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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu worried about ‘large bulky uterus’

26 replies

Danni7297 · 20/02/2023 15:26

I know I’m being unreasonable for posting here but I’ve posted in health and have had a couple of responses but I know there is more traffic here and my anxiety is playing hell with me over this.

I had my gallbladder removed at the weekend and the surgeon noted ‘she has a very large, bulky uterus extending above umbilicus, with a large and prominent left ovary’ referred for urgent scan, follow up with GP.
the surgeon did try to discuss with me when I was in recovery but I was so doped up I do not remember the conversation at all and wasn’t able to say anything back to her.

has anyone had this? I know I shouldn’t Google but I have and I know it can be fibroids or adenomyosis or uterine/ovarian cancer.
I have tried to call the ward I was on to see if they could give me any info and they said to call Gp’s and the receptionist there said all I can do is wait for ultrasound appointment to come through and go from there.

I’m already waiting on a 2 week referral for a lump in my breast and one in my armpit (the clinic is currently running at 5 weeks)
and I’m convincing myself that I have something untoward going on.

for background I had constant heavy bleeding before and a couple of years ago had an exploratory laparoscopy which showed some uterine thickening, nothing else. The follow up consultant I see took biopsies and fitted a coil which stopped me bleeding completely.

I wouldn’t say I was a hypochondriac at all, but this just seems to have happened all at once and I can’t help but think the worst case scenario.
I’m 35, I have no bleeding, although do get a lot of cramps and a lot more urgency to pee lately.

Anyone had a scan or anything show similar and what it ended up being?

OP posts:
Donotunderestimateme · 20/02/2023 16:01

I’m so sorry that you are having to deal with this anxiety inducing situation.
I have no experience of uterine problems but I have been on a few 2 week waits and they were very scary times.
I had a ‘growth’ identified on my ovary during a pregnancy dating scan which all the HCPs seemed very worried about. I had to wait a while to have results of investigations that showed it was a harmless endometrial cyst.
The only thing you can do is talk to the GP and try not to second guess anything - and don’t Google. I’ve scared myself silly googling stuff.
Do you have a friend or family member that can just keep you company in the days while you wait for more info? Try to plan things to get through the next few days - my house was very clean when I was waiting for results.

Original poster
Danni7297 · 20/02/2023 16:24

Thank you for replying.
I’m glad everything worked out ok for you, like you say it’s such an anxious time waiting.

I am resting up after the op at the moment, no lifting, can’t drive, so I can’t do much to keep my mind busy at the moment so keep going into overdrive. My husband has been great but don’t want him to know just how worried I am, incase he makes him worry too.

im just hoping both appointments come up quickly.

OP posts:
Timeforabiscuit · 20/02/2023 16:33

Waiting for results, or the dates of scans is the absolute pits, but the above poster has it right, just deal with what's in front of you - which at the moment sounds quite enough to be getting on with recovery after surgery.

My oversize ovary was scanned and the scanner diagnosed it was only a 5cm benign cyst (benign my arse, it bloody hurt!, i also took umbridge at "only 5cm") no treatment advised but it " self resolved " which is fancy speak for popped and it felt like a sharp twang, then an unravelling sensation and blissful relief.

Donotunderestimateme · 20/02/2023 16:42

Of course you have just had the op. Sorry I didn’t think about how that limits you with distraction techniques. Have you got a job that needs doing (like sorting through piles of photos and arranging them in albums or something of that nature?)
I was very secretive about my fears after a biopsy (different time) as I felt I didn’t want to frighten other people. But when I broke down and explained to my husband how scared I was he was great and he was a real support to me during treatment. I think you should allow those who love you to support you if you can xx

Caketeacake · 20/02/2023 17:22

Im not sure I have anything useful to add but I was told I have a bulky uterus with some fluid inside!
I went for a CT scan for suspected appendicitis and they found my small bowel inflammed and the uterus issues.
I was really scared because they were alsong all sorts of questions, including "why have you missed smear tests" (I haven't).
When I was discharged they focused on my bowel. I asked about my bulky uterus and was just told that wasn't a concern.
Although I have had issues since my last c section and I think I'm riddled with adhesions.

Original poster
Danni7297 · 21/02/2023 13:42

Thank you everyone for your replies, I’ve found it helpful knowing you have all been through similar worrying times.
Being a woman is bloody hard work!!

the ultrasound said it is 4/5 weeks for appointment which isn’t too long I know but I may book a private one early next week to get it over and done with and stop me worrying so much.

OP posts:
LeafHunter · 21/02/2023 13:46

I have it too, due to fibroids. It didn’t occur to me to worry about it though tbf - I tend to have the mentality of “whether or not I stress about it won’t change or”.

MoreRainbowsPlease · 21/02/2023 13:51

I was told I have a bulky uterus 20 years ago after an exploratory laporoscopy to investigate pelvic pain. Was told it didn't really mean anything and didn't need any treatment. I've since had 2 pregnancies which it didn't seem to affect.

Also like a previous poster I have had several ovarian cysts which caused a lot of pain, but eventually burst on their own and apparently due to the type of cyst that they were the fluid released from them just got reabsorbed back into the body.

Hopefully the scans and follow ups will show that it is nothing serious, but I know how hard it is not to be worried whilst you wait for appointments.

Ireadthenewstodayohboy · 21/02/2023 14:12

I was told I have a bulky cervix after a failed lap and dye. No one was concerned it was something serious. I assumed it was just an incidental finding and a variation of normal. But no-one took the time to explain what it means, and I was worried at the time.

Ireadthenewstodayohboy · 21/02/2023 17:20

Ireadthenewstodayohboy · 21/02/2023 14:12

I was told I have a bulky cervix after a failed lap and dye. No one was concerned it was something serious. I assumed it was just an incidental finding and a variation of normal. But no-one took the time to explain what it means, and I was worried at the time.

Sorry it was a failed hysterosalpingogram - a test where they insert dye into you uterus to test your fallopian tubes aren't blocked. I then had a lap and dye.

HelloDouglas · 21/02/2023 17:50

I have a bulky uterus too, mine is due to fibroids. I had a scan and hysteroscopy to see what was going on and was told there was nothing to worry about. The fibroids aren't in a problematic place for conceiving or causing any other issues currently so no further treatment needed.

MogHog · 21/02/2023 18:13

I was quite put out when I was told that I had a bulky uterus as it sounded such an awful phrase but it was true. Womb full of fibroids was the issue. Ended up having a hysterectomy 6 months ago due to the issues they caused

ItchyBillco · 21/02/2023 19:30

Danni7297 · 21/02/2023 13:42

Thank you everyone for your replies, I’ve found it helpful knowing you have all been through similar worrying times.
Being a woman is bloody hard work!!

the ultrasound said it is 4/5 weeks for appointment which isn’t too long I know but I may book a private one early next week to get it over and done with and stop me worrying so much.

I would. It’ll hang over you otherwise. They can scan you and put you back over to the NHS. Money well spent in my opinion.

PepsiMaxCan · 21/02/2023 19:35

Did they take photos?
If so ask for them.

Original poster
Danni7297 · 21/02/2023 20:09

Thank you everyone for your replies and advice, I appreciate them. I still don’t know how to reply to each person separately but seems like it can be quite a common thing and quite a few of you have been through similar.
my laparoscopy for bleeding will be 2 years this year and bulky uterus wasn’t mentioned with that just a thickened endometrial wall.
Is bulky uterus something that just happens or is it always there?
I’ve never had trouble conceiving and our family is complete now.

I called up to book the scan and to ask the person booking it would it be ok with my wound from the op in my belly button as that is still tender or do I need to wait and she just said your uterus isn’t anywhere near your belly button. I told her my notes said that my uterus ‘extends above my belly button (umbilicus)’ and she seemed quite shocked and said that they could fit me in as an ‘emergency scan’ tomorrow so I have booked that.
fingers crossed everything is ok and I can put my mind at rest about that (and just worry about the breast clinic 😩)

OP posts:
Original poster
Danni7297 · 21/02/2023 20:10

They didn’t take photos? Or say they had at all. I’m guessing maybe because the surgery I was there for was unrelated? Or it obviously didn’t concern them enough? Hopefully that’s what it is. X

OP posts:
TourmalineGiraffe · 21/02/2023 20:15

i had a bulky uterus which turned out to be fibroids, I def had urgency to pee as it got bigger and the cramps increased.

Are you going for scan tomorrow? I hope all goes well and you get the reassurance you need .

PepsiMaxCan · 21/02/2023 20:29

Danni7297 · 21/02/2023 20:10

They didn’t take photos? Or say they had at all. I’m guessing maybe because the surgery I was there for was unrelated? Or it obviously didn’t concern them enough? Hopefully that’s what it is. X

When my DH was open for 1 surgery and they saw something else they firstly tried to get the relevant consultant in but they were in a different operating theatre and so they then took lots of photos for her as they said it would help diagnosis and save time. Assumed it was standard?

OhwhyOY · 21/02/2023 22:11

@Danni7297 I was about to suggest you contact your surgeon's secretary to speak to them (assuming you know the consultant's name you can just phone the hospital and ask to speak to Ms/Mr X's secretary). You could explain that you didn't recall what they'd said due to the drugs and ask for them to give you a call to explain. However if you have an urgent scan booked in then maybe no need to do that. Good luck, hope all goes OK and it's good news.

Original poster
Danni7297 · 21/02/2023 22:59

I hope everything was ok with your husband pepsimax.
im taking it as a good sign that nothing happened then and there for me.

OP posts:
Original poster
Danni7297 · 21/02/2023 23:01

OhwhyOY · 21/02/2023 22:11

@Danni7297 I was about to suggest you contact your surgeon's secretary to speak to them (assuming you know the consultant's name you can just phone the hospital and ask to speak to Ms/Mr X's secretary). You could explain that you didn't recall what they'd said due to the drugs and ask for them to give you a call to explain. However if you have an urgent scan booked in then maybe no need to do that. Good luck, hope all goes OK and it's good news.

I have no idea why I didn’t think of this! I only called the other week to speak to the secretary of my consultant about my appointment. Although in the day it was a completely different consultant I had who operated.
least I can hopefully get an answer tomorrow and won’t stress.

OP posts:
LizziesTwin · 21/02/2023 23:07

I was told I have a bulky uterus after I had an endometrial ablation for heavy periods. I decided to adopt the attitude that bigger is better and I must be super feminine the way I assume men who have giant penises feel. Good luck with your health issues, it sounds as if you have a lot going on.

Caketeacake · 22/02/2023 14:55

May I ask, those of you who had a bulky uterus, did you get any further investigation? I'm assuming mine doesn't warrant any investigation but I'm annoyed as I've been waiting 3 years for gynae. I've had lots of issues since my disastrous c section and personally think I have a lot of adhesions. I'm in pain daily.

Original poster
Danni7297 · 22/02/2023 21:54

Just to update incase anyone finds it useful. Had my private scan this evening. All good, and has put my mind at ease.

I do have cervical cysts, fibroids, right polycystic ovary, some free fluid and my endometrial wall thickness was above average but not of great concern.

so now just need my breast clinic app and fingers crossed no other health issues this year.

OP posts:
TourmalineGiraffe · 23/02/2023 08:37

That’s good news Op, really glad you are reassured.
Keep an eye on bleeding with the fibroids, mine caused no issue at first, but within a few years I had a hysterectomy to deal with huge bleeding.
Obviously, many women have fibroids and don’t know it so often no problem at all.

I hope all goes well with the breast appointment and you can breathe a big sigh of relief and get on with your year x

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