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Thickened endometrial lining 12 weeks postpartum

Rach31
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Hi, I'm new here.

Some background first - sorry if this is long.

I'm 31 and had my 2nd child 12 weeks ago. I have continued to bleeding on and off since having my daughter. I have been back and forth to the GP who initally said it was most likely just my hormones and to  come back if it still persisted by 12 weeks postpartum. Here we are at 12 weeks and I'm still bleeding on and off. Some days it is very light, others is heavier with clots. I had also stared to get some cramps now. I was worried about possible retained placenta tissue causing this and was pushing for an ultrasound. My GP tried to refer me to gynecology but was told by them that it didn't sound urgent and if I was worried I should just go to A&E and they could refer if needed. Now as a nurse myself I knew I wasn't unwell enough to need A&E. Going there was a really bad use of an already overstretched resource when all I need is an ultrasound.

I decided to pay privately for an ultrasound for peace of mind. I had this yesterday (abdominal & transvaginal). They found a very thickened endometrium - measuring 38mm thick. They couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me if this was from retained tissue/related to post partum or other issues but advised an urgent gynecology referral. Thankfully this time with the ultrasound evidence the doctors seem to be taking me seriously. I have now been referred under the 2 week wait pathway. I have had confirmation that gynecology will be reviewing my referral this coming Friday. So imagine I'll hear more after this.

I know I shouldn't google.. but I made the mistake of doing so. Everything of course mentions possible cancer and I found that 38mm seems extremely thick for endometrial lining amd csmt find much out about this happening post partum.. so it now has me thinking the worst. I have a strong family history of various cancers including breast & endometrial. I am also a cancer nurse myself so I know all too well the possible symptoms of cancer, which I think in a way sometimes gives me more health anxiety.

I know i just have to wait for further tests/action, but I'm anxious and scared - I'm only 31 with 2 young children.

Has anyone else had anything similar at a young age? Or even just words of advice/support would be much appreciated at this point. Thank you for reading this far.

  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn of your situation I can appreciate this is very difficult.

    Waiting for an urgent referral along with tests and test results can be a stressful and anxious time it is a period when people can feel they are not in control.

    I can appreciate that the information you have found on the internet is worrying. The internet is not talking about your individual situation and it cannot diagnose you.

    All you can do is wait until you have your appointment on Friday where you will get more information about what will happen next.

    It might also help to know that womb cancer at your age is rare, it tends to affect older women.

    Easier said than done but try to take one step at a time. I hope you have family and friends you can lean on at this time.

    If you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on the helpline our freephone number is 0808 800 4040 and we are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday,

    Jemma

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