Just wanted to say hi and send you a virtual hug.

Sounds like you are going through a lot right now, but positive that you are now being fast tracked to get the right tests to help with a diagnosis (and if needed appropriate treatment).

Let us know how you get on, if you feel able to x

Thank you Bazz22 for taking the time to reply to my post. 

I had the chance to look at your posts and can see you were also waiting for an MRI. I hope all went well. 

Hi SelynaPTR,

I hope everyhting goes well for you - just to give you a heads up what happened to me around your age. I had really bad back pain, constipation and bloating / abdo pain. Given a course of physio and laxatives, and being post menopause (long story) and on HRT. I eventually had an internal exam at GP's as my back pain was increasing, that lead to an MRI - which discovered a fibroid the size of a coconut growing on the outside of my uterus, pressing on my back and intestines. Had to have a full hysterectomy to sort it, but it was a good outcome for what might have been. 

I'm hoping that you have better news than you fear.

Let me know how you get on x

Thank you - just need to wait for the results now! 

Hi Songbird68,

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Due to high anxiety I ended up having a private colonoscopy and all is fine with the colon. The consultant says that the mass that can be felt is extrinsic to the colon, so probably from the reproductive organs? He did mention fibroids but I had a clear internal pelvic scan less than an year ago and clear CA125 blood test back then. 

In the meantime I also went for a smear test this week ( waiting results) and my period hasn't come since beggining of Feb. The pain in the abdomen is still here, sometimes in my back as if it's sciatica.

I attended A&E last week due to increase in pain and had a CT scan to check bladder and kidneys, all fine.

I am now extremely anxious due to missed period (not pregnant for sure) and afraid that something was missed in my pelvic scan last year (done when I first complained of pain)...

I had an episode of spotting mid Feb with some cramps for a couple of days during ovulation and that was it... Vaginal discharge seems to have increased and the nurse performing the smear test said I had a lot of discharge from cervix...

GP says that missed period might be due to high anxiety and dismissing it...

Hi SelynaPTR,

My very large fibroid was found on MRI (don't know if they have done an MRI on you?) as it was growing outside the uterus - not inside - so an internal scan would not have found it. It was in the back part of the uterus - so tucked between my spine and pressing on my rectum/ tail bone. Not sure if a CT scan would pick that up so easily? as soft tissues are best seen in MRI scans.

Have your homone levels been checked?  They would be able to tell if you are starting menopause or whether it's just a glitch.

Hope you get sorted soon - I know it can be very painful to have these kind of problems!

Hi Songbird68,

I have been sent for an urgent MRI as the colorectal consultant believes that only that will pick up what this mass is about and where exactly. I am hoping to have my appointment in the next 3 weeks. I hope after I won't have to wait too long for the results as well...

I just feel that the time drags on and there are no answers. 

My GP is not too concerned about my delayed period and only told me that will require an investigation after 2 are missed. The GP mentioned that perimenopause is a possibility but I just feel it is too much of a coincidence... I was not offered the possibility to check for hormone levels.

Hi Songbird68,

Thank you for.xoming back to me once again.

Today I received a letter for the colonoscopy only for the beginning of April, I am now happy I already had it privately.

I  still waiting for the MRI scan date but now fear a similar waiting time...

The pain is getting more intense, keeping me awake at night, sometimes in the abdomen, sometimes lower back.

My period hasn't come yet, almost 2 months now and I also have this armpit pain coming and going that is keeping me on the edge... Just feeling overall very low and worn out...

Hi SelynaPTR,

If anything changes - or you feel like things are getting worse, then get in touch with your GP. Even if you are under the hospitals care, they will guide you , or help you with pain relief if you need it. Unfortunately covid has made any diagnostics and treatments much longer than usual. If you do have access to private healthcare - then use it. I have been waiting for a long time to have a lump removed - local radiologists refused to biopsy as it was in a 'dangerous area' - I saw a surgeon on Wednesday - who in all honesty I wouldn't trust to open a pie - let alone touch me. So I am looking into private route - but I do have access. I just didn't want all the tests again, but for my sanity I think it's wise!