Really worried - post menopausal bleeding and hysteroscopy

[Lostillusions]

Have had some extremely light post meno bleeding. Dr said it could just be part of the menopause hormone fluctuations (I am early 50s) but referred me for ultrasound. Ultrasound showed small (or possibly very small - can't remember how radiographer described it) polyp.

I got an appointment really quickly, and I am now freaking out, as the NHS doesn't normally move very fast. I am also freaking out about having a hysteroscopy - have had one before but it was under GA. Please, any words of support?

Had similar about 4 years post meno, polyps showed up on ultrasound and then saw a gynaecologist who agreed it was probably hormonal (I had other things indicating that, like very sore breasts suddenly returning) and he put hysteroscopy on hold. 3 years on no repeat.

The appointments are fast because they are considering worst case possibilities and being cautious; you're doing all the right things. I know it's easy to say don't worry but harder to do.

I don't mean to sound unsupportive but there is no way I would have a hysteroscopy without a GA - I know some people don't find it painful, but equally there are women for whom it is excruciating (and I am one of them so I speak from experience - which involved having to go back another day when there was a consultant and an anaesthetist available).

I am your age and it was a harmless polyp.

I'm in the same situation but a bit older than you. I was given ultrasound very quickly and was supposed to have the hysteroscopy on my second visit. Got there and gynaecology dept seemed surprised I was expecting the procedure that day 🙄. I'm now psyching up again to have it next week but they think it is a polyp which will be removed and used for biopsy. This is on the two week pathway. I started HRT eight months ago and they suspect it is to do with this. There is thickened womb wall which I think they intend to address with a Mirena coil. I was in quite a state but the gynaecologist seemed fairly confident. The advice I got was to take both ibuprofen and paracetamol prior to the procedure. Good luck and hope everything is fine for you.

Thank you both. I am aware that hysteroscopy can be v unpleasant without GA, but OTOH I am keen to get this over, so will see. I do find it a bit odd that when I had polyps before GA was standard, but now it's not. It wasn't considered so urgent then I guess because it was pre menopausal polyps.

Thank you the Dogsmother, it's somehow helpful to hear of someone else in the same boat. My appointment letter states doctor 'may' offer hysteroscopy at this appointment so we will see. Best of luck with your appointment next week.

I had a hysteroscopy without GA, it was fine, not nice but uncomfortable rather than painful. Apparently it's painful for about a quarter of women but they can't predict who. I decided to go for mine and stop it and request a GA if it was bad.

Thanks Sierra. Trying to distract myself right now, wine may be required.

Just to say I've also had a couple of scopes without GA. Take painkillers before and be prepared for someone else to drive you home. It hurts but, it's not unbearable by any means and is over relatively quickly.

Wishing you all the best

Thank you Ohthejoys. Was thinking I would get the bus home but might ask DH if he's free to drive me. Simultaneously can't wait for Friday but also dreading it.

Good luck on Friday @Lostillusions. My visit is next Thursday. I had to make a difficult decision to take the first date given and cancel our holiday or go ahead with the holiday and postpone the appt. Fingers crossed all is well with both of us.

That's a shame about your holiday, thedogsmother, although I would have done the same. Best of luck for next week.

Hysteroscopy & biopsies under GA

Hi can anyone give me any insight of what to expect? I’m going into hospital tomorrow to have this done after scan found fibroids, ovarian cyst & thickened womb lining…do they remove fibroids with Hysteroscopy?? I’m absolutely stressing myself out here , also never had a GA before & having a meltdown!!