Postmenopausal bleeding after 10 years

Hello Greenvelvet

Thank you so very much for thinking of me and remembering my appointment. I can't tell you how touched I am.   My ultrasound is tomorrow.  I am still awaiting the results of the biopsy I had on the 5th April. They told me those results would take two weeks. Due to the Easter break I'm hoping I hear something today or tomorrow with the US also tomorrow.  Since you reached out to me I have not googled or researched anything as your positive and supportive words were all I needed. However the last few days have been a challenge and I was in bed with a migraine yesterday no doubt due to the stress.  Thankfully I haven't bled since the original five day bleed so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

I hope you are coping with the trauma and turmoil you have been through these last few months. Even though you got the right results I have no doubt the worry and anxiety will have had a profound affect on you.

I'm not used to discussion forums and your last message did not allow me to reply in the way I had previously so I really hope you receive this reply.  I am so moved by your kindness. Thank you. I will be in touch with my news.

  • I didn't have a hysteroscoy but I think each hospital trust processes things differently.

    I know it's advisable to take some painkiller but as you know this from previous experience you'll be well prepared !  I think it's important for you to remember what the secretary said and that nothing sinister has shown up in the scan or biopsy. However as this is another procedure you are perfectly in your rights to ask them to explain to you prior to the appointment why they think it's necessary. That may happen at the appointment and I think it's perfectly ok to say before you undergo it you want to know what they are looking for and when you will get the results and who from. At the appointment you could ask for the copy letters ref the scan and the biopsy. Hospitals should send the letters into patients as well As GPs. 
    I think that with the post Covid backlog and in your case a consultant leaving, processes may be slower but we are not sausages to be processed and it's only fair that we as women are totally sure about why we are undergoing procedures. 

    dont Google and keep positive. It's good news so far so hang into that and keep positive that this is the final hurdle.

    im really well. Spoke to GP and decided to give myself three months off the hrt to see if I can manage without 

    keep busy between now and next week and talk to GP if you need some further reassurance as your hospital results may go to them before next week? X

  • Hi Greenvelvet,

    Thanks so much for your quick reply and your reassurances.  I agree, I think this is the final hurdle as nothing showed up with the previous two examinations. I should be grateful they are being vigilant. I've taken on board what you've suggested and will definitely ask for clarification why it is necessary.  I am relieved that there is nothing sinister and do believe if they were concerned they wouldn't have told me it's not urgent and I could have waited till next month, I'll just be glad when it's all done.

     

    I am so pleased for you that you have come to a decision about your HRT.  HRT seems to be everywhere at the moment and women encouraged to go on it but in view of your experience and maybe mine too, it's really not for everyone. I honestly believe my bleed was due to the increase of oestrogel but I don't think it's highlighted enough the side effects.  If no reason for my bleed is given, then  like you  I am going to discuss with my GP about having a break, it's been such a trial and error getting it right and I wonder if I'm better off without. I just need to get the hysteroscopy over first.

    I really wish you all the best for the next three months,  zYou know your body better than anyone and you clearly don't think HRT is the answer now.  At least you've given it a go. 
    Take care and stay positive. I'll let you know how my hysteroscopy goes.  Thank you again for your words of wisdom it helps more than you know.

  • Good luck tomorrow for what I hope will be the last hurdle and an end to the worry and uncertainty 

    don't forget to ask all those questions

    take care x

  • Hi Greenvelvet,

    Thank you so much for your best wishes and thinking of me.  Well I was asked to go in for hysteroscopy yesterday.  Unfortunately the saga goes on.  
     

    i was informed that they would be performing another biopsy as the original one was inconclusive.  So the 'nothing sinister' found was rather misleading.  They did tell me that the VUS was suggesting a polyp 'but it might not be'.  Apparently my uterine lining is 1.7 which is good,

     

    Unfortunately they were unable to perform the hysteroscopy as they couldn't find my cervix as it was too tight.  So they are now going to perform another hysteroscopy under GA, an endometrial biopsy and a truclearpolypectomy.  Apparently the truclear is a special implement used and there are only three consultants in my trust who can use it and fortunately my consultant is one of them.  It appears it shaves of the polyp rather than cuts it out so less invasive.

     

    The fact they are using this procedure has given me hope as it requires a rep from the company to oversee the procedure so I thought they wouldn't go to that trouble if they weren't confident that was the problem.   However, the biopsy feels me with dread once again waiting for the result as I had thought it was clear due to nothing sinister being found which I had been clinging onto.

    I have to admit since we last communicated my left hand side pelvis is now painful more or less all the time but thankfully no more bleeding although I feel like I could start again at anytime.

    So basically my stress levels are sky high although the fact they are prepared for a polpectomy gives me hope. They think it could be in the next few weeks as im still on the two week pathway.

    I am due to go away for a fortnight the beginning of June but with all this hanging over me I don't think I can face it, particularly if im still awaiting results of the biopsy.  So that's my situation!

    How are you doing?  How are you feeling a week on from stopping HRT,  I hope psychologically you are feeling stronger.

    Thanks again for thinking of me, I appreciate it more than you could know. Take care.

  • Hi and so sorry to read you have more tests to undergo and more uncertainty but it's good to know how thorough they are being. I'm sorry I don't have any knowledge about that procedure but if you post in the wider forum I'm sure someone will be able to share some information with you and offer some reassurance 

    it's difficult to think about holidays I know but if you feel up to it it might do you good to get away and relax as it does seem as if you have a bit of a wait before this next procedure

    im well I think. I have a busy job which is not made easier by the fact that I'm not sleeping as well as I did on hrt and I do have some aches in the old joints but I'm feeling well otherwise and going to give my body time to adapt

    Take care of yourself and trust in the professionals - ask lots of questions and try to keep busy as worrying is so very tiring I know. I'm sending lots of positive thoughts your way and I think you are managing this really challenging time very well. Share your concerns with your family and friends and let people support you as I've people are really kind  x

  • Hi Greenvelvet,

    Thank you for your supportive and encouraging words. Everything you have advised is sensible and I know the best way to approach my situation.  I'm trying to be positive then without warning panic takes over.  I know once I get a date for the hysteroscopy it will help as it is  the waiting that is so difficult.

    Although I'm not looking too far ahead I have got my mind on what to do about HRT moving forward.  It sounds as though so far so good for you.   The disturbed nights must be difficult to deal with again as facing the day with little sleep more be exhausting and probably not what you've been used to for a while.  As you say you need to give your body time to adjust, it's early days yet.  I really admire you for having the courage to stop it. We put so much thought into starting HRT and it must be soul destroying when it doesn't work out the way it can for other ladies.  Perhaps your body was telling you it didn't need it anymore. I suppose you are taking it one week at a time right now but I really hope it works out for you.

    Thank you for the thoughtfulness you have shown me.  It really helps someone has experienced the anxiety and stress that this situation causes.  Thank you for your time. I'll let you know when I have my date.

     

    Take care and enjoy your weekend.

  • Hi

    Hope you dont mind me jumping on post but just been to Dr today with post menopause bleed not blood really just brown discharge.   Now being referred to hospitsl.  Worried to say the least.   I have been on hrt since 2016 and im now 58.  Dr done internal said everything felt fine.  Hopefully all will be ok x 

  • Hi 

    Hope you don't mind me jumping on post but just been to Dr today with post menopause bleed not blood really just brown discharge.   Been on hrt since 2016 being referred to hospital for further tests.  Dr done internal said everything felt fine just panicking slightly.  Im now 59

  • Sorry not to be in touch

    how are you? 
    julie 

  • Hi Lainey

    i know it's easy to panic 

    the nurses may respond also but basically any  bleeding is taken seriously and they do the requisite scans and tests. If you are on hrt and shouldn't be bleeding they take this seriously just as they do for women not on hrt. Taking it seriously however doesnt mean a bad outcome -  just that the system is doing what it should to keep us safe.

    i was very worried as I was on hrt for 7 years and not supposed to bleed, but the scan and biopsy was efficient and my mind put at rest. Take painkillers ahead of the biopsy if you have that as bit uncomfortable. It all takes time so just take it a day at a time.

    my advice would be to stop googling (I know!) and keep busy whilst waiting for results. Many times it's all about adjusting hrt but it's best to be sure. Speak to your gp if you have extreme anxiety as they can help with support or anti anxiety meds.

    wishing you all the best  let me know how you get on x