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Confused

Arabella46
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Hello! I'm a 46 year old female who's been having period type pains most of the time, not just when on my period and occasional spotting. My latest smear was fine and I was sent for ultrasound which came back with some thickening of the endometrium. I have an appt with gynae but not for another month as it's apparently non urgent. In the meantime, I had bloods taken which showed I'm moderately anaemic. My doctor suggested I do a FIT test which came back fine but has urgently referred me for a combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy just based on the fact that I'm anaemic. I have periods that are classed as heavy so I've no idea why I'm being sent down this pathway. I've got the tests on bank holiday Monday and am terrified of both procedures. I still don't think they are necessary but the doctor is not listening to me. I guess I have to go along with it but these are extremely invasive tests and I've read a lot of horror stories about them on here. I'm worried sick!

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    Hi Arabella,

    Sorry you are having all this worry.  I'm afraid I can't answer your question as to why they are going the route of gastroscopy and colonoscopy.  I've always found that doctors are very willing to explain everything in detail, but only if you ask.  

    I don't know if this helps, but when I was your age, I was experiencing very heavy and long-lasting menstrual periods with period pain and anaemia. In my case, it was caused by fibroids, which are very common at that age. I had a D&C (dilation and curettage) under general anaesthetic, which completely fixed the problem.

    I've no medical expertise, so this might not be relevant to you.  I do think it would be worthwhile to ask your GP if they've considered fibroids and why they decided to do a colonoscopy etc..

    I hope everythung turns out all right for you.

  • Offline in reply to EllJay

    Many thanks for your reply and suggestions Elljay which would definitely make more sense to me but as you say we are not doctors and we should trust that they know what they are doing. I will however bring this up and see what they say. 
     

    Best wishes x

  • Offline in reply to Arabella46

    Good luck and best wishes.

    Let us know how you get on.

    x

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