Post Menopausal Bleeding

Hi

Last night (Friday) I had some light brown discharge.  There is also slightly brighter brown/red when I insert my finger into my vagina (apologies if TMI!) but no further discharge as yet.  I’m 55 years old and it’s been over 3 years since my last period.  I’m terrified it’s cancer.  I spoke to the 111 service and she recommended I get a BV test kit, which indicated trichomoniasis which as I’ve not been sexually active suggests it’s not the most accurate result.  I will phone my GP on Monday but I’m already seeing a psychologist for health anxiety so this is my nightmare come true.

I live on my own, I don’t have anyone I can talk to (friends were never really my thing!) and my family have passed away over the last few years so I’m very isolated.  I just thought it might be helpful to reach out via this forum for connection.

Thank you for reading this.

Parents
  • Please go to the doctors. I had a post menopause bleed after 11 months I have pre cancerous cells. My bleed was bright red and for 5 days. Be brave and come on here or ring the nurses I did. The waiting for results is the worst. Please do not be alone. We are all here for you xxxx

  • Dollysocks , I hope that you have  got a treatment plan and are getting well looked after . 

  • Hope you are still feeling ok and that the antibiotics are still helping .

    I hope that you are managing to stay cool and follow your own advice to Maebelle to also chill out . Xxx

  • Just re- read my post to you Dollysocks . I meant to say that  hope you enjoy this time to relax, and recover . I know it isn’t as easy for you to “chill out “ when you have gone through a major op and you are still waiting on results . Didn’t mean it to sound so flippant . 
    I am trying to relax for a bit in the ( overgrown ) garden , sitting on a bench with my cat .xxx

  • Ive just woken up. 102 degrees where I live nothing else I can do the heat is killing me!!! Yes I am relaxing if it were cooler I would have walked outside.

    Yes waiting yet again, but im hoping its not too negative tbh xxxx

    Enjoy the garden, mine is like a forest. Xxxx

  • Thank you Dollysocks - it was definitely a relief and I did go a bit wild and brought some M&S chocolate biscuits (more chocolate than biscuit!) to have with my tea!

    I’ve read your later message to Cat-Cat and really feel for you in this heat - it’s brutal.  Such a big op is draining enough but this puts extra pressure on you.  You should be very proud of how you’ve coped xx

  • Thank you Cat-Cat I’m so relieved.  Thank you for your comments re the cream - I did raise concerns about having oestrogen treatment and the risk of it thickening the womb lining and she reassured me this was not a risk so I’m going to go for it.  She was very patient with all my health anxiety questions!

    Not a cliche at all - this has really made me sit up and have a long hard think about what I want and I intend to be more proactive regarding my health and wellbeing.

    I hope you’re beginning to feel better and I’m so pleased you had some downtime in your garden with your gorgeous cat.

    I hope okay with you both but I would still like to be part of this conversation thread so that I can make sure you are both okay? xx

  • Good you treated yourself. Im drinking lots of peppermint tea feel like it cools me down?

    • Yes keep in touch Maebelle its great to communicate and yourself and Cat - cat have kept me going. I appreciate it a lot xxxx
  • That would be lovely if you wanted to stay on the thread Maebelle . Glad you have treated yourself  today . 

    I am in Scotland , so whilst it has been hot this week , absolutely nothing in comparison to the temps you have had down South . We have lots of rain and clouds for the rest of the week . 

  • My tea of choice is lemon, ginger & honey . Have tried the cheaper supermarket own brands but the pukka one is the best I have tried . 

    How are you feeling Dollysocks about the waiting this week?  I find after there  has been some movement / progress I am actually ok - until the next time when I start worrying for the next step . 

    The thing I do find difficult is still the uncertainty , when I am not sure what the prognosis will be and am trying not to plan things for the summer and then have to cancel . I think it is the feeling in limbo that is still difficult . Xxx

    • Love pukka tea... Drink pukka feel pukka!! And the yogi tea brands. Tbh Cat-cat I dont want terrible results because I dont want further treatments, but ive got to go with it. Ive got this far since my initial bleed in April. I understand the uncertainty in holding out and hope to fit something in towards the end of the summer. Im actually taking time to heal and being kind to myself. Xxxx
  • Sorry Cat-Cat to bother you again.  I’ve just read the leaflet enclosed with the cream and the side effects listed have given me a lower lip wobble!  Please only answer if comfortable to do so, but do you still use it and do/did you have any side effects?  I know many sing it’s praises but I’m going to phone gynae tomorrow for clarification xx

Reply
  • Sorry Cat-Cat to bother you again.  I’ve just read the leaflet enclosed with the cream and the side effects listed have given me a lower lip wobble!  Please only answer if comfortable to do so, but do you still use it and do/did you have any side effects?  I know many sing it’s praises but I’m going to phone gynae tomorrow for clarification xx

Children
  • Hi Maebelle , 

     I and others  that I know who have  used the oestrogen cream / gel have had absolutely no side effects . You don’t use it continually but have a break .

    The NHS website says it is common to have no side effects or minor ones . 

    You should of course discuss any specific concerns you have with those that presided it to you . They will have done so with full details of your medical history . I hope you get it sorted . Xxx

  • Thank you Cat-Cat and apologies for the radio silence - I had a wisdom tooth extracted on Thursday and I think the combination of that, feeling stressed and the heat made me wither a bit!

    I’m in awe of Dollysocks’ strength - a major op in this heat and still going strong.

    I have been thinking of you both and hope you are okay? xx

  • Hi Maebelle , 

    That seems  a lot having your wisdom tooth removed too . Hope you are feeling ok . 

    I am doing fine , just trying to keep busy . Just over a week for me to go until my hospital appointment .

    I had another look at my hospital letter and it just refers to a “ procedure “ , although I know the GP referred me for a biopsy . There is also reference to me taking a few ibuprofen before . 

    As I have had issues with getting a smear test before , think due to the positioning of my cervix ( inverted ? ) and I also have a prolapse , I am going to phone them up . I think it is better to discuss pain management and any alternatives for me .

    I don’t want to just pitch up and potentially get it postponed , as fed up waiting and also have a holiday booked for the week after . 

    Dollysocks if you are reading , hope you are also doing ok .

    xxx

  • Just to reassure you Cat-Cat the letter I received also referred to ‘a procedure’ and although my GP failed to find my cervix, the consultant went in with a smaller speculum and found it straight away with no pain at all.  When I was googling my symptoms, I did note that they seem to think a paracetamol tablet 1hr before treatment (including a biopsy) was adequate!

    Also, my consultant was very adamant that there were alternative pain management options/procedures if I was in too much pain or discomfort.

    Considering how stressful the waiting around for appointments and results is, I completely agree with calling them tomorrow to clarify your situation.  More delay would be horrid for you xxx

  • Hi Cat-cat. Have now ventured to family the travelling made me so tired I also went shopping yesterday and I feel Im bionic, but realise I am doing too much. Just had a 2.5 hour sleep!! Wounds healing well.... Im just not patient in regards to other things!!!

    Again waiting for appointments I feel your pain. It will be 2 weeks Wednesday since my op im counting down to the pathology report!!! Fingers crossed xxxx

  • Mabelle another procedure for you!!! I had a B12 booked, but cancelled due to the heat. I hope you are ok? Yes weather is cooling, but Im like Michael Fish on weather watch. If you remember Michael Fish that is lol xxxx

  • I do remember Michael Fish, especially his announcement that there wouldn’t be a hurricane just before a huge storm hit us!

    Goodness that is a massive undertaking just after your op, regardless of the heat.  Although you’ve certainly put my withering to shame - I had a 3 hr plus snooze after a piffy tooth extraction!  Hopefully you’ll be able to rest up a bit after your adventure.

    I’m thinking of you and Cat-Cat - I know the waiting is so stressful xxx

  • Good morning Cat-Cat sending much love to you today - hope your appointment goes well.  Will be thinking of you xx

  • Cat-Cat. Hope it all goes well for you. Sorry you're having to go through it all. Take care x

  • Thanks Maebelle . Have been kept busy the last week , so that has been good . I did phone the hospital and they said I didn’t need anyone with me and they would  stop if it was too painful . 
    I wasn’t overly concerned about the stopping bit , but am about if they can’t do the hysteroscopy at that time and I go back to waiting for another appointment / further delays . The nurse I spoke to couldn’t really answer that bit . So I will just have to see . 

    how are you ?