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[Mercede2]

Brief history! 
One episode of brown discharge in Mar this year, none since. No other symptoms.
GP struggled to view cervix due to narrowing so was referred for scan.
V. Scan - showed fluid with a lining of 2mm (never been on hrt) and a calcified fibroid.
Next to Gynae clinic, no examination, just listed for hysteroscopy under GA for womb biopsy.
Hysteroscopy failed due to stenosis of cervix and procedure abandoned as they felt it was risky.
Repeated V.Scan after 3 mths - fluid reduced but saying lining is now 4.7 mm.
6 years ago I had a similar episode of brown discharge and scan stated then ,coincidentally, that lining was 4 7. Did have a hysteroscopy/biopsy cervix and womb under GA due to an inadequate biopsy of cervix in the clinic. Samples came back normal after going to theatre.
After a phone consultation with a foreign doctor yday(hard to understand) who has indicated that the cut off point for womb lining is 4.
Indication is hysterectomy or watch and wait but that didn't feel like a clear option but as I said there was a language barrier
I realise that due to the closed cervix that they are unable to do biopsies (gold standard I believe for testing)so can't rule out anything sinister but feel they are leaving the decision to me on what to do next and I'm worried sick how to go forward with this.
Any help would be much appreciated.

[Jules]

I'm really sorry you're in this position.  I'm just having to sort my own test results out too with everyone passing the buck. You feel helpless. I'm sure there will be someone who has more experience than me to give an opinion but are you able to make an appointment to see the consultant or even a private one. You should be able to talk face to face with someone you can understand

[CLKD]

Morning.  MayB get a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic?  There are waiting lists both on the NHS and private, if U are able to afford to pay I would opt for that.

The lining at one time was 5 then dropped to 4.  If samples came back within normal limits I wouldn't be too worried if I felt well overall.

Brown discharge is often old blood left behind because there isn't enough hormone to cleanse the womb.  I had this after every period for years, normal for me.

Hysterectomy is major surgery and U will need to discuss any HRT needs prior to surgery. 

[Mercede2]

Thanks Jules and CLKD for your support. Means a lot to know there are others out there who appreciate what you're going through.
I'm postmenopausal so if I did decide on a hysterectomy I wouldn't have the worries of someone younger.
However I do feel a hysterectomy is a huge decision especially, when I feel so well in myself. I know if I was bleeding heavily with a lot of pain I would be first in the queue for one but still worry that they haven't been able to do a biopsy to rule out anything that hasn't shown up on the scan!
Will look into maybe a consultation with memo clinic or private but I live in Wales and I have a feeling there are no memo clinics.
I haven't had much luck as all the doctors and nurses I've been seen by have been foreign and although very nice have been hard to understand.
I went to the clinic for results last Mon and was told they couldn't interpret the scan results so would check this out with xray and ring me, which they did yday, the nice foreign doctor who I couldn't understand well and who seemed to skirt around everything! I am now going to be seen in clinic again. My faith in things is waning. Grateful to you though.  Thanks

[CLKD]

Sadly I believe that health service Wales isn't all it should be, depending on how close you are to the Border, mayB look at Clinics in England.  Stratford Upon Avon - Dr Newson - is nice for a visit if all else fails!

[Jules]

I'd make an appointment with a gynaecologist.  Until you know what it is, that seems the most obvious specialist. I don't think the health services are up to spec anywhere at present. I'm in England and not been impressed.

[CLKD]

there are specific blood test markers for various cancers, i.e. ovarian.

A menopause specialist: not a gynaecologist: would be my route.

[Mercede2]

I agree Bombshell about the hysterectomy I suppose I will just have to see how my next consultation with the Gynaecologist goes. Unless they have grave concerns I think maybe another scan might be an option and just keep an eye on it.
As for my risks I'm not overweight my periods were very regular and I have never been on HRT. No longer have smear tests due to my age but over the years all my  smears have been clear.  My last being 2018.

[Mercede2]

Thanks CLKD
I have had a blood test and the C125? Test was done and my reading was 21.  I will also try and see about the meno clinic for extra support. I do live quite close to the English border so maybe I could use their services.

[Jules]

Thanks CLKD
I have had a blood test and the C125? Test was done and my reading was 21.  I will also try and see about the meno clinic for extra support. I do live quite close to the English border so maybe I could use their services.

Do you have symptoms related to menopause? It is a DIY service sorting out your health these days

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on.  If U aren't having any symptoms that would lead U to a hysterectomy, I would wait and watch. 

[Mercede2]

It certainly seems that way. DIY what a sad system we have! I don't suffer with any menopausal symptoms. The one thing I have been lucky with.
Yes depending what they say I am leaning that way to watch/wait, just bothered in case I make the wrong decision how long I would have to wait if I do need a hysterectomy.  I suppose that is something I can discuss with the gynae when I go.

So grateful to you all for your comments, it's helped me no end to have someone to talk to. Thank you

[Jules]

I asked because a menopause specialist may not help if its not menopause related. Good luck anyway.

[bombsh3ll]

If your smears were all fine and all you've had is one episode of light bleeding, with nothing suspicious on your scan just a borderline endometrial lining, and no particular risk factors for endometrial cancer, I would personally be entirely comfortable to just monitor things with a scan at whatever interval your gynaecologist recommends.

Even in the worst case scenario, endometrial cancer is typically quite slow to progress, and you will be kept a close eye on now until this resolves.

Think how many women have a bit of bleeding and don't even notice or go to their doctor.

You have done the right thing but there is an almost irrational fear among some clinicians the way any post menopausal bleeding is immediately presumed to be malignant - the vast majority is not, and most never even comes to medical attention.

Someone above mentioned ovarian - this doesn't generally present with bleeding and they would have got a good look at your ovaries on a pelvic scan,

[Mercede2]

Bombshell- Thanks so much for your advice. I know I would give the same advice if someone was asking me but all very different when you are dealing with yourself and also doctors who fear the worst, just makes you overthink things.  I do get it though, so much litigation today,  so they are in a very difficult position.

The gp did tell me that my ovaries looked fine on the scan and I have had a normal C125 test so hopefully,  that is a bit more reassurance. 

Thanks once again for your support and the other ladies that have responded it really
has helped me 😊