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[Vavavoom]

Hi, I'm a newbie, first time ever on a forum like this. It's been a massive support lately, so thank you. Just knowing there are so many experienced women out there going through all sorts of similar stuff. I've learned more on here than from any medical person, so time to jump in.

I'm 54, post menopausal, HRT was ticking along (one occasionally two pumps of Oestrogel and Utrogestan )  for the last two years, keeping everything bearable, and I thought for a while I was doing pretty well until things started to fall apart about four months ago.

At first I thought it was a bad UTI, so I tried antibiotics which made me feel worse. Then thrush like symptoms which I though was triggered by stress, so tried Fluconazole oral tablet - still unbearable and no better.  All the while I had bad pelvic pain, traces of blood in urine, I was feeling very unwell and exhausted all the time and a shell of my former self. Eventually I got an appointment for an ultrasound then to see a gynaecologist who told me to stop HRT there and then.  Endometrium was 5.4mm, just over the 4mm threshold and an endometrial polyp was identified, so then after an initial failed attempt at a hysteroscopy I had the procedure done under GA. It was unsuccessful in removing the polyp due to 'access issues' but they couldn't see anything 'sinister' so just did a biopsy. After a very worrying few weeks the results came back with no signs of hyperplasia, which was a huge relief.

However, having been referred back from the gynaecologist to my GP practice (which is like a carousel with a new face every visit) I am still feeling in limbo and all the symptoms remain, things have got so bad that I just couldn't stand it anymore so went back to GP who prescribed Vagirux 10mg but wrote to the gynaecologist asking for advice on whether I can resume the HRT. I couldn't wait. Things were awful, so I started back on my systemic HRT again a few days ago as well after just over 6 weeks cold turkey. Given all the reading I have done, it seems this is the normal treatment for genito-urinary symptoms. But I'm still scared about the polyp risks etc.

I'm trying to do everything I can to deal with this debilitating state of affairs.  Is it something that, if dealt with early can be avoided.... or is this the beginning of something chronic and life changing? Four months in might seem like 'not long', but I really didn't see this coming...

Thanks to anyone who replies in advance.

[CLKD]

U have done the correct thing by restarting the HRT because investigations have come back 'nil of note'. 

As an aside: was GA suggested B4 the initial hysteroscopy, if not then complain to both your GP and the Hospital Administrator.  [I put a thread on here yesterday in order to raise awareness that all women should be offered GA]. 

How R U getting on with the prescribed vaginal atrophy treatment?  Some find that 'vagirux' isn't enough or may irritate so be aware that there are other products - internal 'vagifem' and/or 'estriol' on the outer labia can help.  For at least 3 weeks, every night. Then see how comfy you feel.

Why did your GP refer you to a Gynae rather than a dedicated menopause clinic though there are waiting lists. In future should you feel that it's a urine infection up the VA treatment, if necessary to go to the Surgery make sure that a urine sample is sent to a Lab for testing.  Too many ABs are being doled out though they will ease VA symptoms: I sat on the loo for hours with a cuppa in one hand, cold water in the other - the place where I could relax and allow urine to simply drain - until ABs kicked in.  Nurses often think that an infection is present by a dip stick test!

When I have a flair up I swallow 2 Nurofen every 3 hours to ease symptoms.  Sometimes I pop 'estriol' in during the day and another dose at night as usual.  Let us know how you get on. 

[Vavavoom]

Thank you for your advice CLKD, very helpful.

In answer to your first question the GA was only suggested after a first hysteroscopy was attempted in the local menopause clinic and my pain levels were far too high to proceed. I'll have a look at your recent post on the matter.

I'm still only ten days into the 'preload' phase of two weeks, so I find it helps but wears off. Mornings can be better it seems then afternoons it tends to wear off. I've just read Jane Lewis's book, 'Me and My Menopausal Vagina' which was a very emotional, enlightening read. Knowledge is power as they say, and we need plenty of that in this situation.

And yes I can relate to the cup of tea bottle of water... wishing you more good days..

[CLKD]

So pop an extra dose in tomorrow mid-morning to ease symptoms?  We cannot overdose on oestrogen replacement.

Well done on reading The Book - every medic should have at least 1 copy on their shelves ;-)