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[In pain]

This may sound silly but What is vaginal atrophy ?

[Penguin]

It's when things become dry down there because of a lack of estrogen and, in time, the skin starts shrinking/shrivelling up. It can also create urimary tract problems. It usually is treated with a very low dose of topical estrogen inside the vaginal canal and outside on the lips and vulva to plump the tissues up again with estrogen.

Jules may be right though in that perhaps it is only watery discharge that is indicative of va.

[In pain]

So had my gyne appointment today and I've come away upset and disappointed.  The Dr was not very sympathetic didnt have any of my notes on my scan from my doctorsI felt like just another number. Went through lots of general questions how many children, smoker etc then said he is going to take a biopsy but don't worry cause most of them come back fine.

So couldn't do biopsy as cervix closed after lots of pushing and prodding ( didn't really hurt though ) so now have to have a hysteroscopy.  Dr said cause I coped with what they had just done  it would be outpatient 😥

He also found something on my cervix that is secreting mucas so need a colposcopy for that but he said it didn't look sinister so he's not really worried.

So I'm no further forward with an answer.

[Jules]

That must be so disappointing and another waiting game. How long will you have to wait?

[In pain]

2/3 weeks

[Jules]

2/3 weeks

You would think the colposcopy could be done at the same time, Ive had one of those donkeys years ago. I didnt feel anything but I understand we're not all the same.  The waiting is so stressful and can make you feel ill. Im waiting for a scan. Im also waiting for stomach biopsy results from 4 months ago. Its plain to us that if the NHS systems were more effective, everybody would be spared time and stress. Im sure the way it works now just makes more work because people have to have repeated GP visits, treatment for stress etc. Anyway that doesnt help you but id take something from the fact he wasnt too worried. He will have seen absolutely loads in his days.

[Northerngirl]

In pain, I'm sorry to hear that today didn't go as planned. I know how disappointing this can be, this how my appointment went in December. I too had a failed biopsy for the same reason as you so that's when I chose to have a general anaesthetic incase it failed again....was this offered to you??
I don't think they understand how worrying these things are and how agonising the waits can be.
Sending you big hugs and support if you need it

[shrosphirelass]

In pain, my understanding is that you can ask for a general anaesthetic if that's what you prefer. I told them I couldn't have the hysteroscopy and biopsy as an outpatient due to acute anxiety and after PALs intervention they arranged for me to see a different gynae who agreed to GA. As it happened the follow up scan was ok so I didn't need one but after this recent episode of bleeding and subsequent "worrying" scan they agreed straight away. Still waiting though and it definately slows the process down.

[In pain]

No GA was not offered he said I would be fine because I coped with him trying the biopsy.  I'm just fed up with it all .Also he asked if my vagina was ok I said no it was sore felt dry and that I needed to wee more often ( which I thought was VA) but he offered no advice on what I should do for it.
He suggested a mirena coil to keep my lining thin but how can I have that when my cervix is closed ? 🤔

[In pain]

PALs ?

[Violetta808]

Hiya, PALS is Patient Advice and Liaison Service - an independent advice and advocacy service. Worth giving them a ring perhaps.

That’s such a shame about your appointment yesterday. The gynaecologist sounds like he needs serious refresher training in bedside manner.

You are absolutely within your rights to have a hysteroscopy done under GA, if you want to. It is completely your decision and your consent. Gynae should have made that very clear yesterday.

That said, he is right that you might tolerate it very well awake, if you didn’t find the attempts to do the biopsy too painful. They use a different instrument to open up your cervix gently, so it won’t be a struggle like yesterday. They can put in the Mirena coil at the same time as doing the hysteroscopy, if you choose to have one. Also they will stop if it becomes too painful.

It is really disappointing that the gynae couldn’t take time to explain all these things properly and give you the facts you need to make informed choices!

Oh and ask your GP for Vagifem and/or Ovestin for vaginal/vulval dryness, it really works.

[Northerngirl]

Yes I agree with the others you can have a GA if you want one...I didn't know this until the ladies on here mentioned it. I didn't want to risk it failing again under a local and then having to wait longer for a GA again....I'd been waiting long enough as it was. They said the same to me as you "that I could tolerate it as I was so close" but didn't want to risk it.  Don't let them force you into something that you're not happy with. I was anxious about the GA but was glad I had it. Do what you feel comfortable with.

[shrosphirelass]

I'm having my "urgent" hysteroscopy under GA and they are fitting a mirena at the same time to hopefully prevent future issues. As I said, only down side is that it will be a longer wait, I'm still waiting for a date. So push for one if that's what you want.

[In pain]

So spoke to hospital today as they phoned me with an outpatients appointment for tomorrow.  I asked if I could have the procedure done under ga and the lady was ever so nice and said that wouldn't be a problem but not sure how long I would have to wait. Just out of interest how long have people had to wait for ga ?

[Northerngirl]

Hi In pain, I waited 5 weeks for mine under GA.
I'm glad you've been able to have it that way and they were nice and understanding for you.

Hope you hear soon