Hi
First time posting although I have often turned to the forum to read how others are getting on and was even moved to tears on one occasion to reading one woman's experience of an increased body thermostat - not having flushes per se, I began to think I was going mad!
I have joined the forum now as I have a specific issue which is confusing me - any advice or guidance will be well-received.
Last summer I mentioned my dysfunctional body thermostat to my lovely (female) GP who prescribed Femoston-conti 1 x 0.5mg/2.5mg daily. It was life-changing. I could wear what I liked and had a new lease of energy and confidence. I told anyone who would listen that HRT was magical! And then the bleeding began - on and off, a few days per month. I returned to the GP almost begging her not to take me off it and reassuring her that my research (the MM website) led me to believe that it was relatively 'normal' for the first six months. When we got to the six-month review, I declared the bleeding over with one last lengthy bleed. For a few months life was good and then in April (the 8-month stage), it recommenced and I was referred to a consultant. By the time I attended the consultant's clinic in July, I was feeling quite down - not only was I bleeding every few weeks (no rhyme or reason - it just happens), but I was also constantly tired, totally lacking in energy and my thermostat was more dysfunctional than ever. I get up and go had got up and scarpered!
The junior doctor that I saw was kind, compassionate and thorough. She examined me and explained that she could go no further on that occasion as I would need to have a local anaesthetic - she said that the procedure would be too painful for me. She went to ask the consultant's advice about my medication and he replied that I should double the dosage as the current prescription was 'little more than homeopathic'.
This I did and whilst there was some improvement in my not being so hot all of the time, the bleeding continued.
When I attended last week for a hysteroscopy, I was pleased to hear that it was being carried out by the consultant. He spoke to me just prior to the procedure when I asked if it was possible that the oestrogen in the HRT was causing the bleeds - he said we would know more after the procedure. I then asked about the local anaesthetic and he said that he would "see "if I needed it. This concerned me me as the registrar was very clear that it would be too painful without.
In short (I really do not want to re-live what happened), it was the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced and I have given birth twice. I wqs offered gas and air after I had screamed while he carried on despite me asking him to stop. The hysteroscopy was not completed and instead a cervical biopsy was taken. I was too shaken to really know what was going on.
In the recovery room, when I asked for painkillers, I was given two paracetamol. When the consultant came to see me, I stupidly and in confusion apologised (for screaming) saying "I'm sorry, I don't know what happened" To which he replied, "No, neither do I." Consequently I felt a thousand times worse. he said I had three choices:
1. Carry on with current HRT but also take mini pill to help prevent bleeding
2. Change to one with progesterone (to help prevent bleeding)
3. Stop HRT all together
I am left feeling upset and confused. I really don't know what to do. I have'nt had the procedure that was originally considered necessary - will the biopsy alone give the answers? As to which HRT is best for me - I have no idea!
Apologies this is so long-winded - a symptom of my utter confusion and anger - why didn't he just give me the anaesthetic in the first place?
Hoping someone can help
Mary
