Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Sparkler on December 23, 2019, 03:33:45 PM
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Hi ladies
I have been on HRT since March and have not settled into a proper bleeding pattern. My GP sent me for blood tests, which were ok, and a scan. She rang today and said the scan warranted a referral to a gynaecologist for a biopsy.
So I asked if it was because the lining was too thick. She said that if I was post menopausal then yes it would be, but it's ok as I am in peri. So then she said it was an urgent referral, not a cancer referral, but not a regular wait-few-months referral.
The radiographer had said To me at the time that everything looked ok on the scan, except I have a small fibroid.
So....what might have made them want to do a biopsy? Is it just because I a bleeding out of the expected pattern or are there other reasons likely?
I also asked if I needed to come off HRT and she said the gynaecologist she spoke to had said not to, and if anything I should increase it! The GP thought that was not helpful until we had identified any issues that might be causing the bleeding.
I really don't understand why I have an urgent referral. What are they looking for and what are they going to biopsy? So any insight would be very welcome. It makes me worry when I don't understand why things are being suggested.
I am currently on day 8 of the 12 days of Utro and have just started bleeding again, following a bleed last time which was 8 days after the end of the Utro, so I am bleeding again pretty quickly. Not heavy though, just some blood.
Sparkler.
Xx
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Hi
Most gynaecologists will want a biopsy as a belt and braces approach to thickening of the womb lining.
It will be an urgent referral as the waiting list for routine is usually a considerable length. The scan and the biopsy are usually done either at the same time or near to each other.
Most biopsies come back fine so try and not worry
Nic
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Hi ladies
I have been on HRT since March and have not settled into a proper bleeding pattern. My GP sent me for blood tests, which were ok, and a scan. She rang today and said the scan warranted a referral to a gynaecologist for a biopsy.
So I asked if it was because the lining was too thick. She said that if I was post menopausal then yes it would be, but it's ok as I am in peri. So then she said it was an urgent referral, not a cancer referral, but not a regular wait-few-months referral.
The radiographer had said To me at the time that everything looked ok on the scan, except I have a small fibroid.
So....what might have made them want to do a biopsy? Is it just because I a bleeding out of the expected pattern or are there other reasons likely?
I also asked if I needed to come off HRT and she said the gynaecologist she spoke to had said not to, and if anything I should increase it! The GP thought that was not helpful until we had identified any issues that might be causing the bleeding.
I really don't understand why I have an urgent referral. What are they looking for and what are they going to biopsy? So any insight would be very welcome. It makes me worry when I don't understand why things are being suggested.
I am currently on day 8 of the 12 days of Utro and have just started bleeding again, following a bleed last time which was 8 days after the end of the Utro, so I am bleeding again pretty quickly. Not heavy though, just some blood.
Sparkler.
Xx
I have been through this. My uterine lining was 16mm. It turned out to be nothing sinister, but they are checking for hyperplasia or cancer. If it is cancer, it is highly treatable and hysterectomy will fix it in the majority of cases. Try not to worry. It is usually caused by a lack of progesterone. Many women get an IUD inserted by their doctor once the lining has been removed. In my case, I elected to have a hysterectomy and repairs as I did not want an IUD or progesterone tablets.
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Thank you so much Yellowflower and Nik2502 for putting me more at ease. It was the ‘urgent' that was getting to me. I guess I should be happy my GP is looking after me? She had already spoken to the gynaecologist before calling me earlier today.
So my next question is what to expect. Is it worse than having a coil fitted/removed? Do I need someone with me to drive me home or is it all fairly ok??
S
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Thank you so much Yellowflower and Nik2502 for putting me more at ease. It was the ‘urgent' that was getting to me. I guess I should be happy my GP is looking after me? She had already spoken to the gynaecologist before calling me earlier today.
So my next question is what to expect. Is it worse than having a coil fitted/removed? Do I need someone with me to drive me home or is it all fairly ok??
S
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I had a curette done via day surgery where they removed the lining and sent it off for pathology. They usually put the IUD in during this procedure, but I didn't want one. If this is how it is being done, you will need someone to drive you. However, I think a biopsy can also be done in the doctors room, but not sure of this procedure. They take a small sample for testing by going in via the cervix. I am sure one of the ladies here may have more information.
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Thanks Yellowflower.
Hopefully it will be fairly minor, although with my prolapse problems last time I even had a smear it was awful. They just couldn't get clear sight of my cervix and the pain was terrible as they moved everything round. Then they had to get someone else to look and have a try, and tried different equipment and it was......urrrgghhh! I cried.
Maybe a gynaecologist will be better at manouvering my lady parts into the right place - I hope so.
As you say, it would be good to hear from someone who has has a regular biopsy done this way.
S
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Hi Sparkler
On the day, take some paracetamol or other painkiller before you go in. Its not pleasant, probably similar to IUD insertion, neither of which I tolerated well, and I would deffo take painkillers if I had another one.
Do you have a date yet?
Best wishes
Jeepers xx
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Hi Sparkler
V quikc reply. I've had hysteroscopy and biopsy. Hystereoscopy because the TVS showed abnormality (also had slightly thickened lining 7.5 or something) so they wanted to check but turned out to be a small fibroid. It's not done at the doc's surgery but is a specialist appt. I had mine done at the main hospital because the local hospital would only do it under GA and I wasn;t having one of those just for a minor procedure. You don't need anyone to drive you. I was advised to take two ibuprofen and 2 paracetamol 1 hour before the time of the appt. Then in I went. Legs in stirrups. Camera goes in - -peer at womb lining. Little nick while they snip a bit of tissue ( really don't remember feeling this but might have been a tiny ****?) and then done. They also offered to insert Mirena at the same time but was having none of that either. I was 60 when they did this. No problems at all. Was done by registrar. I would make sure it's done at main hospital by team that's used to doing them and you should be fine. Biopsy was all OK. Some women get a bit of bleeding and cramping afterwards. They said to continue to take painkillers every 4 hours if painful - think I took one lot and that was it.
Good luck and hope this helps :)
Hurdity x
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Thank you so much Hurdity. I'll prep with the painkillers and go to the appt - it is at the hospital with a gynaecologist and I have been ok with IUDs a few years ago. Just have to hope it's easy for them to access.
It helps SO SO much to hear others have had a similar thing and it has been ok.
And Merry Xmas!
S
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I had hysterescopy 28th November - for thick lining - still waiting for results - had coil fitted at the same time
Took two ibuprofen and two paracetamols forty minutes before procedure - They took four biopsies and I can honestly say I didn't feel a thing
The waiting for the results is the worst part!
Bled slightly after and still spotting now but don't think that is uncommon as gynae consultant said it can take four or five months for the coil to start working
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Hi ladies
Just as an update I have an appointment for the hysteroscopy next week. Should I go, should I delay even more?
I am worried about going to hospital at all during the virus, but also it was November when I had the scan that led to the appointment.
What are others doing?
Sparkler
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Is the Hospital involved with C-19 patients, some haven't had any cases but are on stand-by? That is the question that I would ask. Ring the Dept and see what precautions are in place to protect patients. It may be that the Dept is well away from the action as it where, but unless you ask, you will worry. I doubt if you would be invited for the scan if the Staff didn't think that you and them would be safe from C-19.
Then let us know? Some Hospitals are not seeing many patients at all and certainly non affected by the virus despite what the media lead us to believe!
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Yes they do have covid patients. The hospital definitely has them because my father in law is in there now and struggling to beat the virus.
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Hi ladies
Just as an update I have an appointment for the hysteroscopy next week. Should I go, should I delay even more?
I am worried about going to hospital at all during the virus, but also it was November when I had the scan that led to the appointment.
What are others doing?
Sparkler
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I had a hysteroscopy in February under local anaesthetic but they couldn't do the biopsy. My cervix was too tight and it was too painful despite taking painkillers so I was supposed to go back for one under GA. I went for a pre OP appointment on March 7th but still haven't had the procedure because of Covid 19 and I haven't heard back from the hospital since March 19 when they rang me and confirmed the reason for the delay. My bleeding (post meno due to Evorel Conti) has reduced to a minimum now. My endometrial layer was only 5.5 mm back in December.
Part of the problem about getting it done is that , due to lockdown rules, I couldn't get anyone to collect me from the hospital and stay with me for 24 hours.it was hard enough to arrange in normal circumstances. I'd rather not go to any hospital at the moment.
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I really understand your reluctance Katejo- at least they haven't sent for you so you can relax without having to make a decision whether or not to attend.
I have to make an appointment for another scan soon, but am reluctant yet as it will involve a train and an underground/taxi so am going to wait to see how the government advice develops as we head toward the summer. I want to get it over with as soon as it is less risky. I have ME so can't risk getting the virus.
What is London like Katejo and have you been out and about? I guess it depends where you are in London as to how busy it is. My appointment will be near Gt Portland Street which is usually fairly ok but the trains are often really busy.
Like you I have a slightly thickened lining that is being monitored. it was between 5 and 6 in November but they couldn't biopsy it as it was too thin and atrophic.I had a Polyp removed too from behind the cervix, and because they can regrow and as the lining is slightly over the threshold I need a scan. It is routine so I am not going just yet.
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I really understand your reluctance Katejo- at least they haven't sent for you so you can relax without having to make a decision whether or not to attend.
I have to make an appointment for another scan soon, but am reluctant yet as it will involve a train and an underground/taxi so am going to wait to see how the government advice develops as we head toward the summer. I want to get it over with as soon as it is less risky. I have ME so can't risk getting the virus.
What is London like Katejo and have you been out and about? I guess it depends where you are in London as to how busy it is. My appointment will be near Gt Portland Street which is usually fairly ok but the trains are often really busy.
Like you I have a slightly thickened lining that is being monitored. it was between 5 and 6 in November but they couldn't biopsy it as it was too thin and atrophic.I had a Polyp removed too from behind the cervix, and because they can regrow and as the lining is slightly over the threshold I need a scan. It is routine so I am not going just yet.
Hi Machair I have actually just updated my story today and reread your account from November as well. I have just been summonsed for the biopsy at the Wellington Hospital in St John's Wood (private hospital but transferred from the Whittington in Archway. (Probably due to Covid 19). I can't help you on the state of transport in London at the moment. I haven't been on the tube or into Central London at all since March 21st. I have been working from home. I will be going by tube on Thursday this week to have the biopsy so will let you know after that.
My bleeding has reduced to a tiny trickle for a couple of days a month. I don't need a pad at night and barely need one during the day. I had hoped to escape having the biopsy but I got a call up on Monday. What was silly about it was that the woman who called me just couldn't understand why it would be difficult for me to arrange someone to keep an eye on me for 24 hours afterwards. I had to remind her of lockdown rules and restrictions on visitors to my house but she still didn't seem to understand the problem.
In the end my lodger offered to look after me in the house afterwards and my neighbour will drive over and collect me from the hospital.
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Hi, I am having the hysteroscopy on Tuesday 12th May. My Father in law died from the virus last Tuesday, the day I was supposed to go in, so I cancelled the appt. The hospital were fine with that, obviously, but when I suggested waiting until half term for the appt (2 weeks) she was very reluctant saying I really needed the appt because of what it is. I have no idea what she meant and am now even more worried.
Had a scan in Nov then told I needed this in Dec, it's now May and suddenly it's mega important??
I shall let you know how it goes. She also said on the phone that most people just go back to work afterwards, nothing about needing to be careful, so who knows what it will be like.
Sparkler.
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Hi, I am having the hysteroscopy on Tuesday 12th May. My Father in law died from the virus last Tuesday, the day I was supposed to go in, so I cancelled the appt. The hospital were fine with that, obviously, but when I suggested waiting until half term for the appt (2 weeks) she was very reluctant saying I really needed the appt because of what it is. I have no idea what she meant and am now even more worried.
Had a scan in Nov then told I needed this in Dec, it's now May and suddenly it's mega important??
I shall let you know how it goes. She also said on the phone that most people just go back to work afterwards, nothing about needing to be careful, so who knows what it will be like.
Sparkler.
X
I had a hysteroscopy with local anaesthetic in February and felt fine afterwards but they couldn't do the biopsy. My cervix was too tight and it was too painful. They did check for polyps and fibroids and that it looked generally healthy but I still have to go back this week. Let us know how your one goes.
Sorry to hear about your father in law.
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Hi Katejo and Sparkler- Just wanted to wish you both lots of love and good luck for your procedures and hope all goes well for you both. xx
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Hi Katejo and Sparkler- Just wanted to wish you both lots of love and good luck for your procedures and hope all goes well for you both. xx
Thanks Machair
I will let you know what happens.
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So I had the hysteroscopy and biopsy today. It was not pleasant but was fairly quick and it was only really uncomfortable for short periods of time. Brought tears to my eyes but all better very quickly afterwards.
She said it all looked normal and showed me on the screen that inside the uterus and the entry to the Fallopian tubes was all pale pink and smooth.
Results in 2 weeks from the biopsy and hopefully that will all be ok too.
Happy to share 'details? by pm if anyone wants to know exactly what happens.
Sparkler
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So I had the hysteroscopy and biopsy today. It was not pleasant but was fairly quick and it was only really uncomfortable for short periods of time. Brought tears to my eyes but all better very quickly afterwards.
She said it all looked normal and showed me on the screen that inside the uterus and the entry to the Fallopian tubes was all pale pink and smooth.
Results in 2 weeks from the biopsy and hopefully that will all be ok too.
Happy to share 'details? by pm if anyone wants to know exactly what happens.
Sparkler
Your cervix must be less tight than mine. I had my pre op appointment today and they did a Covid test. Assuming that is ok, the biopsy is on Thursday. I was told a 3 to 4 week wait for the biopsy result. I am less apprehensive about needing a GA because I was was told that it would be light, more a sedative than an anaesthetic.
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Best of luck with it all. I am sure you will be fine and we do need to have these things done to make sure we avoid nasty illnesses where possible.
S
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Hi Katejo,
How are you doing and how was the appt??
I am bleeding as though having a proper period now, had almost stopped bleeding after a day then it started again. Mild cramps but not enough to need painkillers.
Hope you are feeling ok. I have lapsed into feeling a little sorry for myself. Not like me at all but I can't snap out of it today.
Sparkler
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Hi lovely ladies
I got my results back today and it's all clear, thankfully. My lining was 6.9mm back in Nov when I had a scan, so a clear result in May is great.
She says I need to keep a diary now and only need to go back to the GP if my strange bleeding pattern changes. I am happy with this I guess as whilst the bleeding is annoying, otherwise I feel so much better on HRT.
Hope you are ok too Katejo.
Sparkler
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So glad things are ok with you sparkler. It's so worrying having these tests and such a relief when things are clear. X
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Thanks Suzysunday,
I must have been more worried than I thought as the relief is tangible.
No covid test at my hospital though, just The appt.
S
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Hi lovely ladies
I got my results back today and it's all clear, thankfully. My lining was 6.9mm back in Nov when I had a scan, so a clear result in May is great.
She says I need to keep a diary now and only need to go back to the GP if my strange bleeding pattern changes. I am happy with this I guess as whilst the bleeding is annoying, otherwise I feel so much better on HRT.
Hope you are ok too Katejo.
Sparkler
Hi Sparkler
I have just had a call from the doctor with my result. My lining was so thin/scanty that they couldn't even take a biopsy to test. She assured me that I didn't need to be concerned that no biopsy was taken/tested. I have a further meno clinic appointment in June. I don't know yet whether that will happen or will be replaced by a phone call. The doctor who spoke to me today said that HRT wasn't her specialism so she would leave the meno clinic to discuss that with me.
My feeling is to continue with the patches to see if the bleeding does stop completely. I have had a tiny bit of bleeding yesterday to today (barely needing a pad). I was offered a Mirena coil to be inserted during the hysteroscopy but i really don't want that. I don't like the idea of something inside me which I can't remove.
Glad that you got a good result.
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Hi Katejo
Ahhh how great that you are all ok. Hope you can breathe more easily now.
Sparkler
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