Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: weeamanda23 on June 14, 2019, 12:11:11 AM

Title: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 14, 2019, 12:11:11 AM
Hi everyone. I'm Amanda and I'm 23, but I'm posting about my mum. She's 49 and had an early menopause when she was around 35. Yesterday she told me she started bleeding and had almost period like symptoms (sore boobs, fatigue and period pain?!) This has never happened before and of course I googled and got myself into a right state. This pain has been eased by some ibuprofen, but it's not going away completely.

She had a brain haemorrhage two years ago and has been recovering okay (weirdly while she was in the hospital she has a bit of brown discharge but docs weren't concerned) She has an emergency appointment tomorrow (well, technically today at 11am) but I'm besides myself, especially so soon after the trauma of what happened two years ago. I guess I'm just looking for some moral support or advice, since I'm trying not to stress anyone else out. Thanks in advance xxx
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: pants46 on June 14, 2019, 12:36:03 AM
Hey Amanda.
Firstly, don't google !! We all do it,  and we all regret it afterwards  ;)
2ndly, as your Mum has an emergency appointment tomorrow, there is little else you can do. You are already on the right track.
Are you going with her ? If you can, that would be great. I'm sure she would appreciate it.
I'm guessing the GP will refer her to a specialist for tests and possibly a look see.
Is your Mum definitely post meno ? Has she been taking any HRT ?
Stay strong. Others will be along soon to give you more help. Get some sleep.
All the best, Pants.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 14, 2019, 08:07:16 AM
Hi - let us know won't you!  You probably aren't aware of everything that your Mum does, i.e. with regards HRT / not.  I expect that she will be referred to the appropriate dept. and possibly a scan of the womb lining will be recommended.  Which is usual for any un-explained bleeding.  Her GP is on the ball!
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 15, 2019, 02:42:48 AM
Hey Amanda.
Firstly, don't google !! We all do it,  and we all regret it afterwards  ;)
2ndly, as your Mum has an emergency appointment tomorrow, there is little else you can do. You are already on the right track.
Are you going with her ? If you can, that would be great. I'm sure she would appreciate it.
I'm guessing the GP will refer her to a specialist for tests and possibly a look see.
Is your Mum definitely post meno ? Has she been taking any HRT ?
Stay strong. Others will be along soon to give you more help. Get some sleep.
All the best, Pants.

Thanks so much for your reply, I really appreciate any support. I did ask if she wanted me to go, but she refused so I didn't push. The GP did have a press on her belly and said everything felt okay. She offered to do a smear test and internal exam then and there but my Mum didn't want one as she's always found them really painful, so she'll have to get it done at the hospital I assume. The GP then said it could be the "C word" and that freaked her out a lot. So now she's been referred onto the hospital and she should receive an appt. within 2 weeks.

She was on HRT before she had her brain bleed, but after that, because they couldn't find a cause for it, they stopped her HRT. I guess from all the reading I've done, I'm concerned that she's having other menstrual signs like a sore stomach and breasts. Everyone else I'm seeing is just mentioning the bleeding. I'm now also panicking because she did lose her appetite and is eating less and is fatigued. Now I'm thinking instead of those being because of her stroke, it's because there's been something wrong down below.

My Mum is my best friend, and I worry rotten about her (that's probably obvious!)
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 15, 2019, 02:47:04 AM
Hi - let us know won't you!  You probably aren't aware of everything that your Mum does, i.e. with regards HRT / not.  I expect that she will be referred to the appropriate dept. and possibly a scan of the womb lining will be recommended.  Which is usual for any un-explained bleeding.  Her GP is on the ball!

Hi there, thanks for your reply also! I didn't put enough info in my original post. She was on HRT prior to her brain bleed, but was taken off them. We're really close so I tend to know a lot about what she's up to (sounds sad for a 23 year old, but she's my bestie   :oops: ) As you say, the GP has referred and says we should get an appt. within two weeks.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 15, 2019, 08:06:32 AM
It's the not knowing!  Once I had a diagnosis treatment followed so I felt that I was 'doing something'. 

Maybe suggest to your Mum that she takes a list of questions ;-)
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 16, 2019, 02:05:24 AM
It's the not knowing!  Once I had a diagnosis treatment followed so I felt that I was 'doing something'. 

Maybe suggest to your Mum that she takes a list of questions ;-)

Thanks, I'll suggest that! I'm not sure if she'll want me coming when she gets her appointment, but I'd like to go with her but then I'm terrified of what we might get told  :-\ I don't really have anyone to talk to about this, I don't want to add more worry to my Mum and Dad, or Brother!
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 16, 2019, 08:26:20 AM
So ask away.  Or tell your Mum how worried you are?
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: Taz2 on June 16, 2019, 01:04:55 PM
Hi Amanda. Sorry to read about how worried you are about your mum. Post menopause is often tricky to diagnose and the ovaries can kick back into action sometimes. I'm not sure if your mum still has her ovaries but the fact that as well as the bleeding she also has tender breasts may point to a hormonal cause.

You obviously have a great relationship with your mum and you'll get through this together. Let us know what happens.

Taz x  :hug:
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 17, 2019, 03:11:48 AM
Hi Amanda. Sorry to read about how worried you are about your mum. Post menopause is often tricky to diagnose and the ovaries can kick back into action sometimes. I'm not sure if your mum still has her ovaries but the fact that as well as the bleeding she also has tender breasts may point to a hormonal cause.

You obviously have a great relationship with your mum and you'll get through this together. Let us know what happens.

Taz x  :hug:

Sorry for the late reply, I've went and developed a chest infection!

Thank you so much for your reply. She's stopped bleeding now, it's really weird because her periods before menopause lasted 3 or 4 days, and this is how long she was bleeding this time. I'm hoping too it's a hormonal thing, her chest isn't as sore now either. Hopefully we'll hear soon about her appointment. I'm relieved to hear from people that sometimes hormones can do something weird like this.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 17, 2019, 08:53:16 AM
HORMONES take on a Life of their own  ::)

Hope your chest infection eases soon!  Get into the sunshine if possible ;-)
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 18, 2019, 02:15:13 AM
HORMONES take on a Life of their own  ::)

Hope your chest infection eases soon!  Get into the sunshine if possible ;-)

It seems so! She's back to herself now. Didn't get any letters today, but I'm assuming we might get her appointment letter this week sometime.

I hope so too. I've been using vicks on my feet, that actually helps a little! I wish we had some sun, but it's been rainy in Scotland lately :(
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 18, 2019, 08:29:33 AM
How long is the run-in time between GP referral and appts?  Could she take a cancellation?
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 18, 2019, 03:42:14 PM
How long is the run-in time between GP referral and appts?  Could she take a cancellation?

I have no idea. The doctor just told her she should have an appointment within two weeks. She got her results from her bloods this morning, apparently her white blood count is a little high and they've requested a mid-stream urine sample?
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 18, 2019, 08:16:14 PM
Probably infection?  2 weeks lead in as long as it doesn't take too much longer is about usual.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 19, 2019, 12:50:52 AM
Probably infection?  2 weeks lead in as long as it doesn't take too much longer is about usual.

That's what I thought, like a UTI or something. That couldn't cause bleeding though, could it? She has to hand it in tomorrow to the doctor.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 19, 2019, 11:31:32 AM
One can pass small amounts of blood if there is an infection, the important thing is that urine samples are sent to a Lab., a surgery dip stick doesn't tell anything.  Otherwise the incorrect anti-biotic may be prescribed when a patient doesn't need ABs at all.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 19, 2019, 06:40:08 PM
Thanks. So, I have a little more info today. The urine dipstick was normal, but her sample is being tested at a lab. Her vitamin b12 and her folate is low too, so the Doctor has prescribed an antibiotic as she does think there's an infection somewhere but she doesn't know where. Mum's to go back next Wednesday for more bloods  :-\
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 19, 2019, 07:52:35 PM
So more ABs without causation? when the public is being told not to take them due to resistance to bugs  >:( .......  GPs aren't helping with the problem of Germs taking over  ::).

Your Mum will be like a pin-cushion  :D how does she seem in herself?
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 19, 2019, 11:51:44 PM
So more ABs without causation? when the public is being told not to take them due to resistance to bugs  >:( .......  GPs aren't helping with the problem of Germs taking over  ::).

Your Mum will be like a pin-cushion  :D how does she seem in herself?

Exactly! Our GP surgery seems really bad for it. She's been okay, just tired. I think a lot of it is stress, she's worried but she's never been one for showing it. Other than that, she seems okay! I'm glad the bleeding has stopped! I probably won't have any more updates till her urine analysis is back though.

Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 20, 2019, 08:32:34 AM
<wave>
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 20, 2019, 06:36:19 PM
<wave>

She's feeling sick today, but I'm assuming it's the antibiotics  ::) I got her some actimel, so hopefully that might help a little. The waiting for all these tests to get done is so frustrating though.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 20, 2019, 06:40:46 PM
I thought about you and your Mum in the early hours  ::)

I expect that they want to take more bloods to check on her infection markers to see if the ABs have worked.  We have to be so aware of the possibility of sepsis these days so it's a bit between a rock and a hard place if the point of infection isn't obvious.

Has she 3 days of ABs?  How R U?
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 21, 2019, 01:07:48 AM
I thought about you and your Mum in the early hours  ::)

I expect that they want to take more bloods to check on her infection markers to see if the ABs have worked.  We have to be so aware of the possibility of sepsis these days so it's a bit between a rock and a hard place if the point of infection isn't obvious.

Has she 3 days of ABs?  How R U?

 I guess I'd prefer her to be on them then, as you say, they don't know where about this infection is. I think this is her third full day, yes. She's doing better tonight, I really encouraged her to eat with the antiobiotics too and she wasn't feeling as sick. She's just saying about a taste in her mouth now.

I'm doing okay too, thanks so much for asking. It's so great to be able to come here and type out if something's bothering me. I have a condition called SVT and having had this chest infection, my heart rate has been fast as anything  ;D I'm trying to keep calm about everything and reading the other women here with the same problem is putting my mind further at ease. I really appreciate your replies too, thank you again!
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 21, 2019, 06:44:47 AM
Morning!  off fishing later  8) well, DH will be fishing and I will sleep.  Long and deep  ;)
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 21, 2019, 06:35:38 PM
Morning!  off fishing later  8) well, DH will be fishing and I will sleep.  Long and deep  ;)

Hope you have a good rest day, then!  ;) We got her appointment letter today, it's on the 8th of July. It says on it 90% of cases are nothing to worry about, but they'll be doing an exam then an internal scan, and if necessary (I'm hoping not!) a biopsy. I'm glad to get it so we know what we're doing, but nervous now!  :o
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 21, 2019, 09:53:05 PM
You have the date, not long to wait.  It sounds 'within normal limits' for investigations. 
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 21, 2019, 10:34:59 PM
The day was lovely, thanks.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 22, 2019, 09:47:43 PM
You have the date, not long to wait.  It sounds 'within normal limits' for investigations.
e

Feeling a little more nervous since yesterday. Since my Mum had her stroke, she's had no real appetite and has lost weight, and I've now convinced myself it's due to something untoward and wasn't from her stroke at all :'( Not to mention, we've been having trouble with our neighbour  and police had to get involved today  ::) Worst timing!!
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 22, 2019, 09:48:42 PM
Did your Mum lose her sense of smell with the stroke?
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 24, 2019, 12:54:30 AM
Did your Mum lose her sense of smell with the stroke?

I'm actually not sure..? I did ask her and she says she didn't, but immediately after it, she wouldn't eat anything. Weirdly enough, the only thing she enjoyed in the hospital was a terry's chocolate orange, and macaroni she got the day she was getting discharged. Since then, it's been a nightmare for her eating, she says chewing makes her exhausted so these days she sticks to liquid drinks and such. Would she be aware of losing her sense of smell?
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 24, 2019, 11:42:07 AM
Not necessarily if it happened suddenly but certainly smell and taste are essential components in encouraging eating correctly. Smell as a warning that food is edible and taste to allow someone to actually want to eat.

Maybe a factor to consider, maybe you could send an e-mail to the Stroke Association?  R her 'meals' on the NHS? 
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 24, 2019, 06:50:23 PM
Not necessarily if it happened suddenly but certainly smell and taste are essential components in encouraging eating correctly. Smell as a warning that food is edible and taste to allow someone to actually want to eat.

Maybe a factor to consider, maybe you could send an e-mail to the Stroke Association?  R her 'meals' on the NHS? 

She did consider getting the prescribed meals to help her, but she didn't pursue it. I wonder if it could be more her taste, she did say things tasted metallic when she was in hospital. I'll send an email through to them, I actually emailed them for some support after it and they were wonderful. We also got her urine results back from hospital, and there's no infection there. Now where on earth could it be?  ??? She's phoned up the ward where she'll be having her scan to confirm her appointment, and I also told her she could probably get her in earlier if anyone cancelled. We're waiting on a call back.
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 25, 2019, 08:54:26 PM
She got an earlier appt. for Monday  :o
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 26, 2019, 06:38:54 AM
That's good. 

Now she can make that list ;-)
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 26, 2019, 08:32:18 PM
That's good. 

Now she can make that list ;-)

She's already done it! I think she just wants to get it out of the way now  ;D She doesn't want me to come with her, so I'll be sitting twiddling my thumbs!  :o
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: pants46 on June 26, 2019, 09:17:54 PM
Amanda,
How's Mum going to get there ? She's not planning on driving herself ?
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 27, 2019, 01:34:05 AM
Amanda,
How's Mum going to get there ? She's not planning on driving herself ?

Nah, not at all! My Dad's heading there with her, she doesn't like driving by herself since she was cleared for it after her stroke anyway. I'm a bit nervous I won't be there to hear what's said though  :( 
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 27, 2019, 08:03:10 AM
You'll hear in good time, what your parents need you to know  ;)
Title: !
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 28, 2019, 03:27:03 AM
You'll hear in good time, what your parents need you to know  ;)

I can't remember if I wrote this before  :D but Mum had her other bloods taken and results are expected today or Monday. On the brighter side, I got her a new smartphone. She had one of those Microsoft ones, but they've stopped supporting them so they're useless now. Yesterday she lost facebook on it(no more updates for it), and she was properly upset about it!  ;D
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: CLKD on June 28, 2019, 04:19:40 PM
I have no idea what the differences might be between the various makes of mobiles  ;D
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 29, 2019, 01:48:35 AM
I have no idea what the differences might be between the various makes of mobiles  ;D

I got her the same one as me so I know how to work it. Even I'm confused with all the differences these days!  ;D
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 30, 2019, 04:43:44 AM
Well, Mum's appointment is tomorrow  :-X I'm getting scared, along with having some problems with my heart again (stress!). They want me in to test me for a condition called POTS  ::) , but I'm going to wait until we know what's going on with Mum. I'm praying to whatever/whoever is up there for everything to be good!
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: Taz2 on June 30, 2019, 06:59:20 AM
Hope all goes well tomorrow with your mum.

Have you been on the POTS UK website? Lots of info on there for self help etc.

Taz x
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on June 30, 2019, 05:03:37 PM
Hope all goes well tomorrow with your mum.

Have you been on the POTS UK website? Lots of info on there for self help etc.

Taz x

Thanks Taz, I think everyone is very nervous but I'm just crossing my fingers.

I found it last night! I've been sick for a long time and was told it was in my head. It's overwhelming to suddenly be told it's probably a physical problem, but PoTS UK has been a massive help in understanding what's happening to me!  :o
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: Taz2 on June 30, 2019, 09:37:24 PM
Glad it was helpful.

Taz x
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on July 01, 2019, 01:19:53 AM
So in around seven hours, we'll know what's going on   :-\
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: Jeepers on July 01, 2019, 06:51:57 AM
Hi wee Amanda

I have been following your thread, and just wanted to wish you and your mum well for today, I hope it all goes well for you

 :foryou:

Jeepers xx
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on July 01, 2019, 08:01:57 AM
Just letting everyone know they've just left for the hospital. I've told Mum to send me a message as soon as possible once she's done. I'm terrified! :'(
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on July 01, 2019, 09:28:29 AM
Just want to let everyone know her lining was 2mm, and no polyps or anything concerning. Doctor thinks her ovaries fired up (?!) I'm very relieved but I'll wait until she gets in so I can get full details!
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: pants46 on July 01, 2019, 09:30:43 AM
Amanda, that's amazing news. I'm so pleased for you and your Mum. x
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: Jeepers on July 01, 2019, 09:42:31 AM
That's really good news, I bet you are all sooo relieved.  :)

Jeepers xx
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on July 01, 2019, 12:38:46 PM
What the doctor said was because she went into early menopause, sometimes your ovaries can fire up again! And she has to take precautions until she's 55. The doctor said her ovaries looked active, but she doesn't really know why, it just happens sometimes. Because she had the stroke, they don't want to put her on any birth control. They offered her the copper coil, but she refused so guess Mum and Dad will have to figure that out on their own!  ;D I don't want to think about that  :sweatdrop:
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: Taz2 on July 01, 2019, 04:11:56 PM
Great news Amanda. I did think that the sore boobs did show a possible hormonal cause. As for your mum and dad's future precautions... :safe: :safe:  :jiggy:

Taz x  ;D
Title: Re: Mum bleeding post-menopause
Post by: weeamanda23 on July 01, 2019, 11:45:29 PM
Great news Amanda. I did think that the sore boobs did show a possible hormonal cause. As for your mum and dad's future precautions... :safe: :safe:  :jiggy:

Taz x  ;D

  ;D ;D I'm just so glad there was nothing concerning. She also had to get a smear test while she was there, so we'll need to wait for the results of that, but hopefully all will be okay. This forum has been such a great support and encouragment, I appreciate everyone who took the time to wish us well! Thank you everyone! xxxx  :thankyou:

(And thank you Taz for the POTS UK suggestion, I'm going to get an appointment with a GP for a referral to a specialist now that Mum's settled.)