Thickened womb lining / peri / Health anxiety aibu to be freaking out

perimenoworrier · 2023-09-06T08:38:35+00:00

I recently had an ultrasound due to the last 2 or 3 periods having some brown spotting mid cycle . I have a lot of peri / meno symptoms as well, I'm 44 soon I went for my follow up gp appointment and everything looked normal apart from a small amount of endometriosis which apparently is nothing to worry about. But I also have a thickened womb lining I've been referred to gynae next week (I am private which is why it's so quick). But I'm scared in case i need a hysteroscopy which gp said was a possibility. not worried because of the procedure but because it will be more waiting and worrying 😭 . Plus more money as I'm paying privately I have horrendous health anxiety so I'm freaking out. I daren't google. so i wanted to know if anyone else has had this and whether it was just hormonal and wasn't anything sinister The dr said I shouldn't worry and that it is common in pre menopausal women esp those who are near or in peri. She offered to refer me on the nhs so I did not have to pay but advised that if it was NHS it would be about an 18 month wait in our area which reassures me slightly as it would not be considered urgent on NHS. I'm also 3 days late on my period (defo not pg) , last month I was 2 days early. Before this I was very regular so I am wondering if this is another peri symptom Any advice or hand holds would be useful . My gynae appt is next Tuesday.

Spiderysummer · 06/09/2023 09:48

I had a scan that showed a thickened lining and had also had bleeding between periods. I am peri menopausal. I saw a Dr at the hospital and he only needed to examine me in a situation that was similar to a smear, to tell me that everything was OK. No other tests needed. I know every person is different but wanted to reassure you that you can have thickened lining and be given the all clear just from an examination.

Mimmy352 · 06/09/2023 11:32

Going through something similar myself. Thickened endometrial lining, and suspected Endo. I’m only 26 though so not peri.

I was referred to a private specialist too and just waiting on that to come in, but my doctor seems to think it’s all Endo related.

I had the same symptoms, bleeding mid cycle and suddenly irregular periods. Sometimes early, sometimes late. No one I’ve spoken to seems to think it’s sinister, so that’s something.

Best of luck in your appointment Tuesday, and feel free to PM if you need a chat!

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 06/09/2023 14:15

Spiderysummer · 06/09/2023 09:48

I had a scan that showed a thickened lining and had also had bleeding between periods. I am peri menopausal. I saw a Dr at the hospital and he only needed to examine me in a situation that was similar to a smear, to tell me that everything was OK. No other tests needed. I know every person is different but wanted to reassure you that you can have thickened lining and be given the all clear just from an examination.

Oh that must have been a massive relief for you . I'm praying that's the case it's the waiting and worrying I can't deal with 😔

So Did yours resolve itself in the end ? The gp said I may be offered the mirena coil once I have been seen by gynae which is meant to help

OP posts:

Spiderysummer · 06/09/2023 14:21

It was a big relief, I had been put on the cancer pathway so I was pleased to be told everything was OK. My GP has just said to keep on eye on things and come back if any problems.

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 06/09/2023 18:34

Mimmy352 · 06/09/2023 11:32

Going through something similar myself. Thickened endometrial lining, and suspected Endo. I’m only 26 though so not peri.

I was referred to a private specialist too and just waiting on that to come in, but my doctor seems to think it’s all Endo related.

I had the same symptoms, bleeding mid cycle and suddenly irregular periods. Sometimes early, sometimes late. No one I’ve spoken to seems to think it’s sinister, so that’s something.

Best of luck in your appointment Tuesday, and feel free to PM if you need a chat!

Thank you for this ! Sounds really positive for you that no one seems too worried, I hope you get your referral soon and get to the bottom of it and get sorted

It does seem like it is quite common

OP posts:

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 06/09/2023 22:30

Spiderysummer · 06/09/2023 14:21

It was a big relief, I had been put on the cancer pathway so I was pleased to be told everything was OK. My GP has just said to keep on eye on things and come back if any problems.

This has really freaked me out that you were put on the cancer pathway 🥺🥺

OP posts:

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 07/09/2023 08:12

Just had another horrible nights sleep kept waking up in a panic 😢

I've requested a call from the GP today as I'm feeling so anxious, I don't know how I'm going to get through til my gynae appointment next Tuesday. And then if I've still got more waiting after that I do not know how I'll cope

I'm going away on a much anticipated holiday on 17 September just me and H, our first child free break in years and I'm not even looking forward to it anymore. I'm scared this will still be hanging over me when we go

I've not eaten properly since Tuesday either

OP posts:

legosunqueen · 07/09/2023 08:14

OP, being put on the cancer pathway on the NHS doesn't mean cancer necessarily but means a 2 week wait only for the next appointment so that it can be quickly checked. I've been through this recently & am fine. It's a means of fast-tracking patients.

JFDIYOLO · 07/09/2023 08:51

I'm on my third round ... First two times were quite quick, both normal, this time there is a wait.

The 2 week pathway is standard for your symptoms, but the vast majority of these cases aren't cancer, I have been told by my hcps.

So occupy yourself, find something busy and involving to do rather than brooding on the wait. That's what I'm doing.

Re hysteroscopy - be aware that you have the right to anaesthetic for this procedure. I will refuse any attempt to get me to submit to surgery without anaesthetic. Both mine with polypectomies were under general anaesthetic as a day case.

StonwEd · 07/09/2023 08:58

Just sending a hug, I’m going through exactly the same, I could have written every word if your post except I’ve got to wait 8 weeks for a nhs scan.
We will both be fine! Big love for you though, I know what your mind is doing to you right now x

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 07/09/2023 09:22

StonwEd · 07/09/2023 08:58

Just sending a hug, I’m going through exactly the same, I could have written every word if your post except I’ve got to wait 8 weeks for a nhs scan.
We will both be fine! Big love for you though, I know what your mind is doing to you right now x

Awww I hope everything will be okay for you

Hugs back. It's horrible isn't it, the waiting and how your mind just runs away with you

OP posts:

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 07/09/2023 10:43

legosunqueen · 07/09/2023 08:14

OP, being put on the cancer pathway on the NHS doesn't mean cancer necessarily but means a 2 week wait only for the next appointment so that it can be quickly checked. I've been through this recently & am fine. It's a means of fast-tracking patients.

I thought the 2 week wait was it was if it is something that has fairly high potential to be dodgy ie a breast lump, dodgy mole, etc

The GP also said that if they had suspicions of anything nasty, they'd have called me in sooner than my follow up appointment which was 2 weeks after the scan. So I keep reminding myself of that. I wonder if maybe there's different degrees/types of thickening and some are more potentially concerning than others ?

Hopefully she'll ring me soon so I can ask 😩😩

OP posts:

Giggorata · 07/09/2023 10:53

I had post menopausal bleeding and was put on the fast pathway for ultrasound, followed by hysteroscopy.
I had thickened lining and a polyp. I don't know if the two go together, must ask…
There is no bigger wimp than me when it comes to procedures, but I was able to get diazepam from the GP for the appointments, and with a numbing gel, it wasn't too awful.
I am scheduled for a polypectomy soon and don't know whether to have an epidural or general anaesthetic. I'm not too keen on GA, either.

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 07/09/2023 13:04

JFDIYOLO · 07/09/2023 08:51

I'm on my third round ... First two times were quite quick, both normal, this time there is a wait.

The 2 week pathway is standard for your symptoms, but the vast majority of these cases aren't cancer, I have been told by my hcps.

So occupy yourself, find something busy and involving to do rather than brooding on the wait. That's what I'm doing.

Re hysteroscopy - be aware that you have the right to anaesthetic for this procedure. I will refuse any attempt to get me to submit to surgery without anaesthetic. Both mine with polypectomies were under general anaesthetic as a day case.

Thank you and I hope you get your date soon. I am sure you will be fine too 💐

It is reassuring to hear that most cases aren't anything sinister. And my GP really did not seem concerned, she even said please don't go home and worry! but I still can't stop panicking

I am trying to keep myself occupied but it's the night times that are most awful as I keep waking up

I really really wish I was one of these people who can relax about these things and just be like meh well I've not Gona worry until if or when I'm told anything bad.
cos ya know I ain't getting any younger I'm sure even if all is okay with this there'll be different health scares to come in the future 😞

Hopefully she'll ring soon I've been on tenterhooks all day at work

OP posts:

Diorama1 · 07/09/2023 14:34

OP please try to relax about this, it honestly is most likely got a non sinister cause. I was referred twice for ultrasound/hysteroscopy because of mid cycle bleeding. Both showed thickened womb lining, and first time I had a polyp.
I had the polyp removed under local anesthetic as I didnt want a general. I had the hysteroscopies with no medication. It was all very easy.
I was about 42/43 at the time, I am 45 now and again got mid cycle bleeding and other peri symptoms. Doc put me on mini pill and no periods as it reduces the lining of the womb.

All was totally fine and I am sure yours will be too. Worrying wont change anything :)

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 07/09/2023 16:45

Giggorata · 07/09/2023 10:53

I had post menopausal bleeding and was put on the fast pathway for ultrasound, followed by hysteroscopy.
I had thickened lining and a polyp. I don't know if the two go together, must ask…
There is no bigger wimp than me when it comes to procedures, but I was able to get diazepam from the GP for the appointments, and with a numbing gel, it wasn't too awful.
I am scheduled for a polypectomy soon and don't know whether to have an epidural or general anaesthetic. I'm not too keen on GA, either.

Edited

If I have to have this I'll prob have to go with no GA as it will be private so more expensive with a GA

I've got a high pain threshold though and I could ask for diazepam too 😩😩

Hope everything is okay for you x 💐

OP posts:

Mercurial123 · 07/09/2023 16:55

Take a painkiller an hour before the procedure. An endometrial biopsy is more uncomfortable than a smear. I've had four biopsies and never had an issue.

I had a thick endometrial lining and was put on progesterone, which didn't work. I ended up having a full hysterectomy, and the biopsy showed I had a blocked fallopian tube, polyps, cysts, and fibroids.

Thepeopleversuswork · 07/09/2023 17:14

I have two friends go through this identical situation in the past couple of months, both were fine. It’s apparently very common and in the vast majority of cases is nothing to worry about.

KnittedJimmyChoos · 07/09/2023 17:18

Apologises for button in op but can an ultra sound a show up womb lining?

Is it's a standard ultra sound?

Op ok also massive panicky these days and find the wait for stuff incredibly hard.

Hand holding.

Giggorata · 07/09/2023 17:32

Thanks for your good wishes, perimenoworrier, and mine back to you. 💚

Actually, Mercurial123 is right. I forgot to mention that I pre-dosed on max strength solpadine before the procedure, which also helped.
I was glad that I took some extra pills with me, as the cramps afterwards were a bit fierce, but thankfully short lived.

(BTW, it was a standard full bladder ultrasound, KnittedJimmyChoos, followed by another done internally with a wand, just to confirm. They were able to make accurate measurements of the uterine lining.)

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 07/09/2023 18:01

Giggorata · 07/09/2023 17:32

Thanks for your good wishes, perimenoworrier, and mine back to you. 💚

Actually, Mercurial123 is right. I forgot to mention that I pre-dosed on max strength solpadine before the procedure, which also helped.
I was glad that I took some extra pills with me, as the cramps afterwards were a bit fierce, but thankfully short lived.

(BTW, it was a standard full bladder ultrasound, KnittedJimmyChoos, followed by another done internally with a wand, just to confirm. They were able to make accurate measurements of the uterine lining.)

Yes mine was a full bladder scan which was quite uncomfortable 🥴 then I was allowed to have a wee and come back for the transvaginal one .
So I'm guessing with both they can see everything

And you are welcome let us know how it goes (and I will as well incase it helps anyone else)

OP posts:

KnittedJimmyChoos · 07/09/2023 19:26

@Giggorata @perimenoworrier

Thank you both.
I have had that scan.
They said all OK but I get trouble on one side.

Op good luck.

Spiderysummer · 07/09/2023 19:27

Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you when I said I was on the cancer pathway. I wasn't seen within 2 weeks as I suspect there were more urgent cases ahead of me. My Dr had to follow guidance, which was based of the actual thickness of my lining. Hopefully it's a good sign that you are not on the pathway. Having done some research most cases are nothing to worry about. Hope all goes well.

Original poster

perimenoworrier · 07/09/2023 21:18

Spiderysummer · 07/09/2023 19:27

Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you when I said I was on the cancer pathway. I wasn't seen within 2 weeks as I suspect there were more urgent cases ahead of me. My Dr had to follow guidance, which was based of the actual thickness of my lining. Hopefully it's a good sign that you are not on the pathway. Having done some research most cases are nothing to worry about. Hope all goes well.

Oh no it's okay no need to say sorry - it's me I'm being such a bloody wimp

I wondered if there was different degrees of thickness that determine the urgency. as the GP did say that if it had been worrying they'd have got me in quicker but then a few have said theirs was on 2ww

I wanted to ask GP this, but she did not ring back today which was annoying tbh seeing as how much I'm paying 🤦‍♀️ and she did say at the appointment to call if had any questions.

OP posts:

KnittedJimmyChoos · 07/09/2023 21:32

Op you are not being a wimp at all.
I'm sure you have but can you try and take your mind off it. Netflix?
Books?
Excersise?