Help! Been told I probably have a tumour...

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A bit of background... after a couple of months of pain, I went to the doctors a few weeks ago, and he referred me for an ultrasound scan (which was SO hard for me to do- dug nails in hand so much it was bleeding).
Today, went back for results, and he says there's an abnormality, which is very probably a germ cell tumour, and he's referred me to gynaecologist at hospital urgently.

Anyway, I'm really worried about going to the hospital, with all the doctors and tests they'll do, as I get into a state when even visiting someone in hospital or when visiting my GP. One thing they need to do is an MRI scan, where I'll have to lay still, which is almost impossible for me to do.

I've never been in hospital before, or had tests or anything, so I'm really scared of what will happen.

Has anyone got any experience of this? Or advice for me? Also, if the consultant doesn't know I have AS, should I tell them?

Thanks!

You can ask to be sedated for the MRI and always tell the hospital personnel about any difficulties you have so they can be prepared to help you better.

Yes. Tell the nurses who are operating the mri machine that you may exhibit nervousness due to ASD. It will help them understand if you need to pause and collect yourself at some point. They won't be as rush rush.

Bring a plastic (solid plastic, no metals) ball of some sort to squeeze & distract while you are in the machine. They should be willing to let you hold something like that (call first and doublecheck).

The machine surrounds you. Be prepared.
The machine pings. Be prepared.
The nurses will ask if you have any shunts or metal plates or screws or anything surgical implanted in your body. Be ready for the question, and know for sure that you dont have any.

Edit: Oops sorry. Man invasion. I got here by a link off front page. My bad.

Hi, yes - I've had cancer surgery (8 years ago now), and have had my share of nasty and intrusive tests (the last three weeks ago)! There is nothing especially uncomfortable about an MRI scan, but it can be a bit noisy and claustrophobic. If you are like me, you do better if you know in advance what will be happening, and yes, I would tell them about the A.S.

I'm happy to answer questions on here or via p.m. if you prefer (I take it you can do these on this forum? I'm new here). Don't forget, feeling weird and apprehensive about this business is absolutely normal, so do avail yourself of all the support that's on offer. One tip, write down your questions so you won't forget to ask them. Another tip, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat information if you don't take it all in on the first telling.

All the best!

PS I got here from the front page link too - I know I'm male too, but I'm clergy, so it may not count...

Thanks guys for your replies- it really does help to know what to expect from people who've been there before. I'm trying to worry about it less, and knowing what will happen will help!
Thanks!

Apparently MRIs make loud banging noises. Just so you know.

Hopefully the tumour will either be benign or easily treated. Good luck.

I've only had 'loud banging noises' once during an MRI, when the machine broke down with me in it! But this may be Too Much Information......

So, things seem to be going downhill every day.
Had another MRI scan the other day- at least the experience of the first made the second one easier- the first I had sedated as got myself into such a state. By the second, I was on anti-anxiety meds and took in a stress ball and so it went much better. Thankfully, it was an open machine which was also better. They knew about my Aspergers, so they didn't rush it, and talked me through everything before they started too- they were really nice!
However, in the scan they found a second tumour on my other ovary: the first they had tested and knew it was benign, but still wanted to do surgery to remove (going on 4th Nov), but they found a second one on the other side which they think could probably be cancer. So now I'm panicking. It means the surgery will probably be far more extensive, and the treatment is going to be far worse. They're doing tests to check it out, but I'm still waiting for results.
I can't believe I still have 4 weeks to wait. The pain is driving me crazy, and it's all making my aspergers worse- I'm finding it hard to cope with even the smallest of things.

Waiting for four weeks with all of that pain? That's horrible. Are you on pain medication?

You may also want to do a bit of research on pain disorders; you may not have one, but the tips and tricks that an individual with one uses may help you.

I'm on painkillers but not good ones- they put me on codeine and it made me really dizzy and throw up, so they took me off it again. I'm now on naproxen and paracetamol (acetaminophen?) but still am in pain.
Having to try to work at the same time for at least the next 3 weeks as I've only worked in job for a year so only get limited sick leave on full pay and will need as much as possible after surgery- doesn't help when boss not very supportive.