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[rmurphy]

I'm feeling extra cranky today. I've been trying to get over a cold that's been kicking my butt for a week and a half. On top of that, I got my first dose of shingles vax yesterday and my arm is so stiff and sore. I'm sure I'm having other side effects that are piling on top of my cold.

It's going on 3-1/2 months straight of thin, watery blood. No clots passing at all. It started the first week of August, just a small amount. A liner was all I needed. Over time, the volume of fluid increased. I now use 3-4 extra long overnight liners (not maxi pads) every day.

I don't feel bloated or cramped. There's no foul smell. I was diagnosed with a 12x12x9mm uterine polyp 3 weeks after the bleeding started.

I agonize over what to do. The thought of seeing an OBGYN is terrifying! Being put in such a vulnerable position and being touched that intimately leaves me frozen in fear. I have no idea how so many of you ladies can talk about it as if you're just going to the corner grocery for a loaf of bread! I truly wish I was that fearless. I really can't overstate how much I don't like being touched.

I just want to know if any of you have gone through this bleeding and how I can get it to stop (short of seeing an OBGYN)? As much as I don't like the thought of HRT, it has to be better than invasive tests and procedures. 

If I knew it would stop on its own, I could ride it out. But right now, my head is in a bad place and I am desperate for reassurance.

[CLKD]

Many people don't like being touched.  It can be cultural or a need to keep oneself private.  Most clinicians will be aware.  I remember being present when a Muslim lady in full burka was seen regarding back pain.  A male relative attended.  It was explained that she couldn't underdress in front of strangers so her pain levels etc. were discussed. Appropriate advice was given.

This is your body and your decisions.  Are you able to send an e-mail to the Surgery for advice?  Did U have a scan to determine the polyp?  Hormones can cause all kinds of weird bleeds and may trigger polyps that we weren't aware of.  Mine disappeared at peri after the surgeon wanted to remove it and I decided to wait 

MayB make a list of your worries and a diary to chart progress?  Something to discuss with the Practice Nurse or GP?

Let us know how you get on.  No one is forced to undergo an examination.  Discussion can often help without needing to 'show all' ;-). 

[sheila99]

I really think you need medical attention for this, 3.5 months is far too long. Explain your fears to them, they may give you something to help you relax or maybe do it under a GA (no experience myself but there have been others on this site terrified because of previous abuse so it must be something the medics will have had experience of). Did they suggest removal?

[rmurphy]

This is your body and your decisions.  Are you able to send an e-mail to the Surgery for advice?  Did U have a scan to determine the polyp?  Hormones can cause all kinds of weird bleeds and may trigger polyps that we weren't aware of.  Mine disappeared at peri after the surgeon wanted to remove it and I decided to wait 

MayB make a list of your worries and a diary to chart progress?  Something to discuss with the Practice Nurse or GP?

Let us know how you get on.  No one is forced to undergo an examination.  Discussion can often help without needing to 'show all' ;-).

After 3 weeks of bleeding and a few days of bladder pressure and feeling the need to pee every 5 minutes, I thought I had a UTI. Blood and urine tests were clear. I just had an irritated bladder from too much caffeine. I cut down and the symptoms went away (except for the bleeding). The doctor had me get an ultrasound "just in case." I declined a transvaginal scan and only had a regular abdominal scan. The scan showed my "uterus was normal size with no masses," but a polyp was detected on the fundus. The doctor wanted to refer me to a specialist for a hysteroscopy, but I balked.

Just thinking about any further treatment is too terrifying.

[applejack]

Oh you poor thing

Yes, I have bled that long (8 months, in fact) as a result of a polyp which was missed during a biopsy which I had without any pain relief. I couldn't bear the thought of going through that again and probably put it off too long. In the end it just got me down, dreading going to the loo, constantly having to wear a liner and the background worry of what if it turns into something more than a polyp. fwiw I was assaulted when I was 21 and find any kind of internal examination a real trial, no matter how kind and patient the practitioner may be. In the end I opted to go for a full GA and am so glad I did. That was two weeks ago, and apart from the first two days when I needed a pad, I've had the scantest of blood since then which I was told to expect. 99% of the time there is nothing and I'm sure it will get to 100% soon. It's been such a relief. You wake up and it's all over and you don't have to worry about it.

You can have a GA for polyp removal and I would honestly recommend it. The consultant I saw said hysteroscopy and polypectomy is one of the easiest procedures she does as an obgyn, from me going under to coming round was less than 45 minutes and I was having a cup of tea 5 minutes after waking up. The recovery from this has been quicker than the biopsy back in April when I was awake, even though, as well as a polypectomy this time, I had another biopsy AND a coil fitted AND a hysteroscopy. I would say the reason for that is because in April I was scared, in pain, and tense, none of which applied this time as I was out like a light.

I really would recommend asking for a GA and getting that polyp removed.

[CLKD]

What terrifies you the most?   MayB get a phone consult with an Gynaecologist first to discuss options?  Explain that you are nervous - the main thing is, if not being seen, that the condition isn't 'dangerous'. 

There is medication to stop bleeding.  How do you feel overall?

[rmurphy]

What terrifies you the most?   MayB get a phone consult with an Gynaecologist first to discuss options?  Explain that you are nervous - the main thing is, if not being seen, that the condition isn't 'dangerous'. 

There is medication to stop bleeding.  How do you feel overall?

What scares me the most is the feeling of vulnerability from such an intimate exam. Second to that, that there may be something truly wrong that will result in a long, expensive medical battle. The US healthcare system is a dumpster fire that can (and will) bankrupt you over the smallest thing.

Other than the bleeding, I feel fine physically. No pain,  cramps, or bloating, no problems with urination or constipation, no nausea.

It's my peace of mind that is taking a beating.

[CLKD]

I hadn't realised that you are Stateside, that info had drifted by.

Puts a new spin on costing of possible on-going treatment.  Could you take someone with you to discuss your worries, without needing to resort to a physical?

[rmurphy]

applejack, thanks for sharing your story! It gave me a lot to think about. I know this can't continue. I just need time to find an OBGYN that will listen and work with my quirks. GA would have to be the way to go, I just need to psych myself up for it.

CLKD, that's what I'll have to do. I'll see if they'll let me try medication first. Do you know what meds would possibly stop the bleeding?

[CLKD]

I think it depends on how heavy the bleed might be.  Have a chat with your local Pharamcist over the 'phone?

Take someone with you to any appt.s.. 

[rmurphy]

Just an update.

After 5 straight months of bleeding from a possible uterine polyp, I finally couldn't take it anymore. I had an appointment with a GP today. I was scared out of my mind and pretty much broke down in the doctor's office discussing past trauma. She was very supportive and listen to me and included the info in her notes.

Even scarier: she scheduled me for a gynecological exam tomorrow morning. I'm beyond terrified! I know this is a common woman's exam, but I'm still so scared of being touched so intimately. I don't know what the exam will entail and my imagination is running away with me.

Please send good thoughts and strength my way. I really need them! If you had polyps and bleeding like me, please tell me what your gynecological visit was like.

Thanks ladies!

~Becky in the U.S.

[Cookie25]

Hi Becky

Sending love and strength to you for your appointment tomorrow.

I have faith that you'll have a kind caring gynae and that you'll cope well with the exam.

Sleep well & try not to worry
Cookie xxxxx

[rmurphy]

Another panic attack at the gynecologist this morning. She was very understanding and sympathetic. She skipped the exam and we talked. I filled her in on my trauma and she listened like she was an experienced therapist. She confirmed that my blood tests say I am indeed in menopause. Then we got down to the nitty-gritty: polyp surgery. I agreed that I need to have the polyp removed. I am at the end of my rope with the bleeding and cramps. She really put me at ease. She explained the procedure in detail and promised that I would be sedated before my feet got anywhere near the stirrups, and I wouldn't remember a thing. She is an incredible person and I am lucky to have her as my doctor!

Surgery is scheduled for mid-March. I'm having a hysteroscopy and a polypectomy with a D&C. Until then, I'm taking my GP up on her offer of getting me on anti-anxiety meds.

Thanks to all you ladies here who have shared your stories! You've all helped, soothed, and encouraged me so much. I'll post an update after my surgery.

~Becky in the U.S.