Hello and thanks for posting

Sometimes if a hysteroscopy can't go ahead doctors may consider doing a pelvic ultrasound – where a small probe is inserted in the vagina and uses sound waves to produce an image of the inside of the womb, or an endometrial biopsy – when a narrow tube is passed through the cervix into the womb, with suction used to remove a sample of the womb's lining. But I'm not sure that you could have these tests because of your scar tissue and they do not provide as much information as the hysteroscopy.

As nurses we are unable to recommend treatments I'm afraid. We always suggest discussing the best treatment options with your gynaecology team as they are familiar with all your medical details.

Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Celene

Definitely press your medical team as to why they are recommending a hysterectomy. My consultant recommended endometrial ablation, but when I asked if there was a "do nothing or other" option got the response "there's always a do nothing option" followed by a disclosure that I absolutely did not have cancer, cancer was not a concern and the recommended procedure was a lifestyle choice so that I wouldn't have to deal with heavy bleeding. An ultrasound had shown fibroids, a polyp and a lining of 21mm. I had a normal CA125 of only 27.

Like you, I'd had a failed hysteroscopy but the doctor was able to do a pipelle biopsy instead which gave reassurance with regard to the womb lining, hence the assurance cancer was not a concern. The thing that shocked me was the way the ablation was put across as a given – this was what the consultant was going to do! It was only when I queried it that I got a different story entirely.

My GP took a similar line feeling I had made a sensible choice, although it ended up a tough lifestyle choice as I went on to have a much later than anticipated menopause at 59. In your case it might be more than a lifestyle issue and there might be a significant cancer risk if untreated. Only the doctors can tell you what is at stake here. You have a right to ask for more information before agreeing to major surgery.

I had another ultrasound scan more than five years after the first scan which showed no sign of a polyp and the fibroid only slightly enlarged. I have no idea where the "polyp" disappeared!

I've just had a call from the consultant and he has advised that they cannot get a biopsy from the lining of the womb any other way as the scar tissue from the ablation is in the way. He said he cannot say that without a hysterectomy I would be safe to consider no dangerous legions within the lining of the womb.

 Thank you for your reply. 

Ah, yes... That's a pity, but at least you now have an explanation from the consultant. It's better than having a "what if ..." left in your mind.

Good luck with everything! x

Thank you x

Hi, I'm in the same position. I had a failed hysteroscopy because of scar tissue. I have a slightly thickened endometrium and have had some spotting (while on continuous HRT). Consultant says I'm very low risk for cancer but that the only way to be certain is to have a hysterectomy. He said it's  up to me. Currently thinking it through but having difficulty deciding! 

Hi

I have had 2 failed hysteroscopy procedures one without pain relief and one under general anesthetic. I am so disappointed. I was told that there is too much scar tissue to access the cervix for a biopsy and examination to take place. I am really confused about why I would have scar tissue. The consultant said that it may have been caused by the first failed hysteroscopy which was 7 days before the second one. My endometrial lining measures 6.9mm and I had post menopausal bleeding. I feel a bit lost to be honest 

Consultant said she will see me in 4 months and I will have another scan to see if the thickness of the womb lining has gone down. She said not to worry as 6.9mm is not that bad but j can't help thinking that they wouldn't have gone to all the trouble of attempting 2 hysteroscopys if there wasn't some cause for concern. 

I'm wondering what thickness you ladies that have been offered hysterectomy have ? 

Hello and thanks for your post,

Throughout a woman's life the size of a woman's endometrium will vary depending on whether she is pre or post menopausal, her age and many other factors. It is difficult therefore to compare one woman's situation with another when other's respond on the forum. There maybe also be varying opinions from gynaecologists up and down the country. 

It is very difficult without being involved in your situation to be able to offer an opinion on what is happening in your case. 

Doctors have guidelines about measuring the endometrium and it is quite a normal practice to compare one scan with another to see whether there are any changes over the next four months. As they were unable to perform a hysteroscopy and biopsy they have decided to see if the thickness decreases over the next four months.

There is some information about endometrial hyperplasia written by the organisation called 'Woman's Health'. Have a look at the information here

If this is something that is unsettling you then do go and chat this through with your GP. Your gynaecologist would have written to your surgery explaining your next steps.

Do give one of the nurses a ring on the helpline if you feel that you would like to talk this through.

We are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Freephone 0808 800 4040.

All the Best,

Catherine

Hi olive I’m in same boat what did you decide? 

Hi Ali Jane what was your outcome? I’m trying to decide what’s best. I have a polyp the can’t get to through cervix so hysterectomy suggested or another mri in 3 months. I’m at my wits end!