Frightened by bleeding

[EmmaDishwater]

I have had heavy, painful periods for as long as I can remember. I took the cocp for years from about 16 until TTC, and it sorted the issue, but it was once I stopped taking it that I realised how much it had impacted my mood etc.

I have had 3 DC and an ectopic pregnancy and the pain and flooding has got worse with every period. Pre covid, after dc 3 I had tried to get a coil fitted, but was refused as they wanted to investigate first and make sure I didn't have fibroids etc. Covid messed up all the appointments but I did get a scan (all clear) and blood tests which showed severe anaemia that I now take iron for. GP couldn't fit a coil due to covid but offered me the pill. I didn't take it despite the effect on my mood but had irregular spotting and breakthrough bleeding which was v annoying and so I stopped. Tranexamic acid is not particularly effective.

I have again requested a coil from the GP but there are no trained fitters at our surgery anymore (apparently this is a national problem). I have made another appointment to discuss and ask for referral to somewhere that can fit one. My appointment is still not for another fortnight (I requested a female gp and there aren't many)

Last week I had the heaviest period of my life. I was genuinely scared by the amount that I was losing. I was soaking through super plus tampons (that fell out), pads, period pants and clothes in less than 20mins for several hours. I couldn't go to bed because I had to change the bedding when I fell asleep for an hour. DH had to clean the mattress and help me clean the bathroom etc.

I rang the surgery and asked for a blood test before my appointment but got a reply saying it wasn't needed. To wait for my appointment and discuss then. I genuinely can't believe that I won't be severely anaemic again after losing so much blood.

I don't think I can face another period like that. I feel wrecked and dreading the thought of it happening again. I feel like the GP just doesn't understand how bad this is and I am worried they won't offer me anything going forwards.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and got any advice? Should I go back on the pill as at least I would bleed less then?

A common cause of heavy and painful periods is endometriosis. Has anyone ever mentioned endo to you as a possible cause, it does not look like it. If anything, the pill dampened down those symptoms but it would not have addressed the underlying cause.

Stress to the GP the impact this level of bleeding is having on your day to day life (I did this although my GP did not readily offer me a referral. I ended up referring myself to a gynae at my local private hospital, something that I should have done earlier). I was not listened to by this GP and was sent for a blood test which came back "normal". When that result arrived I was told there were no more GP appointments available for three weeks. After a particularly bad bleeding episode similar to what you've described I referred myself.

The GP should refer you to a gynaecologist; this type of issue is well outside a GPs remit. You need a diagnosis first and foremost and a gynae would be the best person to give you such. If you have the financial means to see a gynae for an initial consult as a private patient at your local private hospital do so, this is also because NHS gynae waiting lists are currently miles long.

Fluctuations of both progesterone and estrogen in middle age also contributed to the constant bleeding I was having. I went onto have ablation surgery.

Thanks @AttilaTheMeerkat sorry to hear you had such a rough time too.

No one has ever really given me more than 5 minutes and I think what I really want (in addition to not being scared I might pass out from blood loss!) Is for someone to acknowledge how serious the impact of this is.

We don't have loads of savings but I think after witnessing the state of me last week DH would agree this is something we need to prioritise. Did you just find a local private hospital that did gynae?

Yes (and I had been there before).

@EmmaDishwater Hi OP, did you get sorted?

Just popped on to say I had bleeding like yours and it was large fibroids. Am waiting for a hysterectomy and am on meds to stop my periods which kinda work, ish. In the meantime, I totally understand re the bleeding and how scary it is and wiping you out. I used Always incontinence pants with their bladder weakness pads in. Yes, it's hideous to wear adult nappies. But it meant I could go to bed without wrecking everything. I also lay on puppy pads.

But yes also you need sorting. Agree re paying the £200 or whatever to get a private gynae consult. You might at least get onto the books then for an NHS procedure. Bloods will show if you're anaemic (probably) and a scan will show if it's endo or fibroids. Hope you're on the way to being sorted. I also spent a long time trying to get doctors to understand how heavy my bleeding was, I know how you feel. Much love xx