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[littlelady]

Hello not been here for a while , I am on HRT evorel conti patches for just over a year and a half now , I have terrible atrophy down below and can't bear intercourse ,the last couple of times I have indulged it was painful and I have a brownish discharge not a great amount so I went to see my go who gave me a internal and said she could see the brownish blood she gave me an urgent two week appointment to see a gynaecologist at my local hospital , I went today for the appointment and had an internal where the consultant wanted to take a biopsy but she could not do it saying she could not see because I had thickening down there .
Totally in the dark about this and very concerned, hoping someone else can offer support and advice please
What is the procedure normally and what do I need to know ?
I am now being referred for a ultrasound scan on Monday ,

[Cassie]

Thickening down where, not really following, am sure the ultrasound will show if your uterine lining is thickened, not sure what else could be thickened...am sure someone will be along shortly to advise....

[CLKD]

Why didn't you ask? 

As for atrophy, whatever the next appt. reveals you will require treatment.  Do read the various threads on here.  Let us know how you get on?

[littlelady]

Sorry it's the uterine thickness I believe.

[CLKD]

Good that you are getting 'looked at' !  Scary though until you get results and explanations.  Do browse round.  Make notes.

[clarebear]

Hi, I was interested to read your post as the thickening you describe is exactly what I have. I will tell you what happened to me, obviously everyone is different so it might not be the same for you. In my case it was like "the blind leading the blind" and if by chance I  hadn't found this website things for me could have been really awful. After visiting my clueless doctors and getting nowhere, I came across this site and got a doctor's referral to a menopause clinic. I've had two scans, two internals, a polyp was found and sent to be tested (it was fine) and two biopsies and during this time the hospital discovered one side of my womb was thicker than the other. Since having the last internal examination I bled for 21 days passing big clots. That's ended now until the next time it happens. I am not able to take HRT as in the past I've had a DVT and I am not on any medication at all. I'm getting severe stomach pains on a daily basis along with terrible itching all over my face, back of my neck and hands. When I went back this week for the results of my investigations I was informed by the hospital that I have abnormal cells on the lining of my womb which they think if left untreated, within a year could become cancerous. The upshot of all this is that I am now being "fast tracked" through the system to have a total hysterectomy within 6 weeks which means having everything removed. I am 50, scared, and dreading the general anaesthetic as last time I had one I struggled to breathe on waking up. Apparently I will be in hospital 3 - 4 days, no driving for 6 weeks and will have to take it easy and rest. It's weird, before I turned 50 last December, apart from the DVT, I had never had any health problems. Now it's a different matter and the doctors/hospital are my second home ! 

[Mary G]

littlelady, that sounds like womb lining thickening and as you will see from MM, it is very common.  It's good that you have an ultrasound on Monday but make sure you ask plenty of questions and get a lining measurement too.  Lots of women find their lining builds up post menopause and you might need a high dose of progesterone to shift it. They might suggest a Mirena coil, how are you with progesterone?

It's easy to say I know but don't worry, it is all routine and good to get checked out.  Please let us know you it goes.

clarebear, sorry to hear your news but it is good that you are getting it sorted out and permanently too.  This is the kind of thing that can happen to any of us but you would only find out by having a scan. 

I understand your fear, I have been told I should have a hysterectomy too because of my severe progesterone intolerance but I can't have the operation now due to work commitments and the long recovery time.  Also, I am 55 and have never been in hospital, I wasn't even born in one and I've never had children either so it is really scary for me too.   

By the way, don't rule out HRT on the strength of a DVT - transdermal oestrogen would be recommended.  If you find you are struggling after your operation, why not consult a menopause specialist?  You might want to look at Professor Studd's website - he talks about the benefits of menopausal hysterectomy and you will also see that he rarely rules out HRT, even for people who have had breast cancer.  Once you have your hysterectomy, you would only need oestrogen HRT which is risk free. 

Please keep us updated on your progress. 

[CLKD]

clarebear - seek info about HRT B4 you go to surgery.  Have a look at Prof Studd's website as suggested and give the Consultant's Secretary a ring, the 1 who has recommended hysterectomy.  Also, find out from the Secretary who the Anaesthetist will be - they tend to work in Teams with the same Staff in Theatre - and give her/him a ring to explain your fears.  I did that prior to breast surgery and she was very helpful.  Make a list of your worries to take to the pre-op assessment too.

Prior to surgery get the house cleaned, food baked/cooked and into the freezer in small amounts to go into the microwave for easy meals.  Take a do-it-up-the-front nighty/ies to make any examinations easier ;-).  Have piles of clean clothes on the spare bed, i.e. nickers, nighties, socks, flannels, towels so that the person/s looking after/visiting you know where to find them as I don't think that many Hospitals have laundry services these days 

[clarebear]

Mary & CLKD, thank you for your suggestions and helpful advice which I will look into. 

[CLKD]

Keep in touch!

[littlelady]

Thanks for your replys , I have my scan at 4.30 today , what questions do I need to ask ? I have had no further bleeding at all although I do suffer with uti and va , I am debating coming off hrt after this health scare .

My last smear was just under two years ago and was clear , would something have shown up regards the thickening then ? Have had the odd period pain now and again but nothing major, my last period was over 7 years ago and I am now 57 and mother to four sons .

A little nervous about today and whatever is going on I do need to address it .

[CLKD]

Thickening can occur at any time.  Ask the questions today that you have asked on here.  If necessary take paper and pen and jot down the answers.

Are you getting UTIs - vaginal atrophy mimics the symptoms of 'infections', your urine sample must be sent to a Lab. to see if there are bugs growing that require anti-biotic therapy .......... otherwise the localised treatment is required for ever. 

Let us know how you get on!

[littlelady]

Back home after the ct scan , scan over my pelvic region and then a probe inside lots of photos took and was told contact gp for results after 10 days .
Actually I am not sure if it was a hysteroscopy or a pelvic ultrasound which I had yesterday , it was a largest wand with a light at the end ?

[Taz2]

Let us know how you get on.

Taz x 

[Mary G]

littlelady, thanks for the update, please let us know how you get on.