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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

  • Offline in reply to DaisyW

    Hi,

    Thanks that makes me feel a bit better. She did say they were just being cautious. I'm really worried as to how much this will hurt because of my scar tissue. I'm wondering if I should have said I wanted general anesthetic instead of local. I see you had a polyp, she did mention that they would remove that at the same time if they found one.

  • Offline in reply to HNew

    I wasn't given any options - I haven't had children and was having problems with the smear and she just said it would be general anaesthetic.  As I had never had an op before I was actually wishing it was local as I  thought it would be safer to be awake ..... then I heard a R4 programme on how some women were finding it difficult to get any anaesthetic at all in the UK for these procedures, and some people found it very quick and painless and others definitely didn't, so I decided I was probably lucky and didn't question  it further....

  • Offline in reply to DaisyW

    Hi

    I have seen the same as you, some find it fine others not. I decided to phone up and ask for a general anesthetic given that because of my scar tissue from a LLETZ I had some years ago, she wasn't able to get the tube through to do a biopsy. I felt that they will probably have a problem getting the scope etc in. I do feel calmer about it now. Unfortunately I will have to wait longer which isn't ideal as I dont do well with the waiting. The weird thing is I seem to only get spotting infrequently and when I'm dehydrated. Hopefully I wont have to wait too long. Thank you for sharing your experience, it really makes me feel I'm not alone with this.

  • Offline in reply to HNew

    Hi all,

    Im new here and just wanted to share my experience and worries. I am 38 years old and had a hysterectomy ( cervic and uterus removed) at the age of 29 due to abnormal smears for 3 years followed by several biopsies, lasering ect. My cervix was covered in pre cancerous cells and it was the last option to me. Anyway, fast forward to now and I thought I had seen the last of any gynaecologist! I have been seeing my gp since last summer with what started off as constant bloating and mild pain in the abdomen. I was given some anti bloating tablets and sent on my way. I've now seen a gp on and off for the past 2-3 months due to severe pain in my abdomen and pelvic area and lower back, itching across my abdomen and pains down my legs. I was prescribed Zapain to take for the pain. Well they worked for about 20 minutes and the other 3 hours and 40 minutes I felt like I had downed a bottle of vodka!! Another trip back to the doctor and a CAT125 blood test was taken as well as 4 other tubes. CAT125 has come back ok ( huge relief!) but my markers were up for inflammation in my body somewhere. I also had an abdominal scan and vaginal scan. I went to get these results on Tuesday just gone and was told I had 2 cysts on my ovary ( I already knew this from when I had my hysterectomy) and that they weren't anything to worry about but I've been told they have spotted a dark shadow type mass on the right side of my abdomen which they would like to investigate further and run some more tests. So I've been referred to see a gynaecologist in a couple of weeks. I'm not quite sure what tests they are going to do. Feeling very anxious at the moment as I've not had much luck from the belly button below. 

  • Offline in reply to Saffichick

    Hi Saffichick, when they needed clearer imaging on me I was sent for MRI which included all abdominal area, so thats a possibility - and easy to get through.  Can't believe how worried I was about that now .... Thoughts are with you for your appointment and hope all goes well xx

     

  • Offline in reply to DaisyW

    Thank you. I'm sure it's nothing but I hate the waiting game! 

  • Offline in reply to Saffichick

    The waiting is the worst bit, scanxiety I've heard it called. I was worried sick over the results of my transvaginal  scan but ive now had the hysteroscopy and biopsies done, under general because of issues with my cervix. The consultant was just horrible, I felt like I was putting her out by being there. Total shock as I've never had anybody like that before. The healthcare assistant apologised to me and said that she could be like that and wrote it in my notes for all to see. Hopefully she will think twice about being so rude again. She decided that I should have a Mirena coil fitted which I agreed to but I would have agreed to a total hysterectomy or my leg chopped off if that's what she wanted. When I was given the leaflet on it in the ward after it said much to my horror not to be used if you have or have had breast cancer! Which I have. Unfortunately a doctor didn't see me before I left for me to ask all the questions I had, so I made an appointment with my doctor who was so good. He reassured me that because mine was PR - the coil was ok for me, however Dr Google says it's not suitable for atrophic wombs which according to my discharge sheet my uterine cavity was unremarkable and atrophic. This begs the question whether I am going to get any benefit from this at all? I'm aware it will stop any further bleeding but that was hardly anything and very rarely. I can get it taken out at the doctors, so wont have to face the consultant again but I'm not sure what to do. What are the other benefits if anything. Does anyone else have experience with Mirena coils?

    Waiting on results of the biopsies now, hopefully they will be ok with it all looking unremarkable. Scanxiety!!!! 

     

  • Offline in reply to HNew

    Oh HNew what a stressful experience.  My consultations were delayed and I didn't have time to discuss all I needed and saw s different doctor at each appt. The locum and then different specialists I saw at the hospital  gave me a lot of confidence that they were looking for best solution for me and were caring.  In contrast I saw a dermatologist years ago who left me in tears after final consultation and was part of me giving up going to GP with period/skin problems.  Fast forward to my 50s and I find I had endometriosis all along- so Ii shouldn't have let them put me off ️ i don't think I would have really wanted a coil in my situation, a bit late in the day for me! perhaps your GP can give you some more insight before deciding?  Also like me you may see a difft consultant next time.

  • Offline in reply to DaisyW

    Hi DaisyW

    Unfortunately as I was not in a good frame of mind I had agreed to the coil. I'm so uncomfortable today. Will give it a few more days to settle and if it doesn't I'm going to get my GP to take it out. 

  • Offline in reply to HNew

    It is so difficult isn't it, first meeting with one specialist I found myself agreeing to full hysterectomy as well as ovaries/tubes for the following week and went into panic mode !  Didn't end up having the full hysterectomy as they couldn't complete it as endo had stuck bowel to it ..... Now I'm thinking it would have been best solution if it had been able to go ahead as everything out the way ...

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