Things feel wrong - fibroid?

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

I have had a number of symptoms for about half a year that I put down to perimenopause and normal aging: heavy and painful periods, shorter cycle, flooding, bloating, clots, worse than usual PMT. But during my recent last period I struggled to insert a tampon and it feels "wrong" inside. I feel "full" and seem to have less room in my vagina. I also had an embarrassing (and traumatic, particularly for my DP) situation the last time we had sex (around 3 weeks ago) when just after penetration, my DP snapped his frenulum - I think because I seem to have a swelling at the front of my vagina. We were about ready to try again when bam unexpected period and tampon issue.

I'm 42, does this sound like normal things that happen to a 42 year old or should go and get it checked out as it seems to tick a lot of fibroid boxes.

[Daffodils07]

Could be a prolapse, you definitely need to be looked over by your gp.

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

I've never given birth though so hadn't considered that. Off to the GP on Tuesday then!

[Daffodils07]

You can still get a prolapse even if you have never had any children although it can increase your chances.

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

So it definitely sounds "not normal" then? You get so many leaflets and lessons about starting your periods and what to expect from your body when you are a teenager, but not a lot for the other end of your periods!

[Daffodils07]

If something feels not 'right' and you have noticed changes then it is definitely a good idea to see your gp.
It could be perimenopause but its good to rule out other things at least for your peace of mind.

[Twistandshout77]

Please ask for a blood test to rule out ovarian cancer.
Seeing your gp is the right thing to do. Fingers crossed it's something easily fixable.

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

Will do. Thanks for commenting both.

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

Just to update you, the doc has ordered a blood test (without me prompting) and I've been referred for a scan. Fingers crossed.

[Twistandshout77]

That's good they took seriously - hopefully it's nothing and you get all reassured

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

I have used Dr Google (which I know is not that helpful) and am now a little concerned as have some of the other symptoms of ovarian cancer (rarely finish a meal, constantly feel full, gastric issues, lower back ache etc. I am really glad I went to the docs now. Of course a lot of these are also symptoms of IBS and I know ovarian cancer is rare, so odds on it is not that at all. I just have to keep telling myself that!

[Twistandshout77]

Dr google is a bad thing! You've had the blood test so that should indicate if ovarian cancer is a concern or not - I'm sure you can get the results next week so not too long to wait? It is rare and chances are it's something else just keep telling yourself

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

Due to my surgery being backed up and me being away with work they couldn't get me in until the end of the month. I'm taking that as a good sign too, because surely if it was serious they would have pushed for a quicker appointment.

[Applesandpears56]

That isn't true I'm afraid - just nhs resources

Is this app for the results or the blood test itself? Can't you get the blood test done quickly then the results over the phone?

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

App for bloods being taken. No that was the first appointment they had unfortunately.

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

I will ring them on Monday and ask for them to contact me with any cancellations.

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

Scratch that, I'm going to go and have it done privately.

[Applesandpears56]

In my area you can pick up the blood test form from reception and take it to any walk in blood test centre but I'm sure all areas different

[cysta]

Hope everything is going well!

[Hoople]

Just to try and reassure you a little, ovarian cancer is incredibly rare for a woman who hasn't gone through the menopause yet. And at 42, for you to hit the menopause even now would be considered early. So try not to panic too much

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

I have calmed down now thankfully 😊 I had just assumed it was fibroid related (documents seemed to think it definitely wasn't). I hadn't even heard of the symptoms of ovarian cancer before and looking further I had convinced myself that that was it. But yes I'm focusing now on the fact that it is a very rare disease and it is much much more likely to be something less serious. I think I was shocked by my doctor's business like "we are testing you for this" attitude and immediately taking it seriously (but I am glad she has taken it seriously because I've since read about women who have gone undiagnosed for years).

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

Doctor seemed to think it wasn't - that should read. I wish you could edit posts!

[LizTaylorsFabulousTurban]

Just coming back to update as I hate it when you never heard how an OP got on.

Doc has ordered another CA125 test as the first wasn't clear. I'm also having a scan and had to give a stool sample (that was fun). Fingers crossed it's just a fibroid or anything else fairly benign.

[xoxoGossipGirl]

I hope everything comes out positive for you,

Just curious what procedure did you have, did you have swabs done? And did they check for fibroids too? If so, was it through swabs aswell?

[Applesandpears56]

Thanks for updating

[Applesandpears56]

Fingers crossed for you