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[grumpy2008]

Hi, it's some time since I last posted here, but I have ben lurking on and off *waves*. Some of you may remember that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March last year. Had mastectomy, no chemo/radiation, and have been taking tamoxifen for the past 18 months.

My period went away (hurrah!) for about 9 months, until Sept this year and I've had 2 periods since... both bright red and very, very heavy.

So the doc sent me for a hysterocopy, appointment was this morning. But it failed. The consultant couldn't get the scope through my cervix. I'm being booked in for the same procedure under GA, but am anxious about the reason for the failed procedure? Has anyone else experienced this? They kept asking if I'd ever given birth, which I have, but she's an only child because it was such a horrible birth! I'm now wondering if this might have played some part in my birth experience :-/.

Any ideas, before I drive myself potty? Really appreciate any replies :-)

[Hattie]

I would ring the hospital secretaries and ask to speak to the consultant to see if he/she can give you a reason why it failed.

If you don't have faith in the consultant you saw this morning ask for another one to do it when you go for it under GA - if that is possible.

I was due to have a hysteroscopy and had worries about it because i have vulva pain - the consultant rang me back and had a chat with me about it which i really appreciated.

Hattie X

[grumpy2008]

Thanks Hattie I spoke with the consultant afterwards and she said she wasn't able to get the scope/camera through the cervix (presumably too tight?). She also mentioned that I was dry 'down there' . I have no idea what they plan to do differently under GA, so I should probably ask that. Sigh, I am so disappointed 

[Hattie]

i would ask what they might do differently if it is going to reassure you - get them to ring you as a special case if you have had a difficult birth.

I was due to go for it under GA but opted out and am monitoring my situation - the consultant could give me no guarantees that he wouldn't make my vulva pain even worse - it is just a routine procedure to them.

Hattie X

[grumpy2008]

Sorry to hear about your own issues, Hattie, it's so frustrating to come across these problems... if only life could be simpler! I hope that your pain improves.

My daughter is 14 now, and was born by ventouse. The cervix just wouldn't dilate quite enough and she, and I(!) were getting distressed.

I'm going to relax for now - and think about this again on Monday. Just wish it wasn't happening so close to Christmas 

[Hattie]

Wishing you a peaceful weekend Grumpy    - in my book you've already had enough to deal with having breast cancer and a mastectomy.

Hope that you can get some answers on monday.

Take Care

Hattie X

[CLKD]

Thanks for the catch up.  Sounds like you have coped well with the surgery and post op. regime.  How are you on the Tamoxifen?

I would expect that a combination of being dry, slightly nervous; may cause a slight tension in the muscles = non-insertion.  If a patient is completely 'out' under GA the Dr can be more positive with a detailed examination because they are relaxed.  It doesn't take much tension 'down there' before it is impossible to insert anything 

[Mrs January]

Hi Grumpy

You have been incredibly strong. I had a mirena in last year, not the same I know but hard so hard to insert, doc said as we hit peri menopause etc and then Menopause our uterus shrinks and so does our cervix. I also last year has a uterine biopsy for fears of the dreaded C. My point therefore is maybe this is what has happened to you and under GA ( I am  nurse) more can be attempted as you will not be aware of the discomfort of the procedure.

Do you have a date yet? call the consultants Sec and ask to speak to a doc or else to detail in a letter to you why it was difficult to do the procedure etc, just as they are hosp consultants you can still ask their secretary to ask Consultants questions for you.

Hugs Mrs January xx

[grumpy2008]

Many thanks for your replies... I've had a rotten week so haven't been up to responding till now. I have an ongoing fungal infection, that I visited the GP about again a few days ago. Thankfully it's a lot better at the moment, but everything happened at once  . While I was there, I quizzed my GP about why the first hysteroscopy might have failed and she said more or less the same as you both. In some women the cervix doesn't respond (dilate) enough during the procedure, probably due to age/hormones etc etc

So, I now have an appointment on Tuesday for scans (external and internal) followed by my second hysteroscopy on the 22nd, under a GA. All on top of looking after my elderly father whose mental health is rapidly declining. And Christmas. Sorry, I'm just so depressed right now and I know some of you kind ladies will understand. It never rains, but it pours eh?!

[CLKD]

What support is your Dad getting?  Maybe up that so that you are able to concentrate on your health issues?

Let us know how you get on after the appt. on Tuesday! 

[grumpy2008]

Hi CLKD, I'll be a lot happier once my appts are out of the way 

My father lives independently and relies mainly on myself and my sister. No outside help yet. He's 86 and now having speech problems / confusion / disorientation etc. I took him to the GP not long ago (after weeks of persuasion) and had a very unsatisfactory consultation, with the only outcome being speech therapy. Advice from Age UK, Alzheimer's Society and Adult Social Care has been to go back to the GP and demand tests in order to get a diagnosis. So I dropped a polite but detailed letter listing my concerns into the GP surgery 9 days ago... marked it urgent... gave contact details... have had no response. I know I need to ring them and pursue it but with everything else, it just seems like a huge battle right now.

Adult Social Care in my dad's area won't help until he is diagnosed (or at least that's what I was told).

Sorry, I'm going off at a tangent!

[CLKD]

that's OK - we have a thread about looking after elderly relatives here somewhere 

Could he have a urine infection? which can cause confusion etc..  Could you contact your Practice Nurse on Monday, explain that you've sent a letter and could someone advise?  Or you will be taking him to A&E  …….. on C.mas Eve  ….. - or could your sister follow this up whilst you undergo your appt.? 

or ring A&E 2-day for advice?  They may be able to do a backward 'appt.' or they may suggest you take him in. 

You could of course ring the out of doors Dr who may be more accommodating with advice/home visit?  Tiring I know but it will be one less thing for you to stress over.  Or your local Pharmacy might have suggestions.

[grumpy2008]

Thank you CLKD, all very useful suggestions... I've just checked the surgery website and they have e-mail addresses for the individual GPs. So I'll give it one more go and e-mail my letter - but will follow up with a phone call on Monday. I've requested blood work and a brain scan for dad (as per advice) but a simple urine test would be a good addition. I suspect a stroke, or a series of small strokes, and am struggling to deal with him at the moment. Family is so complicated isn't it? I'll find the thread you've mentioned... I'm sure many of us are in the same boat  x

[CLKD]

We can cope unless our own health issues kick in ……… the common cold is enough to make outside commitments seem like wading through treacle …….. do you and your sister 'get on' ?  Also, seeing a parent going down-hill without support is hard work because we lose sight of who they were 

I'll bump the thread …… so that it pops up for you

Done - how about ringing Lloyds or Boots for advice?  I wonder if they could do a urine test for your Dad?

[grumpy2008]

Thanks again, CLKD, I appreciate the support. I'll let you know how I get on with dad's GP. Ringing the chemist is a good idea and will do that if all else fails. My sister and I do get on, but she takes a less pro-active role... and lives further away. Also, dad 'dumps' his problems on me but won't talk to my sister about it. Which is why I say that families can be so complicated! Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks again