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[Dollydream]

Hi ladies

I'm 52 and I've tried three different types of HRT - continuous, sequential and now mirena and oestrogel and all have caused problematic bleeding.  I was getting on fairly well with the mirena/oestrogel but the spotting started again after seven months (which I originally thought was the interaction of the sunscreen and the oestrogel as I was on holiday when it began and it stopped a week after I returned). 

So got referred by GP and today I went for the abdominal scan and the transvaginal scan and the sonographer said that it was difficult to see with the mirena there but there was some thickening of the lining which would be ok if I was peri but not if I was menopausal.  The problem is, I don't know as I had only gone for 8 months with no period when I started HRT.  Also it seems when I stop HRT and have a break the bleeds/spotting stop.

This afternoon, my worst nightmare happened - a phone call from the hospital saying I have to go tomorrow for an urgent hysteroscopy and see the gynaecologist and to say I'm terrified is an understatement, as I know the NHS move very quickly in emergency cases - which I guess is a positive thing.  Feel very fragile at the moment.   Just wondered if anyone had any similar experiences?

DollyD xx

[Peacegirl]

I don't know anything useful to say but until (hopefully) someone who does comes along, can I say, that's such a tough experience and all I can suggest is try and stay in the moment and not let unhelpful mind be in charge.  Sending virtual hugs xx

[Elizabethrose]

Hi Dolly, I couldn't read and run and whilst no expert on this I want to just say that very often what they 'see' on these scans turns out not to be what they expect. I had large polyps/thickening when scanned but when they went in there was nothing there at all.

However, it is brilliant that all is being investigated just as it should be and also quickly for you. So many woman have to wait ages, worrying madly before they finally receive an appointment. Maybe they had a cancellation to give you?

Whilst I completely understand your worry and we'd all feel the same, it's important that this is all checked for you. Hopefully it'll be nothing to worry about but if it turns out to be something untoward, they can get sorting it for you without delay. It is always better to catch things early.

I really wish you well tomorrow, hopefully all will turn out fine.  x

[Dollydream]

Thank you ladies, your kind words mean a lot. I think it's because I used to work for the NHS and I know that when a result is followed up that fast, it usually means something extremely serious is going on.  I will let you know how I get on tomorrow. x

[Elizabethrose]

Dolly I know that that is often the case but often not too. I had an MRI done on Saturday and received the results on Monday with nothing too serious. Try not to worry yourself too much (know this is easy to say). Whatever the result, you will manage.

All good wishes to you x

[Tempest]

Dear Dolly! I understand your worry and I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, and sending positive vibes your way. Please try not to worry too much ahead of the hysteroscopy, although I know that's easy to say.

Much love. xxxxx

[MicheleMaBelle]

Hi DD- good luck tomorrow- let us know how you get on x
 

[paisley]

Hope everything went ok xxx

[Dollydream]

Well I'm back and feeling a lot better.  Hysteroscopy done and no abnormalities seen.  Lining was mildly thickened on the posterior wall but no polyps or fibroids seen, a biopsy was taken and they will write with results in 2 weeks unless something serious is found but gynaecologist thinks it all looks OK.  So I'm feeling relieved and will be even more relieved to see that in writing.

I asked him why I was called so quickly (within a couple of hours of the scan) and he said that it was due to the NHS guidelines of 14 days - I wish his secretary had explained that yesterday would have saved a lot of worry.  I have to say that it has only been 8 days since I reported this to my GP so the health service have been fantastic to get this done so quickly.

Also just in case anyone is worried about having a hysteroscopy and has read all the horror stories (as of course I did), it was just uncomfortable and not painful at all, I took 2 paracetamel an hour before and it was a lot easier than having a coil fitted, although there is quite a bit of bleeding afterwards.  And I saw everything on the screen which was really interesting.

So in the gynaecologist's opinion it's the estrogen in the HRT causing the lining thickening.  He thought that the oestrogel was very potent and to try and just use it every other day or try a different type of estrogen or just come off HRT altogether, which has made me on one hand think that perhaps HRT's not for me - but on the other hand I'm thinking of the hot flushes and aching plus I have osteopenia too. 

I am thinking of trying to get an appointment with a menopause specialist to get some advice as I've been trying to find a suitable HRT for 18 months now.  Any thoughts anyone?  And thanks for your kind words, I was super stressed and they really helped.

DollyD xx

[Peacegirl]

I'm doing a big fat 'phew' wth you here! 

[Elizabethrose]

I'm really pleased for you Dolly, yep his secretary could very well have explained this better to you. Lots of unnecessary worry.

I'm glad too that the hysteroscopy went well. Ladies are all very different and some of the horror stories you hear are very well founded. They had to abort mine after 40 minutes of trying to get through my heavily scarred cervix which was preventing ingress. Not a pleasant experience I can tell you!! They had to later do a forced dilation under GA. We are all different with varied medical histories but I'm really very pleased that yours was ok.

I think it would be a good idea to seek advice on the HRT going forwards.

All good wishes to you x

[Claireylou]

I'm so glad things turned out ok for you. Was thinking about you xxx 

[Tempest]

That's wonderful news, Dolly!!!! xxxxx

[Dollydream]

Thank you so much ladies.  Sorry to hear that your hysteroscopy was so painful Elizabethrose, that must have been awful for you.  I hope everything is OK for you now xx

DollyD

[MicheleMaBelle]

That's great DD- I'm trying to come off. Bit of a rollercoaster. Can you e mail Dr Currie for advice?