Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: grumpy2008 on December 05, 2014, 02:21:37 PM
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Hi, it's some time since I last posted here, but I have ben lurking on and off *waves*. Some of you may remember that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March last year. Had mastectomy, no chemo/radiation, and have been taking tamoxifen for the past 18 months.
My period went away (hurrah!) for about 9 months, until Sept this year and I've had 2 periods since... both bright red and very, very heavy.
So the doc sent me for a hysterocopy, appointment was this morning. But it failed. The consultant couldn't get the scope through my cervix. I'm being booked in for the same procedure under GA, but am anxious about the reason for the failed procedure? Has anyone else experienced this? They kept asking if I'd ever given birth, which I have, but she's an only child because it was such a horrible birth! I'm now wondering if this might have played some part in my birth experience :-/.
Any ideas, before I drive myself potty? Really appreciate any replies :-)
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I would ring the hospital secretaries and ask to speak to the consultant to see if he/she can give you a reason why it failed.
If you don't have faith in the consultant you saw this morning ask for another one to do it when you go for it under GA - if that is possible.
I was due to have a hysteroscopy and had worries about it because i have vulva pain - the consultant rang me back and had a chat with me about it which i really appreciated.
Hattie X
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Thanks Hattie :) I spoke with the consultant afterwards and she said she wasn't able to get the scope/camera through the cervix (presumably too tight?). She also mentioned that I was dry 'down there' ;). I have no idea what they plan to do differently under GA, so I should probably ask that. Sigh, I am so disappointed :'(
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i would ask what they might do differently if it is going to reassure you - get them to ring you as a special case if you have had a difficult birth.
I was due to go for it under GA but opted out and am monitoring my situation - the consultant could give me no guarantees that he wouldn't make my vulva pain even worse - it is just a routine procedure to them.
Hattie X
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Sorry to hear about your own issues, Hattie, it's so frustrating to come across these problems... if only life could be simpler! I hope that your pain improves.
My daughter is 14 now, and was born by ventouse. The cervix just wouldn't dilate quite enough and she, and I(!) were getting distressed.
I'm going to relax for now - and think about this again on Monday. Just wish it wasn't happening so close to Christmas :-\
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Wishing you a peaceful weekend Grumpy :) - in my book you've already had enough to deal with having breast cancer and a mastectomy.
Hope that you can get some answers on monday.
Take Care
Hattie X
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Thanks for the catch up. Sounds like you have coped well with the surgery and post op. regime. How are you on the Tamoxifen?
I would expect that a combination of being dry, slightly nervous; may cause a slight tension in the muscles = non-insertion. If a patient is completely 'out' under GA the Dr can be more positive with a detailed examination because they are relaxed. It doesn't take much tension 'down there' before it is impossible to insert anything ::)
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Hi Grumpy
You have been incredibly strong. I had a mirena in last year, not the same I know but hard so hard to insert, doc said as we hit peri menopause etc and then Menopause our uterus shrinks and so does our cervix. I also last year has a uterine biopsy for fears of the dreaded C. My point therefore is maybe this is what has happened to you and under GA ( I am nurse) more can be attempted as you will not be aware of the discomfort of the procedure.
Do you have a date yet? call the consultants Sec and ask to speak to a doc or else to detail in a letter to you why it was difficult to do the procedure etc, just as they are hosp consultants you can still ask their secretary to ask Consultants questions for you.
Hugs Mrs January xx
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Many thanks for your replies... I've had a rotten week so haven't been up to responding till now. I have an ongoing fungal infection, that I visited the GP about again a few days ago. Thankfully it's a lot better at the moment, but everything happened at once :(. While I was there, I quizzed my GP about why the first hysteroscopy might have failed and she said more or less the same as you both. In some women the cervix doesn't respond (dilate) enough during the procedure, probably due to age/hormones etc etc
So, I now have an appointment on Tuesday for scans (external and internal) followed by my second hysteroscopy on the 22nd, under a GA. All on top of looking after my elderly father whose mental health is rapidly declining. And Christmas. Sorry, I'm just so depressed right now and I know some of you kind ladies will understand. It never rains, but it pours eh?!
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What support is your Dad getting? Maybe up that so that you are able to concentrate on your health issues?
Let us know how you get on after the appt. on Tuesday! :bighug:
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Hi CLKD, I'll be a lot happier once my appts are out of the way :)
My father lives independently and relies mainly on myself and my sister. No outside help yet. He's 86 and now having speech problems / confusion / disorientation etc. I took him to the GP not long ago (after weeks of persuasion) and had a very unsatisfactory consultation, with the only outcome being speech therapy. Advice from Age UK, Alzheimer's Society and Adult Social Care has been to go back to the GP and demand tests in order to get a diagnosis. So I dropped a polite but detailed letter listing my concerns into the GP surgery 9 days ago... marked it urgent... gave contact details... have had no response. I know I need to ring them and pursue it but with everything else, it just seems like a huge battle right now.
Adult Social Care in my dad's area won't help until he is diagnosed (or at least that's what I was told).
Sorry, I'm going off at a tangent!
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that's OK - we have a thread about looking after elderly relatives here somewhere ::)
Could he have a urine infection? which can cause confusion etc.. Could you contact your Practice Nurse on Monday, explain that you've sent a letter and could someone advise? Or you will be taking him to A&E ;) …….. on C.mas Eve :( ….. - or could your sister follow this up whilst you undergo your appt.?
or ring A&E 2-day for advice? They may be able to do a backward 'appt.' or they may suggest you take him in.
You could of course ring the out of doors Dr who may be more accommodating with advice/home visit? Tiring I know but it will be one less thing for you to stress over. Or your local Pharmacy might have suggestions.
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Thank you CLKD, all very useful suggestions... I've just checked the surgery website and they have e-mail addresses for the individual GPs. So I'll give it one more go and e-mail my letter - but will follow up with a phone call on Monday. I've requested blood work and a brain scan for dad (as per advice) but a simple urine test would be a good addition. I suspect a stroke, or a series of small strokes, and am struggling to deal with him at the moment. Family is so complicated isn't it? I'll find the thread you've mentioned... I'm sure many of us are in the same boat :-\ x
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We can cope unless our own health issues kick in ……… the common cold is enough to make outside commitments seem like wading through treacle …….. do you and your sister 'get on' ? Also, seeing a parent going down-hill without support is hard work because we lose sight of who they were ;)
I'll bump the thread …… so that it pops up for you
Done - how about ringing Lloyds or Boots for advice? I wonder if they could do a urine test for your Dad?
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Thanks again, CLKD, I appreciate the support. I'll let you know how I get on with dad's GP. Ringing the chemist is a good idea and will do that if all else fails. My sister and I do get on, but she takes a less pro-active role... and lives further away. Also, dad 'dumps' his problems on me but won't talk to my sister about it. Which is why I say that families can be so complicated! Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks again :) :) :)
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Feet up in front of the TV, surrounded by wrapping paper, envelopes, cards …… there's something on then ::) ……. let us know how you get on! Families ::)
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Hi There Grumpy2008
Just a thought but you can refer your dad to adult social services...number will be in the directory at probably County Hall. If you can't find it ask Gp surgery to give it to you, also can insist that the district nurse is onboard to do an over 75 assessment for your dad and see what services he needs from there, the ideal would be to have a GP and nurse out on a joint visit to dad's home. Please don't take NO for an answer if you need extra support ( I have been a district nurse before now working with children) I find it appalling that you ladies on here have to almost beg for services to support family members ............I am sorry to be a bit forceful in my comments but do hope this helps you and your dad honey
Hugs
Mrs January xxx
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Many thanks, Mrs January, you've given me another angle to try... I didn't know about the over 75 assessment, for instance, and will look into that. Dad seems better in himself at the moment (especially compared to a month ago) and he's getting plenty of visitors because it's near Christmas, so unless there's a crisis I'm going to tackle everything again after Boxing Day. We're halfway through setting the power of attorney up, so there's some progress :)
I'm concentrating on my own health at the moment... I had my pre-op yesterday, for next Monday's hysteroscopy / endometrial biopsy. I also had external and internal ultrasound scans to look at my uterus and ovaries. Ovaries look ok but my endometrium is thickened, around 13-16mm, and there's an area that may be a polyp (it wasn't clear on the scan). I did ask if the thickening could be due to my menstrual cycle, since my next period has been due for 2 weeks now? But she thought it would be more to do with the tamoxifen. As for the 'polyp', I had a scan a few years back which clearly showed a small polyp. So perhaps that's what this is. I'll know more once I've had the hysteroscopy :-\.
The radiographer did say that the endometrium looked 'well-defined' which I'm taking as a positive sign.
Sigh. I'm just taking one day at a time at the moment. We'll stock up on food at the weekend and plan to keep Christmas lunch simple. I just wish I could feel more festive! Thanks everyone, it helps to write it down :)
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Hey there Grumpy2008
Christmas is just a time of the year, it means different things to all of us.
It is our first without my lovely eldest son,23 who died in Sept...My younger son 17 and I are off out for Xmas lunch as I can't face cooking, my daughter is away with her dad. One minute, hour or day at a time is my motto for moving forward.
I had an endrometrial biopsy and all was ok last year.
Hugs Mrs January xxx
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I'm sending massive, heart-felt hugs your way, Mrs January x
I've just been reading your thread, about the loss of your son, and realise that Christmas will not be easy for you this year. One moment at a time is all any of us can do when we have a difficult situation to face.
I really do appreciate the generous support you've given me in this thread, and hope to do the same for you whenever I can. The ladies on this forum are a great source of comfort, as I'm sure you've found.
Take good care of yourself xxx
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Let us know how you get on. Tamoxifen made me really ill :'( so I stopped after 3 months.
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Hey there Grumpy 2008
Thanks, I have proved I am made of strong stuff I think. Went to take a Xmas wreath to J's resting place today and had a chat and a tear.
Well all have challenges in life but one day at a time xxxx
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CLKD - the tamoxifen hasn't been so bad for me... but then I don't really know which of my ailments are caused my meno and which by the drug. I was suffering pretty badly with my hormones before taking the tamoxifen. My anxiety is through the roof now, though, and I wonder if the tamoxifen is responsible for that. What particular side-effects did it give you?
Mrs January - we never really know how strong we can be until we are challenged. I've had various friends tell me how strong I am... but it doesn't feel that way :-\. I hope your visit to your son's resting place helped you a little yesterday :).
Well, I've been waiting all morning for my GP to ring me, but no call yet. I rang her secretary a couple of days ago requesting diazepam to help me through the surgical procedure next week, which was suggested by me pre-op nurse. I've been sat here all morning, and my anxiety is worse than ever. I would go out, but don't want to talk about my health while I'm walking around the supermarket!!!
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Intense nausea. Acute sense of smell - DH had baked a Dundee cake which was in a tin with lid on, behind a closed pantry door - when I walked by I could smell it, down to the tablespoon full of water he had added to the mix :-\
The side-effects happened within 12 hours of the 1st dose.
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Picked up my diazepam today, but doubt that I'll use it. Only if absolutely necessary.
Sorry to hear about your experience with tamoxifen... it varies so much from person to person. It actually helped me, for quite a while, and it's just the past 2 or 3 months that the side-effects have got so bad. No nausea though, thank goodness.
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Take a diazepam before required so that you are aware of the effects as if you aren't expecting any, they might freak you a bit! Or extra tired …….. ;)
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I'm really struggling today, but don't want to take the diazepam... OH thinks I should try it (he's worried about me) but I resent having to take more tablets if that makes sense?
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Hey there Grumpy 2008
Honey be kind to yourself. I am struggling too today, have a chest infection and struggling to breath and talk....One minute, hour or day at a time....... Use distraction and relaxation. My counsellor spoke to me about Glasgow Steps website it is good for relaxation music /ideas etc.......or maybe OH stroking your hair or something else you may enjoy to relax...
Love and hugs
Mrs January xxx
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Have you signed your consent form? You should not take a sedative until you have.
SB
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Consent Form isn't in the 'now', it's next week.
TAKE the Valium ;) and rest …….. that is what it is for!
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Grumpy has had a pre op at which she may have signed a consent form. If you take sedation prior to signing it is not legal.
SB
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Why not? I would never sign a Consent Form until the day of the operation. A lot can happen in between! Also, how many patients actually read a Consent Form ……… it is 1 thing to have an operation etc. explained but different to reading the Form itself!
It is more important to take each day as it arrives and if Valium is required, then taking it is important. The procedure could be postponed for many reasons yet. I would expect to speak with the Anaesthetis and Consultant prior to surgery too.
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Thanks everyone, for your support and concern :)
Mrs January, I will check out the Glasgow Steps website. I have some meditation music on my iphone too, and will take my earphones tomorrow and will hopefully have chance to listen to it.
I haven't taken any valium. I came very close though (yesterday was awful). I think I'm having mood swings... feeling ok for a while, followed by crashing anxiety/depression, mostly brought on by the stress of this operation / Christmas / elderly parent etc. I've had mood swings before but nothing that has come close to this last few weeks.
If I were feeling bad enough, for long enough, then yes, I would take the valium regardless of the operation, as CLKD says. But I also understand the implications, as sweatybet points out. My pre-op nurse was completely happy for me to request the valium (she suggested it) but I noticed my GP (who is usually very sympathetic) was extremely reluctant to prescribe it, despite me being genuinely distraught and crying on the phone to her. I later realised it's because of the legality of signing the consent form. It upsets me to think we live in such a fear-based society that legal issues are thought to be more important than a patient's mental health :-\.
OH is cooking tea tonight, I have my 'jama's on already, and plan to (hopefully) put it all to the back of my mind for the evening. Take care everyone, and thanks again :) x
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NO, no, no - did your GP tell you that's why she was reluctant for you to have anxiety medication? You need to take care of your health today, this procedure may be postponed - then what? Your GP should have explained exactly why there was a reluctance, usually it is nothing to do with Consent Forms but due to the fact that some patients can become addicted to Valium etc..
Why don't you take what your GP prescribes :-\ ……. otherwise you will be in a nervous state when you go in. Also won't your OH feel relieved if he knows that you are taking care of your mental health? Mine now hands me the medication if necessary ;) when I keep saying "I'll wait another 10 mins.". ::)
You should have the Anaesthetist and Consultant visit your bed before your surgery so any extras medication that you have required can be discussed so that the GA can be adjusted if necessary. But taking essential medication is more important than a Consent Form which is for surgery and administration of anaesthetic ……… and quite honestly, doesn't hold water until the day of Surgery ;)
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Having read a copy of the Consent Form this afternoon no-where does it state that to take medication after singing - signing even ::) - is illegal. [To be Illegal means that there is a Law on the UK Statute Books.] It does state that Consent should be obtained as early as possible to give the patient time to read and consider. However - no-where does it state how 'early' early actually is!
As long as the GP - who is currently the patient's main practitioner until such time as he/she is in Hospital - considers it appropriate to prescribe necessary medication and as long as this addition is discussed with the Anaesthetist and Consultant prior to surgical intervention on the day of such surgery, then that is all that is required.
If a patient is un-certain of what he/she has signed for, then they can withdraw that 'consent' until they are completely clear as to what they can expect, even to the point of the porter arriving to wheel them to Theatre. Making a list of worries is useful to take, talk to the Ward Sister and ask for discussion with the Consultant/Registrar or SHO and the Anesthetist. Don't be afraid to ask, ask, ask !
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Once a consent form has been explained and signed then anti anxiety meds can be taken. There should be plenty of time for it to work.
I am sorry if my 30 years of knowledge and experience as a trained nurse differs from other views.
Good luck for tomorrow.
Will not post anything further on this forum for fear of upsetting someone else.
SB
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Once a consent form has been explained and signed then anti anxiety meds can be taken. There should be plenty of time for it to work.
I am sorry if my 30 years of knowledge and experience as a trained nurse differs from other views.
Good luck for tomorrow.
Will not post anything further on this forum for fear of upsetting someone else.
SB
Please reconsider - this forum needs trained nurses on it - realise that this has to be taken on trust on a forum but i quite like to know if someone is a nurse with experience or someone else with specific experience etc.
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Hopefully Grumpy you will be able to consider if Valium if necessary and explain when you reach the Hospital ;) ………
Are the mood swings due to worrying about this week? Understandable. It's been in front of you for a while, enough time to be calm/not ……… I'm similar when facing visiting Mum so know I would be a lot worse if I had to face more surgery ::) …. at least when going to GP or Hospital I can take a list to work my worries through with the Medics ::)
:hug:
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Sweatybet
I do hope you will reconsider and return to the forum. Your knowledge is very welcome. It would be such a shame if you left.
Honeyb
x
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Once a consent form has been explained and signed then anti anxiety meds can be taken. There should be plenty of time for it to work.
I am sorry if my 30 years of knowledge and experience as a trained nurse differs from other views.
Good luck for tomorrow.
Will not post anything further on this forum for fear of upsetting someone else.
SB
Sweatybet - Please come back. You know what you are talking about and that is SO helpful.
:tulips2:
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Many thanks to everyone for your help and support. We all have different experiences / knowledge which is all valuable and worth sharing. I hate to think that anyone would leave the forum because of this thread :-\.
My only reason for not coming back sooner was being busy over Christmas and New Year. But I do want to give a quick update... I didn't take any valium in the end, although I came close. My anxiety was due to a build up of everything that's been going on in my life and it was all getting too much.
The hysteroscopy went well - I was first on the list - and the surgeon saw nothing unusual :). I had a small polyp removed as part of the procedure. Afterwards I had some light bleeding and cramps/aching for about a week, especially on Boxing Day, which I think was due to overdoing things on Christmas Day.
So it looks like my periods just returned without reason, and hopefully they'll go away again just as quickly! I really did feel a lot better when I wasn't having them! I'm sure the doctor will keep a close eye on me now, because of the tamoxifen I take, but I'm hoping it'll all settle down again :).
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:thankyou: take care of yourself now that the Festivities are over!
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Thanks CLKD :D
I forgot to mention, the consultant said the original procedure failed due to stenosis of the cervix :)
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So now you know [off to google stenosis] ::)
OK - narrowing ……...
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Hi I also had 2 failed hysteroscopy,s, and ended up having one done under GA. The reason they gave me was apparently my Womb is tilted backwards, and the doc said he was suprised that I had three children born naturally! He tried to tilt it the right way, but couldn't, because it was getting uncomfortable. Anyway I had my op, and they removed a polyp at the same time, and did a biopsy, because of my age 55. And when I woke up ,I wasn't in any pain at all, and I suppose just felt abit weak for a couple of days. So try not to worry too much, hope all goes well for you x :)
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Well that's an odd reason jules and I'm sure they are wrong there eg I've had 4 children naturally and a hysteroscopy with no anaesthetic and have a tilted uterus too! No-one's ever batted an eyelid - except my gynae GP who asked whether I lean forward to empty my bladder which I do!
Glad it went well grumpy - and hope it all settles down.
Hurdity x
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Thanks everyone, for your comments and support!
I found out at my last smear appt that I have a tilted womb too... something I never knew! The nurse had problems finding my cervix, and I had to go back a week later and have it done again. She blamed it on a tilted cervix. And funnily enough, I also lean forward to empty my bladder. Well I never!
You are all a mine of information :)
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>wave<