13T03:22:13Z")
I’ll keep you in my prayers, **SCL**. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/25 "2009-07-13T15:34:08Z")
I thought fart threads were supposed to be funny? Sorry you’re going through this SCL, thinking good thoughts for you. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/26 "2009-07-13T15:49:39Z")
> [@freckafree](#): > > {{{{{{{{{ **SCL** }}}}}}}}}} > > What a scary thing to be going through. Please keep us apprised. > > FWIW, I dreaded amniocentesis for the same reason you’re not keen on the biopsy. I told the technicians I would be fine as long as I never saw the needle, so to warn me when they were getting it ready so I could close my eyes. They did, and I did, and the procedure was really no biggie. > > Sending you good thoughts! What she said, on all counts. I did not enjoy my amniocentesis, but aside from an “ooh, that was WEIRD!!!” feiling when it went through the uterine wall (I think), it was far scarier _before_ than during. I had insisted the doc put some novocaine where the needle was going to go in. She said “that’ll hurt as much as the amnio needle”. I said “But I know what novocaine feels like, I don’t know what the amnio needle will feel like”. So she did it to humor me. And I made a point to look away; the abstract of an amnio needle was easier to take than the sight of it would have been. Your ovarian needle might be more uncomforable, but I’d bet they can give you DRUGZZZ beforehand (being pregnant, drugs for the amnio weren’t an option, doggonit!). ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/27 "2009-07-13T15:50:50Z")
Oh yeah - have you ever had tests / exam / ultrasound before that _did_ see that one ovary? As in, is it newly AWOL or is it simply possible you were shortchanged at birth? ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/28 "2009-07-13T16:08:07Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Your ovarian needle might be more uncomforable, but I’d bet they can give you DRUGZZZ beforehand (being pregnant, drugs for the amnio weren’t an option, doggonit!). Ask for Versed. You’ll be technically wide awake, but you might as well be asleep because you won’t remember a durned thing. I had 2 hand surgeries on the stuff, and it works. Quite well. ---
**Author:** ![Shot\_From\_Guns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/29 "2009-07-13T16:10:50Z")
Best of luck. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/30 "2009-07-13T16:16:52Z")
> [@VunderBob](#): > > Ask for Versed. You’ll be technically wide awake, but you might as well be asleep because you won’t remember a durned thing. I had 2 hand surgeries on the stuff, and it works. Quite well. Concur. After the anesthesiologist found me rather nervous before surgery on my vocal chords, I decided that the three most beautiful words in the world were “two of versed.” ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/31 "2009-07-13T16:27:09Z")
Any time I start a diet or exercise change I have to wait until two days before my period is supposed to show up and stop exercising and basically gorge because otherwise I don’t bleed at all. Missing your period could very well be due to diet and exercise changes. And the farting could be related to the diet and exercise as well. Don’t worry too much! {{{SCL}}} ---
**Author:** ![Dottygumdrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce73a5/32.png) [@Dottygumdrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dottygumdrop)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/32 "2009-07-13T17:18:56Z")
{{{ **SCL** }}} Here’s hoping it’s nothing serious. ---
**Author:** ![SnakesCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@SnakesCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakesCatLady)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/33 "2009-07-13T23:00:35Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Oh yeah - have you ever had tests / exam / ultrasound before that _did_ see that one ovary? As in, is it newly AWOL or is it simply possible you were shortchanged at birth? It is possible I have never had a left ovary, but that is the one I could always tell when I was ovulating. It is more likely that it was hiding behind a pocket of gas in my intestine; ultrasound waves can’t “see” through air. I am only slightly worrried about that - not that I might not have one; that is no big deal - but what is it hiding? Sneaky, sneaky. If you aren’t doing anything wrong what are you hiding? As for the exercise and diet causing the problems - I was on the exercise/diet program for over a year before these changes started happening. When the gas problem started, I tried different combinations of foods hoping my diet was the problem. The only difference I noticed was the smell - it smells worse if I have been eating meat. The only thing that lessens it is not eating at all - and not only does my trainer not recommend it, I just get too hungry! I am trying to keep a sense of humor about the whole experience. Laughter is the best medicine,k after all. Any ladies out there who have had a hysterectomy - what are the cons of having it done? I am seriously considering asking for one and just getting it over with. Then if I need chemo we can get on with it. ---
**Author:** ![Suse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@Suse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suse)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2009, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/34 "2009-07-13T23:16:50Z")
**SCL** , I had tumors on both my ovaries. They were both rather large - I was told about the size of a NERF football - but thankfully both were benign. So it may be okay. I will keep you in my thoughts. As far as having a hysterectomy, for me it was mostly good. The various symptoms of menopause weren’t that bad; I used a hormone patch for a couple of months and then gave it up for good. Because of the type of surgery (abdominal incision), my recovery time was a bit longer but I healed fine and went back to work on schedule. It was definitely worth it for me. You could try visiting [Hyster Sisters](http://www.hystersisters.com/) to get more information. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2009, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/35 "2009-07-14T03:22:56Z")
> [@SnakesCatLady](#): > > **Ruby** , I am not using the internet to diagnose; I had already changed doctors and been told I would have to have a biopsy before I found that list. I have plenty of time to fret now - #1, I am looking at the prospect of having a very long needed jammed into my belly. Not my idea of a good time. #2, I sat with my friend Libby during the six weeks she lived after diagnosis - she didn’t actually die of cancer, but of the pneumonia the hospital gave her (free of charge!) after the chemo had weakened her. > > Yes, I am scared of the possibility of cancer. I also sat with my uncle as he died of it. Nowhere in my post did I say I have it - I said I was scared. I am sorry if you think that is “jumping to conclusions”. and I thank you for your support. > > Everyone else, thank you for your support and kind wishes. I just needed a place to vent, and didn’t want to worry my family and friends more than they already are. My apologies. No offense was intended. I stand behind what I said and I am sorry you felt it was unsupportive. I only wish the best for you. ---
**Author:** ![Neeps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a183cd/32.png) [@Neeps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neeps)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2009, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/36 "2009-07-14T09:44:25Z")
What a worrying thing to go through! I had a huge ovarian tumour removed last year (it was the size of a watermelon), and some of the symptoms I had were a little similar to yours (I think large fibroids can have the same effect) - really light periods, a distended stomach (obviously!) and changes to my bowel habits. I also peed a bit when I coughed because of the size of the thing and had horrible indigestion as it extended quite far up into my abdomen. It was a little like being 7 months pregnant, actually. Luckily mine was benign, but it is such a stressful thing to go through, particularly if you have already had horrible experiences with friends and relatives going through something similar. I hope you get a definitive diagnosis soon. That made things much easier to cope with for me. ---
**Author:** ![Shot\_From\_Guns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2009, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/37 "2009-07-14T16:11:27Z")
> [@SnakesCatLady](#): > > Any ladies out there who have had a hysterectomy - what are the cons of having it done? I am seriously considering asking for one and just getting it over with. Then if I need chemo we can get on with it. My mom had her uterus and one ovary removed about six years ago. There’s the physical recovery to work through (they slice through some muscles you use a lot to take everything out), which isn’t going to be the most fun ever. Then the hormone drop pretty much kicks you straight into menopause, IIRC. But that’s going to happen sooner or later, anyway. AFAIK, my mom has no regrets about the hysterectomy. ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2009, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702/38 "2009-07-14T17:29:50Z")
Many years ago I had one ovary removed because it was found on routine exam to have grown to an unnaturally large size. No symptoms whatsoever. It was found to be a “borderline lesion,” essentially a pre- pre- pre-cancerous cyst. That required a largish incision and the recovery was Not Fun. I had a hysterectomy about 9 years ago, it did not require an abdominal incision, and the recovery from the surgery was not a great big deal. I was perimenopausal anyway and went through the HRT. Patch (didn’t like it) then pills for some years before tapering off. No symptoms I wouldn’t have had anyway. I think now that I didn’t really need the hysterectomy, and I wish I’d gotten other opinions first. But that’s water under the bridge, over the dam, whatever. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wherein-my-48-year-old-body-goes-to-hell/502702.md?page=1)