Hi Ally,

Sorry to hear you're going through this stress, but glad you've found us so welcome to the forum.

I'm really hopeful that your scan will show fibroids, which is what caused my friend to have an enlarged womb, or one of the many other causes that are non-threatening.  I would definitely advise staying off Google unless you have a good core knowledge of anatomy or physiology, Dr. Google is not you friend!

I'm sorry that your consultant had such a bad bedside manner.  Did you have a nurse in the room too?  If so it might be helpful to ask to speak to them to have what was said explained (even after the fact, they'll be able to see your notes).  I have read that some people find it difficult to 'challenge' doctors but please remember it is their job to ensure you understand what is happening/going to happen.  Never be afraid to stop them in their tracks and ask questions, also repeating back to them (in your own words) what they have said is a very good idea as they get to see if you are understanding them.

Don't allow your consultant experience to make you anxious about the TVU, that is handled by a whole other department :)  They will likely heve their own experiences of your consultant and may feel the same about her as you do (not that they should tell you of course!)

I had a trans-vaginal ultrasound a long time ago now.  A probe (the ultrasound wand) is inserted into your vagina.  I've had no kids and can happily say I didn't find it remotely painful.  My sonographer (and mine was a young good-looking male as it turned out :) ) was exceptionally good at putting me at ease and we had a good laugh about various things.  In fact we had such a good laugh that when a nurse came in with his scheduled cup of tea he was that busy chatting away to me I had to say "errrr, are you going to turn around so I can get dressed again" :D  Even though doctors can be difficult, even nurses sometimes, I have seen many radiologists and sonographers now and not one of them has been anything other than a delight.  I think they are often far better at puting themselves in the patient's shoes than doctors and nurses.

Your appointment letter should tell you whether you need to have a full bladder or not for the scan.  Like all ultrasounds you won't feel anything happening in your body as it's just sound waves bouncing off your organs etc.

The ultrasound can detect many things including fibroids, cysts and infection but it is unlikely the sonographer will be allowed to give you results on the day, even if they can tell what it is.

Not to worry you, but while you're waiting for appointments and stuff it might be an idea just to do a cursory check as to what support is in your area in case it turns out to be cancer.  I'm not suggesting it will be cancer but it's much easier to do the research now than when dealing with a diagnosis like cancer and with what you say about your family you will want support.  It can't do any harm to know what is available and just hope you never have to use it.  It's also a more positive and uplifting thing than looking at Dr. Google :) If you do decide to do this then maybe look up your local Citizens Advice Bureau (they're online too), Princes Royal Trust for Carers, you may have a Marie Curie or MacMillan centre near you etc. You are presumably already aware of the support local autism charities can give  Anyway, it's just a thought.

Wishing you all the best and really, really hoping for fibroids!

​​​​​​​LJx