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Scared witless

Witchemy
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Hi I had a post menopausal bleed a few weeks back. Got in touch with my GP straight away. I had an ultra sound last Tuesday when the radiographer told me that there was a slight thickening of the uterine lining and not to worry. Today I received a phone call from the hospital telling me that the lining should be 4ml but that mine is 13+ and I need further tests. I am single and have never had children. I’m terrified of the tests and even more terrified of what they may uncover. All my friends and family are telling me that the hysteroscopy is horrendous plus I’m obviously terrified of cancer. I’m sorry for writing this but just feel as though my life is in free fall. Just need to get it out there. Any words of comfort…genuine comfort, would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry. I know everyone on here is going through a lot.

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    Hello Witchemy

    Of course you are scared not knowing is the worst it leaves our active imaginations to fill in the spaces with the worst it can drum up! 

    Deep breath they are following up this is good

    The hysteroscopy may be uncomfortable but is not as your " friends?" Describe horrendous the nurses will look after you

    Write all your questions down so you dont forget ( we all do when we are in these situations) 

    Ring the Cruk nurse line or Macmillan open 8 - 8 Everyday no question is too small they know the facts ask and are very reassuring.

    While  you wait for answers try to take one day at a time you can do this and by reaching out you are already looking after yourself this is good.

    Try to surround yourself with those who are supportive not burdening you with their own fears......its okay to set boundaries your true friends will be there for you in positive ways.

    I know its a lot but you will get through this.

    Sending strength good luck

    RB

  • Offline in reply to Rhubarbdragon

    Thank you so much for your reply. I have spent a horrendous night scared witless. I kept waking up with my heart bursting out of my chest. Sweating and shaking. I honestly feel as though I can’t go through with it. My GP tried to examine me before she made the referral to the hospital. Although I really tried to relax etc, she just didn’t manage it. I went away feeling very sore. The experience has left me feeling terrified. I am severely disabled and not as flexible as others might be. I spoke to the liaison girl at the Womens hospital and she made me feel even worse. Talking about pessaries, which I wouldn’t be able to use. I’ve just spent the worst night of my life. I don’t know what I’m going to do.  II don’t think I’m going to be able to go through with it. But yes I’ll try and take it one day at a time. Thank you so much.

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry you have these worries about some postmenopausal bleeding and thick womb lining.

    As you will read, there are many reasons for this, not just womb cancer, which is generally rare. Endometrial hyperplasia is one of the most common, so do read about this too.

    Everyone is very different when having procedures. Some women find hysteroscopies uncomfortable, but other women might describe them differently. Like cervical screening, everyone has a different experience. It is difficult to say how you will be, but maybe taking some painkillers an hour before your procedure might help.

    At the moment, it is hard to offer words of comfort when no one knows what might be happening for you and why. But I can offer reassurance that there are many reasons for these symptoms, so a cancer diagnosis is not necessarily the cause.

    Take care, and if you would like to talk to the nurses on 0808 800 4040, lines are open mon-fri, 9-5.

    Sarah.

  • Offline in reply to Witchemy

    Hi Witchemy 

    Im so sorry to hear you had such a rubbish nights sleep with worrying.

    Thank you for sharing more about your personal details and how the usual ways of doing exams etc are not easy nor suitable for you.

    Were you able to explain to the liaison person what Access arrangements you require to be able to attend your appointment?

    If not perhaps try once more  and highlight what works for you

    Ask if they can give you any medications( obviously depending on your personal medical history etc) to help you relax as you are very nervous ....

    The Nhs has a duty to provide everyone with equal and appropriate access to medical care....

    Do you have anyone to support you?

    We can all use a buddy at times especially for these kinds of procedures 

    I know these are not msgic answers but I hope having space to share and think is of some help.

    Be thinking of you

    RB

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