Hello Luc50,

I'm in a similar boat.  I am 52.  Hadn't had a period for 18 months, then had bleeding.  Went for an ultrasound and also had a hysteroscopy at the same appointment.  The ultrasound detected the thickness of my uterine lining was at 8mm.  The hysteroscopy showed fibroids.  They took a biopsy and I was told I would get the results in 1-2 weeks time.  It's 2 weeks today and after ringing I was told they have a backlog of typing and so no letter has gone out and they can't give me any information as yet.  My bleeding stopped just under a week ago so I'm pleased about that but the waiting game is tough.  Without having the bleeding, I have been able to forget about things a bit but on the whole have had a pretty rubbish few first weeks with dark thoughts and lots of crying.  I'm now trying to carry on with a positive attitude as there's not much I can do until I get some results.  It is very worrying but in the meantime I keep trying to keep myself informed so that when I get to talk to someone medical, I will at least understand what they're talking about.  I have also started to eat better and tried to lose weight - have lost half a stone in the last two weeks - as I understand that oestrogen excess can be caused by being overweight.  Have you had a hysteroscopy?  Not a pleasant experience!  If you haven't yet, and you have to have one, I only read after having had mine that it helps to take a couple of paracetemol before you have it!  And make sure you have someone who can drive you home afterwards!  I'm presuming that if my biopsy shows that it's got abnormal cells, then I'll be heading for a hysterectomy but if they're not abnormal, it'll be hormone treatment first.  Seems like you've had a different suggestion as to what happens next with your treatment but I would have thought they'd have to see the results of your biopsy before recommending a hysterectomy.  Or maybe they mean a hysteroscopy (the camera) first rather than a hysterectomy?  Anyway, I wish you all the best and to hear from you again.:)

Ho ladies.

I've been down this route and believe me the waiting is by far the worst. Once you know what you’re dealing with, whatever that is, it is much easier. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in April 2018, had a hysterectomy, further surgery for removal of lymph nodes and three sessions of internal radiotherapy. I got my all clear in April of this year and am on regular checks now. 

Just to say if you have  any questions now or in the future just ask and I’ll be happy to answer them based on my experience.

Sending a virtual squeeze from my hand to yours.

Sundial

Hello everyone, 

Well done on the new job Jan 64 that's great! Good luck for your appointment too . I had mine today and thankfully all's well. Had an ultrasound scan and then camera scan , blood tests clear ,  so I've been discharged. Dr said my bleed was more than likely a late after effect from the mirena /a surge in hormone ? She said that although we shouldn't have a bleed after menopause it does happen and that there isn't always a reason . Also if there's a repeat episode get checked out again . Best wishes everyone in your own journey with PMB x

Hi

Thanks. Glad to hear that your appointment went well today. Feeling a bit anxious about mine tomorrow but I'll be glad to get it over with. Heard nothing after my covid test so that must be clear. Trying to think positively and that it was just a one off, late bleed. I'll update everyone after my appointment. 

Take care ladies & thank you all for your support. 

Jx 

Good luck for tomorrow Jan64. Will be thinking of you.

I went for my appt on Friday. Had vaginal scan etc which showed slight thickening of the lining at 6mm. Hysteroscopy is required, and, because the last one (around 15 years ago) was difficult and quite a bit of scarring, am going to have this under general anaesthetic. Have a 'phone pre-op assessment on Monday and hope to have the date soon after. The consultant said it would be within three weeks from when I saw him last Friday.

Good luck to all. X

Morning, 

Fingers crossed for everyone as well.

im still waiting for the ultrasound appointment. I should get it today or tomorrow. 
 

I started the iron tablets today. Lovely side effects include black poo!

Hi ladies

So, I had my hysteroscopy appointment yesterday. I was obviously feeling very nervous about the procedure and the possible results. As advised, I took painkillers about an hour beforehand. First of all I was seen by a lovely nurse who checked my height and weight (as suspected I have shrunk by half an inch, which must explain why my BMI is high! but she was too polite to mention that - unlike my previous consultant when I went for my scans who said, "do you know the phrase 'I like to call a spade a spade'?" and then told me I need to lose weight as it is a risk factor. Then a doctor came and took me to the consulting room, asked me if I understood the procedure and started filling out paperwork with me, including the consent form for me to sign. During this another doctor came into the room, mumbled something and went and sat in the corner at the back of the room. Both of them were wearing masks so it wasn't always easy to hear what they said. I mentioned that I hadnt had anything back from my scans & test on 12th August, when the other consultant had said he didnt think the sample he'd taken would be enough to test. The doctor in the corner said they had got some results and that was why I needed this procedure for further investigation. I said that I had hoped it was low risk because of the long gap between appointments, but corner doctor said no, mine was an urgent appointment and that they were just very busy. Oops. So, once all the paperwork was done they said any questions and I said,  sorry but can I please ask who each of you are as I didnt get given their names. Corner doctor said, "well I'm the consultant, I did say when I came into the room", I apologised and said I hadnt heard (it didnt help that he had an accent, French I think and he was rather dishy, from what I could tell through his mask!). I never did find out who the other doctor was, but think he was a trainee as during the procedure the consultant had to tell him what to do at times - if anyone remembers the old Golden Shot tv show, the phrase Bernie the Bolt was very apt. I was taken into the room for the procedure and offered a gown, but as I had worn a dress i was able to just pull it up out of the way so felt a bit more dignified. Next I had to clamber up into a big chair (difficult with my shrunken stature) and put my feet on the 'pedals'. The chair was then raised and tilted back. There were paper sheets under my bottom and I was given one to cover myself. The procedure itself took about 14 minutes, and I must admit it was painful at times, with strong cramping sensations. I had read that if you count backwards in 7's from 1000 it helps you cope with pain so I tried to do that - but I started at 100 because my maths isnt that good. i think it did help, i believe the theory is that because your brain is being kept occupied it reduces the pain signals being registered, anyway I though it was worth a try. At one point the consultant asked me what my favourite tv show was (clearly another way of trying to distract me) and I grunted "I don't know", then a nurse said oh, do you not watch much tv and I told her I do but I just can't think right now. The nameless doctor took a couple of samples for biopsy and then it was finally over. The lovely consultant said that the lining of my womb was thin, and when I asked what it meant he said it was what was expected post menopause - he said to think of it as an incubator ready for a baby so it needed to have a soft padded lining, but once you're past menopause the lining isnt needed to cushion a baby and hormones lead to it thinning. He also said that there were no polyps or fibroids and that there was no indication of cancer (but obviously the samples need to be checked to be sure). Afterwards there was lots of water on the floor because they use it during the procedure so they put what looked like one of the puppy pads I have at home on the floor and told me to be very careful when i stood up. The consultant asked the nurse why she hadnt used the non-slippy socks today, I thought he meant for her, but he then handed me a lovely pair of red slipper socks to take home (lovely momento of my day). Got my shoes and underwear back on so felt less exposed and I thought that was it, but I was taken into a recovery room and offered a cup of tea and given some ginger biscuits. I did feel a bit shaky and actually had started to feel rather queasy during the procedure so it was welcome. I also took some more painkillers. The nurses were all really caring and attentive and I have to say that I was very impressed with how i was treated throughout the whole experience - the NHS are amazing and I'm very thankful. I had asked a friend to take me to the appointment as they advise you not to drive afterwards which I think is another useful tip. 

Sorry that this has turned into a very long post, but i hope it might help anyone else that has to have a hysteroscopy to know what to expect - I think it lessens the anxiety of the unknown. 

I had minimal bleeding afterwards and needed more painkillers in the evening, but today i feel absolutely fine. I got confirmation of my new job today as well so I'm excited about that and very happy to have this out of the way and hopefully the all clear. 

Best wishes to everyone on here x

Hi there, sounds like quite a performance but it does sound as though you will be ok. Im still plodding on with the HRT but am considering asking to change it at the end of the three months if the side effects do not improve.  I do feel I have been left out of every loop with no explanation about anything.  My consultant seem to treat me as a person on a production line with no chat about what was happening, why or what any form of medication would do.  My gps have been better but even they dont know a lot because they are gps and not consultants.  Good luck with the new job, its exciting isnt it.  Keep us informed of everything and we can all compare notes xxx

Hi 

Sorry that your experience hasn't been great. I did find I had to keep asking what was going on and I think it's bad that no results from the earlier tests and scans had been sent to my gp or me. I thought I'd describe my experience of the hysteroscopy to help prepare others as I hadn't really known how it would be carried out. The consultant told me afterwards that the procedure used to involve 10 days in hospital! 

I'll post an update once I get my results - Don't know how long they should take. 

I am looking forward to starting my new job now. 

Good luck to everyone experiencing similar worries about pmb.  

Take care x 

Hi everyone I haven't posted on here for several years.

I had post menopausal bleeding.I went to my Gp as I had hip pain and lower back pain and happened to say I had had a watery type bleed well I had had a few but a long time apart.I asked about my hip pain but she said first things first I will refer you to the hospital re the bleeding.My appointment was very quick and they attempted to examine me but it was difficult so they sent me for a examination under anesthesia.The consultant did see me before I was discharged and said they would write or send for me. I was back in a week and if I had had my glasses on would have realized that I was seeing an oncologist.They gave me the news it was sinister and I would need a hysterectomy.This was in October 2010 and I had a keyhole hysterectomy and my ovaries etc removed I had cin 2b I think.I was checked regularly for 3 years and am completely free of cancer.Please go to the doctors if you experience irregular periods and tell your friends.I can save your life.Good luck to you all and be reassured this is curable.best wishes Liz 

Hello Jan 64 , so glad you got through that ok though it sounds horrible ! Fingers crossed you get good results . Thanks also trixy56 for sharing your experience, it  shows that we can beat whatever is thrown at us .. we just have to be brave and face these things . X

Hi, glad to read you are doing well.

I'm 47, had horrendous lenses, then had abnormal cells on cervix, got checked every month and had a partial cervix removal for biopsy-everything was fine. Had reg lenses every 21 days for 3 days.then stopped bleeding over 18 months ago, hot flushes were drowning me so started get 5 months ago. Yesterday had bad pain, swelling in abdomen got up today to a period! Really??? Just waiting on gp phone consultation. 

Just wanted to thank you all for your frank no nonsense no drama posts here.they were exactly what I needed today.

Hi, glad to read you are doing well.

I'm 47, had horrendous lenses, then had abnormal cells on cervix, got checked every month and had a partial cervix removal for biopsy-everything was fine. Had reg lenses every 21 days for 3 days.then stopped bleeding over 18 months ago, hot flushes were drowning me so started get 5 months ago. Yesterday had bad pain, swelling in abdomen got up today to a period! Really??? Just waiting on gp phone consultation. 

Just wanted to thank you all for your frank no nonsense no drama posts here.they were exactly what I needed today.

Hi Marsbs

i hope everything goes well with your GP appointment. Let us know how you get on.

Sundial

Hi 
 

I'm 50 and have been 5 yrs into menopause and thought my periods were long behind me.  About 10 days ago I experienced very sore breasts, then the last three days had some abdominal cramping with some faint bleeding, feels like my periods used to.  I phoned my GP to book a Pap test and mentioned the bleeding, the GP phone back and arranged an appointment with the practice nurse the same day to see if there was anything obvious.  Apparently my cervix looked healthy (I'm taking that as a positive) but she said she could see where I was bleeding from and will refer e to the PMB clinic.  I am absolutely bricking myself in case they find anything sinister.  Everything I google indicates the worst and increases my fears.  Reading your posts has helped me calm down a bit.  I'm currently waiting for my referral letter.  

Hi Silver50

Sorry to hear that you are worred about your untoward symptoms. It is good that you are getting a referral because you will know more about what is going on and be able to deal with it better.  The waiting is very scary in my experience and  probably the hardest thing to cope with especially when you have no idea what is happening. Please don't  spend your time looking at dr Google.  He will always seem to tell you the worst, particularly as you are probably thinking that way already. There are positive things on the internet but your brain isn't registering them.  Try to keep yourself occupied as best you can. Difficult I know in these times but do try.

I hope everything goes well for you. Let me know how you get on.

Sundial

Thank you for your kind words. I will definitely let you know how I get on. 

Hi there, I went through similar just over a year ago, triggered by bleeding and going for a smear test.  It took a few months of tests and scans, but nothing sinister in the end.  It was so stressful to go through,  but it's a step forward isn't it  that they do check us out now for the slightest bleed post Meno and take it seriously, instead of telling us to run along ....  

So ..... I went for my scan today and I have a large polyp that is shadowing the rest of the uterus so this needs removing and being done on Thursday by hysteroscopy and then tested to see if it is cancerous or benign. Crossing fingers it's benign.  I also have a small cyst on my ovary which they were not concerned about. If there is any hint of cancer from the polyp then they will suggest a hysterectomy.  Thank you everyone for your support I feel more positive 

So ...... I had the hysteroscopy on Thursday and it was very uncomfortable despite loading up on pain relief however the good news it that there was no polyp that they had thought they had originally seen on the scan. The consultant said the endometrium looked ok and he could see no abnormalities. He was unable to state why I had some bleeding so it's unsure if I will have any more I guess I will just have to wait and see.  To say I am thankful is an understatement as I've had some very dark days. However I can now look forward rather than thinking what if. 
thankyou to everyone for your support at such a worrying  time. 
I wish all of you luck for anyone going through this worrying time and it's good that it is being checked out early. 

I'm so glad I've stumbled across this group. I'm going through exactly this now. I'm 55 post menopausal no period for 18 months then Sunday spotted blood as I wiped myself after a loo trip, thought what on earth! Thought i was past that, non of the usual period symptoms, in fact still several hot flushes daily, bleeding very light lasted no more than 24 hours. Googled it thinking its probably perfectly normal, then scared myself, telephone appointment with docs today, and she has referred me fast tracked, should wait no longer than 2 weeks, have to go tomorrow for blood tests at docs but not sure what they are for, and wait for hospital appointment. My doctor did say as it was quite early into post menopause 18 month since last period, she didn't think it was too cause for concern, but she had to refer me. Reading all your post has helped me a lot.

Hi there, I had similar. Nurse referred me as if you're post Meno and bleed they take it seriously now.  

The cause of my bleed was a small polyp but in the diagnosis they also found some cysts that had been growing a couple of years, so caught them before they got large.  I went through 2 week wait and panicked.  But better they check it out and give us a bit of a worry than ignore us like they used to Xxxx

Hi, this post is the same situation as I find myself in. All very strange. I'm not over worrying about it at the moment (maybe I should be)? I'm at the hospital on the 9th within 2 weeks of the symptoms and will take it from there. So many very smiler stories it good to know it's not unique and what the reality of the findings for each person are. X