Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[BermudaQueen]

Hi all, I posted earlier this year as I last had a ‘proper’ period in 2019 (I’m 58 now)… had all the usual aches and pains of menopause but just got on with it…

Then I started suffering terrible cystitis so an internal bladder camera procedure (all ok but showed a large fibroid pushing into my bladder!  Was prescribed Estradoil to ease the severe vaginal atrophy which they thought was causing the cystitis and told as the menopause progressed the fibroid should shrink!

Fast forward to May this year when I started with a pale pinky discharge, doctor was brilliant -fresh smear test, blood tests, CA125 test done and referral to the Cancer 2 week pathway.

Had a transvaginal scan and Hysteroscopy under GA as have a stenosed cervix (they did try without but just too painful).

Results showed 5 large fibroids!  Seen the gynaecologist last week, checked again - referring me his female gynaecologist as she’s specialised in large fibroid removal.

They are going to do an abdominal hysterectomy (waiting for dates) as no other option with the size of them and where they are (in womb, outside womb and even one on a stalk outside).

To be honest I’ll be glad to get it done, a difficult recovery I know, but I’m struggling with the constant period pain and cramping, pressure and constantly needing to pee!

So if you’re suffering, do see your GP, I know some of the procedures are uncomfortable, but I’m finally getting to the end which, after recovery, will relieve my symptoms (I’ve also suffered horrendous period pains since I was 14).

[CLKD]

tax for the update and good luck on your surgery.   

I had excruciating period pains, clotting, the works - until I went on the Pill. 

Make sure that you have plenty of ready meals in the freezer and treats.  Do U have any1 at home to make you a cuppa, change bedding etc.?

Could you take a cancellation appt is a patient cancels or doesn't attend for surgery, might be worth while you ringing the Dept to give them your details.

[Kathleen]

Hello BermudaQueen

I am sorry to hear that you have had so much trouble but it seems that you will soon be rid of your fibroids.
I assume that the only HRT that you have been using is topical Estradiol for vaginal atrophy and cystitis?
After your operation you may want to use a systemic HRT and hopefully the ladies here can give you the benefit of their experience.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.

[BermudaQueen]

tax for the update and good luck on your surgery.   

I had excruciating period pains, clotting, the works - until I went on the Pill. 

Make sure that you have plenty of ready meals in the freezer and treats.  Do U have any1 at home to make you a cuppa, change bedding etc.?

Could you take a cancellation appt is a patient cancels or doesn't attend for surgery, might be worth while you ringing the Dept to give them your details.

Brilliant advice, thank you- yes work from home now so will definitely let them know I can do any cancellation dates!

I’ve got family away from me, but my husband will be here to help me, he works local to home so can pop home lunchtimes to make sure I’m ok…

It’ll be a relief to get to the end of all this and move forwards for sure !

[BermudaQueen]

Hello BermudaQueen

I am sorry to hear that you have had so much trouble but it seems that you will soon be rid of your fibroids.
I assume that the only HRT that you have been using is topical Estradiol for vaginal atrophy and cystitis?
After your operation you may want to use a systemic HRT and hopefully the ladies here can give you the benefit of their experience.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.

Thank you for that advice… yes I’m only on Estradoil but it’s great to hear your advice about afterwards… having spent years suffering it’ll be great to move onwards and hopefully revitalised!  Really appreciate your help 🙏

[BermudaQueen]

Finally after seeing a gynaecologist he agreed I should either have embolisation or a hysterectomy - after discussing, and as I wanted a long-term solution, he agreed I could have a hysterectomy!

He advised that due to the size, and position, of my multiple fibroids, I couldn’t have a vaginal hysterectomy and wanted an experienced Laparoscopic Surgeon to see me.

Had a further wait for that, but spoke to her yesterday - feel so confident and happy I have a plan now!

As my Nan died from Ovarian cancer and as my last proper period was 4/5yrs ago, she’ll remove the lot (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix) - radical I know, but it’s given me such relief to know that’s one thing I won’t have to worry about in the future 🙏

I’ll be booked in March/April at their private hospital funded by the NHS.  I am thankful beyond measure of the treatment I’ll get and the wonderful help that is out there for women today.

Thank you all so much for your support, I know I’ll have a bit of a recovery but by next Christmas I’ll be feeling so much better!

So don’t put off seeking help - the treatments and understanding today are beyond anything I experienced during my 20’s/30’s when I suffered horrendous period pains when you just had to suffer and take various painkillers (that never worked!).

[Dotty]

Thanks for the update and good to hear that you've got a plan x

[Minicat]

That sounds like quite a journey, but it's great you're finally getting the care you need. I had a similar experience with fibroids a few years ago, and while the recovery from the hysterectomy was tough, it was such a relief afterward—no more constant pain and pressure. I totally agree with you about seeing the GP early. It can feel like a lot of tests and procedures, but in the end, it really helps to get things checked out.

[VMS]

 Thank goodness there's more awareness of these problems, I had terrible period pains for years,eventually I had horrendous bleeding, having 2 fibriods in my womb at 45. I was messed around with surgery as I was 'gobbed up' with undescovered endometriosis, the surgeon didn't seem aware that bleeding from my cervix for months after the op was due to it still being there. HRT kept it going. In fact it was my GP's nurse who identified it!! Only ended when came off HRT as got hormone receptive breast cancer (OK now)

[BermudaQueen]

That sounds like quite a journey, but it's great you're finally getting the care you need. I had a similar experience with fibroids a few years ago, and while the recovery from the hysterectomy was tough, it was such a relief afterward—no more constant pain and pressure. I totally agree with you about seeing the GP early. It can feel like a lot of tests and procedures, but in the end, it really helps to get things checked out.

Thank you for your reassurance, I’m expecting the recovery to be slow and difficult, but knowing the constant pain will be gone gives me hope!

[BermudaQueen]

Thank goodness there's more awareness of these problems, I had terrible period pains for years,eventually I had horrendous bleeding, having 2 fibriods in my womb at 45. I was messed around with surgery as I was 'gobbed up' with undescovered endometriosis, the surgeon didn't seem aware that bleeding from my cervix for months after the op was due to it still being there. HRT kept it going. In fact it was my GP's nurse who identified it!! Only ended when came off HRT as got hormone receptive breast cancer (OK now)

Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry to hear how you’ve suffered all these years.  I was exactly the same as you, horrendous period pains, indescribable and no one understood! 

I have a feeling when I have my hysterectomy they’ll also find endometriosis… tbh I’ll be glad to have it all gone!

Wishing you a full recovery from breast cancer x

[BermudaQueen]

Well here we are in late February and I’m still waiting for my Hysterectomy!

The first gynaecologist consultant said ok to surgery but then said they couldn’t perform the surgery I needed, referred me to his colleague- this took till end of November for a telephone consultation - told surgery would be March/April.

Checked in last week, delayed and will be ‘after April’… whatever that means! 🤷‍♀️… got my GP to write to the surgeon on expedite, but no news as yet!

I know need a hysterectomy, but since I had the hysteroscopy last year, my symptoms have got a lot worse…

Constant painful rib cage, like somethings pushing upwards (have multiple fibroids), cramps, backache, bladder and bowel issues…

So hoping it wont be too much longer! 🙏