Hoping this is helpful to others fast tracked for suspected cancer of the endometrium.
I am 57 years old and have been Post menopausal for 5years. I have taken HRT for the past five years without problem.
In August 2020 I had an episode of unexpected vaginal bleeding which lasted for five days.
I was fast tracked under the 2week guidelines for a transvaginal scan(TVS). The scan was negative and no further tests were required. However I was told by the consultant to get referred again if any further bleeding occurred after a six month period of time.
Fast forward June 2021 when I experienced bleeding following intercourse which lasted a few days. I mentioned this to my HRT Nurse who told me not to worry and decided we should wait to see if it happened again. I explained what the Consultant had told me, so she referred me back to the hospital.
At that time I was unaware I was being fast tracked again, as I didn’t get an appointment for six weeks. By which time I experienced further bleeding out of the blue.
I had another TVS, which again was negative. However this time I was referred for a hysteroscopy, but was told this would be about a ten week wait.
As I experienced multiple bleeds throughout August, I decided to get the procedure done by private healthcare.
I was told to take 400mg of Ibuprofen and 2 Paracetamol half an hour before the procedure.
I actually ended up taken 400mg of Ibuprofen and 2 Co-Codamol tablets. I was given local anaesthetic but still found the procedure very painful even though I tried to concentrate on my breathing.
If gas and air had been available, I would definitely have taken advantage of it. In fact if for any reason the test required repeating I think I would actually insist on it or at least some type of sedative they use when a Colonoscopy is done!
I’m currently waiting for my biopsy results and a smear result, which actually wouldn’t have been done if I’d had the hysteroscopy done by NHS, as i was told it wasn’t due for another two years.
I’m feeling fairly positive things will be ok, as the risk of cancer is so slim, and the Consultant seemed fairly certain the bleeding is down to hormonal changes.
Hope this helps someone.
