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Urgent referral after ultrasound - trying not to worry

Bethza27
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Hi there,

Following a transvaginal ultrasound on the weekend my GP called to tell me that she was making a 'fast-track' 2 week referral to the gynaecologist (they've now also called and I've got an appointment Wednesday next week). It's knocked me for six a bit and although I'm thankful that the wait isn't too long it feels like forever and I'm finding it tough, knowing that the 2 week referral can be because cancer is a possibility.

I've been getting symptoms (spotting and a bit of pain in my pelvic area) for around 6 months and in October had the most excruciating period pains and heavy bleeding, which has happened every month but one since. I knew something was up as that's not normal for me, so saw the doc in Feb, who referred me for the ultrasound. I'd convinced myself that my symptoms pointed to endometriosis, so when the ultrasound technician mentioned that I'd be referred to a gynaecologist to talk to me about my uterus lining, and she seemed surprised that I hadn't been experiencing symptoms for longer, I figured that maybe it was endo.

Then I got the call from my GP yesterday to say that the ultrasound showed thickened uterus lining and said she was making an urgent referral to gynaecologist, where they may do MRI or hysteroscopy. She mentioned a one-stop shop, not sure what that means? She then mentioned something about that they may find it's fibroids or polyps, but that they need to rule out cancer too. It was the secretary who called to book me in for the gynae appointment, and she said I'd be sent a letter with more info, so I guess that may give me a better idea of what tests they might do and what will happen at the appointment? 

Tried to talk to my mum about it to relieve my worries but she lives a long way away and is quite matter of fact about medical issues (she had problems with fibroids and had to have a hysterectomy, so has been through similar), which I do appreciate but I felt I wanted to be able to talk her about it more. 

Sorry for long post, would really love to hear from anyone who's been through/ going through similar. Just reading other's posts has been a big help.

Liz

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    Hi Bethzar27,

    I was also referred on the two week pathway, Drs do this under NICE guidelines, not because they think necessarily you have Cancer, but because they want to rule it out. If they think it’s Overian they will also do blood tests as there is a marker for this. They may well refer you for a CT scan too.

    i know it’s a scary time. Try to take one day at a time and definitely take someone with you. It’s not so scary with company! You should be given the name of a nurse practitioner or similar who will be your point of contact. Call them if you need clarification, they will tell you if you need information and don’t think you know what happens next. You may well forget; I certainly did! Nothing wrong with asking again :) 

    Good Luck :) 

  • Offline in reply to Julia62
    Hi River & Julia62, Thanks very much for replying, it's so reassuring to hear from people who've gone through it. I'm 36 so don't think they fast tracked because of my age. I got the letter through from the hospital today and they've included a leaflet about outpatient hysteroscopy so very likely they'll do that at the appointment. I've read that it can be painful for some women but I'll grin and bear it as just want to know what's going on in there. My sister is going to come to the appointment with me, which will help a lot
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  • Offline in reply to Julia62
    Hi River & Julia62, Thanks very much for replying, it's so reassuring to hear from people who've gone through it. I'm 36 so don't think they fast tracked because of my age. I got the letter through from the hospital today and they've included a leaflet about outpatient hysteroscopy so very likely they'll do that at the appointment. I've read that it can be painful for some women but I'll grin and bear it as just want to know what's going on in there. My sister is going to come to the appointment with me, which will help a lot
Children
  • Offline in reply to Bethza27

    Hi bethza28

    I'm in the same boat as you, although my GP hasn't referred me for an urgent 2 week gynaecology appointment. I have a scan next week because I have a rather large mass that you can feel on my left ovary ... I've also had extreme pain, irregular periods, bloating, bleeding between periods and after sex /bleeding after... Haven't been able to eat either, I've lost a lot of weight because of it over the last 6 months . Terrified off going to the doctor about it .

    I'm also trying not to panic, as I'm 30 and have 4 children under 10. It's hard to "not" panic and think the worst in these situations I guess.

    I really hope everything goes well as can be for you, please do keep us updated? X

  • Offline in reply to Samilou87

    Hi Samilou87,

    Yes, it's so hard not to panic and a day feels like an age. Your symptoms do sound similar and l can totally sympathise as it's so unpleasant and draining. 

    That's good that you're booked in for a scan and will get some answers soon hopefully :-) 

    I'll keep you updated. Let me know how you get on too x

  • Offline in reply to Bethza27

    Bethza27 

    I will

    Sending healing and caring thoughts your way for whatever comes next for you x

  • Offline in reply to Samilou87

    Hi @samilou87​​​ a long shot as it's been a few years but what was your outcome in the end? I'm experiencing the same on my right side. Had my internal sonogram today and petrified of results x

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